Document	Document Title
US08319222B2	Adhesive composition A connection structure comprising an adhesive composition is provided. The adhesive composition is capable of providing good adhesion strength to the polyimide surface of a flexible circuit board that is exposed on the metal wiring surface and between the traces even when the polyimide surface is relatively smooth. The adhesive composition contains a thermoplastic resin, a polyfunctional acrylate, and a radical polymerization initiator and further contains a monofunctional urethane acrylate having a urethane residue at its terminal end. The monofunctional urethane acrylate is represented by the formula (1): CH2═CR0—COO—R1—NHCOO—R2 (1) wherein R0 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group, and R2 is an optionally substituted lower alkyl group.
US08319220B2	Array substrate for liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device includes: a first step of attaching a polarizing plate to an outer surface of a liquid crystal panel; a second step of attaching a tape carrier package (TCP) to the liquid crystal panel; a third step of coating a resin onto a rear surface of the TCP and a connection portion of the liquid crystal panel and the TCP; a fourth step of inspecting the TCP and the liquid crystal display panel; a fifth step of inserting the liquid crystal panel into a transferring means; a sixth step of transferring the transferring means; a seventh step of extracting the liquid crystal panel from the transferring means; a eighth step of attaching the TCP to a printed circuit board (PCB); a ninth step of inspecting the PCB, the TCP and the liquid crystal panel; and a tenth step of assembling the liquid crystal panel and a backlight unit with a plurality of frames.
US08319210B2	Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device A light-emitting element disclosed in the present invention includes a light-emitting layer and a first layer between a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the first layer is provided between the light-emitting layer and the first electrode. The present invention is characterized by the device structure in which the first layer comprising a hole-transporting material is doped with a hole-blocking material or an organic compound having a large dipole moment. This structure allows the formation of a high performance light-emitting element with high luminous efficiency and long lifetime. The device structure of the present invention facilitates the control of the rate of the carrier transport, and thus, leads to the formation of a light-emitting element with a well-controlled carrier balance, which contributes to the excellent characteristics of the light-emitting element of the present invention.
US08319204B2	Semiconductor device A recording layer 52 made of a chalcogenide material which stores a high-resistance state of a high electrical resistance value and a low-resistance state of a low electrical resistance value is used as a memory element RM in a memory cell region, and it is formed so that a concentration of Ga or In of a first layer 52a positioned on a lower electrode TP side of the recording layer 52 is higher than the corresponding concentration of a second layer 52b positioned on an upper electrode 53 side. For example, the recording layer is formed so that a content of Ga or In of the second layer is 5 atomic % or more smaller than that of the first layer. Also, a circuit which can reverse the voltage polarity between the upper electrode and the lower electrode in a set operation and a reset operation is provided.
US08319203B2	Phase change material, a phase change random access memory device including the phase change material, and a semiconductor structure including the phase change material Methods of forming a phase change material are disclosed. The method includes forming a chalcogenide compound on a substrate and simultaneously applying a bias voltage to the substrate to alter the stoichiometry of the chalcogenide compound. In another embodiment, the method includes positioning a substrate and a deposition target having a first stoichiometry in a deposition chamber. A plasma is generated in the deposition chamber to form a phase change material on the substrate. The phase change material has a stoichiometry similar to the first stoichiometry. A bias voltage is applied to the substrate to convert the stoichiometry of the phase change material to a second stoichiometry. A phase change material, a phase change random access memory device, and a semiconductor structure are also disclosed.
US08319201B2	Laser produced plasma EUV light source having a droplet stream produced using a modulated disturbance wave A plasma generating system is disclosed having a source of target material droplets, e.g. tin droplets, and a laser, e.g. a pulsed CO2 laser, producing a beam irradiating the droplets at an irradiation region, the plasma producing EUV radiation. For the device, the droplet source may comprise a fluid exiting an orifice and a sub-system producing a disturbance in the fluid which generates droplets having differing initial velocities causing at least some adjacent droplet pairs to coalesce together prior to reaching the irradiation region. In one implementation, the disturbance may comprise a frequency modulated disturbance waveform and in another implementation, the disturbance may comprise an amplitude modulated disturbance waveform.
US08319198B2	Device and method for determining control parameters for an irradiation unit, irradiation unit and irradiation method The invention concerns a device for determining control parameters for an irradiation system by means of which a number of irradiation doses are successively deposited at different target points in a target volume. The device comprises an input device which is designed for detecting a target region and for detecting a movement of the target region, an evaluation device for detecting control parameters for controlling a beam in such a way that with the help of the control parameters a beam is able to follow the movement of the target region and to deposit a defined dose distribution in the target region, wherein the evaluation device is designed in such a way that when detecting the control parameters at least a first selectable control parameter is detected so that the beam is able to follow the movement of the target region merely orthogonally to beam direction, or when detecting the control parameters, at least a first selectable control parameter and a further control parameter representing energy modulation are detected, wherein the determination of the at least first control parameter and the further control parameter is performed by considering motion tracking in beam direction.
US08319190B2	Dental radiology apparatus and signal processing method used therewith A dental radiology apparatus having: an intraoral sensor comprising a detector that includes an active pixel array produced using biCMOS technology and converting a received x-ray into at least one analog electrical output signal; an electronic module encapsulated in a case and which has at least one detector activation device, the module being linked to the sensor by a wire link for the transmission to said sensor of a detector activation signal generated in the module and for the transmission to the module of said at least one analog electrical output signal, the module having analog-digital means for converting said at least one analog electrical output signal into at least one digital output signal; and a remote processing and display unit of said at least one digital output signal which is linked to the electronic module by a wire link intended to ensure the transmission to the unit of said at least one digital output signal.
US08319184B2	Three-dimensional imaging using a fluorescent medium The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.
US08319179B2	Sample pretreatment apparatus and mass spectrometer provided with the same The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.
US08319175B2	Nano-tips based gas ionization chamber for neutron detection Methods and devices relating to a radiation detector comprising of a gas chamber having a cathode plate and a substrate separated by a gap. An array of nano-tips deposited on the substrate that forms an anode structure for electron charge collection. An external power source in communication with the cathode plate and the substrate, wherein the external power source is capable of generating a plurality of regions and each region includes an electric field near each nano-tip of the array of the nano-tips that results in initiating a radiation induced controlled discharge of electrons and ions from at least one gas or at least one gas mixture. Finally, the plurality of regions include multiple generated electric fields near tips of the array of nano-tips such as CNTs, that communicatively create a conductive path between the cathode plate and the substrate, the radiation detector is capable of determining at least one radiation property.
US08319174B2	Scanned writing of an exposure pattern on a substrate having a spot size modulator and dual motor for moving the substrate table and a laser spot relative to each other An exposure pattern is written on a substrate, by scanning a light spot along a trajectory over the substrate and switching it on and off according to a desired pattern. Respective spot sizes of the light for illuminating the substrate in respective parts of the trajectory according to a geometry of the pattern. Respective pitch values between successive ones of the parts of the trajectory are selected, in relation to the spot size selected for the respective parts. The light spot is scanned over the substrate along the trajectory, with the selected pitch values between the trajectory parts and a position dependent spot size along the trajectory. In an embodiment a helical trajectory is used.
US08319168B2	Semiconductor image sensor array device, apparatus comprising such a device and method for operating such device A plural line CMOS sensor array device is provided with sensor cells arranged in a matrix of coordinate-wise rows and columns. Each cell comprises a photosensitive area, an output node, and a transfer gate for selectively interconnecting the photosensitive area and the output node. Along at least a first coordinate direction adjacent cells are functionally configured as mutually mirror-symmetric structures in that their proximate output nodes are facing each other and are arranged for separately feeding a respective output channel. Preferably, also in a second coordinate direction adjacent cells are functionally configured as mutually mirror-symmetric structures in that their proximate output nodes are facing each other and all such facing output nodes are separately feeding a respective column-directed output channel.
US08319160B2	Galley oven for preparing food on board an aircraft A galley oven (10) for preparing food on board an aircraft comprises a housing (12) and a rack (18) which is introducable into the housing (12) and removable from the housing (12). The rack (18) comprises a plurality of receiving devices (24) for receiving food containers (26) that are to be heated in the galley oven (10).
US08319155B2	Column oven with double temperature control An object in the present invention is to provide a column oven capable of maintaining excellent temperature stability despite ambient temperature changes around the column oven.A column oven 10 has an outer chamber 12, an inner chamber 14 disposed in the outer chamber 12, and column 16 disposed in the inner chamber 14. The outer chamber includes heater 18, fan 20 for the outer chamber for circulating air heated by the heater 18, and a temperature sensor 22 for the outer chamber for detecting temperature inside the outer chamber. The inner chamber 14 includes fans 24 for the inner chamber and a temperature sensor 26 for the inner chamber for detecting temperature inside the inner chamber. An inner chamber wall is spaced-apart from an outer chamber wall. A target temperature in the outer chamber is set based on temperature detected by the temperature sensor 26 for the inner chamber. A temperature controller 28 controls power distribution to the heater 18 according to temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 for the outer chamber.
US08319148B2	System and method of dual laser beam welding of first and second filler metals A system and method for laser beam welding at least two adjacent superalloy components involves substantially simultaneous formation of a base weld with a first filler metal placed between the components and cap weld with second filler metal formed over the base weld. A shim is inserted between the components, which may optionally be formed with a groove along the joint surface. A filler wire is fed to a location over the given surface or within the optional groove. Two lasers or a laser and coupled beam splitter supply first and second laser beams that are applied at focal points separated by a predetermined distance (e.g., 0.05-1.5 cm). The first laser beam is used to form a base weld with the first filler metal between the components, and the second laser beam is used to form a cap weld with the second filler metal on top of the base weld.
US08319145B2	System and method for gemstone micro-inscription A gemstone micro-inscription system, comprising an energy source, a spatial light modulator, and a control, the control controlling a spatial light pattern modulation of the spatial light modulator, wherein the spatial light modulator exposes a photoresist on the gemstone, which selectively impedes an etching process to produce a pattern on the gemstone corresponding to the spatial light modulation pattern.
US08319137B2	Vacuum switch tube The present invention relates to a vacuum switch tube, which includes a first contact and a second contact disposed on conductive rods respectively. The two contacts are disposed facing each other. The two contacts are cylinders and include conductive members and magnetic members to form contact bodies. The cross section shape of the magnetic members is divided by a neutrality line into two unequal regions. The magnetic member of the first contact and the conductive member of the second contact are disposed corresponding to each other. The conductive member of the first contact and the magnetic member of the second contact are disposed corresponding to each other. The two vacuum switch contacts are anti-symmetrically disposed, such that a rotating magnetic field having rotating lines of magnetic force is formed, so that re-ignition possibility during voltage breaking is effectively reduced, and an arc voltage is decreased.
US08319134B2	Electrosurgical pencil switch, circuitry, and method of assembly Formation of an assemblage of electrically conductive components for a new electrosurgical pencil is disclosed, and assembly of those components in a method for automating the manufacture and combination of current carrying metal circuitry and operable switching components in “electrosurgical pencils” which supply current to an active terminal, for application of high frequency or high power electrical current to a surgical site, and control of such current through coaction of the elements of the switch. In manufacture, the design of the switch components allows start-to-finish automated assembly of the switch, whereby an array of identical multiple metal “frames” may be formed from a reel, then each frame separated and enclosed within molded plastic, and the resulting cabinet joined with a housing to create an inexpensive hand piece, for use with a high quality, reusable cable and plug assembly.
US08319128B2	System and methods for electronic device keyboard illumination A keyboard may be generally illuminated while also providing for key-specific illumination of one or more particular keys. The keyboard may be generally illuminated using any configuration of any number of suitable illumination sources. The keyboard may selectively illuminate any key or keys together with or apart from the general illumination of other keys. The keyboard may also variably illuminate certain keys to aid the user in navigating the keyboard.
US08319122B2	Hopper for a combination weighing apparatus with asymmetric bottom gates A hopper is provided with which damages of articles can be suppressed without lowering the processing speed. A hopper (4) includes a first hopper main body (40), and a first gate (G1). A first inner surface (41) of the first gate (G1) forms a collecting space (A1) for holding articles with the first hopper main body (40), and stores articles in the interior of the collecting space (A1) when in the closed state and discharges articles by turning to open. The first inner surface (41) includes a first upper slanted surface (S2) and a first lower slanted surface (S3) that are continuous. An angle formed by the first lower slanted surface (S3) and the horizontal plane is smaller than an angle formed by the first upper slanted surface (S2) and the horizontal plane.
US08319112B2	Environmental protection coating system and method A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board having an outer surface, the outer surface being configured with a plurality of discrete electrical components that are each manufactured independently of one another. The circuit board assembly further includes a domed lid enclosure disposed over one of the plurality of discrete electrical components and an additional dielectric coating overlying the outer surface and the domed lid enclosure.
US08319108B2	Mounting structure and electronic equipment A mounting structure formed by bonding the electrodes of a substantially planar electronic component to the electrodes provided on the mounting surface of a circuit board includes a sealing body 5 formed between one main surface of the electronic component and the circuit board and/or on the other main surface of the electronic component. The sealing body 5 is composed of a plurality of layers having different adhesive strengths and thermal conductivities, wherein a layer having a relatively high adhesion strength is arranged in a region being in contact with either one of the electronic component and the circuit board, and a layer having a relatively high thermal conductivity is arranged in a region being in contact with none of the electronic component and the circuit board.
US08319098B2	Porous semiconductor film on a substrate The invention relates to a method of producing a porous semiconductor film and the film resulting from such production. It furthermore relates to an electronic device incorporating such film and to potential uses of such film.
US08319096B2	Semiconductor substrate, method for forming electrode, and method for fabricating solar cell The present invention is directed to a semiconductor substrate having at least an electrode formed thereon, in which the electrode has a multilayer structure including two or more layers, of the multilayer structure, at least a first electrode layer directly bonded to the semiconductor substrate contains at least silver and a glass frit, and contains, as an additive, at least one of oxides of Ti, Bi, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Si, Al, Ge, Sn, Pb, and Zn, and, of an electrode layer formed on the first electrode layer, at least an uppermost electrode layer to be bonded to a wire contains at least silver and a glass frit and does not contain the additive. This makes it possible to form, on a semiconductor substrate, an electrode adhered to the semiconductor substrate with sufficient adhesive strength and adhered to a wire via solder with sufficient adhesive strength by lowering both contact resistance and interconnect resistance.
US08319093B2	Photovoltaic module A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.
US08319080B1	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH291635 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH291635. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH291635, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH291635 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH291635.
US08319077B1	Inbred maize variety PH13C5 A novel maize variety designated PH13C5 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13C5 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13C5 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13C5 or a locus conversion of PH13C5 with another maize variety.
US08319075B1	Inbred maize variety PH17RD A novel maize variety designated PH17RD and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17RD with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17RD through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17RD or a locus conversion of PH17RD with another maize variety.
US08319073B2	Plants and seeds of corn variety CV702540 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV702540. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV702540, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV702540 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV702540 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV702540.
US08319056B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH495487 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH495487. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH495487, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH495487 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH495487.
US08319054B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH692234 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH692234. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH692234, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH692234 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH692234.
US08319052B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH303297 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH303297. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH303297, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH303297 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH303297.
US08319050B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH499092 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH499092. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH499092, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH499092 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH499092.
US08319047B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH212692 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH212692. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH212692, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH212692 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH212692.
US08319044B2	Potato cultivar FF X RG 387 A potato cultivar designated FF X RG 387 is disclosed. The invention relates to the tubers of potato cultivar FF X RG 387, to the seeds of potato cultivar FF X RG 387, to the plants of potato FF X RG 387, to the plant parts of potato cultivar FF X RG 387 and to methods for producing a potato plant produced by crossing potato cultivar FF X RG 387 with itself or with another potato variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a potato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic potato plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to potato cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from potato variety FF X RG 387, to methods for producing other potato cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from potato cultivar FF X RG 387 and to the potato plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid potato tubers, seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing potato cultivar FF X RG 387 with another potato cultivar.
US08319039B2	Soybean variety A1024340 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024340. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024340. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024340 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024340 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08319036B1	Soybean variety XBP09004 A novel soybean variety, designated XBP09004 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP09004, cells from soybean variety XBP09004, plants of soybean XBP09004, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP09004. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP09004 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP09004, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP09004. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP09004 are further provided.
US08319035B2	Soybean variety A1016167 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016167. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016167. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016167 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016167 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08319034B2	Soybean variety A1016511 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016511. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016511. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016511 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016511 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08319029B2	Soybean cultivar 3955412 A soybean cultivar designated 3955412 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 3955412, to the plants of soybean 3955412, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 3955412, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 3955412 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 3955412, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 3955412, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 3955412 with another soybean cultivar.
US08319021B2	Camelina sativa variety ‘SO-50’ The invention relates to a Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz spring-type seed designated as ‘SO-50’ derived from a cross between camelina accessions with high yield and oil quality attributes following conventional breeding methodologies.
US08319019B2	Bacillus thuringiensis gene with lepidopteran activity The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.
US08319016B1	Maize variety hybrid X8M172 A novel maize variety designated X8M172 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8M172 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8M172 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8M172, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8M172. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8M172.
US08319011B2	Tobacco plants having reduced nicotine demethylase activity The present invention generally relates to methods and materials involved in producing tobacco plants having reduced levels of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine. In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, tobacco plants comprising mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, and tobacco compositions and products thereof. In other embodiments, the invention is directed toward nicotine demethylase RNA interference, tobacco plants comprising a nicotine demethylase RNA interference transgene, and tobacco compositions and products thereof.
US08319010B2	Methods of producing maize plants having a high oil phenotype by detecting a marker locus genetically linked with a QTL6 region Compositions related to the quantitative trait locus 6 (QTL6) in maize and methods for their use are provided. The compositions are novel molecular marker loci that are genetically linked with QTL6 and which are associated with increased oil content and/or increased oleic acid content and/or an increased oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio of a plant or plant part thereof. These novel markers are characterized by the presence of at least one polymorphism relative to the corresponding marker locus from the QTL6 region of non-high-oil, non-high-oleic acid maize plants. In some embodiments, the novel marker loci comprise coding sequence for a maize DGAT1-2 polypeptide or biologically active variant thereof. The marker loci of the invention, and suitable fragments thereof, are useful in methods of the invention for manipulating oil and/or oleic acid content and/or oleic acid/lineolic acid ratio of a plant or plant part thereof, for marker-assisted selection of a plant, for example, a maize plant, or plant part thereof, having an increased oil content and/or increased oleic acid content and/or an increased oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio, and for marker-assisted breeding of the high oil and/or high oleic acid trait.
US08319002B2	Nanostructure-enhanced platelet binding and hemostatic structures Methods, systems, and apparatuses for nanomaterial-enhanced platelet binding and hemostatic medical devices are provided. Hemostatic materials and structures are provided that induce platelet binding, including platelet binding and the coagulation of blood at a wound/opening caused by trauma, a surgical procedure, ulceration, or other cause. Example embodiments include platelet binding devices, hemostatic bandages, hemostatic plugs, and hemostatic formulations. The hemostatic materials and structures may incorporate nanostructures and/or further hemostatic elements such as polymers, silicon nanofibers, silicon dioxide nanofibers, and/or glass beads into a highly absorbent, gelling scaffold. The hemostatic materials and structures may be resorbable.
US08319001B2	Process for reacting ISO-alkane to make naphtha and middle distillate A process for reacting an iso-pentane, comprising:a) partially converting an olefinic feedstock comprising at least 15 wt % iso-pentene to make a converted olefinic feedstock, wherein the iso-pentene is reduced and an amount of 2-pentene is retained; andb) alkylating the iso-pentane with the converted olefinic feedstock to make a naphtha and a middle distillate.
US08318997B2	Carbon-based durable goods and renewable fuel from biomass waste dissociation Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure.
US08318994B2	Olefin oligomerization and biodegradable compositions therefrom A hydrocarbon fluid composition that comprises species of at least two different carbon numbers, an aerobic biodegradability of greater than 40% at 28 days, a cetane number of less than 60, and a certain boiling point range; and a process for making the hydrocarbon fluid composition.
US08318988B2	Process for purifying a crude ethanol product Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove acetal impurities.
US08318986B2	Methods for improving syngas-to-alcohol catalyst activity and selectivity The invention herein provides methods of activating a catalyst composition. These methods include annealing a catalyst with an inert gas, under effective conditions, and then contacting the annealed catalyst with syngas to produce an activated catalyst. These steps can also be reversed. The activated catalysts can be employed to convert syngas into products, such as alcohols, with improved selectivities and yields.
US08318970B2	Process for preparing (meth)acrylates of C10-alcohol mixtures Process for preparing (meth)acrylates of C10-alcohol mixtures, by reacting (meth)acrylic acid with an isomer mixture of C10-alcohols composed of 2-propylheptanol as the main isomer and at least one of the C10-alcohols 2-propyl-4-methylhexanol, 2-propyl-5-methylhexanol, 2-isopropylheptanol, 2-isopropyl-4-methylhexanol, 2-isopropyl-5-methylhexanol and/or 2-propyl-4,4-dimethylpentanol, in the presence of at least one acidic catalyst and of at least one polymerization inhibitor and in the presence of a solvent which forms an azeotrope with water, the azeotrope is distilled off and condensed, and the condensate splits into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein a) the esterification is performed in a reactor with a circulation evaporator and b) in the presence of a solvent, and c) the crude product is purified by subsequent purifying distillation.
US08318960B2	Diarylphosphine- and dialkylphosphine-containing compounds, processes of preparing same and uses thereof as tridentate ligands A novel process of preparing tridentate ligands containing one or more of a diarylphosphine and/or dialkylphosphine electron donating groups are disclosed. Use of this process for preparing a combinatorial library of such tridentate ligands and of organometallic complexes containing same is also disclosed. Further disclosed are novel diarylphosphine-containing and dialkylphosphine-containing compounds that can serve as tridentate ligands (e.g., pincer ligands), combinatorial libraries of such tridentate ligands, organometallic complexes containing these ligands (e.g., pincer complexes), and combinatorial libraries of such complexes. Methods utilizing these libraries for screening for candidate organometallic catalysts are also disclosed. Novel precursor molecules useful for preparing the tridentate ligands and processes of preparing same are also disclosed.
US08318959B1	Synthesis and polymerization of glycidyl ethers The method of preparing novel allyl ethers.Novel glycidyl ethers and their preparation.Polyfunctional poly(glycidyl ethers) their methods of preparation.Novel polyurethanes based on the polyfunctional glycidyl ethers and their method of preparation.
US08318957B2	Semisynthesis process for the preparation of 10 deacetyl-N-debenzoyl-paclitaxel A process for the preparation of 10-deacetyl-bis-7,10-trichloroacetylbaccatin III (VI) said process comprising: reacting 10-deacetylbaccatin III with a trichloroacetic acid activated derivative to obtain a reaction mixture, and performing an isolation step on said reaction mixture obtain purified 10-deacetyl-bis-7,10-trichloroacetylbaccatin III (VI) having a content, of corresponding 7- or 10 mono-trichloroacetyl derivatives lower than 0.1% as determined by HPLC.
US08318955B2	Process for preparing 2,4-dioxotetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylates Process for preparing 2,4-dioxotetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylates of the formula (I) and/or (I′) comprising the reaction of a haloacetyl chloride compound of the formula (II) with a malonic ester of the formula (III) in which Hal, R1 and R2 have the definitions stated in the application, in the presence of a suitable base and optionally in the presence of a solvent; the addition of a sufficient amount of water to the reaction mixture; and the isolation of the desired 2,4-dioxotetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylate.
US08318935B2	Organic compounds 75074 A compound of formula (I), or tautomers, or stereoisomers, or solvates, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein M1, M2, L1, L2, W1, W2, X1, X2, Y1, Y2, A, R5 and R5a are as defined herein for the for treatment of conditions treatable by the blockade of an epithelial sodium channel, particularly conditions benefiting from mucosal hydration.
US08318925B2	RNAi therapeutic for treatment of hepatitis C infection Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or small hairpin RNA (shRNAs) and compositions comprising same are provided that specifically target human cyclophilin A (CyPA) to effectively inhibit Hepatitis C (HCV) infection in a cell. Such siRNA and shRNAs may have a length of from about 19 to about 29 contiguous nucleotides corresponding to a specific region of human cyclophilin A (CyPA) cDNA of from about nucleotide 155 to about nucleotide 183 having particular potency against CyPA and HCV. Such siRNA and shRNAs may be formulated as naked compositions or as pharmaceutical compositions. DNA polynucleotides, plasmids, and viral or non-viral vectors are also provided that encode siRNA or shRNA molecules, which may be delivered directly to cells or in combination with known delivery agents, such as lipids, polymers, encapsulated lipid particles, such as liposomes. Methods for treating, managing inhibiting, preventing, etc., HCV infection using such siRNA and shRNAs and compositions comprising same are also provided.
US08318923B2	Nucleic acid modulators of glycoprotein VI The present invention relates, in general, to a pharmacologic system to modulate the biology of platelets based upon a nucleic acid ligand that can interact with and modulate the activity of platelet glycoprotein GPVI to regulate platelet function. These nucleic acid ligands are also actively reversible using a modulator that inhibits the activity of the nucleic acid ligand to neutralize this pharmacologic effect and thereby restore GPVI function, including collagen binding, platelet adhesion, collagen-induced platelet activation, and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The invention further relates to compositions comprising the nucleic acid ligand, the ligand and a modulator, methods to generate the nucleic acid ligand and its modulator, as well as methods of using these agents and compositions in medical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
US08318916B2	Human CTLA-4 antibodies and their uses The present invention provides novel human sequence antibodies against human CTLA-4 and methods of treating human diseases, infections and other conditions using these antibodies.
US08318911B2	Anti-EpCAM antibody and uses thereof An anti-EpCAM antibody, designated ST3232/10, of marine origin exhibits properties suitable for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. It shows high affinity for the native antigen and good tumor selectivity.
US08318908B2	Nucleic acids coding for adhesion factor of group B streptococcus, adhesion factors of group B streptococcus and further uses thereof The present invention is related to nucleic acids coding for adhesion factors of group B streptococcus, adhesion factors of group B streptococcus and uses thereof. More particularly, the present invention is related to a polypeptide being such adhesion factors and comprising an amino acid sequence, whereby the amino acid sequence is selected from the group comprising SEQ ID NO 11 to SEQ ID NO 20, and the use of such polypeptide for the manufacture of a vaccine.
US08318906B2	EMP2 antibodies and their therapeutic uses The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the treatment or prevention of Chlamydia infections and cancer. The methods and compositions inhibit the entry of Chlamydia into a host cell expressing EMP2 by interfering with the interaction between the Chlamydia and EMP2. The methods and compositions target cancers which express or overexpress EMP2 nucleic acids and polypeptides by targeting EMP2.
US08318905B2	Antibodies for depletion of ICOS-positive cells in vivo The present invention relates generally to binding agents useful in the selective depletion of T cells in vivo. More specifically, the invention relates to ICOS-binding agents which once bound to ICOS expressed on the surface of cells, in particular ICOS-bearing activated T cells, result in the in vivo depletion of cells to which they are bound. Methods of treating T cell related diseases using said ICOS-binding agents, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ICOS-binding agents, a method of identifying an ICOS-binding agent, and monoclonal anti-ICOS antibodies capable of eliminating cells in vivo which express ICOS on their surface are also provided.
US08318890B2	Polycarbonate diol A polycarbonate diol which is useful as a raw material compound for producing a polycarbonate-based polyurethane having a sufficient mechanical strength and excellent in a balance of physical properties such as oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and weather resistance and which is amorphous. The polycarbonate diol includes repeating units of the below-shown formula (A) and the below-shown formula (B), wherein both terminal groups are hydroxyl groups, the ratio of the below-shown formula (A) to the below-shown formula (B) is 99:1 to 1:99 by mol, and number-average molecular weight is 300 to 10,000.
US08318889B2	Organic polyurethane shape memory material and a preparation method thereof An organic polyurethane shape memory material includes a C10 chain or C18 chain and consists of hard segment and soft segment. The material is produced by reacting the single-chain type dendrimer with diethylenetriamine to produce dendrimer. Then dendrimer reacts with N-(3-aminopropyl)diethanolamine to produce dendritic diols. Next, polymer HO(C6H10O2)xC2H4OC2H4(C6H10O2)yOH, where x+y=25˜26, reacts with methylenedi-p-phenyl diisocyanate, and at least one type of dendritic diols is added to produce the organic polyurethane shape memory material.
US08318881B2	Non-anionic water-soluble additives The invention relates to a copolymer that can be obtained by the polymerisation of monomers (A), (B) and (C), (A) being a monomer of formula (I), in which A represents a C2 to C4alkene and B represents a C2 to C4alkene that is different from A, R represents hydrogen or methyl, m is a number between 1 and 500, n is a number between 1 and 500, (B) is an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an aromatic group and (C) is an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an alkyl radical. The claimed copolymers are suitable for use as dispersants for pigments.
US08318874B2	Process of selectively polymerizing ethylene and catalyst therefor The present invention generally relates to a process that selectively polymerizes ethylene in the presence of an alpha-olefin, and a precatalyst and catalyst useful in such processes.
US08318870B2	Epoxide (meth) acrylate composition The disclosure relates to a composition having at least one radically polymerisable monomer M; at least one radical former, at least one epoxide resin A including an average of more than one epoxide group per molecule, and at least one compound of formula (I). Such compositions are suitable as adhesives, sealants or coatings. Shortly after the application thereof, they have a high initial strength and, after further hardening at room temperature, they reach a high level of final strength.
US08318864B2	Functionalized ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer compositions The invention relates to functionalized interpolymers derived from base olefin interpolymers, which are prepared by polymerizing one or more monomers or mixtures of monomers, such as ethylene and one or more comonomers, to form an interpolymer products having unique physical properties. The functionalized olefin interpolymers contain two or more differing regions or segments (blocks), resulting in unique processing and physical properties.
US08318858B2	Conjugated diene polymer, conjugated diene polymer composition, and method for producing conjugated diene polymer A conjugated diene polymer is provided that comprises a conjugated diene-based constituent unit and a constituent unit of formula (I) below, at least one terminus of the polymer being modified by a compound of formula (II): wherein X1, X2, and X3 independently denote a group of formula (Ia) below, a hydroxy group, a hydrocarbyl group, or a substituted hydrocarbyl group, and at least one of X1, X2, and X3 is a group of formula (Ia) below or a hydroxy group, wherein R1 and R2 independently denote a hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a silyl group, or a substituted silyl group, and R1 and R2 may be bonded so as to form, together with the nitrogen atom, a ring structure, wherein n denotes an integer of 1 to 10, R3, R4, and R5 independently denote a hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a hydrocarbyloxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, at least one of R3, R4, and R5 is a hydrocarbyloxy group, and A denotes a nitrogen atom-containing functional group.
US08318856B2	Nucleic acid delivery system comprising conjugates of PEI and hyaluronic acid The present invention relates to a delivery system for nucleic acid using a cationic polymer conjugate, and more specifically relates to a delivery system for nucleic acid comprising a cationic polymer conjugate prepared by conjugating hyaluronic acid or its derivative and polyethyleneimine, and a composition of delivering a nucleic acid into mammalian cell comprising a complex of the nucleic acid and a cationic polymer conjugate with electrostatic binding.
US08318855B2	Oil based aqueous polyurethane dispersions A two-pack coating composition comprising curing agents selected from the group consisting of non-blocked poly-functional isocyanates I, polyaziridines Z, and carbodiimides Y, and an aqueously dispersed polyurethane U wherein the polyurethane U comprises building blocks derived from hydroxyl group containing unsaturated fatty acids B21, a process for the production of the polyurethane U, and a method of use thereof in combination with the said curing agents in preparing coating compositions which are particularly useful for wood.
US08318854B2	Composition for thermosetting silicone resin The present invention relates to a composition for a thermosetting silicone resin, including: (1) an organopolysiloxane having a silanol group at an end thereof; (2) an alkenyl group-containing silicon compound; (3) an epoxy group-containing silicon compound; (4) an organohydrogensiloxane; (5) a condensation catalyst; (6) a hydrosilylation catalyst; and (7) a silica particle, in which the (7) silica particle has a 50% volume cumulative diameter of from 2 to 50 μm, a content of particles having a particle size of 1 μm or less of 15% by number or less and a content of particles having a particle size of 60 μm or more of 15% by number or less.
US08318851B2	Weatherable resinous compositions Disclosed are compositions comprising: (i) 5-45 wt. % of an acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) graft copolymer or acrylate-modified ASA, (ii) 2-82 wt. % of at least one polyestercarbonate which is a block polyestercarbonate comprising organic carbonate blocks alternating with arylate blocks, said arylate blocks comprising ester structural units derived from at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and having a degree of polymerization of at least about 4; and (iii) 5-60 wt. % of at least one rigid thermoplastic polymer comprising structural units derived from styrene and acrylonitrile; alpha-methylstyrene and acrylonitrile; alpha-methylstyrene, styrene, and acrylonitrile; styrene, acrylonitrile, and methyl methacrylate; alpha-methyl styrene, acrylonitrile, and methyl methacrylate; or alpha-methylstyrene, styrene, acrylonitrile, and methyl methacrylate, or mixtures thereof, wherein wt. % values are based on the weight of components (i)-(iii) and wherein a molded article made from the composition has a notched Izod impact strength of at least 5 kilojoules per square meter (kJ/m2) as determined according to ISO 180 at room temperature and a Vicat B value of at least 101° C. determined at 120° C. according to ISO 306. Articles made from said compositions are also disclosed.
US08318840B2	Use of nucleating agents to increase the flexural modulus of ionomers A golf ball composition having a copolymer with an acid content modified by a nucleating agent is described. The nucleating agent modifies the flexural modulus of the acid copolymer and is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium succinate, sodium glutarate, sodium caproate, sodium 4-methylvalerate, aluminum phenyl acetate, sodium cinnamate, and combinations thereof.
US08318831B2	Hydrophilized curable silicone impression materials with improved storage behavior The invention relates to hydrophilized curable silicone compositions which contain organopolysiloxanes, hydrophilizers and at least one stabilizing phosphorous compound. The compositions are particularly suitable as curable impression materials in dental applications, especially as wash impression materials.
US08318829B2	Methylene bis(cyclohexylamine)-initiated polyols and rigid polyurethane foam made therefrom Polyether polyols are initiated with methylene bis(cyclohexylamines). The polyols are useful in making rigid polyurethane foams, especially foams for pour-in-place applications, where they give a good combination of low k-factor and short demold times.
US08318821B2	Rigid foamed synthetic resin and process for its production Provided is a process for producing a rigid foamed synthetic resin, wherein, as a blowing agent, a hydrocarbon compound and water are used, and a rigid foamed synthetic resin provided with dimensional stability, heat insulating properties, and possibly reduced weight can be obtained. The process involves reacting a polyol (P) with a polyisocyanate (I) in the presence of a blowing agent, a foam stabilizer and a catalyst, wherein the blowing agent has at least a C2-8 hydrocarbon compound and water; the polyol (P) has a specific polyesterpolyol (A), a specific polyetherpolyol (B), and a polymer-dispersed polyol (Z) having fine polymer particles (M) dispersed; and the isocyanate index of the polyol (P) and the polyisocyanate (I) is over 200 and at most 400.
US08318815B2	Method for treatment of tumors using nordihydroguaiaretic acid derivatives Use of nordihydroguaiaretic derivatives to suppress CDC-2 and survivin, stimulate apoptosis, and treat tumors.
US08318814B2	Glyceryl ether compounds and their use Glyceryl ether compounds prepared by the reaction of glycerol and olefin epoxides are disclosed. The compounds are renewable biomass-based surfactants useful as detergents and emulsifiers in formulations for cleaning, laundry, personal care, cosmetics, and industrial uses.
US08318808B2	Zn2+chelating motif-tethered short-chain fatty acids as a novel class of histone deacetylase inhibitors Zn2+-chelating motif-tethered fatty acids as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Compounds performed well in in vitro and in vivo tests.
US08318806B2	Deodorizing composition and method of forming thereof An odor absorbing composition is provided comprising zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, a solubility promoter including sodium iminodisuccinate, water and optionally, other ingredients such as perfumes and antifungal agents or bactericides. The zinc ricinoleate can be completely solubilized in water, yet the solution will exhibit low foaming and friability. In addition, the end product may be in the form of a sprayable liquid, a thick liquid capable of clinging to a vertical surface, a gel or solid tablet, a powder, or any other form. The present invention further relates to a method for forming an odor absorbing composition comprising zinc salt of ricinoleate acid, sodium iminodisuccinate and water.
US08318800B2	Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing benzofuran derivatives The present invention relates to a solid pharmaceutical composition for oral administration characterized in that it comprises a benzofuran derivative with antiarrhythmic activity, or one of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as an active principle, and a pharmaceutically acceptable nonionic hydrophilic surfactant optionally in combination with one or more pharmaceutical excipients.
US08318793B2	Heterocyclic compounds and their use as glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds which are useful for inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), methods of making the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treatment using the compounds.
US08318786B2	Plant pathogen resistance Azelaic acid or its derivatives or analogs induce a robust and a speedier defense response against pathogens in plants. Azelaic acid treatment alone does not induce many of the known defense-related genes but activates a plant's defense signaling upon pathogen exposure.
US08318780B2	Methods of administering pirfenidone therapy The present invention relates to methods involving avoiding adverse drug interactions with fluvoxamine and pirfenidone or other moderate to strong inhibitors of CYP enzymes.
US08318779B2	Lysine related derivatives as HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors The present invention concerns lysine related derivatives, their use as protease inhibitors, in particular as HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors, processes for their preparation as well as pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising them. The present invention also concerns combinations of the present lysine related derivatives with another anti retroviral agent. It further relates to their use in assays as reference compounds or as reagents.
US08318776B2	Pyridine compound, pesticidal composition and method of controlling pests A pyridine compound represented by the following general formula (1); the pyridine compound in which R1 is a C1-C3 fluoroalkyl group or a C1-C3 fluoroalkoxy group; the pyridine compound in which R2 is a hydrogen atom; the pyridine compound in which R2 is a group represented by Q1; a pesticidal composition containing the pyridine compound as an active ingredient; and a method of controlling a pest including applying an effective amount of the pyridine compound to the pest or a place where the pest inhabits, are provided.
US08318775B2	N-(heteroaryl)-1-heteroarylalkyl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives, preparation and therapeutic use thereof The invention concerns compounds of general formula (I), wherein n, X1, X2, X3, X4, Y and W are as defined herein. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said compounds and their therapeutic use.
US08318772B2	Amine compounds and medical uses thereof The present invention relates to a new amine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the definitions of X, R1, R2 and n are given in the description, to a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound as active ingredient, and to use of the amine compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt for the manufacture of an anti-depressent drug.
US08318769B2	Substituted sulfonamide compounds Substituted sulfonamide compounds corresponding to formula I: processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and the use of such substituted sulfonamide compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or inhibition of pain and other conditions at least partly mediated by the bradykinin 1 receptor.
US08318765B2	3-carboxypropyl-aminotetralin derivatives and related compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists The invention provides 3-carboxypropyl-aminotetralin compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08318763B2	Rifamycin derivatives Disclosed are rifamycin derivatives having antibacterial activities, wherein the compounds have the following general formula: wherein: R is hydrogen or acetyl; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, benzyloxy, mono- and di-(C1-3)alkylamino-(C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-methyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)-alkyl, and nitro or R1 and R2 taken together with two consecutive carbon atoms of the pyridine nucleus form a benzene ring optionally substituted by one or two methyl or ethyl groups and R3 is hydroxyalkyl(C1-4). In addition, processes to obtain these compounds are described.
US08318752B2	4-(3-chloro-2-fluoroanilino)-7-methoxy-6-{[1-(N-methylcarbamoyl-methyl)piperidin-4-yl]oxy}quinazoline, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same The invention concerns quinazoline derivatives of Formula (I): wherein each of R1, X1, R2, R3, R5, n and m have any of the meanings defined in the description; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an antiproliferative agent in the prevention or treatment of tumors which are sensitive to inhibition of EGF and erbB receptor tyrosine kinases.
US08318746B2	Nitrogen-containing five-membered heterocyclic compound The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof. The compound of the present invention has a glucokinase activity, and is useful as a medicament such as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes, obesity and the like, and the like.
US08318744B2	Polymorphic forms of 1-′4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl) butyl-4-(2-carbamoylbenzofuran-5-yl)piperazine hydrochloride The invention relates to new crystalline modifications of the hydrochloride of 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine, crystalline modification of the dihydrochloride of 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine and amorphous 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine hydrochloride which are suitable in particular for the preparation of solid medicaments for the treatment or prevention of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, mania, dementia, substance-related disorders, sexual dysfunctions, eating disorders, obesity, fibromyalgia, sleeping disorders, psychiatric disorders, cerebral infarct, tension, for the therapy of side-effects in the treatment of hypogonadism, secondary amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and undesired puerperal lactation.
US08318743B2	Medicament for the enhancement of cognitive function and neuroprotection The invention relates the use of 4-chloro-5-{2-[4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benz[d]isoxazole-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl-amino}-2-methyl-3-(2H)pyridazinone of the Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the preparation of medicaments suitable for the improvement of cognitive function or obtaining neuroprotective effect. The medicaments containing 4-chloro-5-{2-[4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benz[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl-amino}-2-methyl-3-(2H)pyridazinone of the Formula (I) or therapeutically acceptable salt thereof can be used for the treatment or prevention of neuronal death, mental decline, sclerosis multiplex, Creuzfeld-Jacobs disease, Huntington-syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson-disease, memory disturbance, loss of memory, amnesia, stroke or for the improvement of memory function or learning ability.
US08318742B2	Bicyclic benzamides of 3- or 4-substituted 4-(aminomethyl)-piperidine derivatives The present invention of compounds of formula (I) a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, an N-oxide form thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. Processes for preparing said products, formulations comprising said products and their use as a medicine are disclosed, in particular for treating conditions which are related to impairment of gastric emptying.
US08318741B2	Therapeutic compositions and methods The present invention relates in general to therapeutic compositions and methods of use. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to the field of eye health. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration by administering compounds disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions and methods of improving vision.
US08318733B2	Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters Compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US08318730B2	Fused hetrocyclic compounds This invention provides fused heterocyclic compounds, pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds, and methods of using the compounds for the treatment of, inter alia, IL-12 related disease and disorders.
US08318728B2	Compounds and compositions for treating chemical warfare agent-induced injuries Compounds and compositions for treating injuries caused by exposure to chemical warfare agents are described herein.
US08318716B2	Carbapenem derivatives The present invention includes novel carbapenem derivatives having structural formula (I) or (II): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 are described in the specification. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel carbapenem derivatives and the use of the novel carbapenem derivatives for treating infectious diseases.
US08318707B2	Administration of (S)-roscovitine for protection against and/or treatment of neurological diseases The present invention relates to the use of 6-(benzyl-amino)-2(S)-[[1-(hydroxymethyl) propyl]amino]-9-isopropylpurine) or at least one of its pharmaceutical acceptable salts for manufacturing a medication intended for the prevention and/or treatment of neurological diseases, in particular associated with neurological lesions.
US08318698B2	Process for synthesizing silver-silica particles and applications Size-controlled immobilization of metal nano-clusters onto particles or nanoparticles is achieved using a polyol process. Polyol processing makes it possible to use thiol groups as a chemical protocol to functionalize the surface of particles, such as silica and polystyrene nanoparticles. Metal nano-clusters, such as silver, gold, platinum and palladium, nucleate and grow on the surface of the particles. The metal nano-clusters may be synthesized in a one-pot process from metal salts, nitrates, nitrites, sulfates, sulfites and the like. Any source of metal ions compatible with the polyol suspension and selected particles may be used. The size of immobilized metal nano-clusters may be controlled by additions of a poly(vinylpyrrolidone) or other polymer capable of regulating the metal ion reduction and nucleation process and by controlling concentration of metal ions, the nucleation and/or growth temperatures, and processing time.
US08318680B2	Method and peptide for regulating cellular activity Method and peptide for regulating cellular activity includes a panel of synthesized peptides that have biological effects on inhibiting or enhancing cellular activity. Selected peptides can be used as therapy to reduce and/or inhibit, or initiate and/or enhance, an inflammatory response in a subject.
US08318674B2	Local treatment of bone defects A method of local treatment of specific bone defects such as osteoporosis or bone cysts comprises the step of local administration of a formulation comprising a fusion peptide containing a first domain comprising PTH or BMP 2 or BMP 7, and a second domain comprising a covalently crosslinkable substrate domain; and a material suitable of forming a biodegradable matrix suitable for cellular growth or in-growth, wherein the fusion peptide is covalently linked to the matrix. In one embodiment, the matrix contains one or more contrast agents, and is preferably formed in the absence of a growth factor. The matrix may be used in the treatment of fluid-filled cysts such as Tarlov cysts, ovarian cysts, arachnoid cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts or hepatic cysts.
US08318670B2	Antigens targeted by pathogenic AI4 T cells in type 1 diabetes and uses thereof Provided are oligopeptide antigens to AI4-like T cells, and mouse proteins comprising those antigens. The oligopeptide antigens comprise the amino acid sequence XX(I/D/F/L)ENY(I/L)(E/W/Y)(L/M) or VMLENYTHL. Additionally provided are methods for treating a mammal having or at risk for type 1 diabetes using these antigens, or compounds which reduce or eliminate expression of these antigens. Kits comprising these antigens, and methods for determining whether a mammal is at risk for or has type 1 diabetes are also provided.
US08318660B2	Method of treating a disease by administering caspase-8 The invention relates to caspases and to extracellular use of caspases for regulating cell functions.
US08318657B2	Methods and compositions for preventing and/or treating pancreatitis The present invention relates to a method of preventing and/or treating pancreatitis in a subject, the method including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Galanin antagonist and/or a Galanin receptor antagonist.
US08318652B2	Colored speckles comprising a porous carrier and a releasing agent layer This invention relates to non-bleeding and quick color releasing colored speckles for use in granular laundry detergents and other consumer products. The speckles are comprised of a porous carrier, a releasing agent, and a coloring agent.
US08318646B2	Lubricating oil composition A lubricating oil composition comprising (A) an oil of lubricating viscosity in a major amount; and, (B) as an additive component in a minor amount, an oil-soluble zinc salt of a dithiophosphoric acid, the dithiophosphoric acid being the reaction product of phosphorus pentasulphide with a mixture of at least one first alcohol of the formula ROH where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group having at least four carbon atoms or is an alkaryl group, and at least one second alcohol which is an ester of a polyhydric alcohol.
US08318645B2	Lubricant composition The lubricating oil composition of the invention includes a base oil composed of mineral oil and/or synthetic oil, an amine antioxidant (A-1) in an amount of 800 ppm or more as reduced to the total amount of nitrogen, and a compound containing phosphorus and/or sulfur (A-2). The invention provides a compressor oil which realizes thermal/oxidation stability, resistance to sludge formation, lubricity, long service life, and water separation at high levels.
US08318642B2	Methods and compositions comprising kiln dust and metakaolin The present invention provides settable compositions and methods of using settable compositions that comprise a hydraulic cement; a partially calcined kiln feed comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; metakaolin; and water. The location to be cemented may be above ground or in a subterranean formation.
US08318639B2	Superconducting composite, preliminary product of superconducting composite and method for producing same Disclosed herein are superconducting composites, and preliminary products therefor, having a core comprising a superconducting phase, a first casing surrounding the core, and having an inner area abutting the core and having a first magnesium concentration and an outer area having a second magnesium concentration greater than the first magnesium concentration, wherein the second magnesium concentration is, on average, between 5 and 40 atomic percent. Desirably, the superconducting phase comprises a MgB2 phase. This arrangement allows for methods for producing the composites that reduce or eliminate subjecting the superconducting phase to mechanical stresses.
US08318623B2	Dielectric ceramic materials and associated methods Ceramic dielectric materials that can be utilized as electronic components, such as dielectric resonators are disclosed. The material can have a formula Ba12M′(28+a/3)Ti(54−a-b)M″aGebO162, wherein M′ is at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, and yttrium, M″ is at least one element selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, chromium, indium, scandium, and ytterbium, 0≦a≦6, and 0≦b≦3. The ceramic dielectric material can also have a formula Ba12M′(28+2x/3)Ti(54−x−y)M′″xGeyO162, wherein M′ is at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, and yttrium, M′″ is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, nickel, and cobalt, 0≦x≦3, and 0≦y≦3. One or more aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of fabricating a dielectric component. Methods of synthesizing the disclosed ceramic dielectric materials are also disclosed.
US08318620B2	Glass yarns capable of reinforcing organic and/or inorganic materials The invention relates to a glass yarn capable of being obtained by a method consisting of mechanically drawing molten glass threads flowing from orifices disposed at the base of a die, of which the chemical composition is substantially free from boron oxide and comprises the following constituents within the limits defined hereinafter expressed in percentages by weight: SiO240 to 50 Al2O318 to 28 CaO4 to 15 MgO0 to 6 Na2O10 to 14 Na2O + K2O + Li2O13 to 20 It also relates to composites containing such yarns.
US08318612B2	Methods for improving the quality of group III-nitride materials and structures produced by the methods The invention provides methods which can be applied during the epitaxial growth of two or more layers of Group III-nitride semiconductor materials so that the qualities of successive layer are successively improved. In preferred embodiments, surface defects interact with a protective layer of a protective material to form amorphous complex regions capable of preventing the further propagation of defects and dislocations. The invention also includes semiconductor structures fabricated by these methods.
US08318606B2	Dielectric etching An etchant for dielectrics, such as silicon dioxide, that leaves monocrystalline silicon surface exposed by the etchant free of etch damage, such as etch pits, when the etch is done in the presence of transition metals, such as copper, tungsten, titanium, gold, etc. The etchant comprises hydrofluoric acid and a source of halide anion, such as hydrochloric acid or a metal-halide. The etchant is useful in microelectromechanical system device fabrication and in deprocessing integrated circuits or the like.
US08318604B2	Substrate comprising a nanometer-scale projection array A method for forming a substrate comprising nanometer-scale pillars or cones that project from the surface of the substrate is disclosed. The method enables control over physical characteristics of the projections including diameter, sidewall angle, and tip shape. The method further enables control over the arrangement of the projections including characteristics such as center-to-center spacing and separation distance.
US08318603B2	Method of forming patterns for semiconductor device Provided is a method of forming patterns for a semiconductor device in which fine patterns and large-width patterns are formed simultaneously and adjacent to each other. In the method, a first layer is formed on a substrate so as to cover a first region and a second region which are included in the substrate. Both a blocking pattern covering a portion of the first layer in the first region and a low-density large-width pattern covering a portion of the first layer in the second region are simultaneously formed. A plurality of sacrificial mask patterns are formed on the first layer and the blocking pattern in the first region. A plurality of spacers covering exposed sidewalls of the plurality of sacrificial mask patterns are formed. The plurality of sacrificial mask patterns are removed. The first layer in the first and second regions are simultaneously etched by using the plurality of spacers and the blocking pattern as etch masks in the first region and using the low-density large-width pattern as an etch mask in the second region.
US08318599B2	Resin layer formation method and semiconductor device fabrication method The resin layer formation method comprises the step of forming on a substrate 10 a resin layer 34 for containing a substance for decreasing the thermal expansion coefficient to thereby forming a resin layer 34 having said substance localized in the side thereof nearer to the substrate 10; and the step of cutting the surface of the resin layer 34 with a cutting tool 40 to planarize the surface of the resin layer 34. The resin layer 34 as said substance for decreasing the thermal expansion coefficient localized in the side thereof nearer to the substrate 10, and the surface of the resin layer 34 is cut to planarize the surface of the resin layer 34, whereby the extreme abrasion and breakage of the cutting tool 40 by said substance for decreasing the thermal expansion coefficient can be prevented.
US08318596B2	Pillar structure having a non-planar surface for semiconductor devices A conductive pillar for a semiconductor device is provided. The conductive pillar is formed such that a top surface is non-planar. In embodiments, the top surface may be concave, convex, or wave shaped. An optional capping layer may be formed over the conductive pillar to allow for a stronger inter-metallic compound (IMC) layer. The IMC layer is a layer formed between solder material and an underlying layer, such as the conductive pillar or the optional capping layer.
US08318595B2	Self-assembled electrical contacts Self-assembling microscale electrical and mechanical connections includes a part binding site and a part electrical binding site; and a template binding site comprising a template electrical conductor layer; a metallization layer on the template electrical conductor layer; a bump structure comprising a solder alloy positioned on the metallization layer, wherein the solder alloy is liquefied to allow the bump structure to self-assemble and align with the part electrical binding site using capillary forces, and wherein the solder alloy only liquefies at a temperature above that at which the self-assembly and alignment is performed; and a fluid on the template electrical conductor layer, wherein the fluid comprises a melting point lower than that of the solder alloy, wherein the fluid binds with the part binding site.
US08318594B2	Method for fabricating nitride-based semiconductor device having electrode on m-plane A nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting device 100 includes: a GaN substrate 10 with an m-plane surface 12; a semiconductor multilayer structure 20 provided on the m-plane surface 12 of the GaN substrate 10; and an electrode 30 provided on the semiconductor multilayer structure 20. The electrode 30 includes an Mg layer 32 and an Ag layer 34 provided on the Mg layer 32. The Mg layer 32 is in contact with a surface of a p-type semiconductor region of the semiconductor multilayer structure 20.
US08318593B2	Method for electron beam induced deposition of conductive material The invention relates to a method for electron beam induced deposition of electrically conductive material from a metal carbonyl with the method steps of providing at least one electron beam at a position of a substrate, storing at least one metal carbonyl at a first temperature, and heating the at least one metal carbonyl to at least one second temperature prior to the provision at the position at which the at least one electron beam impacts on the substrate.
US08318588B2	Method for reprocessing semiconductor substrate, method for manufacturing reprocessed semiconductor substrate, and method for manufacturing SOI substrate It is an object of the invention is to provide a method suitable for reprocessing a semiconductor substrate having favorable planarity. Another object of the invention is to manufacture a reprocessed semiconductor substrate by using the method suitable for reprocessing a semiconductor substrate having favorable planarity, and to manufacture an SOI substrate by using the reprocessed semiconductor substrate. A projecting portion of a semiconductor substrate is removed using a method capable of selectively removing a semiconductor region which is damaged by ion irradiation or the like. Further, an oxide film is formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate when the semiconductor substrate is planarized by a polishing treatment typified by a CMP method, whereby the semiconductor substrate is evenly polished at a uniform rate. Moreover, a reprocessed semiconductor substrate is manufactured using the aforementioned method, and an SOI substrate is manufactured using the reprocessed semiconductor substrate.
US08318579B1	Method for fabricating semiconductor device A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes steps as following. First, a substrate with an edge-mark is provided. The substrate has a front-side surface and a back-side surface opposite to each other. The front-side surface has an active region and a peripheral region with an alignment mark formed thereon. Next, an optical shielding layer is formed over the back-side surface of the substrate. Next, a first photo mask is aligned to the substrate by standing on the edge-mark. Next, a portion of the optical shielding layer corresponding with the alignment mark is removed by using the first photo mask. Next, a second photo mask is aligned to the substrate by standing on the alignment mark. Then, a portion of the optical shielding layer corresponding with the active region is removed to expose a portion of the substrate by using the second photo mask for forming an optical shielding pattern.
US08318576B2	Decoupling capacitors recessed in shallow trench isolation A semiconductor process and apparatus provide a shallow trench isolation capacitor structure that is integrated in an integrated circuit and includes a bottom capacitor plate that is formed in a substrate layer below a trench opening, a capacitor dielectric layer and a recessed top capacitor plate that is covered by an STI region and isolated from cross talk by a sidewall dielectric layer.
US08318562B2	Method to increase breakdown voltage of semiconductor devices Methods of achieving high breakdown voltages in semiconductor devices by suppressing the surface flashover using high dielectric strength insulating encapsulation material are generally described. In one embodiment of the present invention, surface flashover in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) is suppressed by using high dielectric strength insulating encapsulation material. Surface flashover in as-fabricated III-Nitride based HFETs limits the operating voltages at levels well below the breakdown voltages of GaN.
US08318559B2	Method of fabricating CMOS transistor The Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) transistor of the present invention includes deep halo doped regions in the substrate. The fabrication of the deep halo doped regions is integrated into the process of making the lightly doped drains or the source/drain doped regions, and therefore no extra mask is required.
US08318556B2	Method and system for continuous line-type landing polysilicon contact (LPC) structures A method for making contact landing pad structures in a semiconductor integrated circuit device includes forming an isolation region and forming active regions in the semiconductor substrate. The active regions are separated by the isolation region, and each of the active regions includes one or more contact regions. The method includes forming a raised structure overlying the isolation region and disposed between a first and second contact regions. The method includes depositing a cap layer and forming an interlayer dielectric layer overlying the cap layer. The method includes depositing a photoresist layer overlying the interlayer dielectric layer and uses a mask pattern to selectively remove a portion of the photoresist layer to form a line type opening, which exposes a portion of the interlayer dielectric layer overlying at least the first and second contact regions. The method deposits a conductive fill material and performs a planarization process to form multiple conductive landing contact pads.
US08318551B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A gate electrode layer over a substrate; a gate insulating layer over the gate electrode layer; a first source electrode layer and a first drain electrode layer over the gate insulating layer; an oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer; and a second source electrode layer and a second drain electrode layer over the oxide semiconductor layer. A first part, a second part, and a third part of a bottom surface are in contact with the first source electrode layer, the first drain electrode layer, and the gate insulating layer respectively. A first part and a second part of the top surface are in contact with the second source electrode layer and the second drain electrode layer respectively. The first source electrode layer and the first drain electrode layer are electrically connected to the second source electrode layer and the second drain electrode layer respectively.
US08318537B2	Flip chip interconnection having narrow interconnection sites on the substrate A flip chip interconnect of a die on a substrate is made by mating the interconnect bump onto a narrow interconnect pad on a lead or trace, rather than onto a capture pad. The width of the narrow interconnect pad is less than a base diameter of bumps on the die to be attached. Also, a flip chip package includes a die having solder bumps attached to interconnect pads in an active surface, and a substrate having narrow interconnect pads on electrically conductive traces in a die attach surface, in which the bumps are mated onto the narrow pads on the traces.
US08318536B2	Utilizing aperture with phase shift feature in forming microvias A method, comprises drilling a set of one or more microvias in a semiconductor package with an aperture, wherein drilling the set of microvias comprises to use an aperture that has a phase shift region to reduce a spot size of a drilling beam that is used to form the set of microvias.
US08318527B2	Manufacturing method of display device Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device where first color filters, second color filters and third color filters which are formed adjacent to each other are provided, the first color filter and the second color filter are patterned in such a manner that one edge portion of the second color filter overlaps an edge portion of the first color filter, and the second color filter and the third color filter are patterned in such a manner that an edge portion of the third color filter overlaps the other edge portion of the second color filter wherein in an exposure step for patterning the second color filter, an exposure quantity in a region corresponding to one edge portion and an exposure quantity in a region corresponding to the other edge portion differ from each other.
US08318524B2	Single wafer fabrication process for wavelength dependent reflectance for linear optical serialization of accelerometers A plurality of Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors are optically coupled in series with each other to form an ordered optical series. Each Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor has a unique signalband and a passband. Each Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor has its unique signalband within the passbands of all of the next higher ordered Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors in the optical series so that a corresponding unique fringe signal from each of the Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors is a multiplexed output from the optical series.
US08318517B2	Method of manufacturing transflective liquid crystal display panel A method of manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display panel includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. A first patterned conductive layer is formed on the substrate to form a gate electrode and a reflective electrode. A first insulating layer is formed on the first patterned conductive layer and the substrate. A patterned semiconductor layer is formed on the first insulating layer. A second patterned conductive layer is formed on the first insulating layer and the patterned semiconductor layer to form a source/drain electrode and a patterned reflective layer. A second insulating layer is formed on the second patterned conductive layer and the first insulating layer. Contact holes are formed in the first and the second insulating layer. A transmissive pixel electrode is formed and filled into the contact holes to be electrically connected respectively to the drain electrode, the reflective electrode, and the patterned reflective layer.
US08318516B2	Method of wafer level purifying light color emitting from a light emitting semiconductor wafer A method of wafer level purifying light color of a LED semiconsuctor is disclosed. After a LED wafer is fabricated, multi-transparent films formed of first layer and a second layer alternatively until reaching a predetermined number deposited by e-gun deposition with an aid of ion plasma beam. The first layer is formed of an oxide layer and the second layer is formed of a metal oxide layer. The two materials, one has a high index of refraction and the other has a low index of refraction. The total multi-transparent films are about 80 to 120 layer which can narrow wave width about a central wavelength.
US08318510B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetoresistive element A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive element includes a tunnel barrier forming step. The tunnel barrier forming step comprises a metal layer forming step of forming a metal layer to have a first thickness, a plasma processing step of performing a plasma treatment which exposes the metal layer to a plasma of an inert gas to etch the metal layer to have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, and an oxidation step of oxidizing the metal layer having undergone the plasma treatment to form a metal oxide which forms a tunnel barrier.
US08318498B2	Luminescent protein staining The present invention relates to the use of cyclometalated iridium complexes for detecting poly(amino acids) including peptides, polypeptides, and proteins. Poly(amino acids) are detected in solution, in electrophorectic gels, and on solid supports, including blots. The method of the present invention is rapid, highly sensitive, and extremely facile.
US08318468B2	Emulsions in enzymatic reactions A reaction medium for enzyme-catalyzed reactions is provided, comprising an oil-in-water emulsion including water, an emulsifier, an oil phase and at least one interfacially active enzyme, where the emulsion is produced by the phase inversion temperature process and has a droplet size of 50 to 400 nm. A method for the enzyme-catalyzed esterification, transesterification or hydrolysis of fatty acid alkyl esters and/or triglycerides is also provided where the oil-in-water emulsion is used as the reaction medium.
US08318462B2	Fermentative vitamin C production The present invention relates to newly identified microorganisms capable of direct production of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C). The invention also relates to polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode proteins which are involved in the synthesis of Vitamin C. The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of Vitamin C from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism. Also included are methods/processes of using the polynucleotides and modified polynucleotide sequences to transform host microorganisms. The invention also relates to genetically engineered microorganisms and their use for the direct production of Vitamin C.
US08318460B2	Haplotype analysis The present invention provides an efficient way for high throughput haplotype analysis. Several polymorphic nucleic acid markers, such as SNPs, can be simultaneously and reliably determined through multiplex PCR of single nucleic acid molecules in several parallel single molecule dilutions and the consequent statistical analysis of the results from these parallel single molecule multiplex PCR reactions results in reliable determination of haplotypes present in the subject. The nucleic acid markers can be of any distance to each other on the chromosome. In addition, an approach wherein overlapping DNA markers are analyzed can be used to link smaller haplotypes into larger haplotypes. Consequently, the invention provides a powerful new tool for diagnostic haplotyping and identifying novel haplotypes.
US08318451B2	Process of obtaining ethanol without glucoamylase using Pseudomonas saccharophila G4-amylase variants thereof Pseudomonas saccharophila G4-forming amylase (PS4), and variants thereof, advantageously can be used in an enzyme-catalyzed high temperature liquefaction step to produce ethanol from starch, e.g., cornstarch. PS4 produces significant amounts of maltotrioses, which can be utilized by S. cerevisiae in a subsequent fermentation step to produce ethanol. This property of PS4 advantageously allows ethanol to be produced from liquefacted starch in the absence of a saccharification step. PS4 variants are provided that exhibit improved properties, such as thermostability and/or altered exo-specific and endo-specific amylase activity.
US08318450B2	Optically-detectable enzyme substrates and their method of use The present invention relates to compounds that are substrates for an enzyme, and upon reaction with the enzyme provide a detectable response, such as an optically detectable response. In particular, the compounds have utility in detecting the presence of a β-lactamase in a sample. In addition to the compounds, methods are disclosed for analyzing a sample for the presence of a β-lactmase, for example, as an indicator of expression of a nucleic acid sequence including a sequence coding for a β-lactmase. Kits are disclosed that include the disclosed compounds and additional components, for example, cells, antibodies, a β-lactmase or instructions for using the components in an assay.
US08318449B2	Method of measuring the activity of lipid-modified enzyme It is intended to provide an assay method whereby the activity of a lipid-modifying enzyme can be conveniently measured over a wide range and a drug capable of controlling a lipid-modifying enzyme with the use of this assay method. The above problem can be solved by, for example, a method of measuring the activity of a lipid-modifying enzyme which comprises the steps of (I) preparing a lipid micelle containing a biotinylated lipid and a substrate for the lipid-modifying enzyme; (II) bringing the lipid micelle prepared in the above step (I) into contact with the lipid-modifying enzyme; and (III) evaluating the activity of the lipid-modifying enzyme by applying an evaluation method using the proximity effect to the product obtained in the above step (II).
US08318446B2	DNA-damage-induced proteolysis The present application provides methods for identifying compounds for inhibiting DNA damage-induced Htt proteolysis, and methods and compositions for protecting cells from DNA damage-induced cleavage of Htt.
US08318444B2	Methods and kits for measuring von Willebrand factor Methods and kits for measuring levels of von Willebrand factor function in a sample without using a platelet aggregation agonist, such as ristocetin, comprising recombinant glycoprotein Ibα having at least two of a G233V, D235Y and M239V mutations and an agent to detect a complex between the recombinant glycoprotein Ibα and von Willebrand factor.
US08318437B2	USP47 inhibitors and methods to induce apoptosis The present invention relates to USP47 (ubiquitin specific protease 47) inhibitors and methods for inducing apoptosis or cell death in a target cell. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to methods and kits to screen for related agents that induce apoptosis. Additionally, the invention relates to assays for screening compounds capable of acting as USP47 inhibitors.
US08318429B2	Genetic markers of schizophrenia The invention includes method of determining if a subject has a genetic predisposition to clinically diagnosed schizophrenia (SZ), schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), and/or schizoaffective disorder (SD).
US08318423B2	Methods and compositions for detecting rhinoviruses The invention provides methods and compositions for rapid, sensitive, and highly specific nucleic acid-based (e.g., DNA based) detection of human rhinovirus (HRV) in a sample. In general, the methods involve detecting a target nucleic acid having a target sequence of a conserved 5′ untranslated region of the HRV genome. The invention also features compositions, including primers, probes, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.
US08318422B2	Antibacterial treatment of osteoarthritis The present invention relates to use of an antibacterial agent in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of osteoarthritis, more particularly for the treatment of a bacterial infection which is responsible for osteoarthritis. Also described are methods for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis through the detection of certain bacteria in an affected joint of a patient with osteoarthritis.
US08318418B2	Determination of testosterone by mass spectrometry Provided are methods for determining the presence or amount of testosterone in a test sample, comprising ionizing all or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample to produce one or more testosterone ions that are detectable in a mass spectrometer. All or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample is ionized to produce one or more testosterone ions, which may be isolated and fragmented to produce precursor ions. A separately detectable internal testosterone standard can be provided in the sample. In a preferred embodiment, the reference is 2,2,4,6,6-d5 testosterone.
US08318412B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A semiconductor device is manufactured by a method including processes of trimming and molding resist patterns. A resist layer formed on a substrate is exposed and developed to form the resist patterns. The resist patterns are trimmed using a first gas plasma to change the profiles of the resist patterns. Widths of the trimmed resist patterns are increased using a second gas plasma to form processed resist patterns.
US08318410B2	Sulfur atom-containing resist underlayer film forming composition and method for forming resist pattern It is an object to provide a resist underlayer film forming composition having a selection ratio of dry etching rate larger than that of a resist film and exhibiting a low k value and a high n value at a short wavelength such as that of an ArF excimer laser, and enabling the formation of a resist pattern having a desired shape. When the composition is produced or used, it is required that odor due to a raw material monomer causes no problem. The object is solved by a resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography containing a polymer having in backbone thereof, a disulfide bond (S—S bond), and a solvent. The polymer may be a product of a reaction between at least one type of compound (diepoxy compound) containing two epoxy groups and at least one type of dicarboxylic acid containing a disulfide bond.
US08318395B2	Dibenzoanthracene compound and organic light emitting device having the same Provided is a novel dibenzo[a,c]anthracene compound having substituents, which can be used in an organic light emitting device.
US08318384B2	Anode catalyst and methods of making and using the same The present disclosure relates to an ion conductive material useful as an anode catalyst comprising LaCrO3, a vanadium oxide (VOx) and a solid electrolyte, and methods of making the same. The catalysts are useful in solid oxide fuels cells and, in particular, using impure hydrogen.
US08318383B2	Fuel cell reaction layer Disclosed is a fuel cell reaction layer which is excellent in durability and heat resistance while having a low operation temperature. In addition, supply of an oxygen gas to the fuel cell reaction layer is hardly disturbed. Also disclosed are a fuel cell and a method for producing such a fuel cell reaction layer. Specifically disclosed is a fuel cell reaction layer wherein a mixed conductive catalyst is used. The mixed conductive catalyst includes a conductive carrier composed of an electron conductor formed of carbon and a proton conductor formed of an inorganic material. The electron conductor is an inorganic material comprising a polymerized and carbonized organic monomer: the proton conductor is an inorganic material, and the electron conductor and the proton conductor are bonded together. In addition, a water-repellent carbon is further blended in this fuel cell reaction layer.
US08318382B2	Fuel cell electrode containing proton conductive inorganic oxide According to one embodiment, a catalyst layer of an electrode for a fuel cell has a proton conductive inorganic oxide containing an oxide superacid compound. The compound contains an element X (Titanium, Zirconium, Silicon, Tin, Hafnium, Germanium, Gallium, Indium, Cerium, Niobium or Aluminum) and an element Y (Tungsten, Molybdenum, Chromium, Boron or Vanadium). The catalyst layer also contains a reduction-oxidation metal catalyst or a carrier carrying a reduction-oxidation metal catalyst.
US08318374B2	Fuel cell comprising oxygen electrode with surface nanostructure An oxygen electrode used in the fuel cell and includes a plurality of carbon particles, a carbon thin-film, and surface nanostructure. The carbon particles are bonded to one another with the carbon thin-film, and the surface nanostructure is formed on the surface of the carbon thin-film. The surface nanostructure comprises catalyst nanoparticles made of platinum (Pt) and carbon nanoparticles. According to this combination of these elements, the catalyst nanoparticles are confined within three-dimensional structure to be formed by the carbon nanoparticles and are immobilized without losing space which allows any reactant to be accessed to the surface of the catalyst nanoparticles.
US08318371B2	Separator for fuel cell and fuel cell stack using the same A fuel cell separator capable of improving stack performance by reducing the deviation in cell performance and diminishing dead space, and a fuel cell stack using the same are disclosed. The fuel cell separator may include a base member, a first channel group disposed on a surface of the base member and a second channel group disposed on the surface of the base member. The first channel group may include at least one channel and the second channel group may include at least one channel. The first channel group and the second channel group may extend parallel to each other in a first region of the surface and independent from each other in a second region of the surface.
US08318368B2	Portable systems for engine block Described herein are portable fuel cell systems for producing electrical energy. The portable fuel cell systems include a fuel processor including a reformer and a burner. The reformer receives fuel and outputs hydrogen using the fuel. The burner processes fuel to generate heat. The system also includes a fuel cell configured to produce electrical energy using hydrogen output by the reformer. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat generated in the fuel cell or generated in the fuel processor to a reactant fluid.
US08318363B2	Reformer for fuel cell system and fuel cell system comprising the same A reformer for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system including the same are shown. The reformer includes a heat source for providing heat to evaporate a mixed fuel and having a predetermined flow path length through which the mixed fuel passes and a catalyst layer lining the internal surface of the flow path, and a reforming reactor for generating hydrogen gas from the mixed fuel through a chemical catalytic reaction by the heat and having a predetermined flow path length through which the mixed fuel passes and a catalyst layer lining the internal surface of the flow path. Either the heat source, or the reforming reactor, or both are formed from an alloy of a barrier layer forming metal and a mechanical strength enhancing metal.
US08318362B2	Fuel cell with electrolyte condensation zone A fuel cell 12 has a liquid electrolyte 20, a cathode electrode 28, and an anode electrode 26. The fuel cell includes an electrolyte condensation zone 58 extending from an edge 56 of a first catalyst layer 36 on the cathode electrode to an outer edge 48 of an edge seals 52 and 49. An anode electrode has an anode catalyst layer 30 with an end substantially coinciding with an inner edge 53 of the edge seals. The acid condensation zone is located near the reactant exit, so that electrolyte that has evaporated into the reactant stream can condense out before leaving the fuel cell for re-absorption back into the fuel cell.
US08318361B2	Gel polymer electrolyte and electrochemical device comprising the same Disclosed is a composition for a gel polymer electrolyte, the composition comprising: (i) a cyclic compound as a first crosslinking agent, the cyclic compound containing a cyclic group at the center thereof and having at least three double bonds at the end thereof; (ii) a linear or branched compound as a second crosslinking agent, the linear or branched compound containing an oxyalkylene group at the center thereof and having at least two (meth)acryl groups at the end thereof; (iii) an electrolyte solvent; (iv) an electrolyte salt; and (v) a polymerization initiator. Also, disclosed are a gel polymer electrolyte formed by polymerizing the composition for a gel polymer electrolyte, and an electrochemical device comprising the gel polymer electrolyte.
US08318355B2	Carbon-carbon composite particles, their preparation and use therefore as negative electrode for li-ion batteries A composite of particles comprising a high crystallinity carbon and a low crystallinity carbon, wherein the low crystallinity carbon exhibits an average lattice constant d=(002) of 0.350 nm or more and a crystallite size L=(002) in the diffraction of C axis of 25 nm or less, as characterized by wide-angle X ray diffraction measurements, the high crystallinity carbon exhibits an average lattice constant d=(002) of 0.338 nm or less and a crystallinity size L=(002) in the diffraction of C axis of 40 nm or more, as characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurements, the high crystallinity carbon having at least 50% of its external surface embedded within or surrounded by a matrix of low crystallinity carbon.
US08318348B2	Pouch-type secondary battery A pouch-type secondary battery including: an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator; a negative electrode tab electrically connected to the negative electrode plate and having a first tab tape; and a positive electrode tab electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and having a second tab tape wherein one or two of end portions which the positive electrode tab crosses are located inside a sealing portion.
US08318342B2	All solid-state polymer battery An all solid-state polymer battery uses: 1) a lithium based negative electrode active material including crystal grains and crystal grain boundaries, wherein at least part of the crystal grain boundaries are exposed on a surface of the lithium-based negative electrode active material, and the area of the exposed surface of the crystal grain boundaries is 0.02 to 0.5 cm2 per square centimeter of surface; 2) a dry polymer electrolyte including a specific ethylene glycol ether, a polymer containing electron-donating oxygen atoms in the skeleton, and a lithium salt; or 3) an amorphous lithium nitride layer formed between the negative electrode and the polymer electrolyte. This reduces the resistance at the interface between the negative electrode and the polymer electrolyte, thereby providing an all solid-state polymer battery with high capacity and excellent cycle characteristics. This also suppresses an increase in internal resistance during storage, thereby providing an all solid-state polymer battery with excellent high-rate discharge characteristics after storage.
US08318337B2	Battery including electrode lead having high resistant portion A battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, a battery case, a first lead connecting the first electrode with a bottom of the battery case, a seal member sealing an opening of the battery case, and a second lead connecting the second electrode with the seal member. At least one of the first lead and the second lead has a high resistant portion that has a higher resistance than the other portions per unit length. The high resistant portion is disposed at a position of the first lead closer to the first electrode than the portion connected to the bottom of the battery case or at a position of the second lead closer to the second electrode than the portion connected to the seal member. The high resistant portion is in contact with the battery case or the seal member.
US08318334B2	Battery casing for electrical device A battery casing used in an electrical device includes a box body, an electric sheet, a resilient electric portion and a switch apparatus. The box body for receiving a battery has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The electric sheet mounted on an inner surface of the first sidewall is capable of electrically connecting with a first electrode of the battery. The resilient electric portion mounted on an inner surface of the second sidewall is capable of electrically connecting with a second electrode of the battery, and compressible to generate restoring forces. The switch apparatus mounted on an outer side of the first sidewall switches between a first position and a second position. When the switch apparatus is in the first position, the first electrode of the battery is detached from the electric sheet.
US08318331B2	Magnetic recording medium, method for manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording apparatus According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, and a magnetic recording layer formed on the substrate and having patterns of protrusions and recesses corresponding to a servo area and a recording area, in which the magnetic recording layer located in each of the recesses in the recording area has a thickness smaller than two thirds of a thickness of the magnetic recording layer corresponding to each of the protrusions, the magnetic recording layer remaining in each of the recesses in the recording area has a thickness of 1 nm or more, and a difference in height on a surface of the magnetic recording medium is 7 nm or less.
US08318321B2	Compound and organic light-emitting device There are provided a compound represented by the general formula (1) and an organic light-emitting device which comprises the compound and has an optical output with remarkably high efficiency and high luminance.
US08318319B2	Shaped articles with balsa wood and method of producing them Shaped articles made of balsa veneers, balsa chips, balsa strands or balsa strips, which are oriented in the same direction according to their grain direction, and the grain direction of the individual chips deviates by 0° to 30° from the direction of the axis of the grain. The spaces of the adjacent balsa veneers, chips, strands or strips are filled with a, for example foamed, adhesive, the density of which may be the same as or close to the density of the surrounding balsa wood.
US08318301B2	Antireflection film, polarizing plate and image display device Provided is an antireflection film including, in the following order: a transparent support; at least one antiglare layer or diffusive layer containing a transparent resin and light-transmissive resin particles; and a low-refractivity layer having a refractive index lower than that of any of the transparent support and the antiglare layer or diffusive layer, wherein the transparent resin is formed by curing a mixture containing (A) a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate having at least two (meth)acryloyl groups, and (B) a modified polyfunctional (meth)acrylate modified through addition of any of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or caprolactone, and the light-transmissive resin particles contain (C) high-crosslinking light-transmissive particles which are so high-crosslinking as to have a residual monomer content of at most 2.0% and which have a compression strength of from 39 to 98 N/mm2.
US08318291B2	Composite member defining a contour surface A composite member and an associated method for forming the composite member are provided. The composite member is formed of a plurality of elongate tapes. Each tape is disposed a path defined by a plurality of natural path segments, each of which defines a non-natural offset angle relative to the adjacent segments.
US08318289B2	Coated polymeric substrates having improved surface smoothness suitable for use in flexible electronic and opto-electronic devices A composite film comprising a heat-stabilised, heat-set, oriented poly(ethylene naphthalate) substrate, and a coating layer having a surface; wherein said substrate exhibits one or more of: (i) a shrinkage at 30 mins at 230° C. of less than 1%; and/or (ii) a residual dimensional change ΔLr measured at 25° C. before and after heating the substrate from 8° C. to 200° C. and then cooling to 8° C., of less than 0.75% of the original dimension; and/or (iii) a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) within the temperature range from −40° C. to +100° C. of less than 40×10−6/° C.; and wherein the surface of said coating layer exhibits an Ra value of less than 0.6 nm, and/or an Rq value of less than 0.8 nm, the thickness of the substrate is between 50 and 250 μm and wherein the number of surface peaks in the range 300 to 600 nm per 5 cm2 area (N(300-600)) of the film is less than 50.
US08318283B2	Blow mold and backfill manufacturing process Disclosed embodiments may include methods for forming a foam product comprising forming a skin and inserting a bracket at least partially into the skin. Another embodiment method for manufacturing a foam product may comprise sealing a tube of material in a cavity of a mold, blowing air into the tube of material to form a skin comprising an interior surrounded by a wall, cutting an incision in the skin wall, inserting a bracket through the incision and into the skin interior, filling the skin interior with foam, and curing the foam. Disclosed embodiments may further include foam product comprising a skin with an interior surrounded by a wall, a bracket within the skin interior, a foam substantially filling the skin interior and securing the bracket in place, a recessed region configured to mate with a mounting assembly on a chair, and an incision in the skin wall, the incision positioned outside of the recessed region.
US08318279B1	Vehicle sticker film intermediary A sticker assembly includes an indicia-bearing sticker (30) having an adhesive layer (34). A vinyl film (20) is provided having a first side (22) and a second side (24), the second side (24) having a low-tack adhesive (25) thereon. The first side (22) of the vinyl film (20) is adhered to the adhesive layer (34) of the sticker (30). The second side (24) of the vinyl film (20) is applied to a receiving surface (12) and held against the surface (12) by the low-tack adhesive (25) wherein the vinyl film (20) and the sticker (30) are releasably adhered to the receiving surface (12) and wherein the indicia-bearing sticker (30) is displayed for viewing. In one embodiment, the sticker (30) is a vehicle windshield sticker and the receiving surface (12) is a vehicle windshield.
US08318275B2	Multi-color molding article, multicolor molding method and substrate storage container A multicolor molding article is integrally formed of first and second molding materials in combination. At least part of the peripheral portion in the boundary between a first molding part of the first molding material and a second molding part of the second molding material is formed with a thin projected piece. The tapering inclined angle of the thin projected piece is specified to range from 5° to 40°.
US08318268B2	AA stacked graphene-diamond hybrid material by high temperature treatment of diamond and the fabrication method thereof There is provided a fabrication method for an AA stacked graphene-diamond hybrid material by converting, through a high temperature treatment on diamond, a diamond surface into graphene. According to the present invention, if various types of diamond are maintained at a certain temperature having a stable graphene phase (approximately greater than 1200° C.) in a hydrogen gas atmosphere, two diamond {111} lattice planes are converted into one graphene plate (2:1 conversion), whereby the diamond surface is converted into graphene in a certain thickness, thus to fabricate the AA stacked graphene-diamond hybrid material.
US08318263B2	Method for coating an object with a graft polymer layer Described herein is a method for coating an object with a polymer layer. The method includes contacting the object with a first solution comprising a non-polymeric grafting initiator comprising at least one photoinitiator group capable of generating a free radical active species upon absorption of electromagnetic energy, wherein the photoinitiator group is selected from the group consisting of an initiator that is insoluble in polar solvent; and a negatively charged initiator; irradiating the first solution and the object, resulting in the grafting initiator binding to the object; removing the first solution; contacting the object with a second solution comprising a polymerizable monomer having at least one free-radical polymerizable group; and irradiating the second solution and the object, wherein the non-polymeric grafting initiator acts as a photoinitiator for a free-radical polymerization reaction.
US08318260B2	Method for electroless deposition of nano metallic silver and reflector of high reflectance deposited by nano metallic silver using the same The present invention relates to an electroless deposition of metallic silver on various plates. More particularly, in the present invention, by spraying a silver solution including ionic silver to be reduced into metallic silver and a reducing solution a reducing agent for reducing the silver solution at the same time to a predetermined region above a substrate, metallic silver particles having a diameter less than 30 Å are formed, and a silver layer is formed by a deposition of the nano-sized metallic silver.Since the silver layer includes nano-sized silver particles having a diameter less than 3 nm, a reflector having a high density, that is, surface roughness, can be manufactured. The reflector has a considerably excellent reflectance.
US08318258B2	Silsesquioxane resins Silsesquioxane resins useful in antireflective coatings wherein the silsesquioxane resin has the formula (PhSiO(3−x)/2(OR′)x)m(HSiO(3−x)/2(OR′)x)n(MeSiO(3−x)/2(OR′)x)o(RSiO(3−x)/2(OR′)x)p(R2SiO(3−x)/2(OR′)x)q where Ph is a phenyl group, Me is a methyl group; R is selected from a sulfur-containing organic functional group; R′ is hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is selected from ester groups, polyether groups; and polyethylene oxide groups; x has a value of 0, 1 or 2; m has a value of 0.01 to 0.97; n has a value of 0.01 to 0.97; o has a value of 0.01 to 0.97; p has a value of 0.01 to 0.97; q has a value of 0 to 0.96; and m+n+o+p+q≈1.
US08318252B2	Antimony precursors for GST films in ALD/CVD processes The present invention is a process of making a germanium-antimony-tellurium alloy film using a process selected from the group consisting of atomic layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition, wherein a silylantimony precursor is used as a source of antimony for the alloy film. Novel silylantimony compounds are also disclosed.
US08318250B2	Anchored nanostructure materials and method of fabrication Anchored nanostructure materials and methods for their fabrication are described. The anchored nanostructure materials may utilize nano-catalysts that include powder-based or solid-based support materials. The support material may comprise metal, such as NiAl, ceramic, a cermet, or silicon or other metalloid. Typically, nanoparticles are disposed adjacent a surface of the support material. Nanostructures may be formed as anchored to nanoparticles that are adjacent the surface of the support material by heating the nano-catalysts and then exposing the nano-catalysts to an organic vapor. The nanostructures are typically single wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes.
US08318246B2	Process for preparing compacted pigment granules, process for preparing encapsulated pigment granules, and process for dyeing landscaping and/or construction materials A process for preparing compacted pigment granules, comprising the steps of (1) loading iron oxide powder into a rotating mixer; (2) spraying, while the mixer is rotating, liquid binder solution onto the cascading pigment powder, whereby the cascading pigment powder is compacted into dense granules of approximately 0.3-1.2 mm diameter and having a moisture content of approximately 10-14%; and (3) directing, while the mixer is rotating, heated air at a temperature of 200-600° C. onto the compacted pigment granules, so that the compacted pigment granules are dried at a temperature of approximately 50-100° C., and continuing this process for approximately 2-3 hours until the moisture content of the compacted pigment granules is reduced to approximately 2% or less, whereupon the compacted pigment granules are removed from the mixer, and a process for preparing encapsulated pigment granules.
US08318238B2	Film position adjusting method, memory medium and substrate processing system A substrate processing system includes a processing chamber 12, and an orienter 16 centering a wafer W. The orienter 16 is provided with an orienter sensor 42 measuring a central position discrepancy of the wafer W, and an image sensor 41 measuring a width of a non-film forming portion at circumferential portions of the wafer W. After a film deposition processing in the processing chamber 12, the wafer W is loaded into the orienter 16 where a central position discrepancy of the wafer W is measured, and the wafer W is then centered. Further, the width of the non-film forming portion of the wafer W is measured, and a film position discrepancy is calculated based on the width of the non-film forming portion. To correct the calculated film position discrepancy, a target transfer position of the wafer W on a mounting table 13 in the processing chamber 12 is adjusted.
US08318228B2	Method for production of processed and roasted coffee bean The present invention provides refined roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 10 to 30 and a hydroxyhydroquinone content of not higher than 30 mg/kg by contacting an aqueous solvent with raw material roasted coffee beans. The invention also provides a process for producing refined roasted coffee beans, which includes contacting raw material roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 12 to 35, with coffee bean-derived extract-containing water selected from water containing an extract derived from roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 40 or more and water containing an extract derived from raw coffee beans.
US08318227B2	Cooking accessory and method A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing fat floating on hot soup. A thermally conducting plate 14 having a flat underside is cooled to a temperature below that at which the flat solidifies and lowered onto the floating fat to cause the fat to congeal and adhere to its underside. The plate 14 is then raised to remove the adhering fat from the soup, and the fat adhering to the underside is scraped off by dragging the underside across a straight edge 22.
US08318221B2	Dietary supplements containing extracts of cinnamon and methods of using same to enhance creatine transport Materials derived from cinnamon can be administered orally to humans or animals for the purpose of controlling blood glucose as well improving glucose tolerance. Controlling glucose metabolism is essential for those with impaired glucose metabolism as is the case for those with Type II diabetes where insulin function is not properly functioning. Such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing nutrient transport for purposes of athletic performance and controlling bodyweight and body fat levels. Similarly related, such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing creatine transport into excitable tissues such as skeletal muscle. The material can be administered as extracts of cinnamon and can be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks.
US08318218B2	Composition comprising 1,3/1, 6 beta glucan for reducing weight Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan for use as a slimming aid or in weight loss or for the treatment of obesity.
US08318213B2	Plant extract mixtures and their uses A composition comprising an effective amount of Cissus quadrangularis to reduce fat and cause weight loss in a mammal. Such compositions have beneficial activity principally in controlling weight gain and obesity.
US08318205B2	Polyethylene glycol/polycation block copolymers The invention provides block copolymers formed of poly(ethylene glycol) segments and poly(amino acid derivative) segments having side chains of at least one kind of specific amine residue. The invention also provides polyion complexes of such copolymers with polynucleotides and the like. These block copolymers are useful as carriers for in vivo delivery of active substances such as DNA.
US08318193B2	Crosslinked porous biomaterials The invention provides crosslinked porous biomaterials and methods for forming crosslinked porous biomaterials. The crosslinked porous biomaterials of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer scaffold defining an array of pores, wherein substantially all the pores have a similar diameter, wherein the mean diameter of the pores is between about 20 and about 90 micrometers, wherein substantially all the pores are each connected to at least 4 other pores, and wherein the diameter of substantially all the connections between the pores is between about 15% and about 40% of the mean diameter of the pores. The invention also provides implantable devices comprising a layer of a biomaterial, and methods for promoting angiogenesis in and around an implantable biomaterial.
US08318191B2	Porous material having hierarchical porous structure and preparation method thereof Disclosed are porous ceramic balls with a hierarchical porous structure ranging in size from nanometers to micrometers, and preparation methods thereof. Self-assembly polymers and sol-gel reactions are used to prepare porous ceramic balls in which pores ranging in size from ones of nanometers to tens of micrometers are hierarchically interconnected to one another. This hierarchical porous structure ensures high specific surface areas and porosities for the porous ceramic balls. Further, the size and distribution of the pores can be simply controlled with hydrophobic solvent and reaction time. The pore formation through polymer self-assembly and sol-gel reactions can be applied to ceramic and transition metals. Porous structures based on bioceramic materials, such as bioactive glass, allow the formation of apatite therein and thus can be used as biomaterials of bioengineering, including bone fillers, bone reconstruction materials, bone scaffolds, etc.
US08318189B2	Capsule medication administration system and medication administration method A capsule medication administration system includes: a first capsule for internal body marking; a second capsule for medication; a marking device which makes a marking within a living body; a drug retention section which retains a drug; a release device which releases the drug; a detection device which detects the marking; a decision device which decides whether or not a marking which has been detected by the detection device is a specified marking; and a release control device which operates the release device, if it has been decided by the decision device that it is the specified marking; wherein the first capsule comprises the marking device. The second capsule comprises the drug retention section and the release device.
US08318188B2	Medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor.
US08318186B2	Use of at least a fatty ester for preparing a composition designed to inhibit 5-α-reductase activity, in pharmacology, in particular dermatology, in cosmetics and as food additive The invention concerns the use of at least a fatty ester for preparing a composition designed to inhibit 5α-reductase activity. Said use produces a remarkable inhibiting effect of 5α-reductase thereby providing a novel response for treating dermatological pathologies and/or disorders related to congenital or acquired exaggeration of 5α-reductase activity, in particular for treating prostatic hypertrophy, prostatic adenoma, acne, hyperseborrhea, alopecia and hirsutism. The invention also concerns cosmetic treatment methods, in particular for greasy skin, and the use of said fatty esters as additives in a food product for human and/or animal consumption.
US08318183B2	Plasmodium liver stage antigens The invention provides isolated liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-48 and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing liver stage malaria.
US08318177B2	Viral chemokine-antigen fusion proteins The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a viral chemokine fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.
US08318172B2	Breaking immunological tolerance with a genetically encoded unnatural amino acid The present invention comprises methods and compositions for producing and/or enhancing an immunological response in a subject against a target moiety such as a disease-related moiety by administration of an antigenic version of the target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid and/or by administration of an antibody against a version of a target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid which antibody is cross reactive with the natural target moiety.
US08318153B2	Method of medically treating an individual A method immunizing an individual that minimizes the amount of antigen or attenuated organism needed and the number of doses and clinic visits required, while making possible polyvalent simultaneous immunizations. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a sample of blood. Exposing at least a portion of this sample to at least one immunogenic antigen, attenuant or other immunogen. Incubating the exposed sample under specified optimal conditions and introducing this exposed sample into the individual to effect immunization thereof. The method of the invention also provides a method of delivery of materials, other than antigens, throughout an individual's body such as therapeutic drugs, virus vectors, genes, DNA, RNA, isotopes, and other therapeutic substances. A method for the delivery of treatment material to an individual is also provided by this method.
US08318152B2	Effects of probiotics on humans and animals under environmental or biological changes An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes probiotic compositions comprising probiotic microorganisms with dried vegetable, fruit, cereal, or herb powder. Feeding human or animals either having biological or environmental changes with probiotic compositions has a positive effect in relieving the changes. Positive effects has been demonstrated in humans, dogs, and fish.
US08318141B2	Cosmetic depilatory composition A cosmetic cold-wax depilatory composition is provided The depilatory composition comprises a hydrocarbon resin, from 50% to 99% by weight and a flexibilizer or plasticizer, from 0.5% to 10% by weight Methods of applying the composition to a strip of material for removal of hair without the need for heating are also provided.
US08318137B2	Methods, agents, and compound screening assays for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts The present invention relates to methods, agents and compound screening assays for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts. The invention thus provides a method, comprising contacting a compound with a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No: 194-309; and measuring a compound-polypeptide property related to the differentiation of said cells. The invention further relates to a bone formation enhancing pharmaceutical composition, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean bone density in a subject. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the in vitro production of bone tissue.
US08318132B2	Imaging agents for detecting neurological dysfunction Disclosed here in are compounds and methods of diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease or a predisposition thereto in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a diagnostically effective amount of a radiolabeled compound, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of radiolabeled flavones, coumarins, carbazoles, quinolinones, chromenones, imidazoles and triazoles derivatives, allowing the compound to distribute into the brain tissue, and imaging the brain tissue, wherein an increase in binding of the compound to the brain tissue compared to a normal control level of binding indicates that the mammal is suffering from or is at risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.
US08318124B2	Producing method and apparatus of carbon nanofibers The present invention is provided with a reaction apparatus (12) that supplies carbon raw material (11) and fine particles (50) to cause carbon nanofibers to grow on surfaces of the fine particles (50), a heating apparatus (20) that heats the reaction apparatus 12, a recovery line (23) that recovers fine particles on which the carbon nanofibers have grown from the reaction apparatus, and a carbon nanofiber separating apparatus (24) that separates carbon nanofibers (52) from the recovered fine particles on which carbon nanofibers have been grown.
US08318121B2	Device and method for the processing of non-ferrous metals In a device and a method for the processing of non-ferrous metals for simple and economic reduction of the concentration of impurity elements and/or impurity compounds contained in the non-ferrous metal, it is provided to gas the non-ferrous metal in a processing column with at least one gas at a low pressure, causing the impurity elements and/or impurity compounds to evaporate.
US08318115B2	Systems and methods for high efficiency regenerative selective catalytic reduction The invention provides a system for regenerative selective catalytic reduction including a catalyst chamber that contains a catalyst for reducing NOX in a gas stream passing therethrough. The system also includes a reactant injector, first and second heat exchangers, and a valve manifold adapted to direct a substantially continuous gas stream through the heat exchangers and catalyst chamber in such a manner as to flow through the catalyst chamber in the same flow direction during each cycle of the system. The invention also provides a process of regenerative selective catalytic reduction wherein the gas stream through the catalyst chamber flows in the same flow direction during each cycle of the process.
US08318113B2	Purification of metals A solid composition comprises: —MnO2; and—a compound represented by the general formula (I) wherein: R is a polymer; each Y is independently a hydrogen or a negative charge; Z is either hydrogen or is not present; each n is independently 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; wherein the MnO2 is bound to the compound of formula (I) so as to coat the surface thereof. Such a composition may be used for the separation of polyvalent metal species, such as Mo, from one or more accompanying impurities.
US08318110B2	Device for the manipulation of limited quantities of liquids Holding device for the arrangement of at least one optical component in front of a laser light source of a laser unit, including a first holding part to which at least one optical component is attached, the holding device furthermore including a second holding part which is attached to one part of the laser unit, and the first holding part being attached to the second holding part. Furthermore this invention relates to an arrangement with such a holding device and a process for producing this arrangement.
US08318108B2	Suction device This invention relates to plunger operated liquid dispensers, such as hand held pipettors, which are used to portion liquids. Specifically the invention relates to a reliable removal of a liquid from the liquid dispenser. According to the invention the plunger of the liquid dispenser is arranged into a speeded up movement while removing the liquid. This change in speed is preferably sudden.
US08318097B2	Apparatus for extracting gaseous specimens to be measured from a production process and system An apparatus and a system for extracting gaseous specimens to be measured, preferably during the production of polycrystalline silicon, are disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention is a flange-like device (80), which is placed between each of the at least two pipe sections (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 41a, 41b) of the outlet pipes (11, 21, 41).
US08318094B1	Substrate analysis systems This invention provides systems for analyzing substrates. Also provided by the invention are improved optical systems for enhanced multiplex illumination, optical systems with compact multi-wavelength illumination architectures, optical systems for enhanced detection of optical signals, and optical systems for reduced autofluorescence background noise.
US08318091B2	Transfer port and method for transferring sterile items A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.
US08318090B2	Hand sanitizer/sterilizer Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.
US08318087B2	Microwave accelerated assays The present invention provides for increasing fluorescence detection in surface assay systems while increasing kinetics of a bioreaction therein by providing low-power microwaves to irradiate metallic materials within the system in an amount sufficient to increase heat thereby affecting the kinetics of a bioreaction therein.
US08318084B2	Method and device for cleaning air A method and device for cleaning air. The air to be cleaned is directed as a continuous flow in succession through a) a first zone wherein the air is treated with ozone and possibly also water, ammonia or other aerosol growth promoters; b) a second zone wherein the air is subjected to ultraviolet light; c) a third zone wherein the air is maintained for a sufficient time to allow aerosol growth; d) a fourth zone where particles in the air are given an electrical charge; e) a fifth zone wherein the air is passed through an electrostatic filter; and f) a sixth zone wherein the air flows over a catalyst to break down residual ozone.
US08318083B2	Cast heat-resistant austenitic steel with improved temperature creep properties and balanced alloying element additions and methodology for development of the same The present invention addresses the need for new austenitic steel compositions with higher creep strength and higher upper temperatures. The new austenitic steel compositions retain desirable phases, such as austenite, M23C6, and MC in its microstructure to higher temperatures. The present invention also discloses a methodology for the development of new austenitic steel compositions with higher creep strength and higher upper temperatures.
US08318074B2	Transfer apparatus having gimbal mechanism and transfer method using the transfer apparatus A transfer apparatus includes a table on which a molding material is placed, a mold holding body that fixes and holds a mold disposed such as to be opposed to a surface of the table, a gimbal member which holds the mold holding body and which forms a convex spherical surface portion, a gimbal member formed with a concave spherical surface portion which is opposed and in contact with the convex spherical surface portion, a movable body that holds the gimbal member and which can advance and retreat in the vertical direction with respect to the table surface, and an attitude adjusting/holding unit that adjusts and holds attitude of the gimbal member.
US08318059B2	Stabilization of poly(oxyalkylene) containing polymeric materials The present invention provides a method for producing a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens, made of a stabilized poly(oxyalkylene)-containing polymeric material. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: curing, in a mold, a composition comprising (a) a prepolymer having at least one poly(oxyalkylene) unit, (b) a biocompatible organic multi-acid or biocompatible salt thereof in an amount sufficient to improve the stability of the poly(oxyalkylene)-containing polymer made from the composition, (c) optionally a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator, and (d) optionally one or more vinylic monomers, to form the medical device being less susceptible to oxidative degradation; and removing the medical device from the mold.
US08318043B2	Composition for liquid crystal film, liquid crystal film using composition, and method of manufacturing liquid crystal film A composition for a liquid crystal film includes: 100 parts by weight of a vertically aligned liquid crystal mixture; 0.001-20 parts by weight of a chiral dopant; and 50-900 parts by weight of a solvent.
US08318041B2	Stable sediment dispersion, method for production and use thereof The present invention relates to a stable sediment dispersion which can be used above all as electrorheological (ERF) and/or magnetorheological fluid (MRF), a method for production thereof and also use thereof.
US08318029B1	Methods of manufacturing diamond capsules Capsules and similar objects are made from materials having diamond (sp3) lattice structures, including diamond materials in synthetic crystalline, polycrystalline (ordered or disordered), nanocrystalline and amorphous forms. The capsules generally include a hollow shell made of a diamond material that defines an interior region that may be empty or that may contain a fluid or solid material. Some of the capsules include access ports that can be used to fill the capsule with a fluid. Capsules and similar structures can be manufactured by growing diamond on suitably shaped substrates. In some of these methods, diamond shell sections are grown on substrates, then joined together. In other methods, a nearly complete diamond shell is grown around a form substrate, and the substrate can be removed through a relatively small opening in the shell.
US08318025B2	Processing rich ores using magnetic particles The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the following steps: (A) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one surface-active substance, if appropriate in the presence of at least one dispersant, resulting in the surface-active substance becoming attached to the at least one first material, (B) if appropriate, addition of at least one dispersant to the mixture obtained in step (A) to give a dispersion having a suitable concentration, (C) treatment of the dispersion from step (A) or (B) with at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle so that the at least one first material to which the at least one surface-active substance is bound and the at least one magnetic particle become attached to one another, (D) separation of the addition product from step (C) from the mixture by application of a magnetic field, (E) cleavage of the addition product which has been separated off in step (D) to obtain the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle separately.
US08318020B2	Washing method and apparatus of separation membrane When a separation membrane (3) is washed with a chemical solution that is a sodium hypochlorite solution, which has a high concentration, diluted with membrane treated water stored in a chemical solution tank (6), an ammonic nitrogen concentration in membrane-treated water is monitored with a monitoring device (9), and a control device (8) controls a chemical solution dosing pump (7) using the concentration measured by the device (9) to adjust a dilution rate. Thereby, even when water quality of membrane-treated water varies, a sodium hypochlorite concentration in backwashing water can be retained constant, and fluctuation in the chemical washing effect can be prevented.
US08318014B2	Reactor comprising a stack of filter plates A reactor includes a tubular-shaped housing in which a stack of filter plates can be rotationally arranged. The cross-sectional area of the reactor container is, in the region of the stack of filter plates, a maximum of 40% greater than the cross-sectional area of the stack of filter plates. The longitudinal extension of the reactor housing is a multiple of the longitudinal extension of the stack of filter plates, such that inside the reactor, adjacent to the stack of filter plates, additional processing devices can be arranged. The rotating stack of filter plates ensures that the entire reactor is cross-flown in an intensive manner.
US08318013B2	Staged membrane system for gas, vapor, and liquid separations The present invention involves the use of a multi-stage membrane system for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. In this multi-stage membrane system, high selectivity and high permeance or at least high selectivity polybenzoxazole membranes or cross-linked polybenzoxazole membranes are applied for a pre-membrane or both the pre-membrane and the secondary membrane. A primary membrane can be from conventional glassy polymers. This multi-stage membrane system can reduce inter-stage compression cost, increase product recovery and product purity for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. It can also save the cost compared to the system using all the high cost polybenzoxazole membranes or cross-linked polybenzoxazole membranes.
US08318012B2	Barge oil skimmer An oil skimming water vessel having a hull and deck forming one or more interior compartments, wherein the hull comprising a bow or forward section, a mid-section, a stern or aft section, and an oil skimmer assembly, and wherein either or both of the bow or aft section constructed having a rake bottom shell. The oil skimmer assembly having first and second separated side walls (SKEG) extending vertically down from the rake bottom shell, a skimmer bottom plate extending between and affixed at the lower end sections of each of the side walls (SKEG) wherein the skimmer bottom plate having at least one discharge opening in its leading edge section, and a weir plate assembly. The rake bottom shell having at least one standpipe opening to which a standpipe attaches and extends vertically to a corresponding vessel deck opening. The weir plate assembly including a weir plate extending upward from the skimmer bottom plate between and affixed to the first and second side walls, the weir plate positioned between the discharge openings and the one or more standpipe openings. The weir plate with the side walls, the skimmer bottom plate, and the rake bottom shell forming an entrance to receive skimmed oil-containing water and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the weir plate to collect the skimmed oil-containing water passing over the top edge of the weir plate.
US08318008B1	Modular individual wastewater nutrient removal system A modular, on-site, wastewater treatment system removes total nitrogen, phosphorus, BOD, and TSS. A flow equalization module provides a constant flow rate to the system eliminating the adverse effects from variations in flow rate throughout the day. Treatment modules are similarly sized to provide a compact, modular system. The nitrification module is a fixed-film, flooded packed bioreactor to facilitate bioconversion of ammonia to nitrate. Aeration of the module provides the oxygen needed for the bioconversion as well prevents clogging of the film. Solids from the nitrification process are removed in a first cone-shaped settling tank. De-nitrification where nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas takes place in an anaerobic fixed-film bioreactor. Carbon-based bio-film carriers provide a carbon source for de-nitrification. A final cone-shaped settling tank separates solids from the treated wastewater. Additional modules to address removal of phosphorous or other contaminants can be added to the modular system.
US08318006B2	“Once through” process for hydrocracking hydrocarbon-containing feeds with high nitrogen contents The present invention concerns an improved once-through process for hydrocracking hydrocarbon-containing feeds with high nitrogen contents, with partial elimination of ammonia, for example by a hot flash located between the hydrorefining zone and the hydrocracking zone. Said hot flash drum functions at a pressure close to that of the hydrorefining reactor and at a temperature in the range from 150° C. to the hydrorefining reactor outlet temperature.
US08317996B2	Auxiliary device, a marine surface vessel and a method for a sacrificial anode in a marine construction A method is provided for corrosion protection in a marine construction, such as a marine surface vessel or a marine structure, the marine construction including at least one metal element and a sacrificial anode adapted to be at least partly immerged in an electrolyte in the form of water, in which the marine construction is at least partly immerged, the at least one metal element including a metal part, the sacrificial anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part. The method includes connecting at least one of the at least one metal element and the sacrificial anode to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electric de-passivation current through an electrical circuit including the sacrificial anode, the metal element and the electrolyte.
US08317995B2	Electrode tool for electrochemical machining and method of manufacturing the same Disclosed herein is a highly-durable electrode tool for electrochemical machining, which can prevent the corrosion and abrasion of a conductive pattern at the time of electrochemical machining for forming dynamic pressure-generating grooves of a fluid dynamic bearing, and a method of manufacturing the same. The electrode tool for electrochemical machining includes: an electrode substrate on which a conductive pattern is formed to have protrusions corresponding to the fine grooves and to which negative current is applied; a nonconductive insulating layer, covering an entire top surface of the electrode substrate excluding the conductive pattern; and a conductive layer, which is formed on the conductive pattern to protect the conductive pattern, and a top surface of which is the same height as a top surface of the nonconductive insulating layer.
US08317990B2	Droplet actuator loading and target concentration A droplet actuator and method of providing a droplet comprising an target substance on the droplet actuator, and including discrete flow and continuous flow functionality. Discrete flow function is controlled by electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations on a substrate surface. The continuous flow function includes a fluid path arranged for flowing a fluid therethrough. The discrete flow and continuous flow functions may be by a barrier, including a second fluid path through the barrier. The continuous flow function may include a capture surface comprising a component having an affinity for the target substance. Methods of the invention may include flowing a fluid comprising the target substance through the fluid path; capturing the target substance on the capture surface; and forming a droplet in the discrete flow region via the second fluid path and the electrodes comprising the captured target substance.
US08317984B2	Graphene oxide deoxygenation A graphene oxide (GO) target is exposed to light having power sufficient to initiate a deoxygenation reaction of the GO target. The deoxygenation reaction of the GO target transforms the GO target to graphene.
US08317981B2	Support structure of a coke drum A support structure of a coke drum including a cylindrical drum body, an inverted-cone-shaped bottom plate connected to a bottom of the drum body, and a cylindrical skirt supporting the drum body includes an annular joining piece joining the drum body, the bottom plate, and the skirt to one another. The joining piece is a unitary member including an upper body part joined to a lower end of the drum body, a lower inner leg part joined to an upper end of the bottom plate, and a lower outer leg part joined to an upper end of the skirt.
US08317978B1	Nitriding of carbon nanotubes A method of fabricating a non-brittle, carbon nanopaper from single wall, multiwall, and combination thereof, from carbon nanotubes, using a vacuum deposition, high temperature annealing, and polystyrene polymer rinse process; which nanopaper can be nitrided by either a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, or an by an electrochemical method, to obtain a useful chemically functionalized substrate, a substrate containing metastable N4, N8, and longer chain polymeric nitrogen clusters. Such nitrided carbon nanopaper can be used to enhance the ballistic performance of gun propellants, while reducing gun barrel wear and erosion thereof.
US08317967B2	Structural urethane adhesives comprising amide polyols Urethane adhesive compositions comprising amide based polyols. The amide polyols comprise the reaction product of a reactant selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, lactic acid esters, lactone, glycolic acid, glycolic acid esters, and combinations thereof with one or more amines. The urethane adhesive compositions may be applied in methods of manufacturing a tile installation.
US08317966B2	Apparatus for substantially uniform fluid flow rates relative to a proximity head in processing of a wafer surface by a meniscus Conditioning fluid flow into a proximity head is provided for fluid delivery to a wafer surface. An upper plenum connected to a plurality of down flow bores is supplied by a main bore. The down flow bores provide fluid into the upper plenum, and a resistor bore is connected to the upper plenum. The resistor bore receives a resistor having a shape so as to limit flow of the fluid through the resistor bore. A lower plenum connected to the resistor bore is configured to receive fluid from the resistor bore as limited by the resistor for flow to a plurality of outlet ports extending between the lower plenum and surfaces of the head surface. Fluid flowing through the upper plenum, the resistor bore with the resistor and the lower plenum is substantially conditioned to define a substantially uniform fluid outflow from the plurality of outlet ports, across the width of the proximity head.
US08317965B2	Method of joining surfaces The present invention relates to a method of a method of producing a wood-based product, comprising, in the following order: applying an adhesive composition comprising a solvent, onto the first surface only, drying and heating the adhesive composition applied to the first surface, wherein the solvent is partially dried off, and bringing together the first surface with the second surface, and pressing the two surfaces against each other.
US08317962B2	Base material processing device and base material processing method using the same A base material processing device includes a first base material conveying section which receives from a first line and conveys a to-be-processed flexible base material, a base material dividing section which divides the flexible base material conveyed by the first base material conveying section, a route changing section which receives the flexible base material from its start edge formed by division by the base material dividing section and changes its conveyance route to a second line, and a second base material conveying section which is provided before the second line and holds and conveys to the second line a to-be-processed flexible base material.
US08317959B2	Method of making multi-ply door core, multi-ply door core, and door manufactured therewith The present invention concerns a method of forming a multi-ply core component. A mold press is provided having an upper die and a lower die defining a mold cavity. At least one of the upper die and the lower die has a plurality of protrusions. A first wood composite board and a second wood composite board are disposed within the mold cavity. The first and second boards are fused proximate the plurality of protrusions by compressing the boards in the mold cavity through application of heat and pressure.
US08317957B2	Adhesive masking article for corners and door hinges An adhesive tape masking article that can be used to mask both a door hinge or a corner includes a thin flexible sheet of material having opposed first and second major surfaces, first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and arcuate corners extending between at least one of the first and second side edges and the first and second end edges, and adhesive on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second major surfaces, thereby defining an adhesive surface for adhering the sheet to a surface to be masked. The sheet includes a frangible connection that allows the sheet to be separated into two masking articles, each of which can be used to mask corners.
US08317950B2	Method of making hydrogen-absorbing alloy for alkaline storage battery, and alkaline storage battery A hydrogen-absorbing alloy for alkaline storage battery which is produced by a rapid cool using a rapid quenching method and whose component is represented by a general formula Ln1-xMgxNia-b-cAlbZc is used for a negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery.
US08317949B2	Ductile metallic glasses This application deals with glass forming iron based alloys which when produced as a metallic glass or mixed structure comprising metallic glass and nanocrystalline phases, results in extraordinary combinations of strength and ductility. Specifically, high strain up to 97% and high strength up to 5.9 GPa has been measured. Additionally, consistent with the amorphous structure high elasticity up to 2.6% has been observed. Thus, the new alloys developed result in structures and properties which yield high elasticity corresponding to a metallic glass, high plasticity corresponding to a ductile crystalline metal, and high strength as may be observed in nanoscale materials.
US08317948B2	Copper alloy for electronic materials The invention provides Cu—Ni—Si alloys containing Co, and having excellent strength and conductivity. A copper alloy for electronic materials in accordance with the invention contains about 0.5-about 2.5% by weight of Ni, about 0.5-about 2.5% by weight of Co, about 0.30-about 1.2% by weight of Si, and the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities, wherein the ratio of the total weight of Ni and Co to the weight of Si ([Ni+Co]/Si ratio) satisfies the formula: about 4≦[Ni+Co]/Si≦about 5, and the ratio of Ni to Co (Ni/Co ratio) satisfies the formula: about 0.5≦Ni/Co≦about 2.
US08317943B2	Ball for constant velocity joint and method for producing the same Disclosed is a ball for a constant velocity joint, and a method for producing the same. The ball for a constant velocity joint is produced via a quenching step for heating a spherical body consisting of a material corresponding to a high carbon chromium bearing steel regulated by Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) to 840-900° C. and then cooling the spherical body under such a condition as 10-25 vol. % of austenite remains up to a first part where the depth from the surface is 0.1 mm, a step for tempering the spherical body at 150° C. or more, and a step for shot peening the spherical body and imparting a compression residual stress of −1000 MPa or more to a region reaching second part where the depth from the surface is 0.2 mm.
US08317940B2	Erosion resistant cermet linings for oil and gas exploration, refining and petrochemical processing applications The present invention is directed to a method for protecting metal surfaces in oil & gas exploration and production, refinery and petrochemical process applications subject to solid particulate erosion at temperatures of up to 1000° C. The method includes the step of providing the metal surfaces in such applications with a hot erosion resistant cermet lining or insert, wherein the cermet lining or insert includes a) about 30 to about 95 vol % of a ceramic phase, and b) a metal binder phase, wherein the cermet lining or insert has a HEAT erosion resistance index of at least 5.0 and a K1C fracture toughness of at least 7.0 MPa-m1/2. The metal surfaces may also be provided with a hot erosion resistant cermet coating having a HEAT erosion resistance index of at least 5.0.
US08317933B2	Automatic coin-operated or electronic card-operated washing machine and dryer for helmets An automatic coin—or electronic card—operated washing machine and dryer for helmets, which operates as an automatic and autonomous vending service machine and combines the quick and effective washing of a helmet with the protection of its parts and units and comprises a body (1), where the washing chamber (2) is located. The washing chamber (2), where all cleaning operations of the helmet take place, is supplied with a waterproof gate (17) which is connected thereto. The washing chamber (2) is connected to the brush and spraying mechanism, the wring mechanism (11) and the drying mechanism. The invented washing machine is connected to the water supply through a pipe (4), a water discharge pipe (3) the operation thereof is electronically controlled by an operation control system (14) which is connected to a main server (via a modem).
US08317931B1	Nanotubular titania for decontamination of chemical warfare agents and toxic industial chemicals The invention relates to methods and products enabling decontamination of chemical warfare agents and/or toxic industrial chemicals. More particularly, the invention pertains to improvements of surface decontamination processes using novel sorbents such as nanotubular titania.
US08317930B2	Rheological fluids for particle removal Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.
US08317929B2	Lithographic apparatus comprising an electrical discharge generator and method for cleaning an element of a lithographic apparatus A method for cleaning elements of a lithographic apparatus, for example optical elements such as a collector mirror, includes providing a gas containing nitrogen; generating nitrogen radicals from at least part of the gas, thereby forming a radical containing gas; and providing at least part of the radical containing gas to the one or more elements of the apparatus. A lithographic apparatus includes a source and an optical element, and an electrical discharge generator arranged to generate a radio frequency discharge.
US08317924B2	Gas treatment apparatus, gas treatment method, and storage medium Disclosed is a gas treatment apparatus which can reduce the useless liquid quantity without using an expensive device, such as the evaporator or the mass flowmeter. The control mechanism performs control for exhausting the raw material storage container to make the raw material storage container have a predetermined vacuum pressure, stopping exhaustion to make the raw material storage container be in a sealed state, making the inside of the raw material storage container have the treatment gas atmosphere formed by gasifying the liquid raw material by the vacuum pressure within the raw material storage container, exhausting the chamber to make the chamber have a predetermined vacuum pressure in a state where the target substrate is received in the chamber, stopping the exhaustion to make the inside of the chamber be in a sealed state, opening the opening/closing valve to introduce the treatment gas from the raw material storage container to the chamber, and closing the opening/closing valve when the inside pressure of the chamber reaches a treatment pressure that is higher than the vacuum pressure and lower than a vapor pressure of the liquid raw material to make the chamber have the treatment gas atmosphere of the treatment pressure.
US08317923B1	Protective self-aligned buffer layers for damascene interconnects Protective self aligned buffer (PSAB) layers are layers of material that are selectively formed at the surface of metal layers in a partially fabricated semiconductor device. In a Damascene interconnect, PSAB layer typically resides at an interface between the metal layer and a dielectric diffusion barrier layer. PSAB layers promote improved adhesion between a metal layer and an adjacent dielectric diffusion barrier layer. Further, PSAB layers can protect metal surfaces from inadvertent oxidation during fabrication process. A PSAB layer may be formed entirely within the top portion of a metal layer, by, for example, chemically converting metal surface to a thin layer of metal silicide. Thickness of PSAB layers, and, consequently resistance of interconnects can be controlled by partially passivating metal surface prior to formation of PSAB layer. Such passivation can be accomplished by controllably treating metal surface with a nitrogen-containing compound to convert metal to metal nitride.
US08317922B2	Gas injection unit and thin film deposition apparatus having the same A gas injection unit and a thin film deposition apparatus having the gas injection unit are provided. Since a variety of different kinds of organic materials can be sequentially vaporized and injected by a single injection unit, a variety of different kinds of thin films can be deposited in a single chamber. Furthermore, the gas injection structure of the injector unit can be easily controlled. Therefore, even when the process conditions such as the size of the substrate, the process temperature of the chamber, and the like are altered, it becomes possible to actively response to the altered process conditions by simply replacing some parts without replacing the whole injector unit.
US08317919B2	System for continuous growing of monocrystalline silicon An improved system based on the Czochralski process for continuous growth of a single crystal ingot comprises a low aspect ratio, large diameter, and substantially flat crucible, including an optional weir surrounding the crystal. The low aspect ratio crucible substantially eliminates convection currents and reduces oxygen content in a finished single crystal silicon ingot. A separate level controlled silicon pre-melting chamber provides a continuous source of molten silicon to the growth crucible advantageously eliminating the need for vertical travel and a crucible raising system during the crystal pulling process. A plurality of heaters beneath the crucible establish corresponding thermal zones across the melt. Thermal output of the heaters is individually controlled for providing an optimal thermal distribution across the melt and at the crystal/melt interface for improved crystal growth. Multiple crystal pulling chambers are provided for continuous processing and high throughput.
US08317916B1	Set retardant for hydraulic cement compositions A zinc-oxide based set retardant additive and admixture for use in Portland cement or other hydraulic cement mixtures. The admixture may comprise silica fume, vitreous calcium aluminosilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate hydrate, a cellulose ether derivative, or their equivalents. The zinc-oxide based set retardant may be interground or pre-blended, pre-packaged, or added on the jobsite, as an admixture, additive, or addition. The zinc-based set retardant may be subsequently added or mixed into a ready mix or wet mixture of portland cement or other hydraulic cement, sand and/or aggregate, with or without fillers, and water, with or without other pozzolans or polymers.
US08317912B2	Wet state preservation of mineral slurries The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising an isothiazolin-3-one, such as 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, a zinc compound selected from zinc salts, zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide or combinations thereof, a pyrithione salt or pyrithione acid, and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of (i) an anionic surfactant having a sulfate or sulfonate moiety attached to a straight or branched chain containing from about 10 to about 18 atoms at the backbone of the chain, (ii) an anionic surfactant being an alkylaryl sulfonic acid or salt thereof wherein the alkyl portion contains from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, and the aryl portion contains a benzyl or substituted benzyl group, and combinations thereof. This composition is particularly effective in preventing the growth of various microorganisms in mineral slurries such as aqueous calcium carbonate slurries.
US08317903B2	Treatment of contaminated gases A contaminant is removed from a gas in a method in which the gas is contacted with a solvent for the contaminant, and the resultant solution is contacted with intercalated graphite onto which the contaminant is adsorbed. The solvent will normally comprise water, and may itself be a contaminated liquid. In a preferred method the solvent is in a reservoir with particulate intercalated graphite; the contaminated gas is delivered to the base of the reservoir; and the gas rises in the solvent mobilizing the intercalated graphite in the reservoir.
US08317899B2	Shipboard hybrid system for making dry, oil-free, utility air and inert gas A shipboard system provides dry, oil-free utility air and inert gas for use on a marine vessel. A compressor converts ambient air into a pressurized air stream. The air stream is cooled by heat exchange with sea water in the vicinity of the vessel. The air stream is then dried in a dehydration membrane module, and some of the product of the dehydration module is taken for use as utility air. The remainder of the dried air is passed through an air separation module which includes a polymeric membrane. The product of the air separation module includes a nitrogen-enriched gas which is used as an inert gas on the vessel. The compressor is the only mechanically moving component of the system.
US08317895B2	Method for recovering valuable metals from wastes A method for recovering valuable metals, which include at least one M element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Ni and Co, and V, in the form of iron-based alloys from a waste containing the valuable metals, comprising the steps of (a) roasting the waste to form a roasted ore containing oxides of the valuable metals; (b-1) heating the roasted ore together with an iron source and a flux, to form an iron-based alloy melt; (b-2) adding a reducing agent having higher affinity for oxygen than V at a reduction temperature to the melt, thereby reducing the oxides of the valuable metals to form an Fe-M-V alloy melt; (c) oxidizing substantially only V in the Fe-M-V alloy melt to form a V-oxide-containing slag and an Fe-M alloy melt; and (d) separating the V-oxide-containing slag from the Fe-M alloy melt.
US08317892B1	Method for enhancing soil growth using bio-char A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.
US08317887B2	Mixture to add odour to an odourless combustible gas Mixture to be employed specifically as an agent for adding an odour to a gaseous combustible fuel such as natural gas, consisting of: at least one alkyl acrylate (I) of which the alkyl radicals contain from one to 12 carbon atoms; at least on compound of formula (II) in a quantity sufficient to inhibit the polymerization of the alkyl acrylate or acrylates(I) in the presence and/or absence of oxygen.
US08317885B2	Apparatus for gasifying fuel with a dripper edge and heat shield The invention provides an apparatus for gasifying a fuel to form synthesis gas wherein also a slag is formed. The apparatus comprises: a pressure shell; a slag bath; a gasifier wall; a free-fall trajectory for slag; and a heat shield. The gasifier wall is arranged inside the pressure shell defining a gasification chamber. It comprises a converging wall part that is provided with a slag discharge opening, located above the quench fluid in the slag bath. The heat shield is arranged above the slag bath between the free-fall trajectory and the pressure shell. The heat shield has a wall structure for allowing passage of a cooling fluid, the wall structure comprising an upper wall part and a lower wall part. The lower wall part of the heat shield is essentially refractory free.
US08317884B2	Hydrogen generating fuel cell cartridges A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.
US08317879B2	Reduced smoking textile care detergents The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce smoking and/or haze during a heated laundry process. The compositions include a smoke reducing surfactant package and a detersive surfactant containing an amount of free alcohol. The smoke reducing surfactant package includes an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof. The surfactants are selected such that the amount of smoke or haze produced is reduced and or eliminated when garments contacted with the compositions containing the surfactants are heated to at least about 250° F. Methods of using the compositions are also provided.
US08317868B2	Disc repair system A repair system including a closure prosthesis and deployment device, and associated methods for repairing any imperfection including a flaw, hole, tear, bulge, or, in some cases, a deliberate cut or incision in any tissue including an intervertebral disc. The prosthesis has first and second side portions with a connecting central portion, and is designed to span an imperfection with opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the imperfection. The prosthesis may include anchoring features including barbs and/or members that extend transversely. The deployment device can include a cannula for positioning the prosthesis near the imperfection, and, in some cases, a mechanism that may cause the two sides of the prosthesis to be deployed in a specific order.
US08317866B2	System and methods for a laterally expanding implant An implant for a spinal column and a method for inserting the same into a patient is disclosed. The implant includes an elongated body positionable in a spinal disc space. The body comprises a first body member and a second body member that each include at least one wedge extending into an interior cavity. A front bracket is connected with a leading portion of the first and second body members and a rear bracket connected with a trailing portion of said first and second body members. The brackets allow the first and second body members to move between an expanded state and an unexpanded state. An expansion component is positioned within the interior cavity when the implant is in an expanded state and the implant is then positioned in an unexpanded state. The expansion component includes at least one inverted wedge in engagement with the wedge of the first and second body members. The inverted wedge is operable to cause the first and second body members to expand way from one another to the expanded state. A bone graft member is then inserted into the interior cavity defined by the first and second body members.
US08317864B2	Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and a mechanical actuation means for expanding the expandable member. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers.
US08317856B2	Multi-component expandable supportive bifurcated endoluminal grafts and methods for using same A multiple-component expandable endoluminal system for treating a lesion at a bifurcation including a self expandable tubular root member having a side-looking engagement aperture, a self expandable tubular trunk member comprising a substantially blood impervious polymeric liner secured therealong; both having a radially compressed state adapted for percutaneous intraluminal delivery and a radially expanded state adapted for endoluminal support.
US08317845B2	Screw and method of use A two-part screw system for use in bone repair and joint replacement includes a first portion and a second portion capable of mating with the first portion. The first portion includes a thread for engaging cancellous bone within a portion of a bone on one side of a fracture. The second portion is coupled to a retention mechanism that couples a portion of the bone on opposite sides of the fracture to a portion of the bone having the first portion of the two-part screw.
US08317841B2	Cervical dynamic stabilization system A vertebral stabilization plate assembly is provided. The plate assembly includes a flexible core located in a mid-portion section of the plate assembly; at least a first and a second attachment portion positioned above and below (or above and below—depending on orientation of flexible core) the flexible core, wherein the first and the second attachment portions comprise a plurality of fastener holes through which a plurality of fasteners are inserted to attach the plate assembly to at least two vertebral bone structures; and at least one flexible cable that extends through at least a first portion of the flexible core to maintain a position of the flexible core within the plate assembly, wherein the plate assembly is weight-bearing and attaches to the at least two vertebral bone structures and extends across a disc space located between the at least two vertebral bone structures.
US08317837B2	Connector and method Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for securing linear elements relative to one another. In some embodiments, medical implant linear elements are secured in a connector by forcing one or both of the linear elements against at least another member such as a tapered member or wedge. The secured linear elements may include rods, posts, screws, hooks, bars, bolts, or other members.
US08317821B1	Release mechanism The present invention provides for a method and apparatus related to a releasable mechanism having a first connector having a first end and a second end, a second connector having a top and a bottom, a first notch positioned near the first connector second end to releasably mate with the second connector bottom, and a second notch located near the second connector bottom to releasably receive the first connector second end.
US08317812B2	Lancet device with lance retraction A lancet device includes a hollow housing defining a cavity and having a proximal end and a distal end and a slider slidable at least partially within the cavity along a longitudinal axis from an outward position to a pushed position. The slider extends outside of the cavity beyond the proximal end when it is in the outward position. A needle holder holding a needle is rotatable about and translatable along the longitudinal axis when moved from an initial position to an extended position. When the needle holder is in the initial position, the slider is in the outward position. When the needle holder is in the extended position, the lance extends beyond the proximal end. Sliding of the slider to the pushed position enables a first biasing member to urge the needle holder toward the extended position. A second biasing member can be present in the lancet device.
US08317811B2	Surgical instrument for endoscopic surgery Surgical instrument for endoscopic surgery that permits the simulation of the articulation movements of a surgeon finger, comprising a rigid tube (3) whose distal end has a first phalanx (4) articulated, being in turn articulated to a second phalanx (5), which is linked to the rigid tube (3) by means of cables housed in cross ducts (12), situated in the interior of the first phalanx (4), linking the movement of the second phalanx (5) to that of the first phalanx (4), whose articulation takes place due to the actuation of the transmission rod (11), the rigid tube (3) being attachable to a handle (1) that incorporates a controller (2) for the actuating of the instrument articulation movement by the surgeon, which operates a fork (14), which in turns actuates the transmission rod (11).
US08317808B2	Device and method for rolling and inserting a prosthetic patch into a body cavity This invention generally relates to minimal invasive surgery. More specifically the current invention relates to an apparatus especially adapted to fold prosthetic patches and to insert said patches into a body cavity through a cannula or an incision.
US08317803B2	Surgery equipment holding device A surgery equipment holding device including a holder for holding surgical equipment, a bar connected to the holder, a brake which operatively engages the bar for stopping movement of the bar, and a pair of switches for switching being an active state and an inactive state of the brake. The surgery equipment holding device is characterized in the operation thereof at the time of disengaging the fixation state, and exhibits excellent operability.
US08317795B2	System and method of bone compression and fixation A tension member installation and tensioning device and method for stabilizing a bone are provided. The device includes a barrel that houses a tension member with a leading element attached to the leading end of the tension member. The barrel of the device is inserted into a hole drilled through a bone until the barrel is beyond the distal cortex of the bone. The leading element is then engaged with the distal cortex. The leading element may be released from within the barrel or otherwise expanded to engage the distal cortex. The barrel is then retracted from the hole, and tension is applied to the tension member via a tensioning mechanism to attach a terminal element to a trailing portion of the tension member when a predetermined tension is achieved. The device may include a trigger for actuating the tensioning mechanism and a cutter for severing the tension member.
US08317794B2	Device for preparing a space in bone to receive an insert A device and method for use in a human spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies and into the vertebral end plates to receive an implantable insert. The device includes a handle, a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. An abrading element is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the abrading element in at least one degree of freedom to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.
US08317782B1	Non-ablative radio-frequency treatment of skin tissue A radio-frequency electrode that is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface of a patient being treated to improve the skin appearance. Harmful burning is avoided by employing one of the following four features: pre-applying to the skin a thermal gel, a known thermally and electrically-conductive material, using low radio-frequency power at 3.8-4 MHz, relying on the natural cooling provided by a highly conductive electrode material, and continuously moving the electrode while in contact with the skin. Preferably, all four features are combined in carrying out the cosmetic procedure of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the highly conductive electrode material is an alloy comprised mainly of silver with a small percentage of ingredients added to strengthen the silver alloy electrode and preserve its luster and the active surface of the electrode is configured as a section of a sphere, or as dome shaped.
US08317780B2	Fractional scanner for dermatological treatments A dermatological treatment device is disclosed for generating a matrix of two dimensional treatment spots on the tissue. A handpiece carrier a laser which generates a beam of laser pulses. The pulses are focused onto the tissue with a lens system. A diffractive element is positioned between the laser and the lens system for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of sub-beams. A scanner translates the beam over the diffractive element to generate the two dimensional spot pattern. The laser has a semi-monolithic resonator design with one integral end minor defining the output coupler and a second, independent mirror for adjustment.
US08317770B2	Systems and methods of identifying catheter malfunctions using pressure sensing Methods and systems for determining whether a catheter malfunction is present in a catheter by analyzing changes in the pressure of fluids being pumped through the delivery lumen of the catheter. The pressure changes that may be monitored may include, e.g., the peak pressure within the catheter and/or the pressure decay profile. The catheter malfunctions that may be determined using the methods and systems of the invention may include, e.g., leaks, blockages, the presence of gas bubbles, etc.
US08317766B2	Individually packaged absorbent article In order to produce an easily removable individually packaged absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, while maintaining the surface sheet thereof in a hygienic state and avoiding the occurrence of individually-packaging failures such as bending or wrinkling of a packaging sheet on the production line, in the process of producing individually packaged absorbent articles, absorbent articles are provided at definite intervals on a band shaped sheet and a notch out satisfying the following conditions is formed at the intermediate site between each pair of the absorbent articles. [1] The notch out is formed by an outward curved cut line, which starts from the cutting-starting point in the side periphery toward the diagonally tilting direction forward in the line and shows a convex outward of the band shaped sheet, and an inward curved line which is connected to the endpoint of the outward curved cut line via a ininflexion point P and shows a convex inward of the band shaped sheet. [2] When the interval distance in the line direction of the outward curved cut line is referred to as B and the distance from the ininflexion point P to the side periphery line of the band shaped sheet is referred to as A, the relationship B>1.5A is satisfied.
US08317765B2	Packaged tampon and applicator assembly A packaged tampon and applicator assembly includes a tampon and an applicator assembled together with the tampon and adapted to facilitate insertion of the tampon in a user. A wrapper has an interior space and sealingly encloses the tampon and applicator assembly in the interior space. The wrapper includes a line of weakness formed therein to facilitate tearing of the wrapper along the line of weakness to facilitate opening a portion thereof to provide an opening in the wrapper through which the tampon and applicator assembly is removed from the wrapper. The wrapper is further configured to inhibit separation of the opened portion from the wrapper. The remainder of the wrapper defines a pocket sized for receiving the entire applicator therein following use of the applicator to insert the tampon in the user. Should mention facilitation of the opening via a line of weakness (i.e. perforation).
US08317756B2	Self-contained pressurized injection device An apparatus includes a medicament container and an actuator assembly coupled to a proximal end portion of the medicament container. A distal end portion of the medicament container is configured to be coupled to a needle. A piston is movably disposed within the medicament container such that the medicament container is divided into a first internal portion and a second internal portion, the first internal portion containing a medicament. The actuator assembly has a pressurized fluid container, a regulator and a bias member. The pressurized fluid container is configured to move relative to the medicament container between a first position and a second position. The regulator is configured to fluidically couple the pressurized fluid container and the second internal portion of the medicament container when the pressurized fluid container is in the second position. The bias member is configured to bias the pressurized fluid container in the first position.
US08317751B2	Injection device An injection device (110) is provided which includes a syringe (122) having a discharge nozzle (118). The syringe is movable between a retracted position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing and an extended position in which the discharge nozzle extends from the housing. A trigger (114) is activatable to allow the contents of the syringe to be discharged through the discharge nozzle. There is also a releasable locking mechanism (116) which, when engaged, prevents the trigger from moving into an active position. The trigger includes a first portion (150) having a cut-out (152) which extends from a first end of the trigger in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis (101). The releasable locking mechanism includes a protrusion (154) along a second axis (181) for communicating with the first portion of the trigger when the releasable locking mechanism is engaged and for communicating with the cut-out when the releasable locking mechanism is disengaged. Such an injection device provides improved protection against accidental activation of the trigger.
US08317737B2	Device for actively removing a target component from blood or lymph of a vertebrate subject Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject for treatment of a disease or condition in the vertebrate subject. An implantable device is provided which includes a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one first reservoir in communication with at least one lumen; one or more energy sources configured to provide energy to elicit one or more signal responses associated with one or more labels that bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of the vertebrate subject; one or more sensors configured to detect the one or more signal responses associated with one or more labeled target components; and one or more reactive components in communication with the at least one lumen for release responsive to the one or more sensors.
US08317730B2	Robotic rehabilitation apparatus and method This patent describes an 8+2 degrees of freedom (DOF) intelligent rehabilitation robot capable of controlling the shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers individually and allowing functional arm movements with accompanying trunk and scapular motions. The rehabilitation robot uses the following integrated rehabilitation approach: 1) it has unique diagnostic capabilities to determine patient-specific multiple joint and/or multiple DOF biomechanical and neuromuscular changes; 2) it stretches the stiff joints/DOFs under intelligent control to loosen up the specific stiff joints and to reduce excessive cross-coupling torques/movements between the specific joints/DOFs, which can be done based on the above diagnosis for subject-specific treatment; 3) the patients practice voluntary reaching and some functional tasks to regain/improve their motor control capability, which can be done after the stretching loosened up the stiff joints; and 4) the outcome will be evaluated quantitatively at the levels of individual joints, multiple joints/DOFs, and the whole arm.
US08317727B2	Tissue removal device and method of use A biopsy device for acquiring more than one tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device can have at least two tissue engaging elements, where at least one element contains a helical feature. A control mechanism can be used to spin an outer element relative to an internal element, resulting in transport of multiple tissue samples from the mass of tissue to an accessible collection chamber. The outer element may have a sharp distal end which may sever the samples from the mass of tissue. Samples may be stored sequentially in the collection chamber and be removed by the operator.
US08317725B2	Biopsy device with fluid delivery to tissue specimens The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.
US08317721B2	Reuseable skin testing device The present invention provides a device and method for skin testing. The device includes a handle assembly connected to a cylinder assembly having a first and second cylinder housing. Each cylinder housing is connected to at least one testing head assembly that includes a plurality of pins having a plurality of tips positionable against the skin and a socket assembly that is structured and operable to pivot the testing head to apply equal and even pressure to all the pins. Further, the method provides positioning the device tangent to the surface of the skin, and pivoting the testing head assembly horizontally to apply equal and even pressure to the pins.
US08317720B2	Core-temperature based herd management system and method A system and method for managing a herd of animals possibly requiring medical treatment, such as cows in a feedlot. The animals are herded individually into a chute, where identification data is collected from a tag, and core temperature data is collected using a special non-contacting core temperature sensor. The animal is tagged with a color coded tag representing a range of temperatures into which that animal's temperature falls. The animal is then delivered to a pen corresponding to that range of temperatures, where appropriate medicinal treatment is automatically dosed and applied to the animal.
US08317719B2	Apparatus and method for detecting lung sounds using an implanted device Adventitious lung sounds indicative of lung congestion are detected using an implantable sensor. The sensor is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a pulmonary system and to output signals indicative of lung sounds in response to pulmonary system activity. A controller receives the signals and processes the signals to detect the presence of adventitious lung sounds. A respiratory cycle sensor operating in conjunction with the lung-sound sensor enables classification of an adventitious lung sound according to its time occurrence within the respiratory cycle. Posture sensing in conjunction with lung-sound sensing provides valuable additional information as to the severity of the lung congestion.
US08317713B2	Ultrasound catheter with rotatable transducer An ultrasound catheter assembly having a rotatable transducer assembly is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter assembly includes an elongate flexible shaft having a lumen and a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter assembly further includes a drive member that engages the transducer assembly at a distal end of the catheter. Rotation of the drive member in a first direction causes the transducer assembly to rotate in an oscillatory fashion in a second direction.
US08317708B2	Setting an optimal image parameter in an ultrasound system A processing unit is configured perform an image process upon an ultrasound image to thereby detect a center of a blood vessel from the ultrasound image. The processing unit is configured to set the center of the blood vessel as an optimal focal point position. The processing unit is configured to calculate a plurality of steering angles, a plurality of transmit (Tx) frequencies and a plurality of sound speeds. The processing unit is further configured to form a plurality of ultrasound images corresponding to each of the steering angles, the Tx frequencies and the sound speeds based on the ultrasound data, detect a signal to noise ratio (SNR), a number of edge points of the blood vessel and a contrast difference between pixels for each of the second ultrasound images to thereby detect an optimal steering angle, an optimal Tx frequency and an optimal sound speed.
US08317707B2	System and method for medical imaging with robust mode switching via serial channel In one embodiment of the invention, there is an ultrasound processing system that communicates images over a single asynchronous serial channel according to a scheme that does not require an isochronous serial channel and that switches among ultrasound imaging modes robustly. For example, the system is configured to packetize ultrasound image data of at least one ultrasound imaging mode into a stream of data frames and to convey the stream of data frames via the asynchronous channel. Each data frame includes indication of the ultrasound imaging mode and includes ultrasound-imaging-mode-specific imaging parameters. Other embodiments exist.
US08317700B2	Methods and devices for non-invasive analyte measurement Methods and compositions for the non-invasive determination of the concentration of an analyte are provided.
US08317698B2	Method of monitoring an automated point-of-care fluid testing system A method of monitoring performance of a fluid testing system is provided. The method draws a fluid sample to the testing system using a pump. A voltage output of a sensor, such as an optical sensor, is generated. The voltage output of the optical sensor during the drawing is compared to an upper fluid volume drawn based voltage limit and a lower fluid volume drawn based voltage limit stored within a memory. The system is flushed with a flushing fluid using the pump to flush the flushing fluid from the testing system. The voltage output of the optical sensor during the flushing is compared to an upper fluid volume flushed based voltage limit and a lower fluid volume flushed based voltage limit stored within the memory. An alert generates if at least one of the voltage output during the drawing of the fluid sample is outside of voltage limits.
US08317695B2	Device to permit offpump beating heart coronary bypass surgery A system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery permits coronary surgery on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the system. A component of the system engages the heart with a heart positioning device, repositions the heart into a displaced position and maintains it in the displaced position while the heart continues to beat with substantially unabated and uninterrupted cardiac output. One form of the system can be used in minimally invasive surgery.
US08317690B2	Foam port and introducer assembly A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer and a portal member positionable within a longitudinal passageway of the introducer. The portal member is adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition between a first expanded condition and a second compressed condition. The assembly may include an expandable restraining member that may be disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The restraining member is adapted to expand and compress the portal member to cause the portal member to transition to the compressed condition.
US08317688B2	Multi-view endoscopic imaging system Endoscopic illumination and imaging systems for enabling observation of both the forward and rearward directions in a lumen using only a single imaging device. According to one implementation, the system utilizes the effects of a partially reflective mirror to respectively transmit and reflect light from the different portions of the lumen or cavity, and uses separate groups of illumination sources to illuminate one or the other section of the lumen, such that the illuminated section is preferentially imaged by virtue of its increased light level. In a second implementation, electrically switched mirrors are used, having properties switched between a transmissive and a partially reflective state, such that the mirror can be switched between imaging the regions forward of the camera when in a transmissive state, and imaging the regions rearward of the camera when in a reflective state. A mechanically swiveled mirror is described for the same purpose.
US08317674B2	Shielding assemblies for infusion systems A shielding assembly for an infusion system includes a plurality of compartments and a door for each compartment, and provides a radioactive radiation barrier for the compartments. One of the compartments contains a radioisotope generator of the infusion system and another of the compartments may contain a waste bottle of the infusion system. An opening into each of the generator and waste bottle compartments may be oriented upward, and the opening into the latter may be at a higher elevation than the opening into the former, for example, to facilitate independent removal and replacement of each. A door of at least one of the compartments, other than the generator compartment, when closed, may prevent the door of the generator compartment from being opened. A cabinet structure for the infusion system may enclose the shielding assembly and secure the generator.
US08317668B2	Exercise device for abdominal and other core muscles A device for exercising the abdominal and other core muscles of a user comprises a rotatable base having a central opening therein, and a bar removably insertable into the opening. The bar may comprise two or more separable segments and may have provide for the attachment and removal of weights to provide resistance to a user. Also disclosed is a method of exercising using such a device.
US08317655B2	Hydraulic pressure control apparatus for torque converter A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a torque converter includes a relay valve switching levels of a hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic power transmission chamber and establishing selective connections between a cooler and the hydraulic power transmission chamber or between the cooler and a hydraulic pressure supply source of which a flow amount of the operational fluid is regulated by a first orifice, an electronic control unit controlling operations of the relay valve, a hydraulic pressure declination determining portion judging whether the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure supply source is lower than a threshold value based on a predetermined vehicle state, and a switching command outputting portion outputting a command to connect the cooler and the hydraulic pressure supply source by the relay valve when the hydraulic pressure declination determining portion determines that the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure supply source is lower than the threshold value.
US08317654B2	Method for controlling an automated step-by-step variable speed transmission A method of controlling a multi-step transmission which is connected, via a friction clutch or by a torque converter, to a engine, and, via an axle, to wheels such that when the vehicle is stationary, the engine is running and the drivetrain is disengaged, rolling of the vehicle is prevented or restricted by a shift of the multi-step transmission. The method to prevent rolling includes the step that when the multi-step transmission is in neutral, a safety function is activated, in which actuation of a shift operation element, the accelerator and brake pedals and the current rolling speed are detected by sensors and, if the driving operation elements have not been actuated, then if a predefined rolling speed limit is exceeded, the friction clutch is disengaged if necessary, a starting gear is engaged and the friction clutch is engaged.
US08317653B2	Engine unit and straddle-type vehicle A continuously variable transmission of an engine unit. A driving side pulley is mounted on a crankshaft. A driven side pulley is mounted on a driven shaft. A belt is looped around the driving and driven side pulleys. The continuously variable transmission is housed in a transmission case. The transmission case includes a drive shaft supporting portion supporting an end portion of the crankshaft, a driven shaft supporting portion supporting an end portion of the driven shaft 27, and a support column portion bridged between the drive shaft supporting portion and the driven shaft supporting portion. The engine unit thereby has a simple structure and increaes the strength of supporting a crankshaft and a driven shaft.
US08317644B1	Protective cover for bicycle drive train elements A removable, flexible cover with a single closure and without moving parts such as elastic, zippers, or ties, for enclosing a bicycle's drive train elements, thereby protecting during transport of the bicycle both the drive train and objects that otherwise would come into contact with grease or sharp components from the drive train elements.
US08317623B1	Physical characteristics based user identification for matchmaking One or more physical characteristics of each of multiple users are detected. These physical characteristics of a user can include physical attributes of the user (e.g., the user's height, length of the user's legs) and/or physical skills of the user (e.g., how high the user can jump). Based on these detected one or more physical characteristics of the users, two or more of the multiple users to share an online experience (e.g., play a multi-player game) are identified.
US08317614B2	System and method for playing a music video game with a drum system game controller A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.
US08317613B2	Social interactive content creator development A system is provided for social interactive content development of a plurality of art assets for an interactive video game. The system includes a proximity analyzer for determining proximity relationships amongst the plurality of art assets, each of the art assets being defined for display during execution of the interactive video game. An activity monitor is provided for monitoring access to the plurality of art assets. And a social inference engine is provided for initiating a communication in response to triggering a predefined access threshold set for a specific art asset based on a proximity relationship of the specific art asset to a proximate art asset.
US08317609B2	Method, apparatus and system for determining the presence of a user at a device such as a gaming machine A method and system for verifying the continued presence of the same player at a gaming machine is provided. The system comprises a device for continuously obtaining verification data samples, wherein each verification data sample relates to one or more physical features of a first player. A subsequently obtained verification data sample is analyzed to determine whether it is substantially similar to a previously obtained verification data sample. If the subsequent verification data sample is substantially similar to the previously obtained verification data sample, then the system determines that the first player continues to be the same player present at the gaming machine.
US08317607B2	Wagering game machine digitally signed volume management A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered; and an authentication module. The authentication module is operable to authenticate one or more used partitions of a non-volatile storage volume using a first authentication method and to authenticate one or more unused sections of the nonvolatile storage volume using a second authentication method.
US08317604B2	Apparatus and method for retrofitting candle devices on a gaming machine A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
US08317603B2	Multi-tiered competitive wagering games including award enhancement in subsequent game A method of playing a competitive wagering game comprises receiving a wager from each of a first plurality of players, displaying to each of the first plurality of players a first wagering game, and in response to a first triggering event, entering the first plurality of players into a competitive wagering game. The method further comprises declaring a first one of the first plurality of players a winner of the competitive wagering game, in response to a second triggering event, entering the first player and a second plurality of players into a subsequent competitive wagering game and providing the first player with an award enhancement for use during the subsequent competitive wagering game.
US08317595B2	Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system In one example, there is provided a method of gaming comprising initiating play, conducting a feature game in response to a feature trigger condition being met, providing at least two alternative continuations which may be accessed if a further trigger condition is met during the feature game, determining which of the alternative continuations to apply upon the further trigger condition being met, and continuing play with the determined continuation.
US08317591B1	Method for generating numbers for lottery games A method for generating numbers for lottery games that works out a series of cases providing optimized lotto numbers for different lottery wheels, achieving up to about 500% or more improvement in comparison against other systems. The optimal generating system for lottery games created for the Lottery Players provides a study on how to increase their chance of winning Lottery Prizes more frequently. The system of the present invention is used for generating very special number combinations, the final numbers representing a system of combinations that achieve the Maximum Possible “Coverage”.
US08317590B2	High volume electronic lottery ticket distribution system A game server communicates game record groups to a site controller associated with a gaming site, and the site controller stores the game record groups in associated data storage. The site controller selects one of the stored game record groups in response to a game availability request associated with a respective game presentation, and communicates the selected game record group from the site controller to a player station services controller associated with the gaming site. The player station services controller stores that respective game record group in its associated data storage device and communicates data from a respective game record to a player station in response to a game play request from the player station, thereby allowing the player station to present a player with a lottery game result for the game play request.
US08317583B2	Card game A card game is played between a dealer and at least one player. Each player is required to ante a bet before receiving a hand of cards. Cards are dealt to the dealer and each player so that the dealer and each player each receive two cards with at least one of the faces of the dealer's cards hidden from each player. Each player is permitted to view their cards and the make additional bets. The hidden faces of the cards dealt to the dealer are revealed. Each player holding a hand wherein the sum of the player's cards is within a selected amount of the sum of the dealer's cards is identified as a winner.
US08317580B2	Video game with latency compensation for delay caused by frame buffering The present invention provides a game apparatus, a game progressing method, and a recording medium that remove dissatisfaction of a player generated when an operation is not reflected on a progressing result of a game in spite of the operation being made at an appropriate timing and enhance entertaining potentialities. If an operation instruction on a player character is received from a player, a time period that has elapsed since a previous state has changed to a current state is measured. When the elapsed time is within a predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state and the previous state are inquired. When the elapsed time is not within the predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state are inquire. Based on an inquiry result, it is determined whether the operation instruction from the player is an allowable action.
US08317575B2	Power toilet bowl cleaning attachment An implement for cleaning mineral ring build up in a toilet bowl. The inventive device is an attachment driven by a cordless drill. It consists of a ball covered with a non abrasive material attached to a shaft which rotates the ball to remove mineral ring build up on toilet bowls.
US08317567B2	Moulded textile lingerie item with support region made from silicone An article made of elastic textile material comprising at least one zone intended to be shaped by thermal molding is provided. The at least one zone has at least over one part a support region in which the textile material is coated, prior to thermal molding, with a non-moldable material with shape-memory. The article is, in particular, a brassiere coated with silicone in the zone of the cups of the brassiere.
US08317562B2	Hermetically-sealed packages for electronic components having reduced unused areas Hermetically-sealed packages for electronic components, e.g., OLEDs, are provided. The packages have a first glass substrate (12), a second glass substrate (16), and a wall (14) that separates the first and second substrates (12,16) and hermetically seals the electronic component (18) between the substrates (12,16). The package has a reduced outer unused area characterized by distances Dfirst (32a) and Dsecond (32b) at least one of which, and, in certain embodiments, both of which are less than 200 microns, e.g., one or both of Dfirst (32a) and Dsecond (32b) is approximately 100 microns. The reduction in unused area can be used to increase viewing area, improve electrical lead design, and/or increase package strength through the use of a wider sintered frit wall (14).
US08317543B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector which comprises an insulated housing on which a first engaging portion is provided for engaging with a second engaging portion provided in a mating electrical connector, first contacts arranged in a predetermined direction on the insulated housing and operative to come into contact with second contacts provided in the mating electrical connector, a conductive shell for covering partially the insulated housing, and an aligning cover attached to the conductive shell and operative to cause end portions thereof in the predetermined direction to engage respectively with end portions in the predetermined direction of the mating electrical connector for aligning the insulated housing with the mating electrical connector when the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion, and with which the first engaging portion can be appropriately and smoothly put in engagement with the second engaging portion.
US08317529B2	Contact and electrical connector A contact having a contact section, a pair of tabs, and a pair of springs. The contact section includes a pair of arms extending frontward while facing each other and a support bearing the pair of arms. The pair of tabs are located on left and right sides of the contact with the contact section positioned between. The pair of springs having a sheared surface and bend from both left and right sides of the support respectively. Additionally, the pair of springs first bend outwardly to right and left away from the contact section, around respective central axes extending vertically and maintain the sheared surface facing up and down. Then, the pair of springs extend backward to link to the pair of tabs, respectively, the pair of springs supporting the contact section.
US08317524B2	Connector and electrical tracks assembly A connector and electrical tracks assembly comprises a connector with a plurality of electrical contacts; said connector being connectable to a further connector at a first extremity; said connector being connectable at a second extremity to a circuit board portion with a plurality of electrical tracks; wherein a circuit board portion is located between a first layer of plastic thermosetting composite material of fiber and filler and a second layer of plastic thermosetting composite material of fiber and filler.
US08317519B1	Resuscitation metronome A portable metronome is provided for assisting medical resuscitations, including cardiopulmonary and cardiocerebral resuscitations. The metronome includes a user interface having a plurality of criteria selection buttons, which when selected, can alter the resuscitation sequence to be generated. Resuscitation sequence prompts can include both audible and visual prompts. The sequence generation is at least in part based upon medically accepted resuscitation guidelines.
US08317516B2	Dental mill blanks A dental mill blank including a resin and a filler, wherein the blank is fabricated such that it passes a Thermal Shock Test. The mill blank is substantially free of cracks and discontinuities. Further, the blank may have superior cuttability and hardness.
US08317508B2	Frame for a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object and device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by such a frame The present invention relates to a frame (1) of a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object (3). The device manufactures the three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying a powder or liquid building material (3a) layer by layer at locations in each layer corresponding to the cross-section of the object (3) to be manufactured in a building space. The building space is defined by the frame (1) and a platform (2) inside the frame (1), wherein the frame (1) comprises at the inner side facing the building space glass ceramic plates.
US08317507B1	Systems for making microtablets for drug delivery Methods and systems are provided for making a drug microtablet. The method includes loading a lyophilization capillary channel with a liquid drug solution; lyophilizing the liquid drug solution in the lyophilization capillary channel to produce a lyophilized drug formulation; compressing the lyophilized drug formulation in the lyophilization capillary channel, or in a compression capillary channel, to form a microtablet; and ejecting the microtablet from the lyophilization capillary channel or compression capillary channel. The methods and systems may provide drug microtablets having improved content uniformity and reduced weight variability.
US08317506B2	Linear actuator assisted knockout mechanism for a food patty forming machine A knockout mechanism for a food patty forming machine with one or more knockout cups for ejecting formed food from a cavity of a reciprocating mold plate. A rocker arm moves the knockout cup between a raised position and a knockout position. A linear actuator applies force to the knockout cup to move the knockout cup from the raised position to the knockout position. A spring also applies force on the rocker arm to move the knockout cup.
US08317502B1	Texture pattern imprinting apparatus The present invention may be attached to a vehicle for movement adjacent to a generally vertical wall structure for imprinting a pattern in a surface of the wall structure. An imprint form frame may be attached to an imprint form. The imprint form frame may be attached to a support frame that may be of generally rectangular form with horizontal and vertical members. The support frame may be attached to one or more position support members so as to be movable in a horizontal and perpendicular direction relative to the plane of the support frame. The perpendicular movement may be controlled by a power actuator. The position support member may be attached to a frame support beam for attachment to a vehicle and may be movable vertically.
US08317496B2	Motor-fan assembly having a tapered fan with a concave underside A motor-fan unit includes an end plate assembly, a motor assembly supported by the end plate assembly, and a shaft rotated by the motor assembly and extending through the end plate assembly. The fan assembly further includes a fan secured to the rotatable shaft which is supported by the end plate assembly. The fan includes a fan disc having a substantially frusto-conical shape, a fan ring having a substantially frusto-conical shape, and a plurality of vanes connecting the fan disc to the fan ring such that the frusto-conical shapes are substantially parallel to one another. A diffuser with a tapered fan side is also provided between the fan and the end plate assembly, wherein the tapered fan side is substantially parallel with the fan disc.
US08317495B2	Linear compressor A linear compressor is provided that includes a stationary member including a cylinder that provides a space to compress a refrigerant; a movable member that linearly reciprocates with respect to the stationary member, and that includes a piston that compresses the refrigerant inside the cylinder and a supporter piston having a support portion that extends in a radial direction of the piston; front main springs positioned so as to be symmetrical with respect to centers of the piston and the supporter piston, one ends of which are supported by a front surface of the support portion of the supporter piston and the other ends of which are supported by the stationary member; a rear main spring, one end of which is supported by a back surface of the supporter piston; a suction muffler that provides a passage to introduce the refrigerant while reciprocating with the movable member, reduces noise, and includes an extended part that extends toward the supporter piston; and a spring guide fixed to the supporter piston to support one end of the rear main spring on the front surface. A recessed part having a size sufficient to accommodate the extended part of the suction muffler is formed on the back surface of the spring guide.
US08317492B2	Pumping cassette A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.
US08317490B2	Torque drive mechanism for gas compressor A torque drive mechanism for a gas compressor incorporates one or more air or gas engine starters to initiate rotation of a gas compressor and its associated driving electric motor. The air or gas engine starters are advantageously driven by natural gas from a supply pipeline, where the natural gas is present at sufficient pressure to drive the starters even before the natural gas is compressed.
US08317488B2	Multi-cylinder, dry-running piston compressor a cooling air flow A multi-cylinder dry-running piston compressor for generating compressed air. The piston compressor includes a crankcase having an interior and a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the crankcase. Also included are two connecting rods mounted in the crankshaft and configured to run counter to one another. Further included are two cylinders mounted in the crankcase and a piston arranged at an end of each of the connecting rods and configured to run in a respective one of the two cylinders.
US08317471B2	Method for preventing rotor overspeed of a wind turbine A method for preventing a possible overspeed of a wind turbine rotor with at least one rotor blade is provided. The method includes detecting a yaw misalignment of the rotor, and imposing a restriction on changes of a pitch angle towards a feathered position of the at least one rotor blade after detecting the yaw misalignment. Further, a wind turbine having a rotor and a control system configured to prevent a possible overspeed of the rotor is provided.
US08317463B2	Fan apparatus A fan apparatus includes a blower defining an air outlet at a lateral side thereof, an annular guiding rail and a fastener connecting the blower with the guiding rail. The guiding rail defines an annular groove therein. One end of the fastener is received and slidable in the groove of the guiding rail, whereby the fastener can slide in the groove along a circumferential direction of the guiding rail. The other end of the fastener is connected with the blower, and thus the blower is rotatable with respect to the guiding rail such that an orientation of the air outlet of the blower can be easily regulated.
US08317462B2	System for actively monitoring wear on wind turbine brake pads and related methods A system for monitoring wear on a brake pad of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a brake assembly having a brake pad and a moveable component. The brake pad may be configured to engage a friction surface of the wind turbine. The movable component may be configured to move relative to the friction surface as the brake pad wears. Additionally, the system may include a sensor at least partially mounted within the brake assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect a position of the movable component relative to the sensor or a position of the friction surface relative to the sensor.
US08317453B2	Compound-arm manipulator In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a manipulator that is relatively compact and has a relatively large range of motion. The manipulator includes a linkage that folds back on itself, which reduces the footprint of the linkage. In a particular embodiment, the manipulator includes a linkage and a load balancing device. The linkage includes a first link, a second link, a third link and a fourth link. The first link and second links are rotatably connected to a base about first and second connection axes. The third and fourth links are connected to the first and second links respectively about third and fourth connection axes respectively. The third and fourth links are rotatably connected to a lift arm about fifth and sixth connection axes respectively, wherein the fifth and sixth connection axes are horizontally displaced from the third and fourth connection axes in the direction of the first and second connection axes. The load balancing device is configured to support the linkage in a selected position against a load and configured to permit the load to be moved upwards or downwards with a selected amount of force on the lift arm. The manipulator may be provided as part of a load maneuvering system that further includes a transport system that may be similar to that used on an overhead crane.
US08317452B2	Converter dolly for a tandem trailer A converter dolly is disclosed for use with a tandem trailer arrangement. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the converter dolly is multi-functional and is user configurable. In particular, the converter dolly in accordance with the present invention includes an adjustable saddle can be adjusted to fit any conventional trailer. The saddle is carried by a wheeled cart, which includes a fifth wheel assembly for coupling to a tandem trailer. The saddle is configured to seat a tandem trailer. The height of the saddle relative to the underside of the tandem trailer is user configurable. In an extended position, the tandem trailer is seated in the saddle which prevents rotation of the tandem trailer with respect to the converter dolly thus eliminating one of the three pivot points in a conventional tandem trailer arrangement. In order to provide steering for the tandem trailer, the wheels on the wheeled cart are carried by self steering axles.
US08317451B2	Lifting system for display cases A lifting system for shelves and store gondolas which provides for a gripping engagement of the upright posts of the frame of the shelving which supports the load on engaged shelves and products. The device features a dolly and extending members having an opening on distal ends to grip the post. Tapers on the members provide for deflection of any kickplates present. The dollies may be employed in a plurality around the shelf and engaged with connector bars between them for a unified movement of the dollies elevating the shelf.
US08317450B2	Tactile wafer lifter and methods for operating the same A tactile wafer lifting apparatus includes a pedestal and a vertical drive connected to the pedestal. The vertical drive is defined to provide controlled upward and downward movement of the pedestal. The tactile wafer lifting apparatus also includes a wafer support member disposed over the pedestal. A tactile switch is disposed between the wafer support member and the pedestal such that sufficient downward force on the wafer support member causes activation of the tactile switch. The tactile switch is connected to the vertical drive so as to interrupt upward movement of the pedestal and wafer support member disposed thereover upon activation of the tactile switch.
US08317447B2	Combination hole punching and book binding machine A combination hole punching and book binding machine having a worktable and an electric motor disposed fixedly thereon, a left changeover panel and a right changeover panel being symmetrically disposed on the worktable, a press knife assembly being disposed between the left changeover panel and the right changeover panel. By driving the left changeover panel and the right changeover panel, the press knife assembly can be combined as needed. Meanwhile, the quantity of the press knives is regulated, and thereby the number, pass, and pitch of holes is adjusted.
US08317438B2	Twist drill having at least two cutting inserts at the tip each with its own J-shaped chip guiding flute and a method for the production thereof A twist drill having at least two cutting inserts at the tip each with its own J-shaped chip guiding flute and a method for the production thereof.
US08317432B2	Air valve pneumatic tube carrier system A valve device and method are provided that are operative to selectively divert the flow of air within a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. Generally, the device includes a pneumatic tube that is sized to permit the passage of pneumatic carriers. The pneumatic tube includes at least aperture in a sidewall of the pneumatic tube, an outer sleeve, and an actuator. The actuator acts on the outer sleeve to block and open the aperture to fluid flow in order to divert air in the pneumatic system. In one embodiment, the valve is disposed in a pneumatic system in conjunction with a pneumatic carrier handling device.
US08317418B2	Focal plane shutter and imaging apparatus including the same An imaging apparatus includes a focal plane shutter that has a simple mechanical structure, is easily manufactured and controlled, and provides a live view function. The focal plane shutter includes: a front curtain assembly including two or more front curtain links and two or more front curtain blades, wherein bosses are formed at one of the front curtain links and the front curtain blades, holes are formed in the remaining one of the front contain links and the front curtain blades, and the bosses are inserted into the holes; and a rear curtain assembly including two or more rear curtain links and two or more rear curtain blades, wherein bosses are formed at one of the rear curtain links and the rear curtain blades, holes are formed in the remaining one of the rear curtain links and the rear curtain blades, and the bosses are inserted into the holes.
US08317416B2	Barrier device for camera A reliable barrier device for a camera, which is able to smoothly open and close blade members while suppressing a drive load applied when the blade members are opened and closed. Closing springs for primary and secondary blades are each interposed between corresponding ones of spring hooks on a barrier drive ring and on primary and secondary blade members. When the drive ring is rotated in a barrier opening direction, the distance between the spring hook on the ring and the spring hook for primary blade decreases and the urging force of the closing spring for primary blade decreases, which reduces a rotational torque produced by the closing springs for primary and secondary blades at barrier open state, making it possible to decrease a rotational torque produced by opening springs and acting on the drive ring at barrier open state.
US08317409B2	Optical fiber connector and optical fiber connecting device using the same An optical fiber connector includes a holder, a housing fixed on the holder, a clamping member for clamping an optical cable having an optical fiber, a protecting member positioned in the housing. The protecting member defines a bore for the optical fiber of the optical cable to moveably pass through. The optical fiber connector also includes a first elastic member, in which one end of the first elastic member resists the protecting member, and the other end of the first elastic member resists the clamping member, so as to extend the optical fiber out of the protecting member and the protecting member to partly protrude out of the housing.
US08317401B2	Slide bearing A crank bearing is disclosed that includes a semicircular upper bearing and a semicircular lower bearing, which can be split from each other. The upper bearing includes a first oil passage for introducing engine oil from the outside to a gap between the crank bearing and a crank journal, and a second oil passage for permitting the engine oil to flow in the circumferential direction of the crank bearing. The first oil passage includes an inner circumference opening, which is open to the inner circumference of the main bearing. The upper bearing includes a non-undercut portion in which no oil passage is formed on the trailing side of the inner circumference opening in the rotational direction of the crank journal. A chamfer oil passage for discharging the engine oil in the second oil passage to the outside from the axial direction of the crank bearing is provided in at least one of the lower bearing and a region on the proceeding side of the circumference opening in the rotational direction of the crank journal.
US08317397B2	Linear ball bearing A linear ball bearing with a substantially sleeve-like cage for receiving axial ball loops distributed across the circumference of the cage. Each ball loop has a first ball channel open radially to the inside and outside for the row of the carrying ball, and a second ball channel open radially towards the outside for the row of the non-carrying balls and has deflection channels connecting the ball channels of a ball loop to each other. At least the first ball channel is covered on the outside by a load-bearing carrier plate. Individual support surfaces on the carrier plates rest on predetermined support regions on the outer lateral surface of the cage. The carrier plates are positioned via interacting positioning projections in the predetermined positions on the cage. The carrier plates, which rest against the cage, are fixed to the cage via holding rings that are slid over the carrier plates.
US08317382B2	Enhanced LED illuminator An ophthalmic illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an illumination source and an optical fiber for transmitting a combined light beam from the illumination source to a site, such as a surgical site within an eye, wherein the illumination source comprises a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) chips optically coupled to a corresponding plurality of light pipes, the LED chips and light pipes arranged in a configuration such that the light pipes converge together at their distal ends to form a cubic box having five sides formed by the distal ends of the light guides and an open side from which the combined light beam, composed of light from a plurality of light beams generated by the LED chips and transmitted to the cubic box by the light guides, is emitted. The luminance of the combined light beam has a luminance greater than the luminance of any one of the plurality of LED chips.
US08317381B2	Vehicle light A vehicle light is provided having a light source, a fiber-optic light guide into which light of the light source is coupled on a coupling surface, an expander for expanding the aperture angle of an incident light beam, and deflectors, which are intended for deflecting incident light, disposed behind a rear side of the fiber-optic light guide.
US08317372B2	LED bulb An LED bulb includes: a circuit board having opposite first and second surfaces; a plurality of LEDs disposed on the first surface; and a heat dissipating structure having a heat dissipating board, wherein the heat dissipating board has opposite third and fourth surfaces, the third surface is attached to the second surface of the circuit board, and a plurality of heat dissipating bumps is disposed on the fourth surface and gradually decreases in length from the center toward the periphery of the fourth surface to thereby facilitate air convection around the heat dissipating bumps, thus improving the overall heat dissipating efficiency so as to increase the light emitting efficiency and lifetime of the LED bulb.
US08317370B2	Lighting module and lighting system A lighting module includes a light source, a heat sink, a case, and a fan. The light source has a light emitting surface and a bottom surface opposite thereto. The heat sink is disposed at the bottom surface of the light source and includes a heat sink mass having a heat dissipation surface, wherein the heat dissipation surface is opposite to the bottom surface. The case is disposed to the heat sink and has a module airflow inlet and a module airflow outlet. The fan is disposed to the case or the heat sink for driving airflow to sequentially pass through the module airflow inlet, the heat sink, and the module airflow outlet. The case is capable of making the flowing direction of the airflow passing the module airflow outlet the same as the light emitting direction of the light emitting from the light emitting surface.
US08317369B2	Light fixture having selectively positionable housing Light fixtures including a housing that acts as a heat sink, and additionally includes structure to selectively position the light fixture at different orientations. In certain embodiments, the light fixture includes a housing, a light source, and a bracket. Set of fins may protrude from the housing, and flanges may protrude from the bracket. In use, the flanges engage ribs on the housing to support the lighting fixture. By altering the engagement between the flanges and ribs, the light fixture may be re-positioned within the bracket in a number of different orientations, creating a number of light distribution options for the light fixture.
US08317361B2	Operation lamp and illumination unit thereof The present invention relates to an operation lamp, consists of a plurality of illumination units, a fastening seat, a focus adjusting device and a lamp housing. The illumination units are designed to be modularized, so a plurality of LED light source sets and reflection mirrors can be processed with a rapid focus adjustment for allowing each illumination unit reflecting and concentrating and focusing light for forming a concentrated light beam. Moreover, after the plural illumination units and the lamp housing are assembled, through adjusting the height difference between at least two pivot parts at the outer end of each illumination unit and supporting members, the left/right oblique angle of the illumination unit is able to be adjusted, such that each concentrated light beam can be precisely adjusted to pass through the lamp center. Moreover, by adjusting the focus adjusting device, the elevation angle of the inner end of each illumination unit is adjusted, such that the concentrated light beam is able to be freely adjusted to any projection location in the horizontal direction, so as to adjust the illumination area.
US08317341B2	Cube-corner type self-reflection sheet having improved tensile strength Disclosed is a retroreflective sheet using a cube-corner type retroreflection principle, which is composed of a body layer which includes a flexible transparent thermoplastic sheet made of a transparent material for high light transmittance and having a smooth surface as a front surface and also includes a woven fabric disposed therein, and a cube-corner type microprism layer having a retroreflective function formed on a surface of the body layer including the transparent thermoplastic sheet and the woven fabric in an integrated form, opposite the front surface. The retroreflective sheet has a configuration in which the woven fabric having high tensile strength is inserted into the transparent thermoplastic polymer (PVC, TPU, PO, or acryl) sheet, and is suitable for end uses requiring high tensile force.
US08317329B2	Infotainment display on full-windshield head-up display A method to display an infotainment graphic upon a surface within a vehicle includes monitoring a source of infotainment content; determining the infotainment graphic based upon monitoring the source of infotainment content, and displaying the infotainment graphic upon the surface including a material reactive to display graphics in response to an excitation projector, wherein the excitation projector includes an ultraviolet projector.
US08317322B2	Contact lens with brightly colored sclera Contact lenses have patterns in which the portion that substantially lies over the sclera when worn on-eye is brightly colored or tinted; the colored or tinted contact lenses can have colored or tinted central portions that enhance the iris when worn on-eye and limbal rings that enhance the limbus.
US08317311B2	Metallic ink jet printing system for graphics applications A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, includes applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink having a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet comprises at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.
US08317306B2	Liquid cartridge determination systems and liquid cartridge determination methods A liquid cartridge determination system includes a liquid cartridge including a main body including a first detect portion. The system also includes a movable member positioned outside the liquid chamber and configured to move relative to the main body in a particular direction. The movable member includes a second detect portion. Moreover, the system includes a resilient member having a first end which is coupled to the main body and a second end which is coupled to the movable member, and a mounting portion configured to receive the liquid cartridge thereon. The system further includes a first detector configured to detect the first detect portion when the liquid cartridge is positioned in a first position relative to the mounting portion, a second detector configured to detect the second detect portion when the liquid cartridge is positioned in a second position relative to the mounting portion, and a determiner configured to determine whether the liquid cartridge has a predetermined characteristic associated therewith based on the detection of the first detect portion and the detection of the second detect portion.
US08317296B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: a recording head that ejects ink; a sheet material that receives ink discarded from the recording head directly from the recording head or indirectly via another member; an ink absorption material that absorbs ink, and includes an ink absorption surface that forms a surface that intersects with an ink receiving surface of the sheet material that receives ink, and faces the ink receiving surface; and a sheet material movement unit that causes the sheet material to slide in at least a direction in which the ink receiving surface approaches the ink absorption surface.
US08317289B2	Inline calibration of clear ink drop mass An imaging device includes print media and a plurality of ink jets for ejecting drops of substantially clear ink onto the print media. One of the print media and the substantially clear ink has a fluorescent characteristic and the other of the print media and the substantially clear ink is substantially non-fluorescent. The imaging device includes a fluorescence sensor having (i) a light emitter for illuminating the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media by the plurality of ink jets with light of an activating wavelength, and (ii) a light detector for detecting a fluorescence intensity of light received from the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media in an emission wavelength. A controller is configured to modify an operating parameter of the imaging device based on the fluorescence intensity detected by the sensor.
US08317283B2	Image forming apparatus, image forming method, remote monitoring system, and method of providing maintenance service An image forming apparatus includes: a recording head which has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting an ink onto a recording medium; a movement device which causes relative movement between the recording head and the recording medium; an image forming controller which controls the recording head according to image data in such a manner that an image corresponding to the image data is formed on the recording medium; an ejection abnormality detection device which detects ejection abnormality including at least one of non-ejection and ejection direction deviation of the plurality of nozzles; a compensation device which compensates an image defect caused by the ejection abnormality; and a determination device which determines whether or not the head is in a state where the compensation device can compensate the image defect, according to detection result of the ejection abnormality detection device.
US08317280B2	Refrigerator sealing loops A storage compartment comprises a container defining an access aperture closable by a closure that can be sealed to the container around the aperture and that can be opened by relative movement between the container and the closure in a lateral direction with respect to the aperture, the container having a first sealing loop around the aperture and the closure having a second sealing loop co-operable by alignment with the first sealing loop to maintain a seal when the closure closes the aperture. The sealing loops are moved into and out of mutual alignment by said relative movement between the container and the closure and at least one of the sealing loops includes magnetic means for attracting the other of the sealing loops to maintain a seal when the sealing loops are mutually aligned.
US08317277B2	Dampened assisted-motion systems and methods A system for assisting the linear movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets at its respective ends. The strut includes an outer hollow member that houses a primary spring, a cylindrical piston that translates through one end of the outer hollow member, and a reverse damping mechanism. A free end of the primary spring is held inside the outer hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and its opposite end rests on the piston. The piston's free end includes a clevis for the second bracket. An inner hollow member houses a second spring which regulates movement of a damper shaft such that damping occurs when the shaft is pulled out of the damper.
US08317259B2	Seat device for vehicle There are provided a seatback supporting backs of plural passengers seated on a bench type of seat cushion, a headrest provided at an upper portion of a first portion of the seatback and supporting a head of the passenger seated in front of the first portion, a pressure-receiving portion provided at a second portion of the seatback which is arranged beside the first portion so as to move rearwardly when being pressed by a rearward move of the passenger seated in front of the second portion, and a headrest moving mechanism provided to connect the pressure-receiving portion to the headrest so that the headrest is moved forwardly or upwardly in accordance with a rearward move of the pressure-receiving portion. Accordingly, the passenger's head can be protected with a simple structure.
US08317257B2	Body for pneumatic vehicle A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis supporting an air tank. The second sub-assembly has part of the vehicle body and is bonded to the first-sub-assembly using a structural adhesive. Another pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis, air tank, part of the vehicle body, a pair of B-pillars, and a pair of rear rails. The second sub-assembly has a part of the vehicle body, a pair of A-pillars, and a pair of roof rails. A vehicle seat is provided with a seat base and upright seat back providing a seating area. A bladder located in the central region of the seating area inflates to provide two bucket seats, and deflates to provide a bench seat. The vehicle seat also has inflatable inserts to provide cushioning.
US08317247B2	Motor-vehicle lining panel comprising a sharply back-lit pictogram This panel (1) includes at least one zone (10) forming a pictogram (12), the pictogram (12) being illuminated by a light source (14) placed beneath the lining panel (1), the lining panel (1) having a translucent skin (2) forming the external surface (8) of the lining panel (1) and a support layer (4) placed against the skin (2) between the light source (14) and at least the zone (10) forming a pictogram (12). The support layer (4) has at least a first thickness (e1) around the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12) and at least a second thickness (e2) facing the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12), the second thickness (e2) being smaller than the first thickness (e1).
US08317245B2	MEMS-based micro and nano grippers with two-axis force sensors The present invention relates to a design and microfabrication method for microgrippers that are capable of grasping micro and nano objects of a large range of sizes and two-axis force sensing capabilities. Gripping motion is produced by one or more electrothermal actuators. Integrated force sensors along x and y directions enable the measurement of gripping forces as well as the forces applied at the end of microgripper arms along the normal direction, both with a resolution down to nanoNewton. The microfabrication method enables monolithic integration of the actuators and the force sensors.
US08317240B2	Bumper for a motor vehicle A bumper for a motor vehicle has a cross member disposed transversely in relation to side rails of a vehicle frame and is supported on the side rails by crash boxes. The cross member includes a central longitudinal section having opposite ends, a crash box attachment section with a substantially vertical rear wall and two legs, and an end section having in cross-section a U-shaped configuration defined by two legs and a web which interconnects the legs and forms an outward-projecting bulge. The bulge is joined with the substantially vertical rear wall of the attachment section.
US08317237B1	Release handle for vehicle closure lid latch A handle assembly is mounted on a vehicle body and includes a handle pulled by a user to pull a cable and release a remotely located latch, such as a luggage compartment lid latch, engine compartment lid latch, or fuel filler door lid latch. The handle assembly includes a bezel having a guide channel structure for slidably mounting the handle and defining a path for straight-line pulling of the cable. The guide channel structure is formed in part by a flexible wall, such as a flexible finger on the bezel that yieldably bears upon the handle, so that if the user pulls the handle at an angle to the straight-line pull axis of the cable, the flexible finger flexes to permit the handle to pivotally shift within the bezel to the angle established by the user, and without kinking the cable.
US08317230B2	Method of labeling a package for shipment A method of labeling a package for shipment includes: providing a shipping label having a generally laminar body with a designated tear path matrix extending over at least a major portion thereof, the generally laminar body having a face side on which is printed origination, destination and tracking data, and a bottom side to which is applied a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface; and attaching the shipping label to a surface of the package, via the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface on the bottom side of said label, prior to its shipment via a common carrier. The designated tear path matrix may be a pattern of interconnected regular hexagons, or a pattern of intersecting first and second parallel tear lines. The tear path matrix may be formed by through-hole perforations in the label body, by channels in the label body, or by regions of reduced shear strength in the label body.
US08317229B2	Adjustable ski pole basket The invention relates to an adjustable ski pole basket that can adjust the basket area from a position useful in low-buoyancy-need conditions, such as packed powder, to a position useful in high-buoyancy-need conditions, such as powder. The basket has a fixed based and a movable petal. The petal moves from a compact position useful in low-buoyancy-need conditions to an expanded position useful in high-buoyancy-need conditions, and back. In certain embodiments, the petal is biased toward the expanded position.
US08317226B1	Foundationless pole installation system A pole installation system employing a pole, a base member connected to the pole having a pivot edge segment forming a stable support pivot, and counter weight structure incorporated in or connected to the base member for countering forces exerted by gravity on the pole during tilting of the pole and base member.
US08317222B2	Inflatable seat belt system An inflatable member is inflated by compressed gas that flows through the latch and hollow tubular tongue of a seat belt anchor. The inflatable member is retained in an uninflated condition in a split two layer belt. The latch is pivotally secured to a conduit that receives compressed inflation gas from a cylinder that is provided with a diffuser.
US08317220B2	Curable coating compositions A curable coating composition that exhibits improved cure and adhesion to various substrates, especially synthetic textiles used in the manufacture of air bags, comprises a composition curable by a hydrosilylation reaction, an acryloxy functional alkoxysilane or a methacryloxy functional alkoxysilane, an alkenyl functional silanol terminated organopolysiloxane, and an epoxy functional alkoxysilane. The curable coating composition is especially useful for application to synthetic textiles such as automotive air bags.
US08317214B2	Shock and vibration damping handlebar mounting assembly A shock and vibration damping handlebar mounting assembly, for vehicles that utilizes handlebar assisted steering, where the handlebar and its clamping components are suspended by shock and vibration damping springs and materials. The suspended components are allowed to travel along a guide, in a predetermined beneficial path, while maintaining the rider preferred handlebar angles, as the vehicle encounters shock due to rough terrain. Springs dampen the motion of the suspended components reducing the effects of the rough terrain to the rider's hands. The suspended components are isolated from the vehicle's steering mechanism by isolation components made of deadening materials thus reducing the transfer of vibration from the vehicle to the rider's hands.
US08317212B2	Motorcycle including bendable rear fender To provide a motorcycle having a rear fender that effectively prevents a rear wheel, for example, from splashing mud and may support a light stably in accordance with various embodiments. For example, a motorcycle is disclosed for an embodiment having a rear fender that covers a rear wheel, and lights supported by the rear fender. The rear fender includes a support portion that supports the lights, and a lower mudguard extending downward from the support portion, and a dented portion is formed on a surface thereof between the support portion and the lower mudguard to extend to one edge of the rear fender in a motorcycle width direction from the other edge.
US08317208B2	Vehicle suspension system Vehicle suspension having arms (6) and (7) for each wheel (14) and (15) respectively, each arm (6) having more than one sprung strut (18) and (19) of which two such struts each operates exclusively between two different arms. Each arm's rotational axis (28) and (38) respectively intersects a vertical longitudinal plane through the center of road contact with the wheel at a point (45) and (46) respectively on a straight lines (47) and (48) respectively between the center of contact with the road and a point at or near the anticipated center of gravity (49) of the suspended mass projected onto the plane. Preferably, the vehicle transmission avoids applying a moment about the arm's rotation axis, braking is attached to the arm and steering linkage is passed through or near the arm's axis of rotation.
US08317206B1	Skateboard and storage compartment combination A skateboard that includes a storage compartment. The deck of the skateboard forms a storage compartment and includes a bottom panel, a sidewall, and a top panel. The sidewall extends upwardly from, and is disposed along, the periphery of the bottom panel. The top panel is hingedly connected to the sidewall and opens and closes to form a storage compartment in conjunction with the sidewall and bottom panel. A latch is used to securely fasten the top panel in the closed position. A handle is provided to carry the skateboard like a suitcase.
US08317203B2	Coupling device for attaching medical instruments to a holding device A coupling device for securing medical instruments to a holding device allows for simple and rapid handling and exact positioning of the medical instrument. A coupler socket is configured on one component and a coupler plug is configured on the other component, wherein the coupler socket and coupler plug can be fixed in mutually connected position with respect to one another by means of at least one locking element. The coupler socket is configured as a sleeve-shaped collet chuck including several mutually distanced spring arms. The coupler plug includes a coupling pin equipped with at least one radially outward-pointing catch cam. When coupled, at least one catch cam of the coupling pin catches on a corresponding back-cut on the collet chuck. The locking element can be screwed onto the collet chuck so that the spring arms of the collet chuck in the coupled position are affixed facing radially outward.
US08317199B2	Video poker game employing stripped deck A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a video poker game. The video poker game offers the player an ability to earn having the very next game dealt from a stripped deck. A stripped deck is a standard 52 card deck with certain cards removed. For example, one type of stripped deck is a standard 52 card deck with all 2s through 9s removed, thereby providing the player with a huge advantage.
US08317198B2	Method of playing a card game A method of playing a card game adds a “showdown” aspect to a conventional game such as Texas Hold 'Em or the like. Generally, a round of the conventional game is played out in the usual fashion. Then, the winning hand from this play is pitted against a specially dealt showdown hand. A jackpot is awarded to the player holding the winning hand if the showdown hand beats the winning hand based on a pre-established ranking of hands.
US08317196B2	Medium conveying device and image forming apparatus A medium conveying device includes a first guide member, a second guide member, a conveying member, and a support member. The first guide member guides one face of a medium to be conveyed and opposed to the one face when the medium is conveyed. The second guide member guides the other face of the medium and is opposed to the other face when the medium is conveyed, the second guide member being movable between a close position and an open position. The conveying member is provided in a conveying passage formed by the first guide member and the second guide member being at the close position in order to convey the medium in the conveying passage. The support member keeps the second guide member at the open position and is provided at a position outer than the second guide member in a direction that the medium is conveyed. When the second guide member is at the open position, the medium in the conveying passage is removable from the conveying passage.
US08317188B1	Modular print system A modular print system which includes media cartridges instead of manually loaded feed trays. The print system includes a print module including a keyed entrance, and sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance. The cartridge is removably attached to the print module.
US08317187B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus of the disclosure includes a recording unit that performs a recording process on a subject recording medium, a cassette body that accommodates the subject recording medium, a subject recording medium cassette opening that is provided in the cassette body and supplies the subject recording medium therefrom, a movable portion that switches to a closed state in which the subject recording medium cassette opening is closed or an opened state in which the subject recording medium is able to be supplied from the subject recording medium cassette opening, a lock portion that locks the movable portion in the closed state, and an insertion portion that is provided in the movable portion so that a feeding roller is able to be inserted therethrough.
US08317162B2	Road rail A road rail comprises tubular posts (1; 20) to be anchored in the ground and a rail profile (2; 21) to be attached to the posts. The rail profile has a substantially closed cross-section but is open downwards for lowering onto the posts. The rail profile is supported on each post by a support member (5; 24) carried by lower edges of opposed cutouts (4; 23) in the post. At least one locking member (7; 26) inside the rail profile provides locking between the post and the rail profile by engagement on one hand with the rail profile and on the other hand with an upper edge of each post cutout (4; 23) by a locking tongue (10; 27) of the locking member.
US08317161B2	Air balancer An air balancer has a rotary drum on which a rope member is to be wound and that is supported rotatably by a stationary shaft in a casing, a conversion system that converts pressure of first air supplied into the casing into rotational force of the rotary drum for winding the rope member on the rotary drum, a rotary member that is rotatably supported by the stationary shaft and linked with the rotary drum to integrally rotate therewith, a rotation restriction member to be in contact with the rotary member to restrict rotation thereof, a disengagement mechanism that causes the rotation restriction member to retract by pressure of second air supplied into the casing to thereby disengage the contact between the rotary member and the rotation restriction member, and a control module having an air circuit that supplies the second air into the casing only when the first air is supplied into the casing or when the first air is discharged from the casing.
US08317154B2	Method for operation of a position regulator The disclosure relates to a method for operation of a position regulator for control of a pneumatic drive for an actuating member in a process installation. The position regulator has a pneumatic system with at least one nozzle/bounce-plate system, in which the bounce plates are in the form of piezo bending bars. For damped ventilation and venting of the pneumatic drive in the event of failure of the electrical power, it is proposed that the level of the electrical power supply be monitored and that, if a predeterminable limit value is undershot, the piezo bending bars of the pneumatics are adjusted via the input signals of the pneumatics such that the pneumatically controlled valves, which are subject to a characteristic, of the amplifier are open precisely just so far that a damped movement of the pneumatic actuating drive takes place to a predeterminable limit position at the desired movement speed.
US08317145B2	Spring loaded camming device with movably-anchored trigger A spring loaded camming device and a trigger mechanism therefor. The trigger mechanism may include an axle, an inner and outer cam, a flexible stem, a trigger handle, and a trigger wire passing through the trigger wire and coupling in an efficient and effective manner, the inner and outer cams to each other and to the trigger handle. A bias member may be associated with the trigger wire, particularly in asymmetric type camming devices. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08317141B2	Tripod A tripod configured with three tripod legs pivotally attached to a tripod plate comprises as components a coupling device, a connecting arrangement for the non-latching engagement of two tripod legs and a locking arrangement, which has a locking piece with a latching action and which has detent elements. In this way, in a closed position the tripod legs can be connected to and detached from each other very easily.
US08317131B2	Braking-energy equalization system A braking-energy equalization system applied to an aircraft undercarriage, which undercarriage includes at least two sets of landing gear, with each set of landing gear including at least two wheels and with each of wheels being equipped with a brake, wherein the system includes means intended to introduce a delay time to delay the braking of the brakes having a higher braking torque in comparison with the other brakes having a lower braking torque, so as to equalize the braking energies absorbed by the brakes of the landing gear during the landing or during an interrupted takeoff of the aircraft.
US08317126B2	Aircraft having a lift/propulsion unit An aircraft having a lift/propulsion unit which includes a power unit such as a turboshaft engine which drives a fan through a transmission mechanism. The fan discharges to vectoring nozzles which can be independently swivelled to provide lift or propulsion thrust. An output shaft of the transmission mechanism serves as the main shaft of a motor/generator of modular form. The motor/generator can act as a generator to charge an electrical storage device such as a battery, or as a motor to drive the fan, either alone or to supplement the output of engine. Reaction control nozzles are provided at extremities of the aircraft to provide stabilizing thrust. The aircraft is capable of vertical take off and hovering, with the vectoring nozzles swivelled to a lift position, and forward thrust with the vectoring nozzles swivelled to a propulsion position.
US08317115B2	Micro-erosion recovery system for tire materials The present invention is Micro-erosion Recovery System for separating recyclable tire materials (rubber, steel and fiber) and complying with quality standards governing the use of recovered tire materials. It is also a highly efficient apparatus and system for producing large amounts of high quality crumb rubber and steel.
US08317111B2	Bi-component drip emitter A drip emitter formed from an elastomer component and a rigid polymer component for welding to the inner surface of an irrigation hose. The drip emitter has a fluid flow pathway including a flow restriction, typically in the form of a labyrinth, formed at least partially within the elastomer to provide a variable geometry flow restriction. The flow restriction may include under-tooth bypass spaces located between the base and the sequence of baffles, over-tooth bypass clearances or may employ baffles with a thickened root portion which forms a sloped transition region between an upright upper wall portion and the base. In each case, flow through the drip emitter when deployed is regulated by pressure-responsive deformation of the elastomer component. Some implementations employ a thermoset elastomer component such as silicone with mechanical interlocking between the components.
US08317109B2	Payment device with audio and/or visual capability and associated method A payment device includes a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, a communications module coupled to the processor and configured to interact with a payment terminal, a sound-producing element coupled to the processor, and an associated body portion. The memory is configured to store at least one representation of at least one sound and the processor is configured to cause the sound-producing element to produce a sound corresponding to the at least one representation of the at least one sound when such representation is stored in the memory, responsive to the communications module interacting with the payment terminal, substantially without usage of a battery on the device. Visual stimuli can be employed in addition to or in lieu of sounds. Sounds can be downloaded to devices with or without batteries, as part of a service offering.
US08317101B2	Produce data collecter which collects internal produce information A produce data collector which collects internal produce information. The produce data collector includes a sonograph for directing acoustic energy in the form of sound waves into a produce item, for receiving return sound waves from the produce item, for converting the return sound waves into electrical signals, and for sending the electrical signals to a computer that identifies the produce item.
US08317100B2	Optical sighting system An automatic optical sighting system generates at least one adjustment for an adjustable optical system based on at least one detected condition, an appropriate dynamic model of a projectile in flight, and a solution of the equations of motion in flight, so that the projectile will have a trajectory between an origin and a selected target that helps the projectile to hit the target.
US08317099B2	Systems and methods for managing information relating to medical fluids and containers therefor The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefore, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.
US08317095B2	Exception notification system and method A system and method for distributing prepaid cash alternatives and resolving exceptions related to the sale of prepaid cash alternatives such as traveler's cheques or prepaid cards. Reports of sales may be reviewed to identify exceptions, and information explaining the exceptions may be made available electronically. Sellers may be notified of exceptions by e-mail, which may include a link or address to information explaining the exceptions. The information may be provided in real time through a secure site on a network, such as the Internet. A company may contract with business partners to sell the prepaid cash alternatives to customers, and the business partners may report the sales to the company via reports. After being notified of exceptions, business partners may provide corrected information or new information to resolve the exceptions.
US08317093B2	Information providing system, apparatus and method for information processing, and computer program product An information providing system includes the following elements. An IC card stores card ID. An information providing terminal reads out the card ID of the IC card, provides information to the IC card, and transmits the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the ID of the provided information to a management server. The management server receives the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the provided information ID from the information providing terminal, has a database to manage the card ID and the provided information such that the card ID is associated with the provided information, acquires the information provided to the IC card from the database in response to an information request from a client terminal, and supplies the provided information to the client terminal. The client terminal displays the provided information supplied from the management server.
US08317088B2	Information kiosk terminal system An information kiosk terminal system includes a pedestal, a transaction unit provided at an upper part of the pedestal and adapted to be pulled out away from the pedestal, and a display unit provided above the transaction unit. The transaction unit includes an upper portion located on the upper side of the transaction unit, and a lower portion located under the upper portion and having a projected portion projecting forward from a front surface thereof. The upper portion is provided inside with a printer unit and is formed at the front surface thereof with a paper discharge port for projecting paper from the printer unit.
US08317086B2	Communication of transaction data within a self-checkout environment Systems and method for communication of transaction data within a self-checkout environment are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes controlling a display device to display a machine-readable representation of transaction data. The method may include receiving a signal that indicates acknowledgement of reading of the machine-readable representation of the transaction data. Further, the method may include controlling the display device to display a machine-readable representation of other transaction data in response to receipt of the signal.
US08317084B2	Package content control A package for items, the package having a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly receive identification information from data transmitters corresponding to the items within the package to which the apparatus is associated. The package further has a display and a processor configured to collect received identification information and to cause the display to display identification information of the items in the package. The wireless communication unit, the display and the processor are integrated into the structure of the package.
US08317075B2	Raised boss for staple guide A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, a body portion, and a head portion is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a firing trigger. The body portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The head portion includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The shell assembly includes a pusher and an inner guide portion. The pusher includes at least one slot therein and is movable in relation to the anvil assembly between retracted and extended positions. The inner guide portion is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the pusher and includes a raised boss extending therefrom. The raised boss is configured to shroud the slot in the pusher when the pusher is in the retracted position.
US08317070B2	Surgical stapling devices that produce formed staples having different lengths A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.
US08317065B2	Actuator systems and methods for aerosol wall texturing A system for dispensing texture material comprises a main container, an outlet assembly, and an aerosol valve assembly. The main container stores texture material and pressurized propellant material. The aerosol valve assembly is arranged to allow control of fluid flowing out of the main container. The outlet assembly is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening corresponds to the desired pattern. The aerosol valve assembly is operated to allow the pressurized propellant material to force the texture material out of the main container through the outlet opening defined by the outlet assembly. The texture material forced out of the main container is deposited on the target surface in the desired pattern.
US08317064B2	Small storage receptacle for food with air influx hole The present invention relates to a small-sized food storage receptacle with an air inlet that includes a receptacle body having a food storage space adapted to be squeezed out of shape by the application of an external pressure thereto and be returned to its original shape if the external pressure is removed, a food outlet adapted to discharge the food to the outside when the food storage space is squeezed out of shape, and the air inlet formed along the top portion of the food storage space so as to supply external air to the food storage space, while having a size enough to allow the food to be smoothly fed therein by means of an automatic feeding device in a food manufacturing company.
US08317063B2	Anti-unscrewing system between a dispenser head and a container A connection system between a dispenser head of a liquid and a container of a liquid includes a base area of a structure and a flange screwed tight onto the neck of the container. Free rotation of the structure is prevented by a resistant torque, but the base area of the structure is made in such a way as to allow the accidental rotation of the head without unscrewing the flange.
US08317049B2	Vacuum breaker arrangement with externally protruding collapsible valve part A vacuum breaker arrangement for use with a container includes body parts holding a resilient valve member captive. The valve member includes an intermediate body part, intermediate and enlarged head and a valve part. The valve part is made of resilient material which defines an internal passageway communicating with an opening in the body parts. The valve part includes an end portion defining a slit which is closed at a first pressure and which is automatically opened at a second, reduced pressure.
US08317048B2	Self-actuating closure mechanisms for closable articles A self-activating closure mechanism is described. In certain embodiments, containers or closures have closure elements, which, upon being brought into proximity to each other, are drawn together and urged into alignment to engage locking members by magnets or other mutually attractive or repulsive elements, thereby providing a self-closing assembly.
US08317047B2	Collapsible coolers An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; a collapsible cooler wall extending between and attached to said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler, the cooler wall comprising a flexible elastomeric membrane that includes a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; and a drain conduit comprising a passageway providing fluid communication between an exterior of the cooler and the interior storage space or the intermediate space. The cooler is transitional between an expanded configuration for use of the cooler, and a collapsed configuration during nonuse of the cooler, by bending along the hinge lines, each configuration corresponding to a stable configuration of the cooler.
US08317041B2	Method for controlling a crane The invention relates to a method for controlling a crane, the method comprising comparing velocity requests (Vref) given by a crane control system with a previous velocity request and, if the velocity request is changed, forming and storing an acceleration sequence for the corresponding velocity change, summing the velocity changes defined by the stored acceleration sequences at a particular time and adding the obtained sum (dV) to the previous velocity request to achieve a new velocity request (Vref2), which is set as a new control and velocity request for the crane drives (11, 12), and performing some of the velocity changes defined by the summed acceleration sequences at the definition time of each selected sequence on each program round, i.e. control step, and performing the rest of them as delayed in such a manner that the stored sequence parts to be performed as delayed are read and summed on a plurality of program rounds.
US08317030B2	Flanged perforated metal plate for separation of pellets and particles A perforated plate for a vibratory sifter, the perforated plate including a base plate comprising a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and a flange integrally formed with the base plate. A method of forming a screen assembly for a vibratory sifter, the method including forming a base plate, forming a plurality of openings extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the base plate, and forming an integral flange on the base plate.
US08317024B1	Food storage apparatus A stacked food storage apparatus includes a first container having a lid with an outer surface. Discontinuous first and second protuberances are carried by the lid and extend upwardly with respect to the lid. A second container includes a base having opposed inner and outer surfaces. Discontinuous first and second sockets are formed in the base and extend upwardly with respect to the base. The second container moves between a free position and a stacked position with respect to the first container. In the stacked position of the second container, the first and second protuberances releasably nest with the first and second sockets, respectively. Interference fits between the first protuberance and the first socket, and between the second protuberance and the second socket, attach the first container to the second container and restrict relative movement of the first container with respect to the second container.
US08317023B2	Package for consumer product A package comprising an externally visible face. The externally visible face comprises embossed indicia, said indicia being in the shape of a droplet and having disposed thereon a relatively glossy or shiny coating. The externally visible face comprises an additional coating surrounding the indicia, the additional coating being relatively non-glossy. Or, the externally visible face comprises embossed indicia, the indicia having disposed thereon a relatively non-glossy coating. The externally visible face comprises an additional coating surrounding the indicia, the additional coating being relatively glossy or shiny.
US08317018B2	Cigar package A packing system for cigars including a cigar box and at least one support. The flat support is sized slightly larger than the distance between a pair of walls of the cigar box so that the support is compressed into an arch shape that is maintained by the walls when inserted into the cigar box. The support includes a plurality of elongate holes that define a plurality of collars. The cigars are seated by the collars and restrict the movement of the cigars. The support also provides a pleasing display for the cigars. In a more particular arrangement, one or more such supports include tabs that engage the cigars of a straight body type and restrict movement of the cigars.
US08317012B2	Drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system The invention disclosed provides a drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system that propels a fluid entraining conveyor through a well bore to carry fluids to the surface. The invention is comprised of a pair of synchronized follower wheels connected to a set of counter rotating sheaves. A fluid entraining conveyor is wrapped in a “figure-8” conveyor path around the sheaves in a plurality of coaxial grooves and around a distal sheave located in the fluid in the well bore. The coaxial grooves incorporate a unique shape which in conjunction with the wrap pattern provide improved tractive qualities and thus reduce tension in the conveyor and increase the durability of the conveyor. The conveyor can run at increased speeds and with no tension on the downward portion of the conveyor resulting in higher efficiency and less down time due to breakage.
US08317003B2	Wheel suspension for motor vehicles The invention relates to a wheel suspension for motor vehicles, with a suspension strut which is formed from a shock absorber and a bearing spring, the bearing spring being supported by way of spring plates on the body of the motor vehicle and on the tube of the shock absorber, and a spring plate being movably guided relative to the body and able to be moved axially by means of an actuator relative to the shock absorber tube, and the suspension strut having a preloaded spring with a spring force which is opposite the bearing spring, which is supported on the body of the motor vehicle and also on the movable spring plate of the bearing spring. According to the invention, the actuator is located outside, in particular radially outside the suspension strut.
US08317000B2	Wheel stop made of metal pipe and capable of transmitting power to electric car while being parked A wheel stop is disclosed which is engaged by a wheel of a vehicle in an attempt to be parked in a parking lot, to limit movement of the vehicle. The wheel stop includes a middle extending portion, first and second leg portions, all of which are integrally formed with a metal pipe. The wheel stop further includes first and second anchor plates affixed to the first and second leg portions, respectively, the anchor plates being anchored to the parking lot; an electric cable disposed within the metal pipe; and an electric outlet disposed on an outer surface of the metal pipe, and connected with the electric cable, to thereby allow, when the vehicle parked in the parking lot is an electric car, a power supply cable extending from the electric car to be plugged into the electric outlet.
US08316999B2	Stroller brake A brake assembly for a stroller has a wheel rotatable about a wheel axis and a plurality of pockets on the wheel spaced from and circumferentially around the wheel axis. A brake lever has an actuator arm and a link arm fixedly connected to one another and is movable between a braking orientation and a released orientation. A boss is driven by the link arm between a braking position and a released position corresponding respectively to the braking and released orientations of the brake lever. A biasing mechanism is configured to bias and retain the boss into engagement with one of the plurality of pockets when the brake lever is moved to the braking orientation and to bias and retain the boss out of engagement with the plurality of pockets when the brake lever is moved to the released position.
US08316980B2	Hybrid motorcycle A hybrid motorcycle includes a body frame, a front wheel, and a hybrid driving source. The hybrid driving source is mounted on the body frame between a head pipe and a swing arm pivot. The hybrid driving source includes an engine and a motor. The engine has a crankshaft whose axial direction is substantially parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction. The motor is provided at a front shaft end adjacent to the front wheel.
US08316975B2	Four wheeled vehicle with air-intake apparatus for engine A four wheeled vehicle capable of preventing mud, sand, water or other foreign substances, which are splashed by front wheels, from coming into an air cleaner with a simple structure and also shortening an air-intake route. The air-intake apparatus includes an air-intake duct connected to an air-intake portion of an engine, and an air cleaner provided in an upstream air-intake portion of the air-intake duct. An air taking portion of the air cleaner opens in the dashboard of the vehicle. The air-intake duct is arranged at a higher position relative to a floor face of the cabin.
US08316972B2	Reconfigurable balancing robot and method for moving over large obstacles An apparatus and a method for robotic control that allows an unbalanced pendulum robot to raise its Center of Mass and balance on two motorized wheels. The robot includes a pair of arms that are connected to the upper body of the robot through motorized joints. The method consists of a series of movements employing the arms of the robot to raise the robot to the upright position. The method comprises a control loop in which the motorized drives are included for dynamic balance of the robot and the control of the arm apparatus. The robot is first configured as a low Center of Mass four-wheeled vehicle, then its Center of Mass is raised using a combination of its wheels and the joint located at the attachment point of the arm apparatus and the robot body, between the rear and front wheels; the method then applies accelerations to the rear wheels to dynamically pivot and further raise the Center of Mass up and over the main drive wheels bringing the robot into a balancing pendulum configuration.
US08316971B2	Robotic vehicle A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.
US08316970B1	Hydraulic-based spherical robot A system includes a plurality of fluid chambers uniformly distributed about and in fluidic connection with a fluid reservoir, each fluid chamber having a valve and pressure sensor adjacent thereto, the valve configured to allow fluid flow between the fluid reservoir and the fluid chamber and the pressure sensor configured to determine the amount of fluid within the respective fluid chamber; means, adjacent to the fluid reservoir, for pumping fluid between the fluid reservoir and each of the fluid chambers; and a controller configured to control the means for pumping fluid and the valves using data from the pressure sensors. The means for pumping fluid, the valves, the pressure sensors, and the controller are contained within an inner housing and the plurality of fluid chambers are contained within an outer housing, which may be spherical in shape, and are external to the inner housing.
US08316964B2	Drill bit transducer device In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit assembly has a body intermediate a shank and a working face. The working face has at least one cutting element. The drill bit also has a jack element with a distal end substantially protruding from the working face and at least one downhole material driven transducer in communication with the jack element.
US08316957B2	Hand-held power tool A hand-held power tool has a main element having a tool axis, a center of gravity, and a normal axis which extends perpendicular to the tool axis and through the center of gravity. The tool axis and the normal axis define a plane of motion. A handle supported in the plane of motion such that it is movable relative to the main element. A spring unit connects the handle with the main element and includes a spring element. The handle has a handle body, a rotary element which connects the handle body and the main element. The rotary element is rotatable relative to the main element and to the handle body.
US08316942B2	ESP for perforated sumps in horizontal well applications The present invention relates to a process for cooling an electrical submersible pump. More specifically, the invention relates to blocking a portion of wellbore fluid from entering a sump, thereby causing the pump to draw fluid from below the pump motor past the exterior of the pump motor toward a pump inlet.
US08316926B2	Arrangement and method for automatically determined time constant for a control device An arrangement for use in connection with an air handling unit includes a controller and a processing circuit. The controller is configured to control a device within an air handler unit, which includes at least a first coil. The processing circuit is configured to receive first information representative of a maximum liquid flow rate through the first coil and second information representative of a maximum air flow rate of the first coil. The processing circuit is further configured to generate a time constant estimate, based on the first information and second information, for use in the controller in performing control of the device.
US08316922B2	Thermal postcombustion device and method for operating the same A thermal postcombustion device includes, in a conventional manner per se, a housing, having an inlet for the exhaust air that is to be purified and an outlet for clean air. A combustion chamber is located inside the housing, and inside this combustion chamber, a heating device generates a temperature at which the pollutants carried by the exhaust air burn. In order to reduce the energy requirement, a heat exchanger is provided over which the exhaust air coming from the inlet is guided to the combustion chamber, and the clean air coming from the combustion chamber is guided to the outlet. In order to also be able to process exhaust air, which is loaded with adherent residues, for example, pitch vapors, a device is provided with which, during a purification mode, at least a portion of the clean air can be optionally fed past a section of the heat exchanger located closer to the combustion chamber and into another section of the heat exchanger located further from the combustion chamber. Deposits, which have formed in the vicinity of the cold end of the heat exchanger, can be removed in this manner, particularly oxidized.
US08316919B2	Apparatus for setting a core in a molding machine, a molding machine, and a method for setting a core The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for setting a core, a molding machine, and a method for setting a core where the configuration of the apparatus and the machine is simplified and the accuracy of the core-setting is high. The apparatus is one for setting a core in a molding machine that comprises an upper flask, a lower flask, a match plate clamped between the upper flask and the lower flask, and an upper and a lower squeezing member for forming molding spaces by having the upper and lower squeezing members be inserted into the upper and lower flasks, respectively, wherein a core is set in the lower mold in a state that the upper mold, the lower mold, and the match plate are separate from each other, the apparatus comprising: a jig for a core having a means for holding a core and a rotary shaft and being rotatably supported by the rotary shaft wherein the means for holding a core detachably holds the core at the jig; and a carriage for a core for rotatably supporting the rotary shaft of the jig and being transported to and from a position above the lower mold; wherein an actuator for elevating the match plate transported between the upper flask and lower flask elevates the jig for the core and the carriage for the core that are transported to a position above the lower mold, which actuator is attached to the molding machine.
US08316915B2	High speed door assembly The present invention is directed to an industrial high-speed door assembly having a reduced door panel width and having guides for guiding the door which extend into a passageway but are resilient, tough, or resiliently collapsible, to either withstand impacts from vehicle collisions or moveable during opening of the door to avoid collisions while returning for guidance upon closing the door.
US08316905B2	Press and a method for manufacturing a press An isostatic press is disclosed in which tunnel-like passages are formed between the envelope surface of a force absorbing body and a prestressing device. A method and a press are further disclosed, wherein a cylindrical element is prestressed simultaneously with obtaining a tunnel-like passage on the cylindrical element.
US08316901B1	Cutter attachment and method of using A device and method for cutting and mulching material such as trees, bushes, roots, stumps, vegetation, and other debris. The device includes a frame adapted to be combined with a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a rotating cutting element having a plurality of rotating cutters. The cutting element is actuated by a motor to spin at a speed and with a force suitable for cutting trees and other material. The frame further includes a supporting surface that helps to support the material and guide it toward the cutting element as the device is moved downward to cut and mulch the material.
US08316899B2	Fill pocket housing fresh air filter assembly A fuel venting system for use with a fuel system of a vehicle. The system includes a fill pocket housing including an upper back wall having vent openings allowing fluid flow therethrough. A vent shield extends proximate to the vent openings on a back side of the upper back wall and extends outward away from the upper back wall as the back wall extends downward, with the vent shield also having side walls extending from the back wall to define a bottom opening. A diverter has side walls mounted to the upper back wall and a back wall extending between the side walls to surround the vent shield to form a gap between the diverter walls and the vent shield to receive a filter therein.
US08316894B2	Modular adjustable frame hand loom An adjustable knitting and weaving hand loom includes differently shaped elongate sections. Tabs and channels connect the sections to form a closed frame by connecting adjoining sections in end-to-end abutment. The tabs and mating channels form sliding joints between adjoining sections. Each of the sections is provided with a series of substantially uniformly spaced holes or bores. End-most holes through the tabs and the channels are aligned when the axial tabs are fully slidably mated within associated axial channels. Pegs are dimensioned to be received both within aligned end-most holes at each slip joint and intermediate holes. The pegs are inserted into aligned end-most bores or holes function both to secure yarn during knitting and to lock the axial tabs from inadvertently separating from mating axial channels by movements along the direction of insertion.
US08316893B2	Fastening of pipes A plastics pipe provided with engageable fastener elements on an outer surface thereof, a method for manufacturing the pipe, and a fastener system comprising inter-engageable fastener elements on an outer surface of a pipe and a support therefore.
US08316892B2	Lateral liner with seal A lateral liner assembly provides for sealing of the junction between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer pipe. The lateral liner assembly includes a body portion attached to a collar portion. A flange assembly is secured to the collar to provide a rigid base for a seal. The seal supported on the flange seals against the inner surface of the main sewer pipe. The seal provides a desired water tight seal for the junction between the main sewer line and the lateral sewer line.
US08316890B2	Port closure system with hydraulic hammer resistance A port closure system (20) including a port structure (22), and a valve (24). The port structure (22) includes a port (28) for establishing communication between an exterior environment (30) and interior volume (32) that can receive a fluent substance. The valve (24) includes a flexible, resilient, self-closing, slit-type valve head (36) with an orifice that is normally closed in an unconstrained condition. The port (28) has a laterally inwardly facing engaging surface (34) and the valve has a laterally outwardly facing peripheral surface (54) that is compressed laterally inwardly by engagement with the surface (34) to increase the resistance of the normally closed orifice to opening when the head (36) is subjected to a pressure differential.
US08316875B2	Methods, apparatus and/or systems relating to fuel delivery systems for industrial machinery An assembly for delivering a supply of liquid fuel and a supply of purge air to a gas turbine engine, the assembly comprising: an annular dual-flow check valve for controlling the flow through concentric channels that have a common outlet, the annular dual-flow check valve comprising: an outer body and an inner body that define the concentric channels, which include an outer channel and an inner channel formed therein; a spring activated annular poppet that resides in the outer channel and has a range of motion in the axial direction; and an opening through the inner body that connects the outer channel to the inner channel; wherein the axial movement of the annular poppet is regulated by the pressure of the flow upstream of the annular poppet in the outer channel; and the axial range of motion of the annular poppet includes at least two axial positions.
US08316873B2	Single use valve A single use valve (10) comprises a plate (12) having an internal filter structure (28). A sealing substance (20) covers an inlet (14) to the filter structure (28). A heater arrangement (16) is arranged at the plate (12) in the vicinity of the sealing substance (20) for converting electrical current into heat and thereby melting or evaporating the sealing substance (20). The heater arrangement (16) conducts at least a part of the current, and preferably the entire current, along a conduction path not including the sealing substance (20). The melting of the sealing substance (20) thereby becomes independent on the existence of a complete electrical connection through the sealing substance (20). The heater arrangement (16) has therefore preferably its main heat emission in an area surrounding the sealing substance (20). The sealing substance (20) can be of any non-porous material.
US08316865B2	Process for winding dental tape This present invention relates to a process for winding tape to prevent or reduce telescoping of the tape (e.g., dental tape) as it is wound onto a bobbin spool. Dispensers comprising such bobbins are also discussed herein.
US08316862B2	Devices, systems and methods for magnetic-assisted therapeutic agent delivery Devices, systems and methods for magnetically assisted agent delivery are included. These devices, systems, and methods make use of a plurality of magnets or magnetic configuration. Two magnets are arranged such that the two magnetic fields overlap and can cancel at the location of the desired node point without canceling around that point.
US08316861B2	System and method for guiding a medical instrument with magnetic force control A magnetic force control system for guiding a medical instrument within a body includes: a controlled magnet coupled to the medical instrument; a controller magnet that exerts a magnetic force on the controlled magnet; a magnetically permeable shield, placed between the controlled magnet and the controller magnet, that selectively modulates the magnetic force by rerouting magnetic field lines; and a control system. A method for guiding a medical instrument within a body with magnetic force control includes: providing a controlled magnet coupled to the medical instrument, inserting the controlled magnet and medical instrument into the body, providing a controller magnet outside the body, placing a magnetically permeable shield between the controlled magnet and the controller magnet, applying magnetic force, and selectively modulating the magnetic force with the shield to vary at least one of amplitude and orientation of the magnetic force, thereby guiding the controlled magnet within the body.
US08316834B2	Control device and control method for internal combustion engine A control device for an internal combustion engine includes: an abnormality determination portion determining the presence of an abnormality in a fuel system, such as an injector, by comparing an air-fuel ratio detected by an A/F sensor and a learning value of the air-fuel ratio with a preset abnormality determination value; an alcohol concentration estimating portion estimating the alcohol concentration in fuel based on the air-fuel ratio detected by the A/F sensor and the learning value; and an abnormality determination value changing portion changing the abnormality determination value depending on the alcohol concentration estimated by the alcohol concentration estimating portion.
US08316833B2	Ignition enhancer for a vehicle engine An ignition enhancer for a vehicle engine is installed between a conducting wire of a high voltage coil and a plug connector, provided with a capacitor, two conducting rods respectively extended outward from two ends of the capacitor, an insulation sleeve wrapping around the capacitor and filled with a waterproof resin to fully surround the capacitor, and two engaging grooves respectively formed in two ends of the insulation sleeve. Thus, with the conducting rods inserted in a core of the conducting wire of the high voltage coil and the plug connector respectively, the capacitor, storing an electric charge, is able to stabilize voltage and fulfill filtering to strengthen ignition power after starting a vehicle engine, not only advancing combustion efficiency to lower carbonization but also augmenting engine power.
US08316830B2	Valve module for a combustion engine breathing system A valve module for a combustion engine breathing system, and products and systems using the same.
US08316828B2	Exhaust gas recirculation diagnostic for coordinated torque control systems A control system includes a throttle control module, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control module, and a diagnostic control module. The throttle control module selectively maintains a desired throttle area when a vehicle is in a coastdown mode. The EGR control module opens an EGR valve when the desired throttle area is maintained. The diagnostic control module selectively diagnoses an error of an EGR system based on a pressure increase measured in an intake manifold of the vehicle when the EGR valve is open.
US08316824B2	Control apparatus for internal combustion engine Control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including: a second knock detection unit for detecting occurrence of a second knock due to an effective compression ratio when ignition timing is on a retard side of a predetermined value in the case where a first knock is detected; a second knock suppression unit for suppressing the second knock when the second knock is detected; a first abnormal ignition detection means for detecting occurrence of first abnormal ignition due to the pre-ignition or the post-ignition when a knock intensity of the second knock is equal to or larger than a predetermined value; and a first abnormal ignition suppression unit for suppressing the first abnormal ignition by performing fuel control for the internal combustion engine when the first abnormal ignition is detected.
US08316821B2	Method and system for enabling cylinder balancing at low idle speed using crankshaft speed sensor A method and control system for controlling the idle speed of an engine includes an engine speed module that generates an engine speed signal. The control system also includes an actuator control module that regulates an engine speed based on a desired idle speed when an engine idle mode is enabled and a balancing module that balances torque produced by cylinders of an engine based on the engine speed signal when the engine idle mode is enabled. The control module also includes an idle speed reduction module that determines an idle speed reduction based on the actual torques produced by the cylinders after the balancing module balances the torque and that decreases the desired idle speed based on the idle speed reduction.
US08316813B2	Engine assembly having variable intake air tuning device and tuning method An engine intake air tuning assembly may include a housing assembly and an air flow control member. The housing assembly may include an air inlet, an air outlet, and a body portion extending therebetween. The body portion may define an air flow passage and a tuning chamber. The air flow passage may provide fluid communication between the air inlet and outlet. The air flow control member may be located within the body portion and may be displaced between first and second positions relative to the air flow passage. The air flow control member may provide a first communication path from the air flow passage to the tuning chamber when in the first position and a second communication path from the air flow passage to the tuning chamber when in the second position. The second communication path may define a greater number of openings than the first communication path.
US08316806B2	Arrangement for cooling of oil in a gearbox for a vehicle An arrangement for cooling oil in a gearbox in a vehicle which is powered by a combustion engine, the arrangement including an oil cooler, an oil system configured to circulate oil between the gearbox and the oil cooler, and a coolant circuit configured and operable to lead coolant to the oil cooler. The coolant circuit includes a radiator element for cooling the coolant and a line to lead the cooled coolant from the radiator element to the oil cooler. The coolant circuit has a flow-regulator to regulate the coolant flow through the radiator element for imparting to the coolant a temperature which makes possible a desired cooling of the oil in the oil cooler.
US08316805B2	Cooling arrangement for air or gas input in a vehicle engine The present invention relates to a cooler arrangement in a vehicle powered by a combustion engine. The cooler arrangement comprises a first cooling element for cooling a first medium in the form of a circulating coolant, and a radiator fan adapted to generating an air flow through the first cooling element for cooling the coolant when it circulates through the first cooling element. The cooler arrangement comprises also a tubular casing adapted to serving as a flow passage for the air which passes through the first cooling element and at least one further cooling element for cooling a second medium, which further cooling element is arranged in the flow passage at a position downstream of the first cooling element with respect to the intended direction of flow of the cooling air through the flow passage.
US08316800B2	Bird feeder A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.
US08316799B2	Installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal and an autonomously displaceable vehicle for use in such an installation An installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal, such as a calf. The installation comprises one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, and one or more vehicles that are autonomously displaceable, controlled by a microprocessor or the like, between one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, each vehicle comprising a drinking nozzle, such as a flexible teat, which is movably mounted relative to the remaining part of the displaceable vehicle, and a height adjusting device for adjusting a height of the drinking nozzle.
US08316798B2	Individually mixed pet feed supply system It used to be difficult to automatically mix—together with ordinary pet foods—nutrients and medications as additives based on a prescription from an animal hospital according to the condition of a pet. Also, it was not easy to submit from a personal computer or a mobile phone an order for custom-mixed pet food. This system easily receives, via the Internet from a personal computer 1 or a mobile phone 2, an order for custom-mixed pet food based on a prescription sent to a custom-mixed-pet-food prescription control computer system 4 that electronically controls a mixing device 5 that automatically produces custom-mixed pet food according to mixing data specified by an pet owner's order and prescription from an animal hospital. The system comprises a pet-owner-user's personal computer 1, a mobile phone 2, the Internet 9, a custom-mixed-pet-food prescription control computer system 4, a computer 3 of an animal hospital, a Web server 4a, an application server 4b, a database server 4c, a stored data input/output processing management terminal 4d, an interface circuit 4e, and a mixing device 5.
US08316787B2	Braking system for watercraft A braking system for a watercraft moving upon a body of water. A hull has a bow portion, a bottom portion and a port opening in the bow. A water inlet is formed in the bottom of the hull. A duct extends between the water inlet and the port opening. A generally U-shaped hub has an intake portion and an output portion. The hub is selectably movable between a stowed position with the intake portion within the hull and a deployed position with the intake portion extending into the body of water. The intake portion of the hub, when deployed, diverts water from the intake portion to the output portion of the hub. The moving watercraft is braked by drag induced upon the hull by the deployed hub extending into the body of water and by the diverted water urged through the duct and out of the port opening.
US08316783B2	Separator construction of a fluidized bed boiler A separator construction, connectable to a fluidized bed boiler having a furnace, for circulating bed material and returning the material to the furnace. The separator construction includes walls, a ceiling, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit in flow communication with a flue gas channel located above the separator, and a suspending device connecting the separator to a supporting structure in a building housing the boiler. The suspending device is formed of a frame arranged between the flue gas channel and the separator in connection with an upper circumference of the wall of the separator, and hanger rods or wires connecting the frame directly to the supporting structure.
US08316776B2	Rotary bearing, rotary table device and table diameter determining method A rotary table device includes a hollow motor drive source, a table rotated thereby, and a rotary bearing supporting the table. The rotary bearing is provided an outer race having an inner surface to which a rolling surface is formed, an inner race having an outer peripheral surface to which a rolling surface opposing to the rolling surface of the outer race is formed, and a plurality of rolling members disposed in a rolling passage formed by the rolling surface of the outer race and the rolling surface of the inner race, and a cooling medium passage (α, β) is formed so as to be adjacent to either one of the inner race and outer race constituting a rotational driving side. According to the structure mentioned above, a rotary bearing and a rotary table device capable of achieving suitable cooling effect can be provided.
US08316764B1	Apparatus and method for adding a registered image on a sheeted substrate An apparatus and method for preparing a sheeted substrate with a registered structured image in which a resin coated sheeted substrate is provided in the form of a series of spaced sheets with leading or trailing edges acting as reference positions along with a master web with structured images and registration marks. Reference positions of the series of spaced sheets are aligned with the registration mark on the master web and the master web is nipped to the coated sheeted substrate after which curing energy is applied through the master web to the resin coat while the master web and sheeted substrate are in contact. Then the master web is separated from the sheeted substrate to leave a structured image on the sheeted substrate. Registration between the sheeted substrate and the master web may be maintained by varying the relative speed of the master web and the sheeted substrate through stretching of the master web.
US08316753B2	Explosive round countermeasure system An explosive round countermeasure system incorporates a plurality of linear shaped charges with standoffs for holding the linear shaped charges in parallel spaced relation distal from the structure to be protected, each shaped charge creating a substantially planar jet when detonated. Means for sensing an incoming explosive round having a nose mounted fuse structure is provided and means for detonating at least one of the charges in the array responsive to the sensing means such that the detonation is timed for placement of the fuse structure adjacent the at least one charge.
US08316751B2	Barrel clamp safety retainer A minigun having a plurality of barrels. At least one barrel has a lug. A barrel clamp is attached to the barrels. The barrel clamp has a rear portion with apertures to receive the barrels. The barrel clamp has a front portion with apertures to receive the free end of the barrels. A clamp collar captures both the rear portion of the barrel clamp and at least one lug. The clamp collar may have two parts that are hingedly attached at one end and releasably pinned at the other end. Each of the two parts may have two flanges. The two flanges may be spaced apart by a distance defined by the barrel clamp's length. Each of the flanges may include a plurality of scallops. The clamp collar and the barrel clamp may each include a plurality of apertures that are aligned when the clamp collar is closed.
US08316745B2	Semiconductor wafer pre-process annealing and gettering method and system for solar cell formation Techniques are here disclosed for a solar cell pre-processing method and system for annealing and gettering a solar cell semiconductor wafer having an undesirably high dispersion of transition metals, impurities and other defects. The process forms a surface contaminant layer on the solar cell semiconductor (e.g., silicon) wafer. A surface of the semiconductor wafer receives and holds impurities, as does the surface contaminant layer. The lower-quality semiconductor wafer includes dispersed defects that in an annealing process getter from the semiconductor bulk to form impurity cluster toward the surface contaminant layer. The impurity clusters form within the surface contaminant layer while increasing the purity level in wafer regions from which the dispersed defects gettered. Cooling follows annealing for retaining the impurity clusters and, thereby, maintaining the increased purity level of the semiconductor wafer in regions from which the impurities gettered. Multicrystalline semiconductor wafers having grain boundaries with impurities may also undergo the annealing and gettering of dispersed defects to the grain boundaries, further increasing the semiconductor substrate purity levels.
US08316725B2	Force sensor A force sensor is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may include a sensing die mounted to a substrate and an actuation assembly for transmitting an external force to the sensing die. The sensing die may include a diaphragm and one or more sensing elements (e.g. piezoresistive elements) positioned on the diaphragm. The actuation assembly may include a spherical member or object (e.g. ball bearing) in contact with the diaphragm, a pin member having a first end coupled to the spherical object and a second end coupled to a button member. The actuator assembly may transmit a force applied to the button member to the diaphragm via the pin member and spherical member. In some cases, the front side of the sensing die may be mounted to the substrate with an adhesive, such as a pattern of conductive adhesive and nonconductive adhesive to electrically connect one or more bond pads of the sensing die to one or more bond pads of the substrate without the need for wire bonds. The force sensor may also include signal conditioning circuitry.
US08316724B2	Measuring device including a layer of a magnetoelastic alloy and a method for production thereof A measuring device including a layer of a magnetoelastic alloy formed on a load-carrying member. The layer is intended for measuring stresses induced by a force applied to the load-carrying member. An average grain size of the layer is in the range of 100 nm to 10000 nm. A method for production of the layer.
US08316718B2	MEMS pressure sensor device and method of fabricating same A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensor device (20, 62) includes a substrate structure (22, 64) having a cavity (32, 68) formed therein and a substrate structure (24) having a reference element (36) formed therein. A sense element (44) is interposed between the substrate structures (22, 24) and is spaced apart from the reference element (36). The sense element (44) is exposed to an external environment (48) via one of the cavity (68) and a plurality of openings (38) formed in the reference element (36). The sense element (44) is movable relative to the reference element (36) in response to a pressure stimulus (54) from the environment (48). Fabrication methodology (76) entails forming (78) the substrate structure (22, 64) having the cavity (32, 68), fabricating (84) the substrate structure (24) including the sense element (44), coupling (92) the substrate structures, and subsequently forming (96) the reference element (36) in the substrate structure (24).
US08316714B2	Scan patterns for electronically positioned apertures on an array A plane or volume is scanned with ultrasound. Electronic movement of apertures is used during the scanning. Scanning with the apertures is interleaved. The apertures move along the array in opposite directions, preventing or limiting large temporal discontinuity. For example, two apertures begin at similar angles on a two-dimensional array. Planar scans are performed for each aperture location. The apertures are counter rotated (i.e., one clockwise and the other counter clockwise).
US08316712B2	Quantitative acoustic emission non-destructive inspection for revealing, typifying and assessing fracture hazards Inspecting for fracture hazards by detecting a presence of at least one flaw development process in an equipment under inspection, the flaw development process being corrosion product nucleation and development, pitting, plastic deformation development, and/or micro-cracking. Detecting the presence of the flaw development process includes (a) determining at least one characteristic acoustic emission (AE) signature associated with a respective flaw development process, and (b) measuring an AE from each of a plurality of locations within the equipment. Presence of the respective flaw development process is identified only when the measured AE conforms to the characteristic AE signature within a predetermined tolerance. A fracture hazard is determined to exist only when (a) a quantity of the identified flaw development processes exceeds a first predetermined threshold and/or (b) a magnitude of at least one of the identified flaw development processes exceeds a second predetermined threshold.
US08316710B2	Physical quantity measuring apparatus The physical quantity measuring apparatus includes a first function of generating voltage used for position-controlling a movable body, a second function of detecting a position of the movable body during a position detecting period, a third function of calculating a control amount necessary to keep the movable body at a predetermined position on the basis of a detection result by the second function, and causing the first function to generate a control voltage corresponding to the calculated control amount to keep the movable body at the predetermined position during a position controlling period, and a fourth function of setting the position detecting period and the position controlling period in a time-sharing manner so that the position detecting period and the position controlling period do not overlap with each other.
US08316707B2	Method for measuring the level of liquid cryogen in a cryogen vessel In a method for measuring the level of liquid cryogen in a cryogen vessel, a current pulse is applied to a cryogen level probe includes an ignition current pulse part of sufficient magnitude to ensure that a resistive front propagates down the probe to below the liquid cryogen surface; a recovery current pulse part allowing that part of the superconducting wire below the surface of the liquid cryogen to return to a superconducting state; and a measurement current pulse part of sufficient magnitude and duration to allow an accurate measurement of the superconducting wire's resistance to be measured.
US08316700B2	Method and system for determining operating parameters of a tyre during running of a vehicle An oscillating structure is coupled to a crown portion of a tire. The oscillating structure includes a housing and a piezoelectric element coupled to the housing. The piezoelectric element is able to oscillate in an oscillation direction, which could match either a longitudinal or a radial direction of the tire. An electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric element is processed so as to determine at least one operating parameter of the tire. The processing includes determining whether a rotation speed of the tire is greater than a threshold speed; and, in the negative, extracting information for determining the at least one operating parameter of the tire from a low-pass filtered signal. Such low-pass filtered signal is obtained by removing at least frequency components of the electrical signal having a frequency higher than or equal to a resonance peak frequency of the oscillating structure.
US08316699B2	Method and device for measuring and adjusting valve clearance The present invention provides a method and a device for accurately measuring and adjusting a valve clearance value to a desired value in an engine having a rocker-arm-type valve. According to a valve clearance measuring and adjusting method of the present invention, a pair of probes 60 each having a round tip end 611 are brought into direct contact with a valve clearance CV of an engine having a rocker-arm-type valve 105, and a center-to-center distance between the two tip ends 611 is measured. An actual valve clearance value is calculated and measured on the basis of the center-to-center distance between the tip ends 611. The actual valve clearance value is adjusted to a desired valve clearance value, while the actual valve clearance value is measured in real time.
US08316697B1	Fixture to hermetically isolate a capped opening on a container for gas transmission testing An analytical instrument and associated method for ascertaining gas transmission rates of a target-analyte through a capped mouth of a bottle. The instrument employs a unique fixture that includes (1) a selectively openable and closeable enclosure defining a chamber, and (2) a mounting post extending into the chamber. The post is configured and arranged to sealingly engage an inner surface of a capped bottle neck, wherein mounting of a capped bottle neck onto the post sealingly separates the chamber into a first compartment inside the mounted capped bottle neck and a second compartment outside the mounted capped bottle neck. The fixture is configured and arranged with passageways for introducing a pressurized target-analyte-containing fluid into the first compartment of the chamber and flushing the second compartment of the chamber with a target-analyte-free fluid.
US08316685B2	Roller holding unit A pressing tool having a drive unit, a piston-cylinder unit with a fork-like receiver and an actual clamping pincer. The clamping pincer has a T-shaped mounting which, with a retaining bolt and a retaining bolt receiver, is connected to a fork-like receiver. In the fork-like receiver, a roller holder with two rollers is located. The fork-like receiver is part of the piston-cylinder unit. On actuation of the pressing tool, the piston-cylinder unit is pulled back and thus the roller holder with the rollers is moved forward relative thereto in an axial direction towards the clamping pincer. Thus, the rollers roll on roll flanks of the clamping jaws of the clamping pincer. The clamping pincer is pressed together by the rollers pressing apart the clamping jaws at the rear. Thus, the rollers are supported on a bearing block with sliding bearing surfaces. In the region between contact surfaces of the rollers with the sliding bearing surfaces and the contact line of the two rollers, there is a dirt collection chamber.
US08316682B2	Ironing apparatus A second press 10 irons a plate-like steel plate W. This second press 10 comprises a base block 22 for supporting the lower surface of the steel plate W, a rod 11 disposed on the upper surface of the steel plate W, an upper die 30 including a guide rail 24, a first cam 25 and a second cam 34 and a lifting mechanism 40 for moving the rod 11 along the surface of the steel plate W. The base block 22 regulates the movement of the rod 11 in a thickness direction of the steel plate W by contacting the upper surface of the rod 11 over the movement range of the ironing member in the surface direction of the steel plate W.
US08316681B2	Rolling mill A rolling mill, including: a casting device that casts molten metal to form a slab with a predetermined width; a pair of finishing milling rolls that shape the slab by rolling; and a movement device capable of moving the finishing milling rolls along respective axis directions thereof, in which a contour of a peripheral surface of each of the finishing milling rolls has a shape in which a first contour and a second contour are overlapped, the first contour including: edge regions with a shape in accordance with an average value of thickness variation in edge portions so as to make uniform a rolling reduction in a width direction for the slab with an edge thickness equal to the average value; and a central region that is interposed between the edge regions, and the second contour including edge regions which have an inclination angle steeper with respect to the axis direction than a central region so that the distance between facing edge portions of one of the pair of finishing milling rolls and the other of the pair of finishing milling rolls changes when the finishing milling rolls are moved by the movement device in opposite directions.
US08316677B2	Method and apparatus for high velocity electromagnetic sealing of containers Methods and apparatus for high velocity electromagnetic metal forming are described for sealing containers. The methods include applying an electromagnetic field to the container to seal a metal containing cap to the container. One or more containers may be simultaneously sealed. The apparatus includes an actuator that emits the electromagnetic field to seal the caps to the containers. The containers may contain a medicine.
US08316673B2	Apparatus of supplying and discharging fluid and method of operating the same The present invention relates to n apparatus of supplying and discharging a fluid, comprising: an inner tub; a fluid inflow passage connected to the inner tub; and a fluid outflow passage connected to the inner tub, wherein at least one of the inner tub, the inflow passage and the outflow passage has undergone at least one of the Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture treatment and the Kimchi lactic acid bacteria culture exposure treatment.
US08316670B2	Glassware mold cooling air supply A glassware forming machine includes a machine section box having a cooling air outlet opening, at least one mold-carrying arm disposed above the section box and movable between mold-open and mold-closed positions, and means for delivering cooling air from the outlet opening to the mold arms. The machine in accordance with this aspect of the disclosure is characterized in that the means for delivering cooling air includes a valve plate mounted on the section box to pivot around an axis and having a valve plate opening that registers with the outlet opening in the section box. A pressure plate is mounted on the mold-carrying arm overlying the valve plate and has a pressure plate opening that registers with the valve plate opening. A coupling between the valve plate and the pressure plate pivots the valve plate on the section box as a function of motion of the mold-carrying arm between the mold-open and mold-closed positions such that cooling air is continuously fed to the mold-carrying arm through the valve plate and the pressure plate. The coupling preferably is a lost motion coupling such that motion of the mold arm is not imparted to the valve plate during initial motion in either the opening or the closing direction.
US08316665B2	Integration of LNG regasification with refinery and power generation Contemplated plants thermally integrate operation of a refinery component, and most preferably of a hydrocarbon splitter with LNG regasification to provide refrigeration duty and with a power cycle to provide the reboiler duty of the component. It should be noted that such configurations advantageously allow operation of the splitter at a reduced temperature and at reduced pressure, thereby increasing separation efficiency, while the power output is boosted using air intake chilling. Most notably, such process advantages are achieved by satisfying the heating duty of LNG regasification.
US08316643B2	Method of driving and drive mechanism utilizing surface tension difference convection generated in two fluids having an interface An object of the present invention is to provide a method of driving a micromachine and a drive mechanism whereby the required drive force can be obtained and that avoid excessive load to the machine, the mechanism not being of large size and not being troublesome in terms of energy supply. In a micromachine rotary drive mechanism according to the present invention, a micro-turbine is floated on the liquid surface of Fluorinert, silicone oil is attached onto faces respectively directed in the same direction of this micro-turbine, thereby drive force of the micro-turbine is obtained from the surface tension difference convection generated at the two-fluid interface. Also, in a unidirectional drive mechanism of a micromachine according to the present invention, a minute thin sheet is floated on a Fluorinert liquid surface, silicone oil is attached to one end of this minute thin sheet, thereby drive force of this minute thin sheet is obtained from the surface tension difference convection generated at the two-fluid interface.
US08316641B2	Feed circuit for supplying a supercharged engine with at least one fluid and method for supplying such an engine with at least one fluid A circuit for feeding at least one fluid to an internal-combustion engine, notably of Diesel type, includes a circuit (20) for supercharging air to the engine intake, including a supercharging pipe (36), a supercharging device (28) with a compression stage (26) and a compressed air cooling radiator (38), as well as a circuit (22) for recirculating the exhaust gas to the engine intake, including an exhaust gas recirculation pipe (40) and an exhaust gas cooler (46). The feed circuit includes a connecting pipe (50) allowing to connect, upstream from cooler (46), air supercharging circuit (20) and exhaust gas recirculation circuit (22).
US08316632B2	Thrust reverser configuration for a short fan duct A thrust reverser comprises a translating sleeve, a torque beam, a plurality of cascades, a plurality of blocker doors, and a plurality of actuators. The translating sleeve is positioned at the rear of an aircraft nacelle and is translated rearward during thrust reverser deployment. The torque beam is positioned within the nacelle and configured to prevent airflow into the nacelle during thrust reverser deployment. The plurality of cascades are positioned around the circumference of the torque beam during thrust reverser stowage and are translated rearward during thrust reverser deployment. The plurality of blocker doors are positioned in alignment with the plurality of cascades and direct airflow through the plurality of cascades during thrust reverser deployment. The plurality of actuators are coupled to the forward edge of the sleeve and configured to translate the sleeve rearward during thrust reverser deployment.
US08316621B2	Cold formed roof and columns building structure system An improved roof structure formed of metal sheet s. The structure comprises a plurality of cold formed columns supported by a concrete foundation, a plurality of cold formed girders supported by the plurality of columns, a plurality of cold formed beams supported by the plurality of girders, a plurality of cold formed open web joists supported by the plurality of beams, and a plurality of polystyrene roof boards supported by the plurality of joists.
US08316620B2	Interlocking door assembly and method of manufacturing thereof An interlocking door includes a first skin with at least one protrusion and at least one mounting slot and a second skin with at least one protrusion. An end cap is slidingly engaged with the first skin and secured with an adhesive. The first and second skins are secured to one another upon sliding engagement of the first skin at least one mounting slot and the second skin at least one protrusion. The skins are fixedly secured with an adhesive.
US08316617B2	Roof object support device A roof object is supported on a weatherproofing roof membrane of a building roof structure using a support device including a mounting block and a coupling sheet. The mounting block is a resilient block of material for damping vibrations mechanical roof objects. The coupling sheet is mechanically connected to the mounting block using threaded fasteners which clamp a portion of the coupling sheet to the bottom of the mounting block. The remainder of the coupling sheet spans the bottom side of the block to protect the roof membrane from wear resulting from relative movement between the block and the roof membrane. The coupling sheet is also formed of a bond compatible material with the roof membrane so that the block can be held down onto the roof structure even when the block is not bond compatible with the roof membrane by instead bonding the coupling sheet to the roof membrane.
US08316616B2	Methods and devices for constructing a wall with brick facade A method for forming a brick façade positioning assembly includes positioning a plurality of bricks in a specified wall pattern. A film is placed over the bricks, and the film is molded over the bricks to form a custom brick film tray. The custom brick film tray includes brick shaped tray recesses in the specified wall pattern. The plurality of bricks are positioned within the brick shaped tray recesses. Optionally, a liquid setting material is poured on the custom brick film tray and the plurality of bricks to form a brick façade wall. The brick façade wall includes the bricks in the specified wall pattern provided by the custom brick film tray.
US08316608B2	Enhanced multi-layered shingle A multi-layered roofing shingle is described. The layers of the shingle are connected via a mechanical fastener. A method for manufacturing a multi-layered shingle is also described. The method includes aligning the layers of the shingle, and connecting the layers via at least one mechanical fastener. Further described is a multi-layered shingle having layers that are mechanically fastened by deforming one of the layers into one of the other layers.
US08316607B2	Metal ceiling system having locking panels without visible access holes A suspended metal ceiling system having a grid of support members suspended from a structural ceiling and a plurality of ceiling panels positioned on the grid of the support members having a locking mechanism for connecting the ceiling panels to the grid actuatable from a side wall of the ceiling panels.
US08316604B2	Floor panel and method for manufacturing such floor panel Floor panel, said floor panel (1) comprising a decor (2), as well as a top layer (8) based on synthetic material (9), and wherein the decor (2) represents a pattern with several wood parts (3) per floor panel (1), characterized in that in the upper surface (14) of the floor panel (1) one or more height differences are present in that the upper surface (14), at the location of one of more of the wood parts (3), shows an individualized global surface level (16).
US08316601B2	Under deck drainage system A drainage system comprising a frame and a plurality of drainage basins. The frame has at least three pairs of frame engaging elements. Each drainage basin has an outer and an inner surface. Additionally each has a central region with first and second side ends, as well as, first and second frame engaging structures. The first frame engaging structure is positioned at the first side end and includes an inwardly directed leg having a retention lip engagement flange configured to engage one of the frame engaging elements. The second frame engaging structure is positioned at the second side end and includes an inwardly directed leg having an inboard retention lip engagement nub and an outboard retention lip engagement flange configured to engage opposing adjacent frame engaging elements. A slot covering flange extends over the first frame engaging structure. The slot covering flange covers the area formed by the cooperation of the first frame engaging structure of a first drainage basin with the second frame engaging structure of a second drainage basin.
US08316599B2	Wall panel system with snap-on clip A wall panel system includes at least one wall panel, each edge of the panel having a flange. At least one flange, and preferably two opposing flanges, have at least one slot therein. Each slot is mated with a clip having two extensions laterally spaced from one another, one of said extensions having a latch member protruding in a direction toward the other of said extensions, such that the clip is secured to the flange by virtue of the latch member mating with the slot. The clip may then be attached to a building surface or intermediary mounting apparatus by a fastener to secure the wall panel thereto.
US08316594B2	Stair tread assembly and method A replacement or repair stair tread assembly for covering over an existing worn stair tread includes a core that is surrounded by hardwood edge members, of which at least on edge has a bullnose. The edge members and core are mated at tongue and groove joints. The bullnose has a greater depth of section than the core. The core is a multi-ply matrix with veneer surface skins of the same grain orientation and type of wood. The multiple plies are arranged such that successive layers have cross-wise grain orientation. The plies of the core have symmetrically balanced properties relative to the neutral axis or neutral plane of the core in bending, both cross-wise and length-wise. The balanced properties may pertain to water absorption and to resistance to bending.

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