Document	Document Title
US08530405B2	Method of preparing water-soluble and biodegradable antimicrobial agent A method of preparing a water-soluble and biodegradable antimicrobial agent is provided. The method includes treating a polypeptide compound with sodium hypochlorite for at least 1 min, such that the polypeptide compound has at least one N-halamine group and has good antimicrobial effect. By using the method of the present invention, a chemical synthesis process is not required and an organic solvent is not required either, and thus, an antimicrobial agent having high water solubility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, good sterilization effect, and regeneration can be prepared with reduced harms to the environment.
US08530387B2	Dithiinopyridazinone derivatives The present invention relates to new dithiinopyridazinedione derivatives, to processes for preparing them, to their use for controlling unwanted microorganisms, more particularly phytopathogenic fungi, in crop protection, in the household and hygiene sector and in the protection of materials, and also to crop protection compositions comprising these dithiinopyridazinedione derivatives.
US08530377B2	Thermoreversible recording medium, and thermoreversible recording member The present invention provides a thermoreversible recording medium which includes a support, a thermoreversible recording layer which comprises a thermoreversible composition containing an electron-donating color-forming compound and an electron-accepting compound, a metal compound-containing layer which includes a resin, an organic metal compound, and an inorganic layer compound, in which the resin is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol polymers, and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and the organic metal compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of an organic titanium compound and an organic zirconium compound, and a protective layer which protects the metal compound-containing layer, wherein the support, the thermoreversible recording layer, the metal compound-containing layer and the protective layer are laminated in this order.
US08530372B2	Oxygen storage catalyst with decreased ceria reduction temperature Catalysts, systems and methods for abating emissions in an exhaust stream are provided. Systems comprising a transition metal oxide stabilized oxygen storage catalyst are described. The emissions treatment system is advantageously used for the treatment of exhaust streams from lean burn engines including diesel engines and lean burn gasoline engines.
US08530365B2	Composition for improving the stability and operational performance and reducing the environmental impact of asphalt mixes A composition useful as an additive for asphalt mixes, such as stone matrix asphalt and porous asphalt, comprising the mineral porcelanite and either an activating agent or amorphous silica, and asphalt mixes comprising the composition. The asphalt mixes are stable and meet performance requirements according to national standards. The asphalt mixes require less bitumen than fiber-stabilized mixes, and can be mixed for less time at a lower temperature. The asphalt mixes comprising the inventive composition are thus more economical and environmentally friendly than existing asphalt mixes.
US08530359B2	Modulated metal removal using localized wet etching An apparatus for wet etching metal from a semiconductor wafer comprises a wafer holder for rotating a wafer and a plurality of nozzles for applying separate flow patterns of etching liquid to the surface of the wafer. The flow patterns impact the wafer in distinct band-like impact zones. The flow pattern of etching liquid from at least one nozzle is modulated during a total etching time control the cumulative etching rate in one local etch region relative to the cumulative etching rate in one or more other local etch regions. Some embodiments include a lower etch chamber and an upper rinse chamber separated by a horizontal splash shield. Some embodiments include a retractable vertical splash shield used to prevent splashing of etching liquid onto the inside walls of a treatment container. An etch-liquid delivery system includes a plurality of nozzle flow paths having corresponding nozzle flow resistances, and a plurality of drain flow paths having corresponding drain flow resistances. Nozzle flow resistances and drain flow resistances are matched so that switching the flow from a nozzle to a corresponding drain flow path does not change the flow rate of etching liquid through other nozzles. A non-wafer-contacting measuring device measures a metal thickness on a rotating semiconductor wafer during metal wet etching by immersing a plurality of electrodes in etching liquid in close proximity to the wafer surface of the rotating wafer and determining electrical resistance between a plurality of electrodes.
US08530350B2	Apparatuses including stair-step structures and methods of forming the same Methods for forming semiconductor structures are disclosed, including a method that involves forming sets of conductive material and insulating material, forming a first mask over the sets, forming a first number of contact regions, forming a second mask over a first region of the sets, and removing material from of the sets in a second, exposed region laterally adjacent the first region to form a second number of contact regions. Another method includes forming first and second contact regions on portions of sets of conductive materials and insulating materials, each of the second contact regions more proximal to an underlying substrate than each of the first contact regions. Apparatuses such as memory devices including laterally adjacent first and second regions each including contact regions of a different portion of a plurality of conductive materials and related methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.
US08530327B2	Nitride shallow trench isolation (STI) structures and methods for forming the same A shallow trench isolation (STI) structure and methods for forming the same provide an STI structure with a top surface formed completely of silicon nitride. The methods for forming the STI structures provide for at least one nitride deposition step followed by a further nitride deposition step to re-fill divots that occur along the upper portions of the trench sidewalls.
US08530324B2	Methods of fabricating microelectronic memory devices having flat stopper layers Memory devices comprise a microelectronic substrate including a cell array region and a peripheral region adjacent the cell array region, the cell array region including therein an array of memory cells and the peripheral region including therein peripheral circuits for the array of memory cells, the microelectronic substrate including a lower layer that extends across the cell array region and across the peripheral region and that includes a flat outer surface from the cell array region to the peripheral region. A signal transfer conductor layer extends in the cell array region beneath the flat outer surface of the lower layer and extends in the peripheral region above the flat outer surface of the lower layer. An insulating layer is provided on the lower layer, the insulating layer extending across the cell array region and the peripheral region and also including a flat outer surface from the cell array region to the peripheral region. A flat stopper layer is provided on the flat outer surface of the insulating layer and extending across the cell array region and the peripheral region. Finally, an array of memory cell capacitor storage nodes is provided in the cell array region that extend beyond the flat stopper layer and that penetrate through the flat stopper layer and the insulating layer. Related methods are also provided.
US08530315B2	finFET with fully silicided gate A method is provided for fabricating a finFET device. Multiple fin structures are formed over a BOX layer, and a gate stack is formed on the BOX layer. The fin structures each include a semiconductor layer and extend in a first direction, and the gate stack is formed over the fin structures and extends in a second direction. The gate stack includes dielectric and polysilicon layers. Gate spacers are formed on vertical sidewalls of the gate stack, and an epi layer is deposited over the fin structures. Ions are implanted to form source and drain regions, and the gate spacers are etched so that their upper surface is below an upper surface of the gate stack. After etching the gate spacers, silicidation is performed to fully silicide the polysilicon layer of the gate stack and to form silicide regions in an upper surface of the source and drain regions.
US08530304B2	Process of forming an electronic device including a gate electrode and a gate tap An electronic device can include a gate electrode and a gate tap that makes an unlanded contact to the gate electrode. The electronic device can further include a source region and a drain region that may include a drift region. In an embodiment, the gate electrode has a height that is greater than its width. In another embodiment, the electronic device can include gate taps that spaced apart from each other, wherein at least some of the gate taps contact the gate electrode over the channel region. In a further embodiment, at a location where the gate tap contacts the gate electrode, the gate tap is wider than the gate electrode. A variety of processes can be used to form the electronic device.
US08530302B2	Method for manufacturing CMOS FET A method for manufacturing a CMOS FET comprises forming a first interfacial SiO2 layer on a semiconductor substrate after formation a conventional dielectric isolation; forming a stack a first high-K gate dielectric/a first metal gate; depositing a first hard mask; patterning the first hard mask by lithography and etching; etching the portions of the first metal gate and the first high-K gate dielectric that are not covered by the first hard mask. A second interfacial SiO2 layer and a stack of a second high-K gate dielectric/a second metal gate are then formed; a second hard mask is deposited and patterned by lithograph and etching; the portions of the second metal gate and the second high-K gate dielectric that are not covered by the second hard mask are etched to expose the first hard mask on the first metal gate. The first hard mask and the second hard mask are removed by etching; a polysilicon layer and a third hard mask are deposited and patterned by lithography and etching to form a gate stack; a dielectric layer is deposited and etched to form first spacers. Source/drain regions and their extensions are then formed by a conventional process, and silicides are formed by silicidation to provide contact and metallization.
US08530299B2	Electronic device including a well region An electronic device including an integrated circuit can include a buried conductive region and a semiconductor layer overlying the buried conductive region, and a vertical conductive structure extending through the semiconductor layer and electrically connected to the buried conductive region. The integrated circuit can further include a doped structure having an opposite conductivity type as compared to the buried conductive region, lying closer to an opposing surface than to a primary surface of the semiconductor layer, and being electrically connected to the buried conductive region. The integrated circuit can also include a well region that includes a portion of the semiconductor layer, wherein the portion overlies the doped structure and has a lower dopant concentration as compared to the doped structure. In other embodiment, the doped structure can be spaced apart from the buried conductive region.
US08530292B2	Method for manufacturing a strained channel MOS transistor A method for manufacturing a strained channel MOS transistor including the steps of: forming, at the surface of a semiconductor substrate, a MOS transistor comprising source and drain regions and an insulated sacrificial gate which partly extends over insulation areas surrounding the transistor; forming a layer of a dielectric material having its upper surface level with the upper surface of the sacrificial gate; removing the sacrificial gate; etching at least an upper portion of the exposed insulation areas to form trenches therein; filling the trenches with a material capable of applying a strain to the substrate; and forming, in the space left free by the sacrificial gate, an insulated MOS transistor gate.
US08530290B2	Thin film transistor, method of fabricating the same, and organic light emitting diode display device including the same A thin film transistor includes: a substrate; a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, and including a channel region, source and drain regions, and edge regions having a first impurity formed at edges of the source and drain regions, and optionally, in the channel region; a gate insulating layer insulating the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode insulated from the semiconductor layer by the gate insulating layer; and source and drain electrodes electrically connected to the semiconductor layer.
US08530283B2	Process for forming an electronic device including a nonvolatile memory structure having an antifuse component An electronic device can include a nonvolatile memory cell, wherein the nonvolatile memory cell can include an access transistor, a read transistor, and an antifuse component coupled to the access transistor and the read transistor. In an embodiment, the read transistor can include a gate electrode, and the antifuse component can include a first electrode and a second electrode overlying the first electrode. The gate electrode and the first electrode can be parts of the same gate member. In another embodiment, the access transistor can include a gate electrode, and the antifuse component can include a first electrode, an antifuse dielectric layer, and a second electrode. The electronic device can further include a conductive member overlying the antifuse dielectric layer and the gate electrode of the access transistor, wherein the conductive member is configured to electrically float. Processes for making the same are also disclosed.
US08530280B2	Integrated circuit package system with contoured encapsulation and method for manufacturing thereof A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit package system includes: providing a carrier; mounting an integrated circuit die on a top side of the carrier; connecting the integrated circuit die with the carrier; forming an encapsulation having a multi-sloped side over the integrated circuit die for reducing ejection stress; and forming a first external interconnect on the top side of the carrier adjacent to and separated from the encapsulation including forming a second external interconnect on a bottom side of the carrier opposite the first external interconnect.
US08530276B2	Method for manufacturing a microelectronic device and a microelectronic device thus manufactured The invention pertains to a method for manufacturing a microelectronic device on a substrate comprising at least one first electrical component and one second electrical component distributed respectively in first and second levels stacked one on top of the other on the substrate, this method comprising: the manufacture of at least one first arm and one second arm of different lengths, each of these arms directly and mechanically linking an electrical pad to a fixed anchoring point on the substrate, and the electrical pad is made inside the first level and then shifted, prior to the electrical connection of the second component, to a position of connection wherein the upper face of the electrical pad is in contact with the interior of the second level parallel to the substrate.
US08530275B2	Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing the semiconductor device, flip chip package having the semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the flip chip package A semiconductor device can include a semiconductor chip, a protective layer pattern, an under bump metallurgy (UBM) layer, and conductive bumps. The semiconductor chip can include a pad and a guard ring. The protective layer pattern can be formed on the semiconductor chip to expose the pad and the guard ring. The UBM layer can be formed on the protective layer and can directly make contact with the pad and the guard ring. The conductive bumps can be formed on a portion of the UBM layer on the pad. Thus, the UBM layer and the guard ring can directly make contact with each other, so that a uniform current can be provided to the UBM layer on the pad regardless of a thick difference of different portions of the UBM layer.
US08530273B2	Method of making oxide thin film transistor array Certain example embodiments relate to methods of making oxide thin film transistor arrays (e.g., IGZO, amorphous or polycrystalline ZnO, ZnSnO, InZnO, and/or the like), and devices incorporating the same. Blanket layers of an optional barrier layer, semiconductor, gate insulator, and/or gate metal are disposed on a substrate. These and/or other layers may be deposited on a soda lime or borosilicate substrate via low or room temperature sputtering. These layers may be later patterned and/or further processed in making a TFT array according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, all or substantially all TFT processing may take place at a low temperature, e.g., at or below 150 degrees C., until a post-annealing activation step, and the post-anneal step may take place at a relatively low temperature (e.g., 200-250 degrees C.).
US08530256B2	Production process for semiconductor device (a) Forming on a growth substrate a void-containing layer that is made of a group III nitride compound semiconductor and contains voids. (b) Forming on the void-containing layer an n-type layer that is made of an n-type group III nitride compound semiconductor and serves to close the voids. (c) Forming on the n-type layer an active layer made of a group III nitride compound semiconductor. (d) Forming on the active layer a p-type layer made of a p-type group III nitride compound semiconductor. (e) Bonding a support substrate above the p-type layer. (f) Peeling off the growth substrate at the boundary where the void are produced. (g) Planarizing the n-type layer. Step (b) comprises (b1) forming part of the n-type layer under conditions where horizontal growth is relatively weak and (b2) forming the remaining part of the n-type layer under conditions where horizontal growth is relatively strong.
US08530255B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor laser, semiconductor laser, optical pickup, optical disk device, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device, and method of growing nitride type group III-V compound semiconductor layer A method of manufacturing a semiconductor laser having an end face window structure, by growing over a substrate a nitride type Group III-V compound semiconductor layer including an active layer including a nitride type Group III-V compound semiconductor containing at least In and Ga. The method includes the steps of forming a mask including an insulating film over the substrate, at least in the vicinity of the position of forming the end face window structure; and growing the nitride type Group III-V compound semiconductor layer including the active layer over a part, not covered with the mask, of the substrate.
US08530249B2	Middle layer of die structure that comprises a cavity that holds an alkali metal In one implementation, a chamber is selected that accommodates an array of die structures that comprises one or more cavities. An inner chamber of the chamber is maintained at a first temperature. An alkali metal source of the chamber is maintained at a second temperature greater than the first temperature. An outer chamber of the chamber is maintained at a third temperature greater than the first temperature and the second temperature. The one or more cavities of the array of die structures are filled with a portion of the alkali metal source. The one or more cavities of the array of die structures are sealed to comprise the portion of the alkali metal source.
US08530242B2	Wafer process chamber leak detector The present disclosure includes a method for monitoring leaks in a wafer process chamber. The method includes providing a wafer process chamber coupled to a gas supply by a gas supply line, wherein an indicator member is coupled to the gas supply line between the gas supply and the wafer process chamber, and a final valve is located on the gas supply line between the gas supply and the indicator member. A gas is supplied from the gas supply to the wafer process chamber through the gas supply line. A light is emitted and directed through the indicator member. The light that was directed through the indicator member is then reflected using a reflecting member. The reflected light is then received and compared to the light emitted in order to determine that the color of the indicator member has changed and a leak has been detected in the gas supply line.
US08530234B2	Hepatitis C virus vaccine The present invention features Ad6 vectors and a nucleic acid encoding a Met-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5A-NS5B polypeptide containing an inactive NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region. The nucleic acid is particularly useful as a component of an adenovector or DNA plasmid vaccine providing a broad range of antigens for generating an HCV specific cell mediated immune (CMI) response against HCV.
US08530232B2	Defective Sindbis viral vector comprising an anti-tumor gene Disclosed herein are new defective Sindbis viral vectors made from wild type Ar-339 Sindbis virus, with differences in replicase and envelope proteins between JT vectors and consensus Sindbis virus sequences, and also between JT and Ar-339 vectors. Also disclosed are plasmids used for the production of the vectors, methods for producing the vectors, methods for treating mammals suffering from tumors and pharmaceutical formulations for use in the treatment methods.
US08530216B2	Polypeptides having alpha-amylase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-amylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08530208B2	Method for producing phospholipid Provided is a method for producing a phospholipid at low cost by reusing phospholipase A2 in a method for producing the phospholipid whereby an arbitrary fatty acid is bonded to the 2-position of a phospholipid using an esterification reaction catalyzed by phospholipase A2 in glycerol. The method for producing a phospholipid is characterized by comprising conducting an esterification reaction catalyzed by phospholipase A2 between a lysophospholipid and an acyl donor in glycerol to from a phospholipid, adding a solvent immiscible with glycerol to form a glycerol layer and a solvent layer, extracting said phospholipid into said solvent layer, allowing phospholipase A2 to migrate into said glycerol layer, and, after separating the glycerol layer and distilling off the solvent remaining therein, further adding to the residual glycerol solution the lysophospholipid and the acyl donor to thereby conduct the esterification reaction again with use of phospholipase A2 remaining in said glycerol solution.
US08530201B2	Method of converting a biomass substrate to a fermentable sugar using a beta-glucosidase variant enzyme The invention provides variants of the Azospirillum irakense CelA β-glucosidase that have improve β-glucosidase activity, particularly improved thermoactivity, compared to the wild type enzyme. The invention further provides related polynucleotides, vectors, host cell, and methods for making and using the variants.
US08530197B2	Method of making a paired tag library for nucleic acid sequencing The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for making paired tags and paired tag libraries.
US08530196B2	In situ cloning from pathological tissue specimens The present invention pertains to methods related to cloning nucleic acids from biological samples, particularly pathological tissue samples. This method includes hybridizing a population of oligonucleotide sequence probes comprising degenerate sequence tags to a fixed tissue, isolating the hybridized oligonucleotide sequence probes and amplifying the sequence tags in the hybridized oligonucleotide sequence probes. This method can be utilized to identify genes associated with disease and to quantitate the expression of disease-related transcripts. The method can also be used to identify truncated mRNAs.
US08530186B2	Method for producing glucuronic acid by glucuronic acid fermentation The object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism having an excellent ability to specifically oxidize the hydroxymethyl group of glucose, and a method of producing glucuronic acid and/or glucuronolactone by using such a microorganism to directly oxidize glucose, and the invention is directed at a microorganism which produces glucuronic acid directly from glucose and a mutant strain which is capable of specifically oxidizing the hydroxymethyl group of glucose and in which a DNA nucleotide sequence corresponding to 16S rRNA has the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 in the sequence listing, and the invention is also directed at a method of producing glucuronic acid and/or glucuronolactone by specifically oxidizing the hydroxymethyl group of glucose using the mutant strain, and this invention enables D-glucuronic acid and/or D-glucuronolactone to be produced and furnished easily and safely at a high yield and a low cost.
US08530185B2	Methods and devices for microencapsulation of cells Devices for the microencapsulation of cells include a first chamber for containing a cell-solution suspension. A plate covers one end of the first chamber. The plate has a plurality of apertures. A second chamber is provided for receiving encapsulated cells. The second chamber is separated from the first chamber by the plate. Cells from the first chamber are encapsulated by passing through the apertures in the plate and into the second chamber when pressure is applied to the cell-solution suspension.
US08530183B2	Zinc sensors for cellular imaging The present invention provides compounds for use as zinc ligand sensors in cellular imaging. These compounds are sensitive imaging agents that can be used with techniques such a laser scanning microscopy in intact cells in culture or in tissue preparations.
US08530182B2	Viral protein quantification process and vaccine quality control therewith A process of quantifying proteins in a complex mixture is provided. The invention has utility in quantifying proteins in a complex preparation of uni- or multivalent commercial or research vaccine preparations.
US08530180B2	Method for identifying smoker or ex-smoker at risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Specific nitroprotein biomarkers may be used as prognostic and diagnostic tools for COPD. Identification of certain specific nitroprotein biomarkers allows the development of targeted therapies aimed at prevention and treatment of COPD.
US08530179B2	Electrochemical methods of detecting cancer with 4-aminophenyl phosphate A method of detecting cancer cells is disclosed. The method comprises (a) contacting the cell which is suspicious of a cancerous or undifferentiated phenotype with 4-aminophenyl phosphate (p-APP) under conditions wherein alkaline phosphatase of the cell catalyzes a reaction of the cell with the p-APP, so as to generate a product capable of producing an electrical signal; and (b) measuring a level of the electrical signal, wherein a difference in a level of the electrical signal compared to a predetermined threshold is indicative of a cancer cell.
US08530166B2	Multiplex amplification reaction method for determination of Campylobacter jejuni Penner/capsule type The inventive method and associated reagents relate to a molecular approach to determining Campylobacter jejuni capsule/Penner types. The invention also relates to a method of identifying Campylobacter jejuni types using the inventive primers in a multiplex PCR assay.
US08530165B2	Nucleic acid detection method for determining if one or more analyte nucleotides are present in a nucleic acid The present invention is directed to a method with which one can detect a nucleic acid with sufficient accuracy, no matter the nucleotide length of a primer, and no matter if the analyte nucleotide consists of only a single nucleotide. Specifically disclosed is a method for detecting whether or not a nucleic acid sample contains a nucleic acid which has a target nucleotide sequence comprising one or more analyte nucleotide(s) in a nucleic acid sample. Firstly, in a step (a), a nucleic acid extension reaction is performed with use of a nucleic acid contained in the nucleic acid sample, an analyte nucleotide-identification primer, and a polymerase. Next, in a step (b), an extension product yielded from the step (a) is detected. The step (a) uses, as the primer, a polynucleotide which comprises a nucleotide sequence having an insertion site or a deletion site of one or more nucleotide(s), on the 5′ side of nucleotide(s) corresponding to the analyte nucleotide(s), in a nucleotide sequence homologous or complementary to an analyte nucleotide-containing partial region of the target nucleotide sequence.
US08530164B2	Method for sequencing using branching fraction of incorporatable nucleotides Provided are methods for enhanced sequencing of nucleic acid templates. Also provided are reaction conditions that increase branching fractions during polymerization reactions. Also provided are compositions comprising modified recombinant polymerases that exhibit branching fractions that are higher than the branching fractions of the polymerases from which they were derived. Provided are compositions comprising modified recombinant polymerases that exhibit delayed translocation relative to the polymerases from which they were derived. Also provided are compositions comprising modified recombinant polymerases that exhibit increased nucleotide or nucleotide analog residence time at an active site of the polymerase. Provided are methods for generating polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes and methods of using such polymerases to sequence a DNA template or make a DNA. Also provided are methods and nucleic acid sequencing systems for determining which labeled nucleotide is incorporated at a site during a template-dependent polymerization reaction.
US08530163B2	Probe, probe set, probe carrier, and testing method A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.
US08530158B2	System and method for processing a biological sample Systems and methods for processing a biological sample are provided herein. For example, the system can be configured to deaggregate/declump a sample before, during, and/or after sample preparation and/or sample analysis. For example, the system can include a deaggregation device/system in communication with, for example, a nucleic acid amplification process (e.g., an ePCR system). Various embodiments of the deaggregation device are provided herein. For example, in some embodiments, the deaggregation device can include a valve, a valve manifold, a conduit, a channel, or some combinations thereof.
US08530149B2	Dermal micro-organs, methods and apparatuses for producing and using the same Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO to may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08530142B2	Flexographic printing plate precursor, imaging assembly, and use A flexographic printing plate precursor can be imaged and developed to provide a flexographic relief image. This flexographic printing plate precursor includes a radiation curable layer in which a flexographic relief image can be formed. It also includes a transparent release layer disposed on the radiation sensitive layer, which release layer consists essentially of a miscible mixture of a polyamide in an amount of at least 20 and up to and including 80 weight % and a natural or synthetic rubber latex in an amount of at least 20 and up to and including 80 weight %. The transparent release layer has a peel force in relation to an imaged film comprising a mask image of at least 50 and up to and including 200 g/inch. This precursor can be used in optical contact with the imaged film to form a relief image using curing radiation through the mask image.
US08530137B2	Photoresist composition The present invention provides a photoresist composition having a sulfonium salt comprising an anion represented by the formula (IA): wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C12 aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a C3-C20 saturated cyclic hydrocarbon group, a C6-C20 aromatic hydrocarbon group or a C7-C21 aralkyl group, and the aliphatic hydrocarbon group, the saturated cyclic hydrocarbon group, the aromatic hydrocarbon group and the aralkyl group can have one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group and a nitro group, and one or more —CH2— in the aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be replaced by —O— or —CO—, or R1 and R2 are bonded each other to form a C4-C20 nitrogen-containing ring together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, an acrylic resin having an acid-labile group and being insoluble or poorly soluble in an aqueous alkali solution but becoming soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid, and an acid generator.
US08530130B2	Method of glossy image formation A method of forming a glossy image is disclosed, comprising the steps of (a) forming a clear toner particle layer with clear toner particles on an image support, (b) heating and pressing the clear toner particle layer formed on the image support, while bringing the surface of the clear toner particle layer into contact with a belt, and (c) cooling the clear toner particle layer to form a clear toner layer, wherein the clear toner particles contain a binder resin and a releasing agent and exhibit a heat quantity of fusion of not less than 3.0 J/g and not more than 9.5 J/g, and the clear toner particles meeting the following requirement: 0.5≦S2/S1≦1.0.
US08530125B2	Developer, developer container, and image forming apparatus An aspect of the invention provides a developer that comprises first charged particles and second charged particles that have smaller charge than the first charged particles, or that are charged opposite to the first charged particles. Here, the first particles are colored, while the second particles may be colorless. Alternatively, the first particles are colored, while the second particles may have approximately the same color as a medium.
US08530122B2	Foil transferring face forming toner and image forming method A method for forming an image at least comprising steps of forming an electrostatic latent image by exposing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, forming a foil transferring face by supplying a toner onto the electrophotographic photoreceptor having the electrostatic latent image, transferring the foil transferring face formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor to a base substance, fixing the foil transferring face transferred on the base substance, supplying a transfer foil to the base substance fixed with the foil transferring face, adhering the transfer foil onto the foil transferring face by heating under a condition of contacting the transfer foil with the foil transferring face; and removing the transfer foil from the base substance while leaving the foil adhered onto the foil transferring face, wherein the toner comprises a binder resin having a softening temperature in the range of from not less than 105° C. to not more than 140° C., and having a molecular weight of not less than 60,000 in a ratio of not less than 10% and not more than 30% based on the total binder resin constituting the toner.
US08530118B2	Multiphoton curing to provide encapsulated optical elements Methods of fabricating optical elements that are encapsulated in monolithic matrices. The present invention is based, at least in one aspect, upon the concept of using multiphoton, multi-step photocuring to fabricate encapsulated optical element(s) within a body of a photopolymerizable composition. Imagewise, multiphoton polymerization techniques are used to form the optical element. The body surrounding the optical element is also photohardened by blanket irradiation and/or thermal curing to help form an encapsulating structure. In addition, the composition also incorporates one or more other, non-diffusing binder components that may be thermosetting or thermoplastic. The end result is an encapsulated structure with good hardness, durability, dimensional stability, resilience, and toughness.
US08530107B2	Solid oxide fuel cell manifold and corresponding stack A fuel cell and a fuel cell stack thereof includes separators, each of which includes a sandwiching section for sandwiching an electrolyte electrode assembly, a bridge and a reactant gas supply section, wherein the sandwiching section has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel, the bridge has a fuel gas supply channel for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas supply channel for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas channel, and a fuel gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply channel and an oxygen-containing gas supply passage for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas supply channel extend through the reactant gas supply section in the stacking direction.
US08530099B2	Multifunctional sulfone/fluorinated ester solvents Novel multifunctional sulfone/fluorinated ester compounds are described. These compounds may be useful as non-aqueous electrolyte solvents, specialty solvents, and starting materials and intermediates for synthesis of dyes, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
US08530093B2	Electrode active material, method of preparing the same, electrode for lithium secondary battery which includes the same, and lithium secondary battery using the electrode An electrode active material including a core active material and a coating layer, including a compound represented as the following Formula 1, on a surface of the core active material, a method of preparing the same, an electrode for a lithium secondary battery which includes the same, and a lithium secondary battery using the electrode. Lia-Mb-Nc [Formula 1] where, M denotes an alkaline earth metal, a/(a+b+c) is in a range of about 0.10 to about 0.40, b/(a+b+c) is in a range of about 0.20 to about 0.50, and c/(a+b+c) is in a range of about 0.20 to about 0.50.
US08530091B2	Lithiated oxide for a positive electrode of an alkaline accumulator A positive electrode of an accumulator with an alkaline electrolyte comprising a nickel-based hydroxide and a lithiated oxide of formula LixMO2 wherein M represents at least one transition metal, 0.1≦x≦1, said lithiated oxide having a specific surface area as measured by the BET technique of less than 40 m2/g and a grain size of less than 1 μm. A method for making a lithiated oxide of at least one transition metal comprising the steps of: a) providing a powder of an hydroxide of said at least one transition metal, b) suspending the powder in a lithine solution in the presence of a stream of a oxidizing gas in order to form a lithiated oxide of said at least one transition metal, the lithine concentration being at least equal to about 1 mol/L, c) adding to the suspension of step b) a solution containing an oxidizing compound, d) filtering the suspension, e) washing and drying the suspension.
US08530088B2	Method of producing nanoparticles, nanoparticles, and lithium battery comprising electrode comprising the nanoparticles A method of preparing nanoparticles includes using low-temperature plasma and a pulsed second process gas. Nanoparticles having uniform sizes and nanoparticles having a core-shell structure may be formed. A lithium battery includes an electrode that includes the nanoparticles.
US08530087B2	Secondary lithium battery It is an object to provide a cathode for a secondary lithium battery in which adhesiveness and flexibility thereof are simultaneously achieved and the thickness thereof is made large, and the secondary lithium ion battery that has a large capacity and is excellent in safety and cycle life using the cathode.The cathode includes a current collector and a cathode mixture layer formed on the surface of the current collector. The cathode mixture layer is formed by stacking two layers one on another, each of which contains a cathode active material, a conductive material and a binder, and the cathode active material contains a lithium-containing composite oxide that forms a polyanion. Of the two layers, the binder that composes a first layer that is in contact with the current collector contains a polymer formed by polymerizing at least one of monomers consisting of a monomer derived from 1-olefin and a monomer derived from a vinyl compound; and the binder that forms a second layer formed on the first layer contains a fluorine resin.
US08530083B2	Electrode storage device An electrode is used for an electric storage device that includes plural electrodes that are stacked such that an ion-conductive layer is disposed between each pair of the electrodes. Each of the plural electrodes includes a current collector, and an electrode layer, formed on the current collector, which contains an active material. The configuration of the electrode layer (for example, the amount of the active material) varies according to the position in the electrode layer such that a current density in a first region of the electrode, where heat radiation performance is lower than the heat radiation performance in a second region of the electrode, is lower than the current density in the second region of the electrode.
US08530082B2	Method for manufacturing electrode for battery The invention provides a method for manufacturing a battery electrode having a configuration in which an electrode active material layer including an electrode active material is held on an electrode collector. The method includes a step of mixing the electrode active material with a solvent and preparing an electrode active material paste (step S10), a step of admixing and dispersing microbubbles in the prepared electrode active material paste to obtain a low-density electrode active material paste that has a density lower than that before the admixing (step S20), and a step of coating the electrode collector with the low-density electrode active material paste (step S30).
US08530078B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery includes grooves formed in a cap plate into which conducting support members are disposed allowing for the exact connection of a protection circuit board to a predetermined position of the battery. The secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly; a can to house the electrode assembly; a cap assembly; a protection circuit board electrically coupled to an electrode terminal of the cap assembly; and a conducting support member connected to a groove formed in the cap plate and soldered to the protection circuit board. The protection circuit board is electrically and mechanically connected to the groove formed in the cap plate, thereby allowing the protection circuit board to be exactly connected to a predetermined position of the cap plate.
US08530077B2	Insulating case for secondary battery and secondary battery having the same An insulating case for a secondary battery and a secondary battery having the same, the insulating case having opposing first and second portions. The first portion faces an electrode assembly of the secondary battery and has a first melting point. The second portion faces a cap assembly of the secondary battery and has a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point. The first melting point is approximately the contraction temperature of a separator of the electrode assembly.
US08530075B2	Water-resistant pouch type secondary cell Discussed is a pouch type secondary cell with high water-resistance. The pouch type secondary cell includes a positive electrode, a separation layer, and a negative electrode. Here, the sealing unit of the secondary cell includes steps so that the sealing unit has an outer side thinner than an inner side in thickness. The pouch type secondary cell is advantageous in that the manufacture process can be simplified, the water-resistance and sealing property of sealing portions can be further improved, and the manufacture costs can be reduced.
US08530074B2	Rechargeable battery with inductive charge balancing A battery (1) having at least two serially connected cells (3′, 3″) located one above the other in a stack (2) and having flat electrodes (4, 5), the ends of the stack (2) forming the poles (9, 10) of the battery and the electrodes (4, 5) comprising connecting wires (11, 12) protruding sideways from the stack (2), at least one of the connecting wires (11, 12) of all cells (3′, 3″) being inductively coupled via a common core (13) extending approximately in the longitudinal axis of the stack, and the connecting wires (11, 12) of a first group of cells (3′) being coupled in an inductively opposite fashion to the connecting wires (11, 12) of a second group of cells (3″).
US08530072B2	Lithium secondary battery having porous heat resistant layer between electrodes A lithium secondary battery having enhanced safety, which includes an electrode group, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a battery can for housing them. The electrode group includes: a positive electrode having a strip-shaped positive electrode current collector and a material mixture layer carried thereon; a negative electrode having a strip-shaped negative electrode current collector and a material mixture layer carried thereon; a separator; and a porous heat resistant layer. The positive and negative electrodes are spirally wound with the separator and the porous heat resistant layer interposed therebetween. An outermost surface of the electrode group includes an exposed portion of either of the positive and negative electrode current collectors. The exposed portion faces an inner surface of the battery can with the separator interposed therebetween, and has opposite polarity to that of the battery can.
US08530064B2	Mold-inhibiting method and composition comprising dehydroacetic acid or salt thereof Disclosed is a method for inhibiting the growth of mold on building materials by application onto and/or incorporation into the building material of a mold-inhibiting composition comprising dehydroacetic acid or a salt thereof and, optionally, an additional fungicidal agent such as a quaternary ammonium compound. A preferred application of the method is the inhibition of mold growth on plasterboard (drywall).
US08530057B2	Methods for making oxidation resistant polymeric material The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.
US08530054B2	Solar control multilayer film A multilayer film article is disclosed. The multilayer film article includes an infrared light reflecting multilayer film having alternating layers of a first polymer type and a second polymer type, a hardcoat layer that is the reaction product of a mixture that includes a curable, crosslinkable fluoro-acrylate-containing compound; a curable, crosslinkable non-fluorinated organic compound; infrared light absorbing nanoparticles; and a polymerization initiator. The hardcoat layer being disposed adjacent the multilayer film.
US08530049B2	Resin-coated metallic pigment comprising a surface modifier at a surface portion, water-based paint containing the same, and method of manufacturing resin-coated metallic pigment A resin-coated metallic pigment in which a coating layer constituted of a single layer or a plurality of layers is formed on a surface of a base particle, an outermost layer of the coating layer being composed of a resin which is a polymer containing one or more compounds selected from a monomer and an oligomer having two or more polymerizable double bonds as a constituent unit, and a surface portion of the outermost layer being treated with a surface modifier which is a compound having one polymerizable double bond.
US08530048B2	Surface-modified particles and production method The invention relates to surface-modified particles, more particularly inorganic-based particles having reactive surfaces, more particularly surfaces containing silane-reactive and/or siloxane-reactive groups, preferably hydroxyl-containing surfaces and/or particles comprising or consisting of metal and/or semi-metal oxides and/or hydroxides, preferably nanoparticles, which on their surface have a polysiloxane-based modifier having more particularly been reacted on their surface with a polysiloxane-based modifier, preferably with the formation of chemical bonds, more particularly covalent bonds, and also to a method of producing these surface-modified particles.
US08530045B2	Brittle polymeric film and tamper evident labels made therefrom A process for the production of a polymeric film comprising a copolyester having an acid component and a diol component, said acid component comprising a dicarboxylic acid and a sulfomonomer containing a sulfonate group attached to the aromatic nucleus of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, said process comprising the steps of: (i) melt-extruding a layer of said copolyester; (ii) stretching the extrudate in at least one direction; (iii) heat-setting the film by raising the temperature of the stretched film to a temperature T1 in a first heating zone such that (TM−T1 is in the range of from 5 to 30° C., and then raising the temperature of the film to a temperature T2 in a second heating zone such that (TM−T2 is in the range of from 0 to 10° C., wherein TM is the peak melting temperature of the polymeric film; wherein T2 is greater than T1; and wherein the times which a transverse section of the film spends in the first and second heating zones are defined by t1 and t2, respectively, such that the ratio of t1 to t2 is at least 2:1; and a polymeric film obtainable thereby having an ultimate tensile strength at destruction in the range of 2 to 15 kgf/mm2 in the machine direction and 2.5 to 17 kgf/mm2 in the transverse direction.
US08530043B2	Composite laminate composition A multi-layer composite laminate composition having a substrate layer and an overlay layer that are both bonded to at least one adjacent layer in a multi-layer composite laminate composition; the substrate layer being a thermoformable material having a material formulation that includes a polycarbonate homopolymer or copolymer; the overlay layer being a thermoformable material having a material formulation that includes an ingrediant selected from the group consisting of PVC, PVC alloy, acrylic, polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and combinations thereof.
US08530039B2	Polycrystalline complex-shaped mesoscale components A polycrystalline mesoscale component, formed through a process including filing a mold cavity formed in a photoresist with a mold fill, is provided with an overall length L divided into multiple segments with a second segment extending from a first segment at a nonlinear angle. The first segment has a first segment height H1 and a first segment thickness T1, while the second segment has a second segment height H2 and a second segment thickness T2, with the lesser of H1 and H2 defining a minimum segment height Hmin and the lesser of T1 and T2 defining a minimum segment thickness Tmin. The resultant component has a ratio of L:Hmin:Tmin of 20-80:1:0.5-10 where Hmin is between 5 and 500 microns. In specific instances, the nonlinear angle is acute, the multiple segments are rectilinear in cross section, and a segment thickness has an edge resolution of between 0.1 and 2 microns.
US08530031B2	Evacuatable container A container (10) having a valve flap (20) which is movable between a closed position, whereat it is seated on the seating area (18) to close an evacuation port (16), and an opened position, whereat it is unseated from the seating area (18) to open the evacuation port (16). A label structure (26) includes a film layer (28) forming a seat platform on which a seating area (18) is located and/or a film layer (30) forming a flap platform on which the valve flap (20) is located. A plurality of label structures (26) can be efficiently and economically mass-produced by a label-manufacturer and then supplied to the container-manufacturer for incorporation into the containers (10).
US08530020B2	Sheet of printable business cards A sheet of printable business cards which includes a cardstock sheet construction having a front side and a back side and a solid continuous liner sheet releasably secured with ultraremovable adhesive to and covering the back side. Continuous through-cut lines are cut through the cardstock sheet construction to the back side but not through-cut through the liner sheet; the through-cut lines defining at least in part perimeter edges of printable business cards. Portions of the back side of the cardstock sheet construction form back side surfaces of the printable business cards. Areas of the liner sheet covering back sides of all of the through-cut lines and thereby hold the printable business cards together when the sheet of printable business cards is fed through a printer or copier for a printing operation on the printable business cards. The liner sheet and the through-cut lines allow the business cards to be removed from the liner sheet and separated after the printing operation into individual printed business cards.
US08530019B2	Painted polyolefin articles Articles having a Shore A hardness of 50 to 95 and made from polyolefin compositions comprising an ethylene-alpha-olefin interpolymer (random or block or a mixture of the two) are paintable without the need for a primer or other surface treatment with paints free of phthalate-based plasticizer and designed to paint SBS- or SEBS-type rubber based compositions. These polyolefin compositions are free of (1) phthalate-based plasticizer, (2) halogen-containing polymer, and (3) leachable, small polymeric units derived from styrene monomer. In addition, the content of the alpha-olefin in the polyolefin composition is at least 9.7 mole percent.
US08530011B2	Insulating glass unit with crack-resistant low-emissivity suspended film A low-e insulating glass unit has a suspended, coated IR reflecting polymer sheet under tension, e.g. from heat shrinkage. The polymer sheet is coated with a multilayer stack of dielectric and metallic layers, including at least one silver layer deposited upon a zinc oxide seed layer that is at most 15 nm thickness. The use of zinc oxide ensures good seeding for high quality silver layer growth, thereby providing low emissivity. The thinness of the zinc oxide ensures that it resists cracking when the polymer sheet is tensioned.
US08530010B2	Spacer having a desiccant for an insulating glass pane In order to configure an insulated glass pane, two individual glass panes are glued to each other by means of a frame-shaped spacer. For this purpose, a sealant is provided in joints between two flanks of the spacer and the two adjoining glass panes. The joints on the interior of the insulated glass pane are open and contain a mass, which has a surface facing the interior of the insulated glass pane and in which a drying agent is embedded.
US08530001B2	Electrostatic composition based on a polyamide matrix A process for producing an article, including: forming an article from a composition comprising a polyamide matrix, wherein the composition comprises: 2 to 10% by weight of carbon black as an electrically conductive filler, with respect to the total weight of the composition, and 1% to 30% by weight of an antistatic agent comprising a polyetheramide, with respect to the total weight of the composition; and applying paint to the article by electrostatic deposition.
US08529986B1	Layer acoustic wave device and method of making the same The present invention provides a layer acoustic wave device that is formed without requiring a bonding process to attach a secondary substrate. In particular, the layer acoustic wave device is formed from a substrate, an interdigital transducer created on the substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the interdigital transducer and substrate, and at least one isolation layer formed over the dielectric layer. The at least one isolation layer has sufficient properties to minimize particle displacement on a top surface of the at least one isolation layer. The at least one isolation layer has a greater acoustic impedance than that of the dielectric layer.
US08529985B2	Method for liquid precursor atomization A method for atomizing a precursor liquid for vapor generation and thin film deposition on a substrate. The precursor liquid is atomized by a carrier gas to form a droplet aerosol composed of small precursor liquid droplets suspended in the carrier gas. The droplet aerosol is then heated to form vapor, producing a gas/vapor mixture that can be introduced into a deposition chamber to form thin films on a substrate. The liquid is introduced into the atomizing apparatus in such a manner as to avoid excessive heating that can occur or lead to the formation of undesirable by-products due to material degradation as result of thermal decomposition. The method is particularly suited for vaporizing high molecular weight substances with a low vapor pressure that requires a high vaporization temperature for the liquid to vaporize. The method can also be used to vaporize solid precursors dissolved in a solvent for vaporization.
US08529980B2	Cereal flour composition containing wheat flour from sweet wheat and food product using the same An object of the present invention is to provide a cereal flour raw material that can provide products having superb texture. A further object of the present invention is to provide a food product manufactured using such a cereal flour raw material. The present invention provides a cereal flour composition that contains wheat flour prepared from a type of wheat that does not express the three wheat starch synthase II proteins, and also does not express the three wheat granule bound starch synthase proteins, and another type of cereal flour; and a food product manufactured using such a cereal flour composition.
US08529979B2	Stable emulsions of oils in aqueous solutions and methods for producing same Methods for making highly stable, oxidation-resistant emulsions comprising an oil, an emulsifier, an emulsion stabilizer and water are provided. The invention is particularly well suited for oils that are susceptible to oxidation, such as long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid oils. The resulting emulsion is highly stable and resistant to oxidation, and is useful in a number of products and as a stand-alone product.
US08529978B2	Tea leaves for extraction of a green tea beverage Provided is a tea leaves for extraction of a low-caffeine green tea beverage, which is not susceptible to folding or browning during storage, and which enables the extraction of a green tea beverage which can be enjoyed hot or cold. Specifically provided is a tea leaves for extraction of a green tea beverage having a caffeine content with respect to the total mass of the dried leaves that falls within the range of 0.2 to 2.5 mass %, and the relation between the ratio of the mass content of theanine to the entire mass of dried leaves X (%) and the mass ratio of the content of monosaccharides to the fiber content Y satisfies the following condition: −0.007X+0.024≦Y≦−0.011X+0.039.
US08529972B2	Process to extract drinking water from a plant There is provided a process to extract drinking water from a plant, which includes the steps of: a) filtrating collected plant sap to separate plant water content from concentrated plant extract; and b) disinfecting the separated plant water content to remove or inactivate microorganism to obtain plant drinking water. and the process may further include step c) bottling the plant drinking water. There is also provided plant drinking water prepared according to the process and a liquid beverage containing plant drinking water and nutriments and/or dietary minerals extracted from plants and optionally any flavoring ingredients.
US08529961B2	Methods and apparatus for manufacturing plasma based plastics and bioplastics produced therefrom Blood-derived plastic articles prepared from compositions including blood and, in some embodiments, at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one biological response modifier, that can be useful for biological applications such as wound repair and tissue grafts; methods of making and using the same; methods for assessing the concentration of a biological response modifier in an article; and systems for preparing blood-derived plastic articles are provided.
US08529960B2	Methods and apparatus for manufacturing plasma based plastics and bioplastics produced therefrom Blood-derived plastic articles prepared from compositions including blood and, in some embodiments, at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one biological response modifier, that can be useful for biological applications such as wound repair and tissue grafts; methods of making and using the same; methods for assessing the concentration of a biological response modifier in an article; and systems for preparing blood-derived plastic articles are provided.
US08529959B2	Methods and apparatus for manufacturing plasma based plastics and bioplastics produced therefrom Blood-derived plastic articles prepared from compositions including blood and, in some embodiments, at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one biological response modifier, that can be useful for biological applications such as wound repair and tissue grafts; methods of making and using the same; methods for assessing the concentration of a biological response modifier in an article; and systems for preparing blood-derived plastic articles are provided.
US08529955B2	Methods of treatment using a gastric retained gabapentin dosage A method of treatment for epilepsy and other disease states is described, which comprises delivery of gabapentin in a gastric retained dosage form.
US08529950B2	Magnesium system and use thereof in the cosmetics industry A magnesium-based system suitable for use in skincare comprises (a) a first magnesium source in the form of a progressive-release oral tablet exhibiting in vitro, after 2h in 0.1N HCl medium, a rate of dissolution (δ) of the magnesium contained therein of less than or equal to 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the Mg provided by the first magnesium source, and (b) a second magnesium source in a topical preparation. A method for treating skin for stress, fatigue or skin barrier deficiencies, as well as for stratum corneum hydration, includes orally and topically administering magnesium sources (a) and (b), respectively.
US08529949B2	Pharmaceutical tablets of crystalline type II aripiprazole Crystalline aripiprazole Type II can be formulated into pharmaceutical tablets having reduced dissolution profile variability upon storage.
US08529945B2	Oral antimicrobial pharmaceutical compositions The present invention relates to oral pharmaceutical compositions with controlled and/or programmed release containing at least one active ingredient having antimicrobial and/or anti-infectious activity for the treatment of infections of the large intestine, in particular the colon.
US08529944B2	Targeted delivery to human diseases and disorders The present invention provides a system presenting site-specific accumulation through a ligand that specifically targets a receptor overexpressed on the surface of specific cells within a target organ, like, for example, tumor cells and/or vascular cells of tumor blood vessels. Moreover, this invention provides a method where, upon internalization of the previous-mentioned system by the target cells, triggered release at a high rate of the associated agent takes place, permitting efficient intracellular delivery and, thus, increased concentration of the transported cargo at the target site. Overall, this invention provides a method for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases and disorders.
US08529940B2	Dietary method for modulating glucose metabolism The invention provides a method for treating abnormal glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in an animal by feeding a diet comprising high protein and moderate amounts of carbohydrate and fat. The invention also provides a method for treating conditions associated with insulin resistance or decreased longevity by feeding an animal such diets.
US08529936B2	Long term drug delivery devices with polyurethane based polymers and their manufacture This invention is related to the use of polyurethane based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs. The drug delivery device for releasing one or more drugs at controlled rates for an extended period of time to produce local or systemic pharmacological effects comprises: 1. a reservoir, said reservoir comprising; 2. at least one active ingredient; and, optionally, 3. at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; a polyurethane based polymer completely surrounding the reservoir.
US08529935B2	Antibacterial hydrogel and use thereof in orthopedics The present invention relates to hydrogels endowed with antibacterial properties, to be used for injection in damaged bones or in the production of antibacterial coatings of prostheses for implant in the human or animal body, obtained by loading with antibacterial agents hydrogels formed by derivatives of hyaluronic acid; the invention also relates to a kit of parts for producing the antibacterial hydrogels.
US08529931B2	Polymers of fluorinated monomers and hydrocarbon monomers It is provided an implantable device including a polymer blend that contains a polymer formed of fluorinated monomers and hydrocarbon monomers and another biocompatible polymer.
US08529929B2	Drug delivery system It is a main object of the present invention to provide a drug delivery system in which drugs can be changed or which can be recharged with drugs, which continuously delivers drugs at effective concentrations to local lesional sites in a body and allows the use of drugs for which it has thus far been difficult to achieve effective local concentrations for a variety of reasons and drugs which have been difficult to use due to adverse effects on tissues that are not sites of action. The present invention provides a drug delivery system comprising an indwelling medical device on which a biocompatible material having target molecules on its surface has been coated, and target-recognizing nanocarriers (e.g., bio-nanocapsules, liposomes, liposome preparations, and nanoparticles) in which drugs are encapsulated and which have target-recognizing molecules capable of specifically binding to the target molecules.
US08529922B2	Polymer formulations for delivery of bioactive materials PLGA, PLA and PGA polymers which have crystallinity resulting from the presence of long chain alkyl groups in terminal units. The polymers are particularly useful for drug delivery.
US08529920B2	Low pH retinoid topical compositions A low pH composition containing a retinol and a method for treating skin is disclosed. The composition contains (a) a retinoid and (b) an active acid, like an alpha-hydroxy acid or a beta-hydroxy acid, and has a pH of less than 5.
US08529914B2	Bioactive dose having containing a material for modulating pH of a bodily fluid to help or hinder absorption of a bioactive A bioactive dose for delivering a bioactive agent to a mammal, includes a solid bioactive dosage unit containing at least one bioactive agent and a rapid release coating provided on at least one outer surface of the solid bioactive dosage unit, the rapid release coating containing a material having a property of rapidly modulating a pH of bodily fluids in which the material comes in contact in a direction towards an ideal absorptive pH or towards an ideal pH to hinder absorption of the at least one bioactive agent given the pKa that least at one bioactive agent.
US08529906B2	Compositions for inducing immune responses The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions comprising a first antigen, at least two adjuvants, wherein a first adjuvant comprises a polymer derived from poly(lactides) and/or poly(lactide-co-glycolides), and wherein a second adjuvant comprises an imidazoquinoline, wherein said first antigen is encapsulated within, adsorbed or conjugated to, co-lyophilized or mixed with said first adjuvant, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein said composition elicits a cellular immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides methods of producing immunogenic compositions, methods for producing a cytotoxic-T lymphocyte (CTL) response in a vertebrate subject, and methods of immunization.
US08529905B2	Soluble inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor and use thereof The present invention relates to cDNA encoding a soluble neuropilin protein (sNP) which is isolated from neuropilin (NP) producing cells or is recombinantly engineered from NP-encoding DNA. NP-1 and NP-2 are preferred NPs but any neuropilin or VEGF receptor (VEGFR), where the constituents share at least about 85% homology with either of the above VEGF165R/NP-1 and NP-2. More preferably, such constituent shares at least 90% homology. Still more preferably, each constituent shares at least 95% homology.
US08529901B2	Composition of a first non-labeled monoclonal antibody binding to a tumor antigen and a non-cross reactive second monoclonal antibody labeled with a NIR fluorescence label This invention relates to a composition of a non-labeled monoclonal antibody binding to a tumor antigen and a second monoclonal antibody labeled with a NIR fluorescence label, binding to the same tumor antigen, wherein the first and second antibody exhibit no cross reactivity. The composition can be used for the treatment of patients suffering of solid tumors which are associated with an overexpression of such a tumor antigen. The invention further relates to a the co-administration of said first and second antibody as wells as to a method of acquiring a NIR fluorescence images of such tumors or the patients suffering from such tumors during the treatment of said patient with such composition.
US08529890B2	Composition for the administration of polymeric drugs Provided are improvements in and relating to pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration of polymeric biological drug substances and to methods of treatment using such compositions. In particular, an oral and/or mucosal pharmaceutical composition is provided, said composition comprising an enteric-coated drug substance, and also comprising an enteric-coated oligouronate, wherein said drug substance is a polymeric biological drug substance.
US08529885B2	AAV vectors for in vivo gene therapy of rheumatoid arthritis The present invention relates to the field of adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy, in particular in vivo gene therapy, of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The invention provides recombinant AAV virions being highly efficient in delivering genes encoding therapeutic proteins to the arthritic joints, and method for using such virions in in vivo gene therapy.
US08529880B2	Biodegradable polyurethane/urea compositions The present invention relates to biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane/urea polymeric compositions that are capable of in-vivo curing with low heat generation to form materials suitable for use in scaffolds in tissue engineering applications such as bone and cartilage repair. The polymers are desirably flowable and injectable and can support living biological components to aid in the healing process. They may be cured ex-vivo for invasive surgical repair methods, or alternatively utilized for relatively non-invasive surgical repair methods such as by arthroscope. The invention also relates to prepolymers useful in the preparation of the polymeric compositions, and to methods of treatment of damaged tissue using the polymers of the invention.
US08529879B2	Epithelium-improving agent It is intended to provide an epithelium improving agent which improves the epithelial functions of various organs and, therefore, is usable in growing melanin-pigmented hair, relieving inflammatory symptoms in gingivitis and paradentitis, treating and relieving cold syndrome and bronchial asthma and, moreover, restoring sexual sensibility. An epithelium improving agent which comprises coenzyme Q10, cysteine, vitamins A, C and E and a skin extract of a rabbit inoculated with a vaccinia virus as the main components. In the case of treating gingivitis, paradentitis, cold syndrome and bronchial asthma, loratadine is further added. To an epithelium improving agent which is to be used in stimulating hair growth or restoring sexual sensibility, liquid paraffin and a hydrophilic ointment is further added to give a cream. Thus, the above problem can be solved.
US08529872B2	Seeds and markers for use in imaging A contrast marker having a casing and a novel MRI contrast agent comprising metal complexes disposed around, within, or abuting the casing is provided. Such contrast markers may be placed in a strand, with or without a therapy seed, to produce a seeded strand useful for imaging and in connection with brachytherapy.
US08529871B2	Method for preventing nasolacrimal duct obstruction The invention is directed to a method for preventing nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in a patient receiving high dose radioactive iodine for treatment of cancer. The method includes administering an effective amount of perchlorate anion to the eyes of the patient.
US08529870B2	Crystalline molecular sieve EMM-7, its synthesis and use The crystalline molecular sieve material EMM-7 has, in its as-synthesized form, an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima substantially as set forth in Table 1: TABLE 1 Interplanar d-Spacing (Å)Relative Intensity, I/Io × 100 8.40 ± 0.2w-m 6.80 ± 0.2w-s 4.46 ± 0.1m-s 3.73 ± 0.1m-s 3.68 ± 0.1m-s 3.40 ± 0.1s-vs wherein “vs” means very strong (greater than 60 to 100), “s” means strong (greater than 40 to 60), “m” means medium (greater than 20 to 40) and “w” means weak (0 to 20).
US08529867B2	Aluminum-alkali hydroxide recyclable hydrogen generator An aluminum-alkali hydroxide recyclable hydrogen generator is provided that enables generation of hydrogen for a consuming apparatus on demand. The hydrogen generator includes a source of aluminum, a source of a hydroxide, a source of water, and a reaction chamber, where the amount of at least one of the aluminum, sodium hydroxide, and water that is introduced into the reaction chamber is used to limit the chemical reaction to control the amount of hydrogen generated.
US08529859B2	Method for fabricating apatite crystals and ceramics The present invention provides a method of crystallizing Yb:C-FAP [Yb3+:Ca5(PO4)3F], by dissolving the Yb:C-FAP in an acidic solution, following by neutralizing the solution. The present invention also provides a method of forming crystalline Yb:C-FAP by dissolving the component ingredients in an acidic solution, followed by forming a supersaturated solution.
US08529858B2	Energy efficient, low emissions shale oil recovery process A process for the energy efficient, environmentally friendly recovery of liquid and gaseous products from solid or semi-solid hydrocarbon resources, in particular, oil shale or tar sands. The process involves non-oxidative pyrolysis to recover fluid energy values, oxidative combustion to recover energy values as recoverable heat, and environmental sequestration of gases produced.
US08529854B2	Removal of carbon dioxide from a feed gas The present invention relates to a new process for removal of carbon dioxide from a feed gas, wherein the feed gas is fed to and concentrated in a stripper column (A) before condensation of the gaseous carbon dioxide. The present invention also relates to different uses of the removed carbon dioxide and to a plant for removal of carbon dioxide from the feed gas.
US08529850B2	Compositions and methods of using a ketoxime in a metal solvent Provided are methods using a ketoxime in metal extraction. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for the recovery of metal from a metal-containing aqueous solution at an elevated temperature using a ketoxime. Another aspect relates to a method of separating iron/copper using a specific ketoxime. Aldoximes may also be added to the reagent compositions used in these methods.
US08529847B2	Reagent kit for analyzing apparatus A reagent kit is provided comprising a plurality of containers with top-side openings, a common support structure or a plurality of support structures associated to the containers, and a plurality of caps. Each container and cap is mountable or provided on the common or the associated support structure, wherein each cap is formed essentially rectangular, having two shorter edges and two longer edges, and comprises: a cap body, a lid hinged to the cap body so to pivot around a pivot axis at least between closed and opened positions, the pivot axis being essentially parallel to the shorter edges. The containers and associated caps are arranged in a row along a connecting line such that the pivot axes are orthogonal to the connecting line. For at least one of the containers, an end portion of the cap body opposite to the pivot axis is not covered by the lid.
US08529845B2	Brine maker Provided herein is an admixing apparatus and system that in various arrangements may be utilized to produce deicing solutions including salt brines. To facilitate cleaning of the interior of the device, a mixing hopper is utilized that includes a side access opening that allows for readily accessing the interior of the hopper and removing any sediment that has accumulated herein.
US08529842B2	Ceramic honeycomb body and method for producing the same A honeycomb body includes ceramic walls all being entirely formed of printed layers forming channels through which a fluid can flow. The channels lie next to one another. At least one of at least one measuring sensor or electrically conductive mass forms a monolithic, unitary structure with one of the ceramic walls. Sensor material may be used as an alternative to ceramic material. A method of producing the honeycomb body is also provided.
US08529841B2	Method for managing treatment of a particular health condition via a phone device A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through the use of a mobile phone device which includes a health management program stored in the mobile phone device that prompts a user for entry of health condition data, including patient physiological data, subjective patient health condition data, and medication delivery data, compiles the health condition data into an accumulated data summary, and transmits the data summary from the mobile phone device to a second processing unit through a communication port. A drop-down list related to subjective symptoms is provided, which includes stress and depression. A touch screen is provided for a graphical user interface. The health management program also provides prompts for the entry of diet data, and further displays drop-down lists related to daily activities and alerts for medication delivery.
US08529839B2	Method for managing treatment of a particular health condition that includes graphing accumulated data A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through associating subjective patient symptoms with analyte levels, which includes storing a health management program in a nonvolatile memory, which when run, prompts a user for entry of health condition data, including patient physiological data, subjective patient health condition data, and medication delivery data, compiles the health condition data into an accumulated data summary in which analyte levels at specific times are associated with subjective patient symptom data at specific times so that the summary shows an overall view of possible influences of subjective patient symptoms on analyte levels.
US08529835B2	Biopolymer sensor and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a biopolymer sensor including providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, adding a biological material in the biopolymer matrix, providing a substrate, casting the matrix solution on the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer sensor on the substrate. A biopolymer sensor is also provided that includes a solidified biopolymer film with an embedded biological material.
US08529832B2	Methods of sterilization by hydrogen peroxide and ozone, and apparatus using the methods A method for sterilization according to the present invention comprises: a first sterilization step of providing a sterilization subject in a sealed sterilization chamber and sterilizing the sterilization subject by providing ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first decomposition step of decomposing the ozone inside the sterilization chamber; a first vacuumization step discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber; a second sterilization step of providing hydrogen peroxide into the vacuumized sterilization chamber to sterilize the sterilization subject; a third sterilization step of providing ozone into the sterilization chamber; a second decomposition step of decomposing the hydrogen peroxide and ozone inside the sterilization chamber; and a second vacuumization step of discharging the gas inside the sterilization chamber and reducing the pressure inside the sterilization chamber.
US08529831B1	System and method for air purification using an enhanced multi-functional coating based on in-situ photocatalytic oxidation and ozonation A system for air purification based on in-situ photocatalytic oxidation and ozonation includes a single multi-functional Ti02-based coating having photocatalytic activity for oxidation in the presence of a sufficient ozone supply and UV irradiation to synergistically oxidize gaseous pollutants at ambient conditions. Also disclosed is a method for removing gaseous pollutants using ozone and UV irradiation to simultaneously activate the photocatalytic oxidation in the presence of the Ti02-based coating to remove up to about 84% of the gaseous pollutants within 5 minutes.
US08529826B2	Manufacturing method of honeycomb structure There is provided a manufacturing method of a honeycomb structure, comprising: forming kneaded clay containing a cordierite forming raw material formed by mixing talc having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 40 μm, kaolin having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 20 μm, an alumina source raw material having an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 10 μm, and a silica having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 20 μm, a binder, a surface active agent, water, and a hygroscopic resin having an average particle diameter of two to 200 μm after water absorption and a water absorption magnification of two to 100 magnifications into honeycomb shape to fabricate a honeycomb formed body; and firing the honeycomb formed body to obtain a honeycomb structure whose porosity is less than 40%.
US08529821B2	Polymeric compositions and filled TPO articles having improved aesthetics The present invention relates to filled polymeric compositions, such as filled TPO compositions, having improved aesthetics, and to polymeric masterbatches which may be used to prepare the improved filled TPO compositions. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing the filled TPO compositions which eliminates a compounding step. The polymeric compositions of the present invention include at least about 5 weight percent inorganic filler based on the total weight of the polymeric composition; a high viscosity polypropylene impact copolymer having a highly crystalline portion, wherein the highly crystalline portion is present from about 20 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of the high viscosity polypropylene impact copolymer, and a xylene soluble portion, wherein the xylene soluble portion is present from about 10 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of the high viscosity polypropylene impact copolymer and has a z-average molecular weight greater than about 1,500,000 Da, a number average molecular weight less than about 100,000 Da, and a polydispersity index greater than about 5; and a low viscosity substantially linear ethylene polymer having a polydispersity index less than about 3.5, and a melt flow rate greater than about 40 g/10 min as measured according to ASTM D-1238 at 190° C./2.16 kg.
US08529812B2	Production of pearls based on expanded polymers Pearls based on expanded polymers are produced by extruding an expandable composition containing a thermoplastic polymer and an expanding agent, and thereafter cooling and chopping the expanded material thus obtained.
US08529808B2	Nanoporous polymer foams Process for the production of nanoporous polymer foams, comprising the stages a) loading of a single-phase, thermoplastic polymer melt with a gas under a pressure and at a temperature at which the gas is in the supercritical state, b) heating of the laden polymer melt to a temperature which lies in the range from 40° C. under to 40° C. over the glass transition temperature of the unladen polymer melt determinable by means of DSC according to DIN-ISO 11357-2 at a heating rate of 20 K/min, c) depressurization of the polymer melt loaded in stage a) and heated in stage b) with a depressurization rate in the range from 15,000 to 200,000 MPa/sec, and the nanoporous polymer foams with a cell count in the range from 1,000 to 100,000 cells/mm and a density in the range from 10 to 500 kg/m3 obtainable according to the process.
US08529805B2	Method for the production of water absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing drops of a monomer solution The invention relates to a method for the production of water absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing drops, comprising at least one monomer in a gas phase surrounding the drops, wherein the drops are produced by surrounding a first monomer solution with a second monomer solution and polymerizing the second monomer solution to a higher cross-linked polymer than the first monomer solution.
US08529804B2	Method for manufacturing a modified optical fiber A modified optical fiber comprises one Surface Light Field Emulation (s-LiFE) segment, comprising a core; a cladding; and multiple controlled nanoscale diffusion centers to emit light through the side of the optical fibers. Optionally, the modified optical fiber has a coating. The nanoscale diffusion centers are physical geometric patterns or composition patterns in the cladding or the coating. The s-LiFE optical fiber is a member of an illumination system further comprising a light source. The method of making of said s-LiFE optical fiber comprises a fiber spooning step.
US08529800B2	Oxides having high energy densities Certain disclosed embodiments generally relate to oxide materials having relatively high energy and/or power densities. Various aspects of the embodiments are directed to oxide materials having a structure Bi(MjYk)O2, for example, a structure Lij(NijYk)O2 such as Li(Ni0.5Mn0.5)O2. In this structure, Y represents one or more atoms, each independently selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals, transition metals, Group 14 elements, Group 15, or Group 16 elements. In some embodiments, such an oxide material may have an O3 crystal structure, and/or a layered structure such that the oxide comprises a plurality of first, repeating atomic planes comprising Li, and a plurality of second, repeating atomic planes comprising Ni and/or Y.
US08529797B2	Perovskite semiconductor thin film and method of making thereof Perovskite semiconductor thin films and the method of making Perovskite semiconductor thin films are disclosed. Perovskite semiconductor thin films were deposited on inexpensive substrates such as glass and ceramics. CsSnI3 films contained polycrystalline domains with typical size of 300 nm and larger. It is confirmed experimentally that CsSnI3 compound in its black phase is a direct band-gap semiconductor, consistent with the calculated band structure from the first principles.
US08529792B2	Process for the purification of crude gas from solids gasification A process and device is provided for the generation and purification of a crude gas for synthesis gas generation from a solid carbon-containing fuel by a coal gasification reaction. The fuel is mixed with a quenching medium directly after generation to dissipate the high internal energy and is then brought into contact with a solid basic alkaline earth metal compound or a sorbent consisting of a transition metal-containing compound just in the mixing chamber or downstream of the mixing chamber such that the acidic or basic or sulfur-containing or halogen-containing constituents contained in the crude gas and originating from the gasification reaction are absorbed. A solids-separating device downstream of the sorbent feed device removes the solid or solidified constituents from the system. The basic and transition metal-containing sorbent can be regenerated and returned to the process either in a mixture or after separation from the ash and slag constituents such that an energy-intensive cooling of the crude gas is not required for its purification and the synthesis gas thus purified can be used in a subsequent process without any further heating.
US08529788B2	Pearlescent composition A pearly luster composition containing a fatty acid glycol ester and water, and further containing any one selected from the group consisting of (1) a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant and a fatty acid contained in an amount of from 0.3 to 3% by weight of the pearly luster composition, (2) a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant and an aliphatic alcohol contained in an amount of from 0.3 to 3% by weight of the pearly luster composition, (3) a fatty acid monoglyceride contained in an amount of from 0.3 to 3% by weight of the pearly luster composition, and (4) an aliphatic ether contained in an amount of from 0.3 to 3% by weight of the pearly luster composition, as a crystallization additive. The pearly luster composition of the present invention is suitably used for shampoos, conditioners, body shampoos, liquid detergents, and the like.
US08529785B2	Metal oxide Provided is a piezoelectric material excellent in piezoelectricity. The piezoelectric material includes a perovskite-type complex oxide represented by the following General Formula (1). A(ZnxTi(1-x))yM(1-y)O3 (1) wherein A represents at least one kind of element containing at least a Bi element and selected from a trivalent metal element; M represents at least one kind of element of Fe, Al, Sc, Mn, Y, Ga, and Yb; x represents a numerical value satisfying 0.4≦x≦0.6; and y represents a numerical value satisfying 0.1≦y≦0.9.
US08529779B2	Methods for forming surface features using self-assembling masks A method for producing surface features and an etch masking method. A combination is provided of a block copolymer and additional material. The block copolymer includes a first block of a first polymer covalently bonded to a second block of a second polymer. The additional material is miscible with the first polymer. A film is formed of the combination directly onto a surface of a first layer. Nanostructures of the additional material self-assemble within the first polymer block. The film of the combination and the first layer are etched. The nanostructures have an etch rate lower than an etch rate of the block copolymer and lower than an etch rate of the first layer. The film is removed and features remain on the surface of the first layer. Also included is an etch masking method where the nanostructures mask portions of the first layer from said etchant.
US08529770B2	Self-contained UV-C purification system A portable UV-C purification system is provided that includes a current reduction technique for an electric pump to reduce power demands on an associated generator to thereby produce a light weight and efficient system.
US08529765B2	Ensiling biomass for biofuels production and multiple phase apparatus for hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass A method, apparatus and system for the hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass is disclosed. Ensiled biomass is processed in multiple phases, resulting in a liquid precursor hydrozate and a solid precursor hydrozate. The liquid precursor having significant economic value, and being suitable for uses such as, for example, lower cost and improved efficiency ethanol production. A method for lower cost, improved efficiency alcohol production that uses the resulting liquid precursor hydrozate being produced at distributed sources is further disclosed.
US08529753B2	Combined process for hydrotreating and catalytic cracking of residue Disclosed is a combined process for hydrotreating and catalytic cracking of residue, wherein the residue, catalytic cracking heavy cycle oil with acidic solid impurity being removed, optional distillate oil and adistillate of catalytic cracking slurry oil from which the acidic solid impurity is removed are fed into residue hydrotreating unit, the hydrogenated residue obtained and optional vacuum gas oil are fed into catalytic cracking unit to obtain various products; the catalytic cracking heavy cycle oil from which the acidic solid impurity is removed is circulated to the residue hydrotreating unit; the catalytic cracking slurry oil is separated by distilling, the distillate of the catalytic cracking slurry oil after removing off the acidic solid impurity is circulated to the residue hydrotreating unit. This process makes the residue hydrotreating and catalytic cracking being combined together more effectively such that it is not only able to improve product quality of the residue hydrotreating, elongate operation cycle of the residue hydrotreating unit, but also increases the yield of the hydrogenated diesel oil and catalytic cracking light oil, and decreases coking quantity of the catalytic cracking.
US08529751B2	Systems and methods for discriminating control solution from a physiological sample Described herein are systems and methods for distinguishing between a control solution and a blood sample. In one aspect, the methods include using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or a control solution based on at least two characteristics. Further described herein are methods for calculating a discrimination criteria based upon at least two characteristics. Still further described herein are system for distinguishing between blood samples and control solutions.
US08529744B2	Enrichment of nucleic acid targets Methods and apparatus providing improved fidelity and specificity when separating nucleic acids from a sample, but without need for amplification. In particular, using the disclosed methods, it is possible to isolate a variant nucleic acid (i.e., a mutation) from a non-target nucleic acid (i.e., a wild-type) when the variant is present in the original sample at a much lower concentration than the non-target, e.g., 1:10,000, without substantial loss of the variant.
US08529741B2	System and methods for determining an analyte concentration incorporating a hematocrit correction Methods and devices for determining the concentration of a constituent in a physiological sample are provided. The blood sample is introduced into a test strip with portions of the blood sample being directed to both a first capillary and a second capillary. The first capillary configured to electrochemically determine a concentration of a first analyte in a blood sample by measuring a signal across a set of electrodes. The second capillary is configured to determine a hematocrit value of the blood sample by measuring a signal across a second set of electrodes.
US08529739B2	Indium oxide-cerium oxide based sputtering target, transparent electroconductive film, and process for producing a transparent electroconductive film A transparent conductive film for constructing a transparent electrode that is free from the generation of residue, etc. by etching with a weak acid (for example, organic acid). Further, there is provided a sputtering target for producing the transparent conductive film. In particular, there is provided a sputtering target composed of indium oxide and cerium oxide, characterized in that in the observation of crystal peaks by X-ray diffractometry, the presence of peaks ascribed to indium oxide and cerium oxide is observed, and that in the EPMA measurement, the diameter of cerium oxide particles dispersed in indium oxide is measured as being ≦5 μm. A transparent conductive film is formed by a sputtering technique with the use of this sputtering target. This transparent conductive film is substantially free from the generation of residue, etc. by etching with a weak acid (for example, organic acid).
US08529736B2	System and method for metal cutting According to various embodiment, a system includes an electrolytic cutting tool. The electrolytic cutting tool includes a first cathode configured to be positioned at a first gap away from a first side of a workpiece, a second cathode configured to be positioned at a second gap away from a second side of the workpiece. The first and second cathodes are positioned opposite from one another. The electrolytic cutting tool also includes a first electrolyte passage configured to flow a first electrolyte through the first gap between the first cathode and the workpiece, a second electrolyte passage configured to flow a second electrolyte through the second gap between the second cathode and the workpiece, and a power supply configured to flow current through the first gap and the second gap to cause electrolytic dissolution through the workpiece from both the first side and the second side.
US08529733B2	Twin fabric forming section with multiple drainage shoes A forming section for a twin fabric papermaking machine, wherein after stock impingement, the two fabrics carry and sandwich the stock. A plurality of spaced apart drainage shoes, selectively provided to either or both of the fabrics, provides continuous support in the machine direction for the respective fabric in sliding contact, and each drainage shoe deflects the fabrics by a selected angle of wrap comprising an angular displacement between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the drainage shoe. At least one of the drainage shoes is secured to a drainage box and is provided with a plurality of drainage openings extending from the fabric contacting surface through to the machine side surface of the shoe. The arrangements of the invention provide improved drainage and formation of the paper web.
US08529730B2	Plasma processing apparatus In a plasma processing apparatus including a vacuum-evacuable processing chamber, a first lower electrode for supporting a substrate to be processed thereon is disposed in the processing chamber and an upper electrode is disposed above the first lower electrode to face the first lower electrode. Further, a second lower electrode is disposed under the first lower electrode while being electrically isolated from the first lower electrode. A processing gas supply unit supplies a processing gas into a space between the upper electrode and the first lower electrode. A first high frequency power supply unit applies a first high frequency power of a first frequency to the first lower electrode, and a second high frequency power supply unit applies a second high frequency power of a second frequency higher than the first frequency to the second lower electrode.
US08529725B2	Printed absorbent article components for a uniform appearance A method is presented for manufacturing a disposable absorbent article having multiple components including selecting a first material appropriate for use as an outer cover; producing a chassis including the outer cover, the outer cover including an outer cover central region having an outer cover central region appearance; selecting a second material appropriate for use as an elastic panel, wherein the second material is different from the first material; and producing a first elastic panel having a first elastic panel central region. The method also includes printing the first elastic panel central region with a first elastic panel printed graphic; and attaching the first elastic panel to the chassis, wherein the selecting and printing are performed such that the first elastic panel central region gives the appearance of being substantially similar to the outer cover central region appearance.
US08529722B2	Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device that prevents a liquid crystal panel from warping into a shape concave to the viewer side. The method including a bonding step including providing sheet-shaped optical members each including a polarizing plate and an adhesive layer or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and bonding the sheet-shaped optical members to both surfaces of a rectangular liquid crystal cell with the adhesive layer or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The bonding step includes continuously pressing the optical member from its end to bond the optical member from its end to bond the optical member to the liquid crystal cell, while applying a tension to the optical member and stacking the liquid crystal cell and the optical member.
US08529718B2	Method for making laminated glazing and laminated glazing including at least one hole A process for manufacturing a laminated glazing including a hole of substantial size, the process arranging a seal on an edge face and external faces of the glazing around an entire periphery of the hole, the seal including protruding fastening elements that are applied against the external faces of the glazing.
US08529713B2	System and method for annealing nuclear fission reactor materials Illustrative embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and applications related to annealing nuclear fission reactor materials.
US08529712B2	Tough iron-based bulk metallic glass alloys A family of iron-based, phosphor-containing bulk metallic glasses having excellent processibility and toughness, methods for forming such alloys, and processes for manufacturing articles therefrom are provided. The inventive iron-based alloy is based on the observation that by very tightly controlling the composition of the metalloid moiety of the Fe-based, P-containing bulk metallic glass alloys it is possible to obtain highly processable alloys with surprisingly low shear modulus and high toughness.
US08529711B2	Induction heat treatment method, induction heat treatment installation and induction-heat-treated product An induction heat treatment method with which temperature control is enabled, condition setting is easy, and the quality of a treatment object can be stabilized includes: a data acquiring step of heating and quench-hardening a sample of the treatment object to thereby acquire process data; a storing step of storing the process data; a checking step of checking the power supply output transition data and the quenching timing data as to validity based on the temperature transition data stored in the storing step; and a mass production step of performing heat treatment of the treatment object in accordance with the power supply output transition data and the quenching timing data stored in the storing step and checked as to validity in the checking step.
US08529707B2	Liquid processing apparatus, liquid processing method, and storage medium having computer program recorded therein Provided is a liquid processing apparatus in which a target substrate is horizontally held on a substrate holding unit and rotated around a vertical shaft, and the chemicals are supplied from a chemical supplying unit to the bottom surface of the target substrate that is rotating. In particular, the liquid processing apparatus performs a first step in which the chemicals are supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a first rotation speed, a second step in which the supply of the chemicals is halted and the chemicals are thrown off by rotating the target substrate at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, and a third step in which the rinse liquid is supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a third rotation speed equal to or lower than the first rotation speed.
US08529704B2	Vacuum processing apparatus and operating method for vacuum processing apparatus An operation method for cleaning a vacuum processing apparatus includes feeding a cleaning gas into a film deposition chamber of the vacuum processing apparatus when a predetermined number of batches of film deposition process is finished. The predetermined number of batch of film deposition processes is calculated based on a film deposition-related operating time (a film deposition time and a film deposition preparation time) and a cleaning-related operating time (a cleaning procedure time, a cleaning procedure preparation time, and a pre-deposition film deposition time).
US08529701B2	Substrate processing apparatus A substrate processing apparatus includes a reaction tube, the reaction tub including an inner tube made of quartz and an outer tube made of quartz; a manifold made of quartz disposed under the outer tube, a top surface of the manifold being in air-tight contact with a bottom surface of the outer tube via a sealing member; a seal cap cover made of quartz disposed under the manifold, a top surface of the seal cap cover being in air-tight contact with a bottom surface of the manifold via a sealing member; a seal cap covered by the seal cap cover, a top surface of the seal cap being in air-tight contact with a bottom surface of the seal cap cover via a sealing member; and at least one protrusion disposed at the bottom surface of one of the outer tube, the manifold, the seal cap cover, and combinations thereof.
US08529682B2	Process for preparing an indicator composition and indicator compositions Indicator inks, indicators formed by printing or otherwise utilizing the inks and host products utilizing the indicators are disclosed. Reactivity-enhancing adjuvants stimulate enhanced thermal reactivity of diacetylenic or other indicator agents capable of responding to ambient thermal conditions with a visual change signaling an end point. The diacetylenic or other agents may be sensitive or relatively insensitive to ambient temperatures. Use of a reactivity-enhancing adjuvant provides a useful means for adapting the reactivities of indicator agents to the response characteristics of prospective host products, for example perishables such as vaccines or fresh fish and maturables such as fruit, cheese and wine. Some exemplary adjuvants include low-temperature polymerization initiators, for example methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and polymerization accelerators, for example cobalt compounds. Such initiators and accelerators can also be used in combination.
US08529680B2	Compositions for CMP of semiconductor materials The invention provides a composition for chemical-mechanical polishing. The composition comprises an abrasive, a first metal rate polishing modifier agent, a second metal rate polishing modifier agent, and a liquid carrier. In one embodiment, the first metal rate polishing modifier agent has a standard reduction potential less than 0.34 V relative to a standard hydrogen electrode, and the second metal rate polishing modifier agent has a standard reduction potential greater than 0.34 V relative to a standard hydrogen electrode. In other embodiments, the first and second metal rate polishing modifier agents are different oxidizing agents.
US08529666B2	System for dehydrating and cooling a produced gas to remove natural gas liquids and waste liquids Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.
US08529663B2	Process for removing a target gas from a mixture of gases by swing adsorption The present invention relates the separation of a target gas from a mixture of gases through the use of engineered structured adsorbent contactors in pressure swing adsorption and thermal swing adsorption processes. Preferably, the contactors contain engineered and substantially parallel flow channels wherein 20 volume percent or less of the open pore volume of the contactor, excluding the flow channels, is in the mesopore and macropore range.
US08529657B2	Porous vent breather A vent for an axle housing includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion has a plurality of pores defined therethrough. The first body portion defines a first cavity. The second body portion has a conical portion that extends between a throat and a neck portion that defines an opening. The second body portion defines a second cavity that fluidly connects with the first cavity. The vent permits air to pass from the axle housing, through the plurality of pores in the first body portion, through the first and second cavities, and out the opening of the neck portion while concurrently inhibiting egress of lubricant from the axle housing.
US08529655B2	Dust collector structure The present invention provides a dust collector structure, especially a low-cost and simplified dust collector structure, which includes a leg frame set, an air-guiding box and a driving unit. The leg frame set includes two inverted U-shaped frame rods which are integrally formed and correspond to each other. The air-guiding box is arranged across top ends of the two frame rods, and is made by correspondingly closing an upper cover and a lower cover which are formed through integral draw molding. A driving unit for driving a blowing fan is arranged at an end of the air-guiding box. An air-filtering bag and a dust-collecting bag corresponding to each other are arranged at an end opposite to the driving unit on the upper and lower covers of the air-guiding box. Thus, structural components can be greatly simplified. Moreover, compared with a conventional locking or welding manner, since the upper and lower covers of the air-guiding box are integrally formed through a draw molding technique, the production yield and efficiency can be further improved, and the volume can be further reduced after the dust collector structure is folded away, so as to save space for transporting and storing.
US08529652B2	Soot particle filter A soot particle filter according to the invention can be particularly used in motor vehicles or heating systems using liquid and solid fuels. The device is particularly characterized by a time controlled variable regeneration of the soot particle storage (10) and soot particle burn-off. The device is in particular catalytic. The device comprises at least one filter housing (2) having an input (3), an output (4) and a filter element (6). A soot particle storage chamber (10) is further provided in the filter housing (2) and comprises an access (19) that is particularly angled and tapered toward the inside. The inner chamber of the soot particle storage (10) is lined with precious metal discs (11). Said discs have holes, are angled and/or corrugated. The precious metal discs and/or a precious metal mesh (11) are at least partially catalytically coated. An ignition device (12) is arranged in the filter housing (12), for example a glow plug and/or a glow filament.
US08529646B2	Integrated system and method for production and vaporization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels for combustion A process is provided, which comprises transforming a synthesis gas into a liquid fuel, producing a fuel gas using the liquid fuel and a first gas, the first gas having an oxygen content less than that of ambient air, and contacting the fuel gas with a second gas, the second gas comprising at least one oxidizing agent, to form a combustion gas. Systems for carrying out the process are also provided.
US08529643B2	Fuel additives for treating internal deposits of fuel injectors A method for cleaning internal components of a fuel injector for a diesel engine. The method includes operating a fuel injected diesel engine on a fuel composition comprising a major amount of fuel and from about 10 to about 100 ppm by weight based on the total weight of the fuel composition of (A) a compound of the formula: and tautomers and enantiomers thereof, wherein R2 is a hydrocarbyl group having a number average molecular weight ranging from 100 to 5000.
US08529642B2	Solid electrolytic capacitor and method for producing the same An object of the present invention is to provide a solid electrolytic capacitor comprising an anode body composed of a sintered body, in which ESR scarcely increases even after reflow at the time of mounting when compared with that before mounting, and a method for producing the same. Disclosed is a solid electrolytic capacitor comprising an anode body composed of a sintered body, a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the anode body, a semiconductor layer formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises a layer of a conductive polymer containing a sulfur element and a conductor layer formed on the semiconductor layer, wherein the conductor layer comprises a layer containing silver, wherein the layer containing silver is less than 1.3 ppm by mass in the content of a sulfur element after heat history at 260° C. for 5 seconds.
US08529639B2	Liquid dye formulations in non-petroleum based solvent systems A method of coloring a substrate is disclosed that includes the steps of dissolving a vegetable oil ester based solvent wherein the ester is selected from a group consisting of esters having carbon chain length of C-1 to C-18 in a liquid solvent dye to form a low-sulfur containing dye formulation such that the vegetable oil ester is present in an amount of between about 5 and 80 percent by weight of the dye formulation, and mixing sufficient amounts of the dye formulation with the substrate to produce mixtures of predetermined color in which the levels of toxic substrate are substantially less than in otherwise equivalent mixtures that include hydrocarbon-based solvents.
US08529638B2	Head hair dyeing composition There is provided a head hair dyeing method using a two-part hair dye composition which contains a first part containing an alkali agent, a second part containing hydrogen peroxide and a non-aerosol type foamer container for discharging a mixture solution of the first part and the second part as foam, the composition containing a surfactant in at least one of the first part and the second part, the method including discharging the mixture solution as foam, applying the foam to the head hair, and then re-foamed on the head hair.
US08529637B2	Foam oxidative hair colorant composition with the free-base of 1,4-diamino-2-methoxymethyl benzene An oxidative hair colorant composition to be dispensed from a manually-actuable, non-aerosol dispenser as a foam. The oxidative hair colorant composition contains the free-base of 1,4-diamino-2-methoxymethyl benzene to achieve for efficient dye precursor levels in formulation and to achieve a desire rheology profile of the oxidative hair colorant composition.
US08529627B2	Intervertebral spacer An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies.
US08529626B2	Systems and methods for stabilizing a functional spinal unit Systems and methods for controlling motion and physiologic load sharing across a functional spinal unit defined by a pair of adjacent vertebrae and an intervertebral disc therebetween are provided. The systems may comprise a first component for repairing or replacing a disc nucleus, without substantially disrupting the annulus. A second component may be provided for attachment to the adjacent vertebrae, the second component being configured to control movement of the vertebrae relative to one another. The first and second components may be configured to cooperate simultaneously to control motion and collectively distribute physiologic load sharing across the functional spinal unit.
US08529624B2	Breast and nipple implant constructions A breast implant having a fluid holding and flexible membrane body. A plurality of tabs are located along a perimeter extending side or underside of the body and are adapted for engaging a muscle layer upon which the body is supported. Inner defining partitioning walls establishing a plurality of chambers and include vents at inner locations in order to manage the transfer of fluid between the chambers. A corresponding nipple implant body also includes a reservoir chamber and an interconnected nipple extender chamber via a stop or check valve positioned therebetween, with the outermost nipple extender chamber being repositionable along a surface of the implant body.
US08529620B2	Inwardly-bowed tricuspid annuloplasty ring A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends and at least one inward bow to help reduce chordal tethering. The ring may have segments corresponding to the anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, with inward bows located adjacent one, two or all leaflets. Convex corners separate the concave inward bows, with inflection points therebetween. The ring has a semi-rigid inner body covered by fabric or a suture interface such as silicone and fabric.
US08529616B2	Implantable expandable medical devices having regions of differential mechanical properties and methods of making same An implantable expandable medical device in which selected regions of the device are in a martensite phase and selected regions are in an austenite phase. The martensitic regions exhibit pseudoplastic behavior in vivo and may be deformed without recovery under in vivo body conditions. In contrast the austenitic regions exhibit superelastic behavior in vivo and will recover their pre-programmed configuration upon deformation or release of an applied strain.
US08529613B2	Adjustable thermal cap A thermal cap that can fit a variety of head sizes is disclosed. The cap can include a shell having a fluid inlet and outlet, a sealing mechanism and removable sizing layers disposed within the shell. Depending upon the size of a patient's head, sizing layers can either be added to or removed from the outer shell to maintain a fluid circulation space between the head and the rigid shell and allow substantially even distribution of a thermal fluid about the scalp of the patient during operation. The shell is preferably rigid and an elastomeric member can seal the periphery of the cap to the patient's head to prevent leakage. Other types and aspects of thermal cap systems are also disclosed.
US08529607B2	Sacral tether anchor and methods of use A system for restricting flexion of a spinal segment in a patient comprises a constraint device having a tether structure and a compliance member coupled with the tether structure. The tether structure is adapted to be coupled with a superior spinous process and a sacrum. The system also includes an anchor member that is anchored to the sacrum. The anchor member has an attachment feature that is adapted to couple with the constraint device.
US08529601B2	System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between. Also described is a soft-tissue and bone piercing anchor and associated inserter. Methods are described that allow use of the bone anchors to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.
US08529600B2	Fastener system comprising a retention matrix A surgical fastener system can comprise a plurality of fasteners which can be connected to one another by a retention matrix which is assembled to the fasteners in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, each fastener can comprise a base and the distance in which the retention matrix is seated relative to the fastener bases can be selectively determined by a surgeon in order to apply a desired pressure to the tissue. In certain embodiments, each fastener can further comprise a fastener leg and the retention matrix can comprise a first layer configured to engage the fastener legs. The retention matrix can further comprise a second layer mounted to the first layer which can comprise one or more encapsulations containing a medicine therein. The encapsulations can be aligned with retention apertures in the retention matrix such that they can be punctured by the fastener legs.
US08529599B2	Tissue tension detection system An apparatus for indicating the amount of tension applied to separate internal organ sections includes a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and a fastener applier. The fastener applier is supported on the shaft. The fastener applier includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is positionable between first and second positions relative to the cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly include a tissue detection device positioned to contact separate internal organ sections to generate a signal indicative of an amount of tension between the organ sections as the anvil assembly moves between the first and second positions. The tissue detection device is operably coupled to a gauge configured and dimensioned to generate an output based upon the signal. The output indicates the amount of tension between the organ sections.
US08529594B2	Nasal support device and method The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.
US08529583B1	Surgical clip removal apparatus Apparatus and methods for removing surgical fasteners. The apparatus includes a mechanism for opening the fastener so that it may be removed from, for example, tissue, prostheses or graft material.
US08529581B2	Method and device for extracting objects from the body A device for extracting (or inserting) objects from the body, such as urinary stones, using a low pressure inflatable toroidal balloon that serves to engulf the object during extraction (or insertion) while dilating and protecting the passageway. The balloon loads onto an ureteroscope prior to insertion, rather than through the ureteroscope as do existing balloons. The toroidal balloon is a simple and unique device that may be applied external to the extracting telescope and does not interfere with existing methods for stone manipulation such as laser lithotripsy, irrigation and basket extraction in the case of urinary stone manipulation.
US08529574B2	Cutting guide for removal of cam lesion A cutting guide for removing a lesion from a neck area of a femur has a body having first and second side rails. The first and second side rails are spaced in a direction perpendicular to the head neck axis of the femur when mounted adjacent a neck of the femur. A third rail has ends slidably mounted on the first and second side rails. The third rail can be resiliently deformable toward a surface of the neck of the femur. A carrier element slidably mounted on the third rail for movement therealong between the first rail and the second rail. A bone cutting tool such as a burr is mountable in the carrier element. The first and second rails are connected by a proximal rigid cross-member at first ends thereof adjacent a femoral head. The cross-member is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the femoral neck adjacent the femoral head. The second ends of the first and second rails are connected by a member having a mounting element thereon adjacent a trochanter area of the femur. The mounting element may be a bore for receiving a bone screw or bone pin.
US08529570B2	Technique and device for laminar osteotomy and laminoplasty This invention relates to a technique for performing laminar osteotomy (dividing of the spinal lamina, a posterior structure of vertebra). The term osteotomy is derived from os (bone), tomy (to cut or remove), and laminoplasty (the reshaping of the lamina). This technique can be performed with or without visual assistance such as cameras used with endoscopy, or image guidance such as fluoroscopy, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
US08529556B2	Detachable aneurysm neck bridge A device for bridging a neck of an aneurysm, comprises a junction region, one or more radially extending array elements secured to the junction region, each array element having an unfolded shape and a delivery shape; and a cover attached to the junction region, and extending over the delivery shape of the array elements, wherein each array element is attached at one end to the junction region and the array elements are constructed and arranged to unfold the cover when assuming their unfolded shape, and wherein the device further comprises a tip, and each array element is attached at another end to the tip, the tip comprising an opening through which a vaso-occlusive device or occlusion fluid may be delivered.
US08529554B2	Treatment instrument operation unit and medical system with treatment instrument operation unit A treatment instrument operation unit is provided with a drive unit, an operation portion installation section and a command signal output section. The drive unit drives an operation portion for operating each treatment section of the respective treatment instruments. The operation portion is attached to the operation portion installation section provided to the drive unit. The command signal output section outputs an installation start signal to a controller for notifying that the installation of the treatment instrument has begun upon installation of the operation portion in the operation portion installation section. After outputting the installation start signal from the command signal output section to the controller, the drive unit drives the operation portion installation section to the position where the operation portion is allowed to be installed based on the control signal outputted form the controller.
US08529553B2	Infusion medium delivery device and method with drive device for driving plunger in reservoir A delivery device includes first and second housing portions that selectively engage and disengage. A reservoir on one housing portion operatively engages a drive device and/or a needle inserting device on the other housing portion. Upon proper engagement of the housing portions, the reservoir operatively couples to the drive device and/or the needle inserting device. A first magnet on the first housing portion and a second magnet (or a magnetically-attractive material) on the second housing portion are positioned to magnetically interact with each other, upon operative engagement of the housing portions. A third magnet on the second housing portion may be opposed to the first magnet to help align the housing portions for connection. A magnet-responsive device may be on one or both housing portions to detect alignment and/or connection of the housing portions.
US08529550B2	Implant delivery catheter system and methods for its use Catheter systems and methods for implanting helical or dart-like implants into the myocardium or other body tissue. The catheter system includes a helix for fixing the distal end of the catheter to the myocardium, an implant held by the helix, mechanisms for driving the fixation helix into the myocardium, and mechanisms for driving the implant into the myocardium, removing the fixation helix and leaving the implant behind. The implant may be coated, filled, or made of a drug or drug eluting compound, or drug delivery matrix of any composition.
US08529548B2	Wound treatment apparatus and method An apparatus and method for aspirating, irrigating and/or cleansing wounds is provided. The apparatus and method include one or more of the following: simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, supplying of thermal energy to fluid circulated through the wound; supplying physiologically active agents to the wound; a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed; and application of stress or flow stress to the wound bed.
US08529546B2	Sinusal guide cannula and kit for irrigation, suction and washing The present invention provides a cannula guide tube; and a kit with the cannula guide tube, a flexible transparent cannula or a transparent catheter with an inflatable balloon at the catheter end, and an exploratory device. The kit is for irrigation, suction and washing out purulent or liquid discharges from bacteria infected sinuses. First, the exploratory device is used to find the entrance orifice to a sinus; second, the cannula guide tube is positioned in the sinus orifice entrance; and third, the flexible transparent cannula or the transparent catheter is inserted through the cannula guide tube into the sinus. The flexible transparent cannula or transparent catheter is used to suction the purulent or liquid discharge and to irrigate and wash out the sinus. The cannula guide tube has an opening before the tube end, wherein the opening allows seeing the flexible transparent cannula or transparent catheter inside the tube and the flow of purulent or liquid discharge suctioned from the sinus, as the purulent discharge flows throughout the flexible transparent cannula or the transparent catheter.
US08529542B2	Method and system for sustained-release of sclerosing agent Methods and systems for treating pleural disease comprising a providing a low dosage of a sclerosing agent over a period of time. Certain examples include catheter with a sclerosing agent that is inserted into the pleural space. The sclerosing agent is released in a sustained-release manner over a period of time to achieve diffuse pleurodesis of the pleural layers.
US08529541B2	Infiltration cannula An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections.
US08529539B2	Medical devices employing electroactive polymers for delivery of particulate therapeutic agents In accordance with one aspect, medical devices are provided which comprise an electroactive polymer material and therapeutic-agent containing particles. The device is configured such that the particles are delivered from the device upon actuation of the electroactive polymer material.
US08529537B2	Absorbent article with enclosures An absorbent article comprises a bodyside liner, an outer cover, an absorbent body located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover, and an enclosure. The enclosure comprises a cover and backing joined together to form a pocket with an object disposed therein. The enclosure is joined with the absorbent article and is adapted to transition from a closed condition to an open condition such that the object disposed within the enclosure may be accessed.
US08529536B2	Elastic composite having cross-directional elasticity and a system and method for making the elastic composite A method of making an elastic composite entails conveying a first sheet on a conveyor, and wrapping a section of elastic about the first sheet and the conveyor, thereby applying elastics cross directionally across the sheet. A second sheet is then applied onto the first sheet thereby creating a subcomposite including the two sheets and elastics sandwiched therebetween, wherein two elastics extend outward from one side of the subcomposite, about the conveyor, and return into an opposite side of the subcomposite. The subcomposite is cut through the first and second sheets and the elastics, thereby separating the subcomposite into a first carrier and a second carrier, each carrier including a material layer, whereby spaced apart elastics extend from the first carrier to the second carrier, the first and second carriers defining an exposed elastic region therebetween formed by the elastics.
US08529530B2	Drainage pump unit The drainage pump unit according to the invention for aspirating body fluids by means of a suction pump comprises a drainage pump device with a pump housing (4) for receiving the suction pump, and a fluid collection container (5) that can be secured releasably on the pump housing (4). The drainage pump unit also comprises a pump-side attachment part (2) which has a connection element for connection to a patient-side drainage tube (10). The attachment part (2) is held releasably on the pump housing (4). This drainage pump unit allows the fluid collection container to be replaced without removing the drainage tube and, therefore, without disturbing the patient.
US08529527B2	Controller for an extremity hyperbaric device A controller is operable to selectively supply gas to, and evacuate gas from, regions of a hyperbaric wound treatment chamber. The controller operates to inflate a passage or rib of the device to provide that the device is made sufficiently rigid for inserting a limb therethrough, and inflate an inflatable cuff to create a seal against the limb. The controller also operates to evacuate ambient air trapped within the chamber, and optionally partially evacuate the passage or rib, after the seal is created by the inflatable cuff, and then introduce oxygen into the chamber, and optionally inflate the passage or rib. The cuff, when inflated and creating a seal against a limb, optionally is at least partially within the chamber, and the treatment gas is supplied to the chamber to maintain the seal of the cuff against the limb.
US08529524B2	Anti-drawback medical valve A gland member within a medical valve is configured to have a substantially consistent or enlarging internal volume as the valve transitions from a closed mode to an open mode. The valve has a housing forming an interior containing a flow path, and a stationary post member within the interior. The post member has a lumen that is a part of the flow path. The lumen has an opening to the interior of the housing. The valve further includes a gland member circumscribing the post member to produce a variable volume region formed at least in part between the gland member itself and the post member. The variable volume region is a part of the flow path, while the gland member occludes the post lumen opening when in the closed mode. The variable volume region has an open volume that is no less than its closed volume.
US08529522B2	Fluid transfer device having removable needle cartridge A fluid transfer device including a cartridge having a plurality of needles, an advancer operative to selectably advance any of the plurality of needles in the cartridge to a needle deployment position, and a syringe operative to convey fluid through the needle in the needle deployment position.
US08529512B2	Cylinder pump The present invention relates to a simple and small cylinder pump, which can stably supply a medical fluid regardless of the installed height of a liquid container or a blood bag. The cylinder pump includes an upper casing, and a lower casing coupled to the upper casing. An upper rotation member is rotatably inserted in the upper casing. A lower rotation member slidingly contacting the upper rotation member is rotatably inserted in the lower casing. An inner wall of the upper casing, a lower outer surface of the upper rotation member, an inner wall of the lower casing, and an upper outer surface of the rotation member constitute a cylinder having a single-tube shape. Plungers are installed on the upper rotation member and on the lower rotation member, respectively, and rotate in the cylinder, the ends of which are closed.
US08529506B2	Therapeutic delivery devices, systems, and methods for multiple sclerosis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or symptoms associated with these maladies. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's veins are provided.
US08529501B2	One time use breastpump assembly A breastpump assembly is disclosed. The breastpump assembly includes a breast shield within which a woman's breast is received, a conduit structure communicating with the breast shield, a container for collecting milk, and a valve mechanism closing the breastpump assembly from ambient air when initially provided to a user, the valve mechanism being opened to allow ambient air to pass into the breastpump assembly through removal of the container, so as to substantially disable the breastpump.
US08529491B2	Detecting blood flow degradation A method for detecting blood flow degradation in a dialysis system. The method includes measuring a flow rate of blood in a blood line, calculating a current impedance value based on the measured flow rate, and comparing the current impedance value to a baseline impedance value.
US08529472B2	Blood analysis device and blood analysis system using the same A blood analysis device wherein a carrying part blood attached thereto can be localized to thereby facilitate handling after using. When incorporating blood collected from the punctured skin, the blood is held in a skin-puncturing device or the like so that an uncontaminated holding area can be enlarged and the degree of freedom in handling can be increased. A blood analysis device which comprises a plate type device body having a blood collection port for incorporating blood and a ventilation hole formed at a certain distance apart in a face and a passage located inside for connecting the blood collection port to the ventilation hole, and a blood analysis section located within the passage for analyzing the blood having been incorporated via the blood collection port.
US08529463B2	Systems and methods for testing vestibular and oculomotor function The invention relates to systems and methods for testing vestibular and oculomotor function. One aspect of the invention provides a vestibular and oculomotor function testing device including a track supported by a plurality of bearings, an engine configured to selectively displace the track, and a head coupling component coupled to the track. The head coupling component is configured to convey a movement generated by the engine to a subject's head in one or more axes.
US08529455B2	Systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a medical device to be applied within a patient The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and overlay one or more shapes onto the image age to provide a visual approximation of the size and position of a medical device to be applied within the patient.
US08529452B2	Ultrasonic evaluation of venous structures Provided are methods and systems for detecting a maturing arterio-venous fistula comprising a vein. An exemplary method comprises determining a wall thickness of the fistula and a lumen diameter of the fistula vein using a high frequency ultrasound imaging system. A blood pressure of the subject is determined. A circumferential vessel wall stress is determined from the measured blood pressure, the wall thickness of the fistula and a determined radius of the measured diameter of the fistula. The determined circumferential vessel stress is compared to a predetermined threshold stress to determine if the fistula is mature.
US08529434B2	Endoscopic sheet delivery Medical devices and related methods are provided for treating a bleeding side of an internal bodily organ that are robust and versatile for use in a variety of endoscope applications. One embodiment of a medical device includes a catheter, a sheet and elongated forceps. The catheter defines a catheter lumen and is sized to be received within the accessory channel of the endoscope. The sheet is formed of hemostatic fabric formed into a tubular configuration having opposing first and second ends. The elongated forceps have a pair of collapsible grasping jaws. The grasping jaws are collapsed around the first end of the sheet, and the grasping jaws and sheet are received within the catheter lumen.
US08529428B2	Methods of controlling magnetic nanoparticles to improve vascular flow Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.
US08529426B2	Ionizing-radiation-responsive compositions, methods, and systems A method, composition and system respond to ionizing radiation to adjust biological activity. In some approaches the ionizing radiation is X-ray or extreme ultraviolet radiation that produces luminescent responses that induce biologically active responses.
US08529420B2	Machine tool for processing workpieces A machine tool for achieving a high degree of flexibility during workpiece processing comprises a machine bed with side walls arranged thereon, which respectively comprise a basic body with a front overhanging projection arranged thereon. On the side walls a tool spindle is arranged to be linearly movable by means of slides. Underneath the front overhanging projections a processing space is formed for the workpiece processing, in which a workpiece positioning unit is arranged. The processing space underneath the front overhanging projections is freely accessible, whereby depending on the processing task different workpiece positioning units can be arranged therein.
US08529419B2	Machine tool A machine tool includes: a main spindle adapted to be rotatable with a workpiece chucked thereby; a tool spindle capable of moving in directions of three axes perpendicular to each other and capable of pivoting about one of the axes, the axis being perpendicular to the main spindle; an automatic tool changer adapted to detachably attach a first tool and a chucking unit to the tool spindle, the first tool being used for machining the workpiece chucked by the main spindle, the chucking unit being used for chucking the workpiece; and a tool post having a second tool mounted thereon, the second tool being used for machining the workpiece chucked by the chucking unit attached to the tool spindle.
US08529415B2	Dumbbell A dumbbell with a selectable number of weight disks includes a handle with projectable pins in opposing directions, with end surfaces, a base assembly for accommodating two sets of weight disks standing upright, the weight disks having central openings. The projection lengths of the pins are stepwise selectable by an indexing device in order thereby to permit selection of the number of weight disks supported on the handle. Neighboring weight disks and the handle have mutually engaging connecting arrangements which axially interconnect the weight disks and the handle but which permit radial separation. In order to prevent the set projection lengths of the pins from being unintentionally altered, when a dumbbell lifted up out of the base assembly is used, the handle has a locking arrangement which locks the pins in the set projection positions.
US08529413B2	Apparatus and method for lower back exercise An apparatus for exercise of the lower back, has a support frame capable of supporting the body of a person exercising. The support frame supports left and right pendulums, for left and right legs, respectively. Each of the left and right pendulums further has an arm that is pivotably connected to the support frame, so that each of the left and right pendulums may pivot about the pivotable connection independently of the other. A resistance transfer apparatus is moveably coupled to the other end of the pendulum arm. The resistance transfer apparatus includes a bar for engaging the lower leg or ankle of a person exercising, and a coupling for moveably coupling the resistance transfer apparatus to the arm of the pendulum, so that the resistance transfer apparatus can pivot in substantially the same plane of movement as that of the pendulum. Use of the exercise apparatus raises the user's legs from the hanging vertical to the horizontal against the resistance of the weighted pendulums. As the legs are lowered, the leg and lower back muscles also resist the weight of the pendulums.
US08529408B2	Weight-lifting exercise machine A weight-lifting exercise machine enables an athlete to lift a mass from an initial resting position. After the athlete releases the mass, the machine cushions the fall of the mass, such that the mass returns to its resting position without assistance from the athlete. The movements of the athlete and the mass can be tracked, preferably by wireless accelerometers attached respectively to the athlete and the mass, and data on such movements can be stored and analyzed. The machine provides a monitor to enable the athlete to track the progress of the exercise, and to determine whether the exercise is being performed correctly.
US08529407B2	Mobile communication terminal and method A method in a mobile communication device includes detecting an input indicating a planned pattern of intensity of an exercise session in at least one timed step, storing a music inventory of songs including a rhythm associated with each song in a memory of the mobile communication device, selecting a playlist of songs with rhythms correlated to each of the at least one timed step of the planned pattern of intensity, and playing the playlist in response to initiation of the exercise session.
US08529405B2	Ratio shift control system and method for a multiple-ratio automatic transmission A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a powertrain source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a powertrain source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided.
US08529402B2	Pump arrangement A pump arrangement for fluid in an automotive transmission system includes, but is not limited to a first, low-pressure pump stage and a second, high-pressure pump stage, the first pump stage supplying low-pressure fluid to a lubrication/cooling system and to the inlet of second pump stage, which supplies high pressure fluid to a hydraulic control system. Fluid from both systems is returned via a reservoir and filter to the first pump stage.
US08529396B1	Multi-speed automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first pinion, a second pinion, and a common ring gear, and includes a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, the second pinion, and the common ring gear. The transmission includes a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third pinion, and a ring gear of the third set, and includes a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear, a fourth pinion, and a ring gear of the fourth set. The transmission also includes a first planetary carrier rotatably supporting the first pinion, the second pinion, and the third pinion. The common ring gear is directly connected to the ring gear of the fourth set, and a second planetary carrier rotatably supports the fourth pinion and is directly connected to the ring gear of the third set.
US08529393B2	Lockable or releasable wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output The lockable or releasable gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output relates to a transmission structure, wherein the rotary direction of the input shaft of the gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output is changed to make the direction of the output of the output shaft to be constant, which is characterized by releasing the lockable or releasable mechanism, the output shaft is moved reversely when reversely driven.
US08529386B2	Ball The present invention relates to an inflatable ball, in particular a soccer ball, having an outer shell comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are interconnected by seams and each panel comprises at least one pseudo-seam extending over at least a part of the outer surface of the panel.
US08529384B2	Marker tag darts, dart guns therefor, and methods Marker tag darts, dart guns therefor, and methods which allow a toy gun to receive a marker tag dart, to put water in the forward tip of the dart and to shoot the dart. The marker tag dart itself has slits in the wall of a small chamber at the front of the dart so that on impact with a target, the inertia of the water causes deformation of the tip and opening of the slits to eject water for marking the location of the marker tag dart hit. The dart guns are spring chocked, and propel the dart with a blast of air from an air pump powered by the spring. Various embodiments and modes of operation are disclosed.
US08529382B2	Baseball pitching simulator A baseball pitching simulator includes first and second vertical support members. A first adjustment assembly includes a first carriage coupled to a first vertical support member and is movable by a pulley system and first motor. A second adjustment assembly is coupled to the first carriage and movable vertically when the first carriage is moved along the vertical support member. The second adjustment assembly includes pulleys extending laterally between the vertical support members and is coupled to a pitching target. The first and second adjustment assemblies regulate vertical and horizontal positions thereof, respectively. First and second motors actuate movement of the adjustment assemblies. The pitching target includes a pressure sensor to detect impact. The simulator includes a backstop having a vibration sensor to determine when the backstop is impacted. A processor and programming cause the adjustment assemblies to move the pitching target.
US08529379B1	Golf ball and tee setting and retrieving device A grabbing system uses a typical first grabber located on a main shaft to grasp golf tees for setting into and retrieving them from the ground. A secondary shaft slidably passes through the main shaft of the device and has a second grabber such that the first grabber and the second grabber are simultaneously controlled by a single trigger mechanism. This allows a tee and ball to be grasped and released together such that setting the position of the secondary shaft with respect to the main shaft allows for precise penetration placement of the tee into the ground. A clipping system allow for easy carrying of the device, while optional support legs allow the device to free stand upright on the ground.
US08529375B2	Golf ball having increased moment of inertia Generally disclosed is a golf ball having a core and a cover layer. The cover layer includes a coating material thereon that increases the golf ball's moment of inertia. The coating material is coated on the cover layer in a pattern corresponding to one of the dimple pattern and the pattern of land areas separating the dimples. The golf ball's moment of inertia is increased while utilizing only a small amount of the coating material as a result of the pattern of coating material, which locates the coating material at an outermost radial distance from the golf ball's center of rotation (i.e., the golf ball's center of gravity). The increased moment of inertia causes the golf ball to have a lower rate of spin when hit by a golf club, thereby displaying different play characteristics.
US08529373B2	Golf ball with improved flight performance A golf ball with aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle, resulting in improved flight performance, such as increased carry and flight consistency regardless of ball orientation. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball having increased flight distance as defined by a set of aerodynamic requirements, at particular spin ratios and Reynolds Numbers. The invention is also directed toward golf balls having high spin decay rates during the first second of flight that yields improved flight performance and longer ball flight.
US08529371B2	Golf ball The present invention provides a golf ball having a resilient core made of rubber, a cover of one or more layer encasing the core, and at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein the cover is made primarily of polyurethane, the intermediate layer is made primarily of ionomer, and the core has a surface hardness which is higher than the material hardnesses of the cover and the intermediate layer. The golf ball is able to limit the distance of travel more than official balls currently in use and, in spite of being a limited-distance golf ball, imparts a relatively soft and good ball feel on impact, in addition to which it has an excellent scuff resistance and, by minimizing the extent of decrease in the distance traveled by the ball when hit with an iron, minimizes the effect on golf play by amateur golfers.
US08529367B2	Variable length golf club shaft A variable length shaft assembly comprising at least one upper shaft portion, a lower shaft portion and a threaded fastener, wherein the threaded fastener removably connects the upper shaft portion to the lower shaft portion, is disclosed herein. The variable length shaft assembly may further comprise at least two upper shaft portions having different lengths so a golfer can adjust the total length of the shaft by removing one upper shaft portion and replacing it with another upper shaft portion having a different length. Methods of adjusting the length of a golf club shaft without damaging any portion of the shaft and variable length shaft kits are also disclosed herein.
US08529364B1	Golf training aid The present invention is an apparatus and method enabling a controlled approach to making accurate puts in golfing. The apparatus uses laser aiming, measured stroking distances, and a surface analysis aid to benchmark a perfect put. The method enhances control by eliminating the back half of the swing while providing data points for reassessment of performance during practice training.
US08529361B2	Drive shaft, in particular radial shaft for a gas-turbine engine A drive shaft, in particular a radial shaft for a gas-turbine engine, includes a metallic and hollow shaft shank 1 with load transfer elements 2, 10, 11 integrally formed onto its ends. The shaft shank 1 includes a metal tube 3, 9 prefabricated as a semi-finished part, designed only for transmission of torsional loads and having a constant wall thickness. An outer or inner reinforcement 5, 8 intended only for ensuring the necessary bending stiffness is provided on the outer and/or inner circumferential surface of the metal tube 3, 9 and made from a fiber-composite layer 13, 13′ with fibers oriented in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft. The inner fiber-composite layer 13 acting as outer reinforcement 5 is sheathed with an outer fiber-composite layer 14 made from fibers oriented at an angle of 60° to 90° relative to the longitudinal direction.
US08529353B2	Collaborative electronic game play employing player classification and aggregation A method and system tracks, analyzes or sorts behaviors of user or players across a network to draw correlations from, or characterizations of, those user or players and identifies similarly characterized or mutually complementary user or players. For example, the method automatically obtains player data regarding interactions by each of multiple players with a multiplayer electronic game via each player's corresponding data processing device connected via the network. The method can then sort, classify or suggest additional activities, games, groups, or other different activities or actions for the players.
US08529351B2	System and method for playing a role-playing game A method and apparatus for playing role-playing game is provided that involves wagering. In one example game, players subscribe to multiple game sessions and eliminate other players to become the sole survivor of the game. The players may accrue points by eliminating other players. Further, players may eliminate other players in a combat environment.
US08529347B2	Gaming system customer service techniques A gaming system (100) includes gaming locations (102, 104, 106) that each comprise an interactive communication unit (119), including a display 118 visible from the gaming location. A network (126) is arranged to transmit data between the communication units. A touch screen liquid crystal display (118) unrelated to the operation of a gaming machine (102) generates graphics images.
US08529346B1	Allocating and managing software assets Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium and includes instructions that when executed by a processor perform a method for allocating assets. The method includes assigning each of multiple operation sectors defined by a software program to respective ones of multiple load groups, each load group grouping at least one operation sector for loading assets of the operation sector into memory. The method includes assigning all assets from the multiple operation sectors into respective ones of multiple clusters based on associations between the respective assets and the multiple operation sectors. The method includes generating and storing a memory layout that assigns one of multiple memory locations to each of the multiple clusters for at least one of the multiple load groups.
US08529342B2	Gaming system with dedicated player gaming devices In a gaming system players are assigned individual gaming devices comprising electronic game boards. Players access their assigned gaming device via a gateway from a remote presentation device such as a player's computer. The gateway confirms the identity of each player so that a player may only access their assigned and dedicated gaming device. When linked, an assigned gaming device generates wagering game data for presentation upon the player's remote presentation device. A casino may provide a number of traditional gaming machines and a plurality of dedicated or assigned gaming devices which permit remote player play.
US08529330B2	Vending machine for manufacturing on-demand lottery tickets A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.
US08529326B2	Games having biotechnological content Systems and methods for use in playing biotic games having a biologically active material as a component. Various games that provide for one or more human players to interact with biologically active materials are disclosed. The game apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge having a chamber in which a biologically active component such as a single-celled organism or a biologically active compound is contained. A stimulus controller accepts instructions from a human user and provides a stimulus to the biologically active component. A response receiver accepts a signal indicative of a response of the biologically active component. A display is provided to display to the user information indicative of the response of the biologically active component, and a game score. A computer-based game controller includes a set of pre-defined rules of play that define a game and that comprise pre-defined rules of scoring for the game.
US08529322B2	Method and device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry A method and device for processing a carcass-part of slaughtered poultry in a processing line is provided. Means are applied for cutting the membrana and/or removing of the wishbone from the carcass-part. The means for cutting the membrana and/or removing of the wishbone include an arrow-shaped knife and two blades arranged on opposite sides of the knife. After the means for cutting the membrana and/or removing of the wishbone are introduced into the carcass part, the arrow-shaped knife and the two blades are moved in a unitary movement from within the carcass-part in a sideways direction away from the carcass part so as to lift the wishbone legs while they are still connected to the wing joints, and subsequently turn the wishbone legs out of the wing joints of the carcass-part.
US08529317B2	Speed control device in a pneumatic power tool A speed control device is provided for a pneumatic power tool which includes a housing with a pressure air inlet, an output spindle, and an air turbine with a turbine wheel drivingly connected to the output spindle. Nozzles are arranged for directing motive air onto the turbine wheel. The speed control device includes a valve unit for controlling pressure air flow through the nozzles in response to a speed responsive parameter. The plurality of nozzles are divided into n separate nozzle groups having individual air feed through individual air feed passages (n is an integer, n>1). The valve unit is capable of being actuated into n states for controlling air feed to the n nozzle groups, whereby for each subsequent state, x (1≦x≦n, x is an integer) air feed passages are connected to the pressure air inlet such that nozzle groups 1 to x are fed with air.
US08529313B2	Powder blasting device, method and system for dental applications A tip component of a powder blasting device comprising a powder delivery portion and a detritus evacuation portion (evacuator tube) which may be formed as a single unit. The powder delivery portion comprises a mixing chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port. A gas delivery conduit extends to the inlet port. A discharge conduit extends through the outlet port and is movable to selectively seal powder within the mixing chamber. The detritus evacuation portion comprises an elongate tube. An adapter component comprises a pressurized-air delivery portion and a vacuum portion, formed as a single unit. A pressurized air source provides pressurized air to a pressurized-air delivery portion of the adapter component; and a vacuum source provides vacuum to a vacuum portion of the adapter component. An evacuator handpiece may be disposed between the vacuum portion of the adapter component and the evacuator tube of the tip component.
US08529301B2	Shielded connector assembly A connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure is advantageously configured to allow a sensor connector to straightforwardly and efficiently join with and detach from a patient cable connector. Further, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously reduce un-shielded area in an electrical connection between a patient cable and a sensor connector. In addition, embodiments of the connector assembly advantageously increase the shielding of detector signals coming from the patient sensor to the monitor.
US08529300B2	Electrical connector assembly An electrical connector assembly includes a front housing that has a mating interface. Contact modules are loaded into the front housing and extend rearward from the front housing. Each contact module has a plurality of conductors that are held by a dielectric contact module body. The conductors have mating portions that extend from the contact module body and mounting portions that extend from the contact module body. The contact modules have channels formed therein. An organizer bar is received in the channels of the contact modules. The organizer bar is manufactured from a dielectric material. The organizer bar holds the positions of the contact modules relative to one another.
US08529292B2	Board connector having a housing with a mounting groove with upwardly facing surfaces for receiving projecting locks of a mounting fixture A board connector includes a housing (20) into which a mating connector (50) is to be fit, mounting grooves (30) formed on side surfaces of the housing (20), and metal fixing fixtures (40) to be mounted into the mounting grooves (30) while the plate surfaces thereof move along the side surfaces of the housing (20) and lower ends of which are to be fixed to a board (P). Projecting locks (43, 45) project laterally along the plate surface and a bent lock (44) bent outward substantially at a right angle with respect to the plate surface are arranged vertically one above another on each lateral edge of each fixing fixture (40). On the other hand, each mounting groove (30) includes receiving surfaces (35, 36, 38) that respectively contact with the projecting locks (43, 45) and the bent locks (44) to prevent downward movements of the locks.
US08529287B2	Power supply cord storage mechanism An apparatus including at least two longitudinally extending guides configured to be coupled to opposite side surfaces of a power supply unit such that, when coupled to the power supply unit, the guides cooperate with the power supply unit to form a channel between the guides, at least one end of each of the guides defining a recess in the at least one end that is configured to receive and retain a part of a flexible portion of an electrical power cord and to cooperate with the power supply unit to retain the power cord in a wrapped arrangement substantially within the channel, and a retention element cooperating with the recess to receive and retain the part of the flexible portion of the electrical power cord.
US08529282B1	Daughter card assembly having a latching sub-assembly with a coupling arm extending in an insertion direction A daughter card assembly including a printed circuit board that defines a board plane and has a mating edge, a trailing edge, and a side edge that extends between the mating and trailing edges. The mating edge extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and has electrical contacts positioned therealong. The mating edge is configured to engage a card connector when the mating edge is moved in an insertion direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The daughter card assembly also includes a latching sub-assembly that is coupled to the circuit board and extends along the side edge. The latching sub-assembly includes a coupling arm that extends in the insertion direction and has a latch end that is proximate to the mating edge. The latch end is configured to removably couple to the card connector.
US08529272B2	Rotary connector device A steering roll connector includes a rotator, a sleeve, and a fixed casing. The rotator includes a claw and an inner cylindrical part, and is mounted to a steering shaft such that the rotator is rotated integrally with the steering shaft inserted in the inner cylindrical part. The sleeve includes a projection connectable with the claw, and is mounted to the rotator such that the sleeve is rotated integrally with the rotator. The fixed casing includes an outer cylindrical part, and is mounted such that the fixed casing does not follow rotation of the steering shaft inserted in the outer cylindrical part and such that the fixed casing is in contact with the sleeve. A combination of materials of the claw and the projection is such that occurrence of a squeak caused when the claw and the projection are rubbed against each other is suppressed.
US08529270B2	Interactive computer system for instructor-student teaching and assessment of preschool children A computer system contains and displays a cartoon-like story with a plurality of displayed components (such as cartoon characters, play items, etc.) recognizable by a preschool student on a first portion of the display screen along with an accompanying voice message on the speaker. Written instructions for teachers to follow in a personal one-to-one interaction with one or more students are displayed on a second portion of the display screen. For some activities, the student may actually respond using the computer such as by touching a touch screen or using a mouse to select one of the displayed components in response to a request to select a displayed component having a predetermined aspect. For other activities the teacher enters the response of the student as observed by the teacher. When one or more correct responses are entered by the student or teacher, achievement of a goal can automatically be entered into the educational management system.
US08529268B2	Ski or snowboard teaching apparatus In one example, an apparatus for teaching a student how to snow ski includes a removably attachable instructor component, a removably attachable student component, and means for temporarily securing the instructor component and student component together. The instructor component has a first end defining a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor's ski pole and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The student component has a first end configured to attach to a portion of a student's ski equipment and a second end disposed opposite the first end.
US08529258B2	Dental implement for tooth restoration A dental implement that includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends which are spaced apart from each other a distance. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a front face having opposing sides, a top end and a bottom end. The front face is defined by two inwardly inclined surfaces which start at the opposing sides and incline inwardly toward each other and intersect to form a peak that extends at least partially between the top end and the bottom end of the front face. The peaks of the opposing tine assemblies face each other.
US08529257B2	Aerosolized ceramic porcelains and glaze composition A spray glaze or opaque composition for coating dental restorations and other surfaces and objects such as hobby ceramics that comprises about 4 to about 50 weight % glaze material, about 5 to about 60 weight % restoration wetting agent, and about 10 to about 90% non CFC propellant. An opaque composition further comprises about 5 to about 30% opaque material.
US08529246B2	Device and method for maintaining and operating a flame Disclosed is a device and a method for maintaining and operating a flame. The device has a burner, a burner attachment having an outlet geometry, wherein on a side of the burner attachment facing away from the burner, an anode is provided on one side of the outlet geometry of the burner attachment. A dielectric is provided on the other side of the outlet geometry, wherein a cathode is located in the dielectric. The device and method: do not require continuous flame monitoring; positively influence the deposition behavior of layer-forming components of the fuel gas flame; and reduce the thermal impact of the burner and the operating costs thereof.
US08529234B2	Water injection type screw fluid machine A water-lubrication type screw fluid machine has a first non-contact seal, a second non-contact seal and a lip seal disposed between a rotor chamber and a bearing for a rotor shaft. The bearing is located on the high pressure side and in this order from the rotor chamber side. the bearing includes a low pressure communicating channel for allowing an outflow space formed on the rotor chamber side with respect to the first non-contact seal to communicate with a low pressure channel for the target gas communicating with a low pressure space inside the rotor chamber or the rotor chamber, a pressurized communicating channel for introducing high-pressure target gas into a pressurized space formed between the first and second non-contact seals, and an open communicating channel through which an open space formed between the second non-contact seal and the lip seal opens to the outside of the casing.
US08529233B2	Displacement machine with improved support A displacement machine of spiral-type construction for a compressible medium includes a displacement body having a carrier disc and helical blades extending out from both sides of the carrier disc. The carrier disc has a hub which is supported by a hub bearing on an eccentric disc which is part of a driven drive shaft. The drive shaft is supported inside a housing by a first bearing and a second bearing. These bearings are arranged in receptacles which fully project into the feed chambers of the housing so that the bearings are positioned in close proximity to the eccentric disc.
US08529230B1	Retaining mechanisms for threaded bodies in reciprocating pumps Novel retainers for a body threaded into a reciprocating pump used for pumping fluid into a well are provided for. They comprise one or more elastic members adapted to flex and allow the retainer to be interlocked with the pump and a member adapted to engage the threaded body and to limit loosening thereof. Preferably, the engagement member is biased into engagement with the threaded body, for example, by elastic, magnetic, or gravitational potential energy. The novel retainers include stops which limit loosening or tightening of the threaded body and pawls that limit loosening of the threaded body.
US08529227B2	Submersible pump capable of providing low voltage power supply A submersible pump capable of providing low voltage power supply comprises a pump body and a filter cover connected to the pump body; a stator containing cavity and a rotor containing cavity is provided in the pump body; the outside of the rotor containing cavity is provided with an impeller room, and the upside of the impeller room is provided with a water outlet; a silicon steel sheet group of a stator and a stator coil are encapsulated in the stator containing cavity in the pump body; a permanent magnet rotor is fixed in the rotor containing cavity in the pump body via a rotor shaft; an impeller at one end of the permanent magnet rotor is located in the impeller room; it also comprises an internal transformer; the internal transformer is provided with a low voltage coil, and the stator coil acting as a high voltage coil, and the two coils are located at the silicon steel sheet group of the stator; the low voltage coil provides AC low voltage power supply to the outside. An internal transformer is constitute by the original silicon steel sheet group of the stator, the original stator coil, and an appended low voltage coil; this design occupies small room, and can provide AC or DC low voltage power supply to the outside as the submersible pump is working, so it is safe to use, and works reliably.
US08529224B2	Hermetic compressor having auxiliary communication tube A hermetic compressor for adjusting the length and cross sectional area of a communication path as a refrigerant flow passage, so as to attenuate a discharge pulsation and consequently, a vibration and noise thereof. The hermetic compressor, which includes a cylinder head having a discharge chamber to discharge a compressed refrigerant and a discharge muffler to receive the refrigerant discharged from the discharge chamber, further includes a communication path to communicate the discharge chamber and the discharge muffler with each other, so as to allow the refrigerant to flow from the discharge chamber into the discharge muffler, and an auxiliary communication tube to increase a length of the communication path for increasing a refrigerant flow distance. The auxiliary communication path reduces the cross sectional area of a refrigerant flow passage while increasing a refrigerant flow distance, thereby attenuating a low-frequency component of the discharge pulsation.
US08529218B2	Vacuum pump having nested chambers associated with a mass spectrometer A vacuum pump for the evacuation of one or a plurality of volumes is described. The vacuum pump has a plurality of pressure stages and at least two suction inlets. An outer suction inlet for a first pressure stage spatially encompasses an inner suction inlet for a second pressure stage such that the inner suction inlet seals only against pressure within the outer suction inlet, not against external pressure.
US08529191B2	Method and apparatus for lubricating a thrust bearing for a rotating machine using pumpage A fluid machine and method of operating the same includes a pump portion having a pump impeller chamber, a pump inlet and a pump outlet and a turbine portion having a turbine impeller chamber, a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet. A shaft extends between the pump impeller chamber and the turbine impeller chamber. The shaft has a shaft passage therethrough. A turbine impeller is coupled to the impeller end of the shaft disposed within the impeller chamber. The turbine impeller has vanes at least one of which comprises a vane passage therethrough. A thrust bearing is in fluid communication with said vane passage.
US08529188B2	Fan nacelle flow control This disclosure relates to a gas turbine engine including a core engine that drives a fan. A fan nacelle surrounds the fan and provides an inner surface facing the fan. The fan nacelle includes an inlet lip adjoining the inner surface. A ring is arranged at the inner surface and is axially upstream from the fan. The ring includes a deployed position in which the ring is spaced radially inwardly from the inner surface to provide a gap therebetween through which air flows. The ring also includes a stowed position in which the ring is arranged radially inwardly from the deployed position and proximate to the inner surface. The ring is commanded to the deployed position in response to detecting a first condition, which corresponds to a flow separation condition at the fan nacelle inlet. The ring may be stowed during cruise conditions, for example.
US08529181B1	Wallboard support system A wallboard support system for effectively supporting a wallboard such as drywall. The wallboard support system generally includes a support base, a telescoping unit extending from the support base and a cradle attached to an upper portion of the telescoping unit to support a wallboard. The cradle is comprised of a support unit having a pair of channels that receive a corresponding pair of outriggers that slidably extend from opposing ends of the support unit. A first guide within a first channel of the support unit guides a first outrigger outwardly and slightly upwardly. A second guide within a second channel of the support unit guides a second outrigger outwardly and slightly upwardly mirroring the first outrigger.
US08529175B2	Method for transporting concentrated mass loads by container A shipping apparatus for transporting a coil in a shipping container. The apparatus includes a saddle and a base. The saddle has angled supporting plates and lateral bars upon which said coil is placed. The saddle is placed on a base and may be releasably connected. The base is adapted to be slid while supporting the saddle and the coil, along the floor of said container to a transport position fully inside the container. When the coil, saddle, and base are in a container, the base distributes the load of the coil and the saddle to permit conventional transport of said container.
US08529172B2	Edge milling device An edge milling cutter assembly for cutting opposite edges of a workpiece, has a first cutting assembly; a second cutting assembly positioned a predetermined distance from the first cutting assembly; a first guide roll assembly positioned in front of the first cutting assembly; a second guide wall assembly positioned in front of the second cutting assembly; wherein the first guide roll assembly and the second guide roll assembly are movable in relation to each other in equal distances; and a mechanism which engages the first guide roll assembly and the second guide roll assembly to facilitate equal movement of each of the guide rolls in such a manner that the first and second cutting assemblies cut equal amounts of material from opposite edges of the workpiece.
US08529161B2	Multilayer hydrodynamic sheath flow structure A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.
US08529160B2	Bulk abrasive hopper A hopper system for both delivery and reclamation of bulk abrasives includes a closed, vacuum rated container with an inlet port with a hatch which is moveable between an open position for gaining access to the interior of the container and a closed position for closing the container. At its lower end there is an outlet port for releasing the contents of the container. The outlet port includes a valve which is moveable between open and closed positions for controlling the flow of contents from the container. The hopper system includes a connector for attaching a vacuum source to the container and in communication with the interior of the container and a reclamation inlet in the container and communicating with a reclamation line for drawing abrasives into the interior of the container when the vacuum source is attached to the container.
US08529153B2	Element used to form breakwaters The invention relates to an armor unit to construct armor layers of mound breakwaters, revetments and groins for shore protection or hydraulic and maritime structures featuring a cubic or parallelepiped shape (2) and having one or more protrusions (1) on its faces to prevent coupling between the different armor units and to increase interlocking with the underlayer (3) of the armor layer.
US08529152B1	Resistive braking via screed heating A method and various apparatus are provided for assisting braking in a paving machine having hydraulically driven ground engaging elements driven by a hydraulic motor, and one or more screed electrical heating elements powered by a generator. In the event that the application of the machine deceleration system occurs at a machine speed exceeding a predetermined threshold value, the hydraulic motor of the drive train is configured to drive the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic system. The hydraulic pump is linked to the system generator to generate electrical power to drive the one or more screed electrical heating elements at a current greater than the current previously being provided to the one or more screed electrical heating elements.
US08529151B2	Fastener and assembly utilizing the same A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, a cage, a plurality retaining members and a plunger. The plunger is at least partially movable within said cage between a first position to cause said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially outwardly thereby mechanically coupling said housing to said cage, and a second position to allow said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly thereby allowing said housing to be uncoupled from said cage.
US08529142B2	RFID circuit element cartridge, roll for producing electromagnetic radiation reaction element label, and tag-label producing device A cartridge includes a tag tape roll around which a tag tape is wound, said tag tape having a plurality of RFID circuit elements aligned in a safety area, which is located at an end on one side in the width direction of said tag tape, and including a print area on the other side in the width direction with respect to said RFID circuit elements. A tag label producing device performs predetermined printing on said print area by a print head while paying out said tag tape from said tag tape roll, and produces a tag label by using said tag tape on which printing has been performed.
US08529139B2	Optical element and system using the same A method for transmitting a signal in an optical system includes generating an optical signal along an optical axis for transmission through an optical element, positioning the optical element so that a surface discontinuity is positioned along the optical axis such that the optical signal defines a substantially radially symmetric intensity profile, and launching the optical signal into an input face of an optical fiber such that the intensity profile is substantially null proximate an optical axis associated with the optical fiber.
US08529133B2	Pivot bearing A pivot bearing includes a spherical bearing body and a single-piece bearing shell. The bearing shell encloses the bearing body at least partially and creates a clearance fit between the bearing body and the bearing shell which clearance fit permits a degree of articulated freedom of the pivot bearing. The single-piece bearing shell includes a radial slot based on a wall thickness of the bearing shell and has at least one contoured bulge. At least one push-in element has a part shape corresponding to the bulge such that the part shape of the push-in element has a defined oversize with respect to the bulge of the slot. The oversize indicates a predetermined clearance fit between the bearing body and the bearing shell that defines a bearing play when the push-in element is mounted in the slot.
US08529129B2	Closure element for a pouch A closure mechanism for a pouch includes a first interlocking closure element and a second interlocking closure element. A first closure profile is disposed on an interior side of the first interlocking closure element. A flange extends from the first closure profile and has a first aperture disposed therethrough. A resilient valve flap covers the first aperture and is attached to an exterior side of the flange. The resilient valve flap includes a sealing member and an at least partially elastomeric latch attached between a distal end of the sealing member and the exterior side of the flange. A channel is defined between the resilient valve flap and the flange that extends from the first aperture to an edge of the resilient flap. The resilient valve flap is biased to form a releasable airtight seal against the exterior side of the flange across the channel.
US08529125B2	Dynamic estimation of cell core temperature by simple external measurements Methods and systems for dynamically estimating the core temperature of at least one cell in a battery during an operative period. The method includes receiving by at least one controller the surface temperature, the current, the voltage, the state of charge, and the period of time from the initiation of a rest period to the termination of the rest period, determining an initial value of the lumped internal resistance of the at least one cell, determining subsequent values of the lumped internal resistance recursively in real-time based on the initial value, the current, and the voltage, and determining the core temperature of the at least one cell based on the surface temperature, the current, the obtained time, and the lumped internal resistance. The system for dynamically estimating the core temperature of the cells in a battery includes a plurality of sensors configured to transmit signals related to surface temperature, current, and voltage of the battery, a timing device configured to transmit signals related to the period of time from the initiation of a rest period to the termination of the rest period, and a control system, wherein the control system comprises a memory device and a controller.
US08529093B2	Safety device for motorized vehicles and methods of use thereof Embodiments of a safety device for motorized vehicles and methods of use thereof are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the safety device includes a mountable lighting device in electrical communication with a momentary switch. The lighting device may include a plurality of non-coherent light sources which may flash in a particular sequence. In one embodiment, the lighting device may be activated to flash once to signal to a motorist that a motorcyclist is to pass. The lighting device may be activated to flash twice to signal to a motorist that the motorcyclist is approaching. The lighting device may be activated to flash three times to signal to a motorist that the motorcyclist is passing.
US08529091B2	T-bar lamp A T-bar lamp including a T-bar lamp housing and at least a light engine module is provided. The T-bar lamp housing has an opening. The light engine module is fixed in the T-BAR lamp housing, and the light engine module at least includes a chip on board (COB) type LED light source.
US08529088B2	Universal light emitting diode illumination device and method Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a light emitting diode and driving circuitry integrated into a component module that will retrofit common incandescent lightbulb applications. The disclosed embodiments will perform with high efficiency at a wide operating voltage range with a very small size allowing for the incorporation within the envelope and form of existing lightbulb bases. Therefore, a single universal LED light bulb module can be used to replace the dozens of conventional LED and incandescent lights currently being used. The electronic circuitries used to drive the LEDs are extremely compact and consequently can be incorporated in nearly any standard bulb base.
US08529087B2	Multipurpose lighting device with electronic glow stick A multipurpose lighting device comprises a module including a first light source for a flashlight function and a second light source for a lantern or omni-directional glow stick function. A button on the module is operative to selectively alternating between the first and second light sources. An elongate housing is coupled to the second light source so that the second light source illuminates along the length of the housing. Finally, a whistle portion is formed on one end of the elongate housing so that the multipurpose device includes flashlight, glow stick, and whistle functions.
US08529085B2	Light emitting diode (LED) roadway lighting fixture A light emitting diode (LED) lighting roadway lighting fixture and housing is provided. The lighting fixture comprises a center section enclosing a power supply for the LEDs. Two LED sections are positioned on either side of the center section and angled towards the center of the lighting fixture and the plane to be illuminated. LED engines are mounted on the LED sections to illuminate the plane.
US08529084B2	Hand-held power tool A hand-held power tool is equipped with a lighting element for illuminating the working field, the lighting element including a light source and a trigger switch for activating or adjusting a drive motor forming a component of the lighting element in such a way that light beams emitted by the light source are guided via the trigger switch to the working field.
US08529082B1	Light-emitting systems for headgear A light-emitting system is provided which is removably attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance visibility of the user to others. The light-emitting system includes a housing that defines a receiving aperture and is configured to surround a portion of the headgear when the light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for use. The light-emitting system further includes at least one lens and a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the annular housing which are configured to selectively generate a halo or at least a partial halo of light that radiates outwardly away from the annular housing through the at least one lens to provide enhanced personal illumination.
US08529081B2	Headlamp device with housing providing thermal management A lighting device with thermal management may be, for example, a headlamp device that includes a light source and a housing. The housing includes a first portion comprising a first set of external surfaces adapted to operate as a first heat sink to dissipate heat from within the first portion. The light source is disposed within the first portion. The housing also includes a second portion comprising a second set of external surfaces adapted to operate as a second heat sink to dissipate heat from within the second portion. Substantially all external surfaces of the of housing are adapted to be exposed to ambient air when the headlamp device is in use and are included in the first and second sets of external surfaces. Methods and other lighting devices are also provided.
US08529074B2	Projector having projection optical system with inclined light blocking member A projection optical system for projecting an image of an image display element, includes a lens, a stop, and a holder configured to hold the lens and the stop and disposed at an image-display-element side of the stop. In addition, a light blocking member is disposed at the image-display-element side of the stop and fixed within the holder. At least a part of the light blocking member extends to a position nearer to an optical axis of the lens than the holder, and a face of the light-blocking member nearer to the image-display-element side is inclined in a section including an optical axis of the lens so that a point nearer to the optical axis comes closer to the image display element.
US08529072B2	Image projecting device and a prism with a curved reflection surface An image projecting device, including an image forming element for forming an image, a light source for generating light, and an imaging optical system for imaging an image formed by the image forming element on a screen, a first prism having a first transmission surface for transmitting light generated from the light source therethrough, a reflection curved surface being a curved surface for directly reflecting light having transmitted through the first transmission surface, a reflection-transmission surface for directly reflecting light reflected from the reflection curved surface to the image forming element and transmitting light reflected from the image forming element therethrough, and a second transmission surface for transmitting light reflected from the reflection-transmission surface and light reflected from the image forming element therethrough, and a second prism for directing light having transmitted through the reflection-transmission surface of the first prism to the imaging optical system.
US08529069B2	Projection apparatus and control method thereof A projection apparatus which projects an image onto a projection plane based on an input image signal, the apparatus comprises: a division unit configured to divide an image represented by the input image signal into a plurality of regions; a deformation unit configured to deform various types of shapes of the images divided by the division unit; a combination unit configured to combine the images deformed by the deformation unit; and a projection unit configured to project the image combined by the combination unit onto the projection plane.
US08529061B2	Eye refractive power measurement apparatus An eye refractive power measurement apparatus includes a measurement optical system, a calculator and an output unit. The measurement optical system projects measurement light onto a fundus of an examinee's eye, extracts the measurement light reflected on the fundus as ring-shaped light, and causes an imaging device to capture a ring-shaped image. The calculator measures eye refractive power of the examinee's eye, based on the ring-shaped image captured by the imaging device, specifies a position of the ring-shaped image to calculate a measured line of the image, performs approximate processing on the measured line to calculate an approximate curve, and calculates a displacement between the measured line and the approximate curve in a meridian direction for each divided region. The output unit outputs a measurement result of the eye refractive power and a calculation result of the displacement in each divided region.
US08529056B2	Printing apparatus and control method of printing apparatus An apparatus includes a sheet feeding unit configured to feed sheets one by one from a storing unit, a coating unit configured to apply a coating liquid on a fed sheet, and a printing unit configured to perform printing on the coated sheet. The control unit controls timing to start a sheet feeding of a next page while a current page is being printed, depending on occurrence of event of temporary interruption or delay of printing operation.
US08529055B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus has a conveyance path configured to convey a printing medium toward a print position, a feeder for feeding the print media into the conveyance path and a control unit for controlling the printing apparatus selectively in a first mode and a second mode. In a first mode, the control unit controls the printing apparatus such that a printing medium fed from the feeder is firstly conveyed up to a position where a rear end of the printing medium gets out of the feeder, after the first conveyance, the printing medium is conveyed reversely in the conveyance path, and after that, after the reverse conveyance, the printing medium is conveyed to the print position and then the printing medium is printed by the printing unit. In the second mode, the control unit controls the printing apparatus such that the printing medium fed from the feeder is printed by the printing unit without being conveyed reversely.
US08529053B2	Seasoning device and image forming apparatus Sheets of paper discharged from an apparatus main body are stacked in a stack unit and humidified air is blown to the stacked sheets of paper by a spray device (humidifying seasoning). The humidified air blown by the spray device is blown between the sheets of paper to supply moisture to a non-image-formed portion. After blowing the humidified air for 5 minutes, nozzles of a water pipe is closed under the control of a controller and non-humidified air of the atmosphere is blown to the sheets of paper for 10 minutes (blowing seasoning). Accordingly, since the amount of moisture in the non-image-formed portion is returned to the amount of moisture originally contained in the sheets of paper, the difference in the amounts of moisture between an image-formed portion and a non-image-formed portion is reduced, thereby suppressing the cockling generated in the sheets of paper.
US08529051B2	Paper seasoning apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus The present invention provides a paper seasoning apparatus and an inkjet recording apparatus including a paper seasoning apparatus, capable of seasoning paper configured in a paper stack, and separating the paper stacks by introducing separation plates between sheets of the paper. Namely, separation plates for separating paper into specific numbers of sheets are introduced from a plate feeding apparatus into a housing of a paper seasoning apparatus. A separation plate lowering device lowers the separation plate that is supporting a paper stack. Seasoning is performed by blowing air from an air blowing device against the paper stack.
US08529047B2	Ink composition, ink set and image forming method An aqueous ink composition including: a water-soluble polymerizable compound containing two or more polymerizable functional groups each selected from the group consisting of a (meth)acrylamide group, a maleimide group, a vinyl sulfone group, and an N-vinyl amide group, wherein a ratio of a molecular weight of the compound relative to a number of the polymerizable functional groups contained in a single molecule of the compound is 175 or less; a polymerization initiator; and water.
US08529037B2	Ink tank and production process of ink tank An ink tank for being installed in an ink jet recording apparatus to supply ink thereto, including an ink storage portion, one side surface of a casing of the ink tank in which side surface an opening for supplying ink to the apparatus is formed, and a joint member for joining the one side surface to the apparatus by engaging with a connection member of the apparatus. The joint member has a welding portion for being welded to the one side surface along a peripheral portion of the opening, the welding portion corresponding to the peripheral portion; and a hollow portion forming a positioning hole for inserting therein and engaging therewith the connection member for determining a relative position of the apparatus and the one side surface. The hollow portion is provided on the outside of the welding portion and abuts to the one side surface without being welded.
US08529029B2	Inkjet printer to print to a recording material In an inkjet printer at least one print head is provided via which ink droplets are ejected onto a recording material. An intermediate ink container supplies ink for the print head. A pumping device pumps ink which is then supplied into the intermediate ink container at an ink inlet from the pumping device. At least one current director is arranged at a distance from a floor within a region of the intermediate ink container and is angled such that ink flowing out of the ink inlet from the pumping device flows in a radial direction at an angle of inclination and is deflected by the floor or a container wall of the ink container such that an ink current is generated via which a stirring of the ink occurs.
US08529025B2	Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A piezoelectric element has a first electrode containing platinum, a piezoelectric layer formed above the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is composed of an oxide containing potassium, sodium, niobium, bismuth, and iron.
US08529018B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a carriage carrying a recording head and being movably supported, the recording head being configured to eject liquid onto a recording medium, a plurality of driven units to be driven by a drive source that generates a driving force, a transmission-switching mechanism configured to switch between the driven units, a carriage locker configured to prevent and allow movement of the carriage, and a transmission-switching locker configured to prevent and allow switching between the driven units. Movement prevention by the carriage locker and switching prevention by the transmission-switching locker are in synchronicity, and movement allowance by the carriage locker and switching allowance by the transmission-switching locker are in synchronicity.
US08529016B2	Liquid ejection apparatus, controller therefor, nonvolatile storage medium storing program to be executed by the apparatus A liquid ejection apparatus including: a head having an ejection face having openings through which recording liquid is ejected; a conveyance member having a face that is disposed so as to be opposed to the ejection face and that is moved while supporting a recording medium to convey the recording medium; a cleaning-liquid supply portion configured to supply cleaning liquid onto the face; a wiper movable relative to the face while contacting the face to remove the recording liquid on the face; and a cleaning-operation executing section configured to execute a first cleaning operation including a first operation for reducing an amount of the recording liquid on the face and a second operation in which the cleaning liquid is supplied onto the face after the first operation, and then the recording liquid and the cleaning liquid on the face are removed by the wiper.
US08529008B2	Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method An apparatus includes: a first nozzles for ejecting a first fluid are lined up in a predetermined direction; a second nozzles for ejecting a second fluid are lined up in the predetermined direction; and a control unit performs an ejecting operation of ejecting fluid from the nozzles, wherein the control unit forms an image on a medium in one of a first mode of forming a main image with the first fluid and a second mode of forming the main image and a background image with the second fluid to be overlapped, forms the main image using a certain nozzle group in the first nozzles when the main image is formed in the first mode, and forms the main image using the same nozzle group as the certain nozzle group when the main image is formed in the second mode.
US08529001B2	Refrigerator with height-adjustable shelf for refrigerated goods A refrigeration appliance includes a housing and toothed profiles which are fixed to the housing. A height-adjustable shelf for refrigerated goods is received in the housing. The shelf has two rotatably drivable screws in engagement with the toothed profiles such that a storage surface of the shelf is held at least approximately in a horizontal orientation.
US08528995B2	Household appliance, particularly dishwasher A household appliance including an appliance door and a container to receive goods to be treated. The container has a container opening that is closed by the appliance door. The household appliance further includes stiffeners that are associated, at least in sections, with the container opening. The stiffeners increase the rigidity of the container in a region of the container opening and have a centering element by which the appliance door is aligned with the container opening when the appliance door is closed. The stiffeners and the centering element are made of a uniform material and/or embodied in one piece as a plastic profile part.
US08528975B2	Drive device for a motor vehicle swivel seat A motor vehicle, a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, and a drive device are provided for swiveling-in and swiveling-out a vehicle seat that is swivelable about a substantially vertical axis, in particular for a front motor vehicle seat which is connected to a motor vehicle by means of a rotary frame. The drive device includes, but is not limited to a first drive unit that applies a driving force for causing a swiveling movement of the seat in at least one swiveling direction. A second drive unit is provided which acts against the first drive unit to provide a second driving force which acts simultaneously against the driving force of the first drive unit, which second driving force causes a second swiveling movement of the vehicle seat.
US08528972B2	Furniture unit A furniture unit for building a furniture assembly together with another furniture unit comprises a first magnetic coupling member for interaction with a second magnetic coupling member of said another furniture unit. The first magnetic coupling member is movable between an inner position, in which it is retained by a retaining means, and an outer coupling position, to which it is movable from said inner position against a force from said retaining means.
US08528954B1	Pine cone grasping tool A tool for grasping and holding an article, such as a pine cone. The tool includes an elongated handle which may be telescopically adjustable so as to allow for a plurality of selectively-desired, longitudinal setting positions thereof. A flexibly-resilient, tension-biased grasping mechanism is mounted to a lower end of the handle. The grasping mechanism includes a pair of curvilinear arms for flexibly accommodating and securely grasping a pine cone.
US08528950B2	Latch mechanism and latching method A latch includes a catch pivotable about a first axis between a latched position for retaining a striker and an unlatched position for releasing the striker. The catch has a cam surface. A pawl is pivotable about a second axis and is engageable with the cam surface of the catch. In some embodiments, the pawl secures the catch in the latched position by resting on a first portion of the cam surface, the curvature of which is substantially concentric with the second axis when the catch is in the latched position. The pawl is movable off of the first portion of the cam surface to release the catch from the latched position. The catch can be drivable toward the latched position by the pawl.
US08528947B2	Closed container and lid opening/closing system therefor In a pod used in an FIMS system, diffusion of dust particles or the like adhering on the lid of the pod to the interior of the system is reduced. An engaged portion is provided inside the outer surface of the lid of the pod, and a flange portion provided around a pod opening to which the lid can be fitted is provided with an insertion hole that allows access to the engaged portion from the exterior space. A latch mechanism is supported on the pod body side surface of the flange portion in such a way that the latch mechanism can slide along a direction parallel to the side wall of the flange. An engagement portion of the latch mechanism reaches the engaged portion through the insertion hole, and the state of the latch mechanism changes between an engaged state and a disengaged state with movement of the latch mechanism.
US08528946B2	Door lock with idle travel in a locking state A door lock (2) includes a linking rod (730) movable in an unlatching direction for moving a latch (38) to an unlatching position and movable in a latching direction for moving the latch (38) to a latching position. When a draw bar (640) is in an extended position and when an operative member (688) is operated, a follower plate (482) and the connecting rod (730) are moved in the unlatching direction through a connecting member (498) and a connecting rod (512). When the draw bar (640) is in a retracted position and when the operative member (688) is operated, the connecting member (498) and the connecting rod (512) are moved in the unlatching direction. Movement of the follower plate (482) in the unlatching direction is stopped by a stop member (668), preventing movement of the linking rod (730) in the unlatching direction and retaining the latch (38) in the latching position.
US08528943B2	Coupling assembly A male coupling for attaching to a female coupling in which rotation of the male coupling with respect to the female coupling is limited. In one embodiment, the male coupling has one or more tabs extending from a flange, the tabs limiting rotation when the male coupling is mated to a female coupling assembly for fluid conductors.
US08528936B2	Rain hazard eliminator A system and method to reduce water spray from one or more truck tires of a truck driving through rain on a water covered road. A combination centrifuge and air compressor device collects a mixture of air and rainwater, to separate the air from the rainwater and to compress the air. An air distribution manifold system directs the compressed air from the combination centrifuge and air compressor device onto an area of the water covered road in front of one or more of the truck's tires so that the water from the area rises up from the road. Then a shield barrier channels the water that rises up from the area on the road away from one or more of the truck's tires.
US08528933B1	Contour airbag An airbag is provided that includes one or more creases or knobs within a catch zone that allows automatic positioning of the catch zone upon contact with an occupant. The knob and crease provide for flexible airbag positioning that is automatically adjustable dependent on the location an occupant contacts an airbag, the mass or dimension of an occupant, or position of a vehicle section, so as to provide directional support and guidance for the position of an airbag upon deployment or contact with an occupant.
US08528927B2	Steering apparatus for a vehicle A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a stem pipe disposed in a head pipe by upper and lower bearings interposed therebetween, a seal member for covering the upper bearing, and bottom and top bridges mounted on lower and upper ends of the stem pipe, respectively. A single fastening bolt, having a step formed between a head and a threaded surface thereof, is fitted in a pipe insertion hole of the top bridge and the upper threaded portion of the stem pipe. The stem pipe is firmly tightened and supported by a stem pipe slot-tightening mechanism of the top bridge. The fastening bolt is tightened by only a tightening force required to keep the fastening bolt from loosening. Also, a number of components required for the inventive steering apparatus is reduced, since an additional component, previously used for preventing loosening of a fastening bolt, is made unnecessary.
US08528920B2	Adjustment assembly An adjustment assembly includes first and second connection points associated with a component. The second connection point is selectively adjustable to adjust a position of the component. A shield has one end coupled to the first connection point and an opposite end proximate to the second connection point to selectively prevent access to the second connection point. The shield is selectively movable when the first connection point is loosened to allow access to the second connection point. To achieve proper adjustment of the component, the first connection point must be loosened prior to adjusting a position of the second connection point.
US08528918B2	Portable cart for holding multiple trays of glasses A mobile cart comprising a frame, a base and a plurality of shelves is disclosed. The frame may comprise a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame members and the base may comprise a plurality of lateral and horizontal frame members. The cart may also comprise storage container that is supported by a frame portion and the frame portion may be retractable with the base. The cart is ideal for transporting large quantities of glassware or tableware in a commercial environment.
US08528915B2	Rider platform for self-propelled vehicle A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle.
US08528913B2	Dressing roll mounting device A dressing roll mounting device for mounting a dressing roll to a dresser shaft of a grinding wheel dressing unit is provided. The dressing roll mounting device includes a mounting sleeve to be positioned at a free end of the dresser shaft, the outer face of the mounting sleeve being provided with a conical mounting region serving as a centering and pushing-on aid during mounting of the dressing roll to the dresser shaft. The maximum outside diameter of the conical mounting region is smaller than or corresponding to a dressing roll reception diameter of the dresser shaft.
US08528912B2	Method and apparatus for injecting packing into stuffing boxes for reciprocating rods A stuffing box for a polished rod used with a downhole pump uses injectable packing to provide a seal around the polished rod. The stuffing box has a chamber for receiving the packing. The chamber has an opening to allow the addition of packing to the chamber. The packing is maintained in a compacted condition by either injecting additional packing through the opening or adjusting the volume of the chamber.
US08528911B2	Empty shell recovery device The present invention relates to a device for collecting empty shells that have been used at a shooting range and specifically to an empty shell recovery device of low operating cost. To achieve the above, the empty shell recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention is furnished with absorption panels that are isolated from each other and inserted into sliding grooves of side plates facing each other to enable replacement and absorb the kinetic energy of an empty shell, an empty shell collection part that is inserted into the rear of the side plate and furnished with an escape prevention panel that prevents empty shells from escaping, and an empty shell discharge part that collects empty shells falling from the empty shell collection part downward and discharges them. Thus empty shells used at a shooting range are collected and recycling of empty shells is made possible.
US08528907B1	Investing card game and method The present disclosure is a method for playing an investing card game comprises the steps of providing a deck of financial instrument playing cards, dealing each of the financial instrument playing cards in rotation, and selecting one of the two or more players as the first initiating player. The method further comprises the steps of exposing a first financial instrument playing card in the hand of the first initiating player, selecting one of the key/value pairs, exposing, by each of the remaining players, one or more opposing financial instrument playing cards in the hands of the remaining players, and comparing the value of the selected key/value pair on the first financial instrument card to one or more values of the same key/value pair on the opposing financial instrument cards.
US08528902B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus with differential roller diameters A sheet conveying apparatus includes a curve-shaped conveying path conveying a sheet from a first conveyance direction toward a second conveyance direction, a drive conveying portion conveying the sheet in the second conveyance direction by a pair of mutually-pressed rollers, and a belt conveying portion conveying the sheet toward the drive conveying portion by an endless belt member, wherein the belt conveying portion is configured to include a first belt support roller which is arranged coaxially with one of the pair of rollers and a second belt support roller which is arranged at an upstream side of the drive conveying portion from the first belt support roller, to wind the belt member around the first and second belt support members, and to set an outer diameter of the first belt support roller including the belt member to be smaller than an outer diameter of the one roller.
US08528897B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: a holding unit that holds the recorded recording medium fed out from the medium discharge unit in a standing position; and a medium pressing unit that protrudes to the holding unit with respect to a virtual surface in the feeding-out direction of the recording medium by the nip roller of the medium discharge unit, opposite to the holding unit, and presses the recorded recording medium fed out from the medium discharge unit against the holding unit.
US08528894B2	Method of detecting sheet in transport device, transport device, image reading device, and image forming apparatus A transport device includes a set section, a sheet sensor, and a feeding member. When a detection member does not retract, the sheet sensor outputs an OFF-detection signal. The feeding member is displaced between a feed position and a non-feed position on the basis of the detection signal. At the feed position, the feeding member comes in contact with the sheet set in the set section from above and feeds the sheet toward the downstream side on a transport path. At the non-feed position, the feeding member is separated upward from the feed position. A method, which detects a sheet in the transport device, includes displacing the feeding member from the non-feed position to the feed position, and detecting that the sheet does not exist in the set section when an OFF-detection signal is output from the sheet sensor while the feeding member is positioned at the feed position.
US08528877B2	Latching gas on/off assembly The latching gas ON/OFF assembly includes a housing with a female threaded bore for receiving a male threaded neck of a gas tank cylinder having a tank valve with a pin. A bonnet is slidably connected to the housing and slides between a forward OFF position and rearward ON position. A pin depressor connected to the bonnet with a transverse latch button for locking the bonnet in the ON position and for releasing the bonnet from the ON position. When the bonnet is slid to the rearward ON position it causes the pin depressor to contact the pin of the tank valve to permit gas to flow therefrom. The latching button is spring-biased toward a locked position where a plate on the free end thereof removably resides in a complementary seat in the housing.
US08528870B2	Retaining device for stand for sawing machine A retaining device for a stand includes a base, a shaft inserted in the base, a handle pivotally mounted on the shaft, and a retainer sleeved on a cam portion of the handle. When the handle is pivotally moved downwards, the retainer can be driven to move toward an extending rod of the stand by actuation of the cam portion of the handle for stopping against the extending rod of the stand and retaining the extending rod of the stand in position.
US08528862B2	Systems and methods for reducing noise in aircraft fuselages and other structures Systems and methods for reducing noise in aircraft fuselages and other structures are described herein. A noise reduction system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an auxetic core, a damping layer, and a constraining layer. In this embodiment, the auxetic core is supported by a structural member, and the damping layer is sandwiched between the auxetic core and the constraining layer. A method for manufacturing a structural assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention includes forming a stiffener by positioning a first ply of composite material against a first tool surface, positioning damping material against the first ply, and positioning a second ply of composite material against the damping material to sandwich the damping material between the first and second plies. The method can further include forming a skin by positioning a third ply of composite material against a second tool surface offset from the first tool surface, and attaching the stiffener to the skin by co-curing the first, second and third plies of composite material.
US08528850B2	Braking device for a rope pulley of a mechanically retractable and extendable leash for walking animals A braking device for a rope pulley of a mechanically retractable and extendable leash for walking animals is provided. The rope pulley is supported in a housing such that it is rotatable in an unwinding direction against the force of a spring and in a wind-up direction under the influence of the spring force and cooperates with a brake button of the braking device in order to stop rotation of the rope pulley. The rope pulley is connected to a brake disk that is rotatable relative to the rope pulley against a damping force and that can be locked to the housing.
US08528844B2	Roller mill with application of gas A roller mill for grinding particulate material such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and similar materials includes a mill housing, a substantially horizontal and stationary grinding table, and a number of rollers each rotating about a roller shaft which is connected to a rotatable vertical shaft centrally positioned relative to the stationary grinding table. The rollers are configured for interactive operation with the grinding table. The grinding table is stationary. The roller mill also includes at least one first device utilized for introducing gases into the mill housing and at least one second device for continuously diverting ground material suspended in gases out of the mill housing. As a consequence hereof, the process for the roller mill with a stationary grinding table will be continuous and the diameter of the grinding table will not be subject to limitations.
US08528843B2	Bale splitter and a method for splitting a wrapped bale and for separating wrapping material from the bale A bale splitter (1) for mounting on a front end loader arm of a tractor' comprises a support framework (5) having a plurality of tines (7) extending transversely therefrom for supporting a cylindrical wrapped bale (2). A pair of carrier arms (15) pivotally coupled to the support framework (5) carry a cutting blade (20) for splitting the bale (2) and for simultaneously cutting wrapping material of the bale (2). The cutting blade (20) is slightly spaced apart from the tines (7) for preventing cutting of the wrapping material (4) adjacent the tines (7) so that the wrapping material remains in one single integral piece after splitting of the bale (2). A grab (30) comprising jaws (32,33) is supported on the support framework (5) to abut the bale (2) when supported on the tines (7), and for gripping the wrapping material (4) prior to operation of the cutting blade (20) for cutting the bale (2). By tilting the bale splitter (1) the split bale is discharged and the wrapping material (4) still gripped by the grab (30) is thus separated from the split bale.
US08528841B2	Spray switch for spray gun A spray switch for spray gun includes an elastic wire buckled to a main pipe of the spray gun. The elastic wire has symmetric lateral portions and symmetric guide pins on two ends thereof. A press handle pivoted to a main body of the spray gun is capable of controlling a flow of water. The press handle has an open slot for slidly arranging the spray switch. The spray switch is assembled by a guide block and a buckle unit. The guide block has symmetric guides and recesses on two lateral sides for guiding and holding the guide pins. The spray switch can be switched up and down along the open slot to switch the guide block for engaging or ignoring the guide pins so as to switch the spray gun between modes of auto spray and manual spray.
US08528831B2	Thermostat with efficiency display A thermostat (10) includes a housing (11) having a control panel (13) with a plurality of manually selectable input elements or input keys (15) and a display panel (17) for displaying various functions of the programmable thermostat. The programmable thermostat also includes a temperature sensor (18), a microprocessor (19) having memory for storing a default program set of default temperature and time values and a desired program set of desired temperature and time values. The microprocessor may compare the desired program set to the default program set in order to calculate the efficiency of a HVAC system. The calculated efficiency is then displayed graphically on the display panel.
US08528829B2	Wireless communication device and metal article A wireless communication device includes a wireless IC device, a dielectric substrate, and a metal plate. A radiation conductor coupled to the wireless IC device is provided on the front surface of the dielectric substrate, and a ground conductor connected to the radiation conductor through an interlayer connection conductor is provided on a back surface. The dielectric substrate is fixed to the metal plate via an insulating adhesive, and is crimped by a conductive member. The front and back surfaces of the metal plate are electrically connected to each other by the conductive member, and when a high-frequency signal is supplied from the wireless IC device, a high-frequency signal current on the front surface side of the metal plate is conducted to the back surface side of the metal plate through a surface boundary portion between the conductive member and the metal plate, and radiated as a high-frequency signal.
US08528823B2	Indicia reading terminal with color frame processing An indicia reading terminal can comprise an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor, and an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The two-dimensional image sensor can include a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns. Each pattern can include at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals. Each read out analog signal can be representative of light incident on a group of two or more pixels of the plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to convert the plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals and to store the plurality of digital signals in a memory. The indicia reading terminal can be operative to process the frame of image data for attempting to decode for decodable indicia.
US08528822B2	Hand-held data collector with detachable scanner Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.
US08528805B2	Method and apparatus providing fine alignment of a structure relative to a support A method for fine positioning a component through the use of fusible elements having two or more melting points so as to establish intermediate displacements between totally melted fusible elements and unmelted fusible elements. Because of the use of non-eutectic fusible materials, fine adjustments in the displacement may be achieved.
US08528799B2	System and method for vehicle article carrier having stowable cross bars A vehicle article carrier system for use on an outer body roof surface of a vehicle to removably support articles above the outer body roof surface. The system may use a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface generally parallel to one another. The system may also include at least one cross bar having a pair of end supports. Each support rail may include a decorative cover and metallic support element, with the decorative cover being positioned over the metallic support element, and secured thereto, to at least substantially cover the metallic support element. The metallic support element may include at least one aperture at each opposing longitudinal end thereof that allows the support rail to be secured to the outer body roof surface at only its opposing longitudinal ends, and to use pre-existing fastening elements mounted in the outer body roof surface as attachment points for the support rails.
US08528798B2	Electronic mobile device support apparatus An electronic mobile device support apparatus includes a plurality of generally tubular finger receivers disposed adjacent a rear surface of an electronic mobile device. Each of the plurality of finger receivers defines a passageway configured to receive a corresponding finger of an electronic mobile device user such that the electronic mobile device is supportable thereby.
US08528795B2	Liquid dosing devices A dosing device for dispensing liquid from a container (1) in which flow through flow openings (23) to an outlet tube (44) is blocked after controlled delay by an obturator (3) moveable within a control chamber (2) mounted in a container neck (101) behind the outlet tube (44). Movement of the obturator (3) is governed by restricted flow through control openings (28) at the rear of the control chamber. Restoration of the obturator to the back of the control chamber facilitates repeated dosing. An elastomeric element (6) of resiliently deformable material promotes a seal to achieve a cleanly defined dose. In one proposal the elastomeric element coats the surface of the obturator and/or the outlet tube (64) to cut off the flow. Another proposal provides a one-way elastomeric valve element (63) for blocking the flow openings to enable rapid recovery after a dosing operation.
US08528791B2	Closure device comprising a measuring cap, intended to be connected to a flexible container A closure device to be connected to a container, which includes a cap, a moving shutter and a lid, where the moving shutter is housed in a compartment of the cap and presents a platform provided with holes, two elastically deformable tongues and a body with a cylindrical section held in place and guided by a chimney in the lid, where the lid includes a central hole that allows the product to exit. The moving shutter is operated by pressing on the elastic container, which allows a dose of the product to come out, the moving shutter then being returned to its rest position by the tongues.
US08528783B2	Sterile dispensing package with coupling insert for receipt of piercing member and method of using the same A package for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The package includes an interior chamber for holding the flowable material, a coupling insert located within the chamber and a piercing member. The piercing member includes a dispensing tube and is arranged to pierce through the package to communicate with the chamber and thereafter to snap-connect to the coupling insert. The contents of the package can then be dispensed from the package via the dispensing tube. The coupling insert is arranged to be moved to any desired position within the chamber. The package's wall may be constructed, e.g., be transparent and/or include target indicia thereon, to facilitate the positioning of the coupling insert at the desired position.
US08528778B2	Resealable moisture tight container assembly for strips and the like having a lip snap seal A substantially moisture tight container and lid assembly for storing and packaging moisture-sensitive items comprising an assembly with a container and a lid, the lid is attached by a hinge to an upper housing portion of the container, the lid includes a lip seal member that depends downwardly from the lid, the lip seal member is configured to abut at least a portion of the interior side of the container when the lid is in the closed position resulting in a substantially moisture tight seal between the lid and the lid, and the container assembly further comprising a base portion and an upper housing portion, the upper housing portion is capable of being snap-fit into the base portion by employing a lip seal mechanism to form a substantially moisture-tight seal.
US08528777B2	Tube for DNA reactions A reaction tube for use in performing the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in a thermal cycler, is provided herein such reaction tube includes a hollow tube of heat conducting synthetic plastics material having an open top and a flat bottom formed of an optically-clear material. Such reaction tube also includes a solid plug cap nesting within said hollow tube and to provide a minimized void volume within the hollow tube and to minimize evaporation and condensation of the biological fluid.
US08528775B2	Container assembly A spice rack assembly includes a rack and at least one container that is magnetically coupled to the rack. The at least one container comprises a body and a lid. The body comprises a sidewall and a bottom, wherein the sidewall circumscribes the bottom. The lid is coupled to the body such that a cavity is defined by an inner surface of the lid, an inner surface of the sidewall, and an inner surface of the bottom. The container sidewall comprises an opening extending therethrough in flow communication with the cavity.
US08528763B2	Pressure vessel for a high pressure press The present invention relates to a pressure vessel (1) for a high pressure press comprising at least a first sub-cylinder (4) and a second sub-cylinder (6), which are axially connected to form a cylinder body (2) for enclosing a high pressure medium, and a sealing arrangement arranged at the inner wall of the cylinder body for sealing the joint (3) between the first and the second sub-cylinder (4, 6) against leakage of the pressure medium. The sealing arrangement is comprising a ring shaped sealing band (18), a first circumferential protruding flange (30), which is arranged on the inner wall of the first sub-cylinder and which axially extends from the joint (3) and away from the second sub-cylinder (6), and a second circumferential protruding flange (32), which is arranged on the inner wall of the second sub cylinder (6) and which axially extends from the joint (3) and away from the first sub-cylinder (4). The sealing band (18), in mounted position, is located concentrically within the first and the second protruding flanges (30, 32) such that it in a radially pre-stressed manner abuts against the first and second protruding flanges (30, 32) and sealingly overlaps the joint (3) between the first and the second sub-cylinder (4, 6). The sealing arrangement further comprises a first circumferential mounting space (51), which is arranged in the inner wall of the first sub-cylinder (4) and which axially extends from the first protruding flange (30) and away from the second sub-cylinder (6), for facilitating exchange of components of the sealing arrangement.
US08528761B2	Launchable beverage container concepts Disclosed herein are beverage bottles that incorporate one or more of: fins that are molded in, attached individually or in a finned section; a base section adapting a finned bottle for transport in a track or conveyor of bottling machinery; aerodynamic noses and nosecones, attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle, optionally holding an object, prize or additive, also optionally acting as a stand for the bottle; a production sleeve permitting transport through a track or conveyor; noses, fins and finned sections that are reversible; a crush zone for absorbing impact energy; a pump for providing thrust or structural pressure, some incorporated into the bottle product and others provided externally, and for launchable products, nozzles and mechanisms for containing thrust pressure. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
US08528750B2	Cassette for loading substrate Disclosed is a cassette for loading a substrate, which includes a cassette main body which includes upper and lower frames spaced apart at upper and lower sides, a plurality of internal support bars for supporting the substrate, side frames provided at opposite sides of the upper and lower frames and forms a box shape to internally receive the substrate; a center frame which includes a plurality of internal support bars for supporting the substrate and is vertically disposed in a back of the upper and lower frames; and a connecting member which is provided between the center frame and the cassette main body and detachably connects the center frame to the cassette main body, wherein the connecting member comprises a first fixing unit fixed to the cassette main body, and a second fixing unit fixed to the center frame and detachably coupled to the first fixing unit, the first fixing unit being installed at each of a front and a back of the cassette main body.
US08528749B2	Free-standing storage rack for one or more bicycles The free-standing bicycle rack includes a base having at least two legs, a vertical support member projecting from the base, and a hook attached to the vertical support member for holding the wheel of a bicycle, such that the bicycle is stored in a vertical orientation. The bicycle rack is readily expandable to accommodate different numbers of bicycles, and the hook may be repositioned to different heights to accommodate bicycles of different sizes.
US08528746B2	Method of manufacturing hydrophilic membrane having improved antifouling property and hydrophilic membrane manufactured by the method A method of manufacturing a hydrophilic membrane and hydrophilic membranes having improved antifouling property using a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid. The method involves combining a coating solution from a hydrophilic group-containing monomer, an initiator, a cross-linking agent and a supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid in a high pressure solution vessel and transferring the coating solution to a membrane in a high pressure coating vessel, coating the surfaces and micropores of the membranes through cross-linking polymerization reactions. Non-reacted coating material is returned to the high pressure solution vessel. The membranes are removed from the coating vessel, cleaned and dried. The hydrophilic membrane manufactured by the present invention is excellent in properties of hydrophobic membranes such as thermal stability, chemical stability and mechanical strength, and surfaces and micropores of the membranes are uniformly coated.
US08528743B1	Strainer for use with the outlet of a container A strainer for installation on a drain outlet of a container, such as an ice chest, has a housing including a backing plate and a cover, and a tubular drain engagement member releasably connected to the backing plate. The housing may be installed either by connecting the drain engagement member to the backing plate and fitting the tubular drain engagement member into the drain outlet, or by removing the tubular drain engagement member from the backing plate, securing the backing plate over the drain outlet with a nut, and installing the cover onto the backing plate to cover the drain outlet. The housing has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough in communication with the interior of the housing that allow liquid to pass through the drain outlet, while effectively preventing various sizes, shapes and types of debris from entering and clogging the drain outlet.
US08528740B2	Methods to recover and purify silicon particles from saw kerf The present disclosure generally relates to methods for recovering silicon from saw kerf, or an exhausted abrasive slurry, resulting from the cutting of a silicon ingot, such as a single crystal or polycrystalline silicon ingot. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods for isolating and purifying silicon from saw kerf or the exhausted slurry, such that the resulting silicon may be used as a raw material, such as a solar grade silicon raw material.
US08528730B2	Packaging and dispensers for adhesive backed elements An element dispensing package suitable for dispensing adhesive strips or bandages. Each element is contained within an envelope formed by opposed upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet has a release liner secured thereto to protect the element while it is within the dispenser. The element is releasably secured to a first tab and is separated from the package when the envelope is opened. The first tab has one or more gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package. Additionally, the upper sheet and the lower sheet have optional gripping means (e.g., a second tab) to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package.
US08528728B2	Ophthalmic lens disinfecting storage case The present invention for a storage case for an ophthalmic lens, wherein the storage case facilitates disinfecting of the ophthalmic lens with disinfecting radiation. Various embodiments may include an alignment device, such as a pedestal or a concave bowl to position the lens to receive disinfecting radiation. In addition, the case may include one or more disinfecting radiation windows for admitting disinfecting radiation into the storage case.
US08528727B2	Shaft-hub assembly with expansion element A conveying system has a roller and a shaft-hub assembly with a kingpin (81), an expansion element (83) and a hub (82). The kingpin has a cross-section corresponding to a cross-section of the hub so that the kingpin is fixed radially to the hub. The kingpin (81) is fixed rotationally to the hub (82). The expansion element in a relaxed state, has an external diameter that exceeds the internal diameter of the hub. The expansion element also is deformed elastically when the kingpin is disposed in the hub so that the external peripheral region (831) of the expansion element shifts from the relaxed position. Axial displacement of the external peripheral region of the expansion element is coupled with a reduction in the external diameter so that the reduced external diameter of the expansion element corresponds to the internal diameter of the corresponding internal peripheral region of the hub.
US08528726B2	Conveyor for transferring articles A conveyor for transferring articles, comprising: a cogged belt (1) provided with a first surface (10) exhibiting a cogging (D) for ring-winding on corresponding activating pulleys, and a second surface (11) opposite said first surface (10); at least an abutting element (2) fixable to said belt (1) for abutting an article and transferring the article following activation of the belt (1) by the pulleys: The belt (1) exhibits a housing (3) in said second surface (11) and the abutting element (2) exhibits a base (28) which is provided with a portion (29) conformed such as to be insertable and positionable in the housing (3) in order to enable fastening thereof to the belt (1).
US08528721B2	Sorting apparatus A sorter device and sorting apparatus for use in a conveyor line, and a conveyor line including such a sorter device and sorting apparatus. A sorting apparatus may be used in a conveyor line with an inspection device, and may include an infeed device and an outfeed device to move the products to and from a sorter device with a sorting element that can be swiveled downward. The sorter device may be equipped with at least one guide element that is arranged at a vertical distance from the sorting element and acts from above to guide the transport direction of a product that is moved on the sorting element. The guide element may be connected to the sorting element and may be designed to swivel therewith. An optional take-along device may also be present.
US08528712B2	Auto transmission hydraulic pressure control apparatus An auto transmission hydraulic control apparatus may include six friction elements that of which two friction elements operate to achieve a corresponding to each stage by hydraulic pressure, five direct-controlled solenoid valves that individually and directly control hydraulic pressure to four friction elements and equally and directly control hydraulic pressure to the other two friction elements, an on-off solenoid valve converting output state and non-output state of hydraulic pressure, a switch valve in which one side of a valve spool is supplied by a spring to selectively supply hydraulic pressure from one of the direct-controlled solenoid valves, equally and directly controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied to the two friction element, in accordance with whether hydraulic pressure from on-off solenoid valve is applied to the other side thereof, and four fail-safe valves disposed between the direct-controlled solenoid valves and the friction elements to structurally limit available arrangements of the friction elements.
US08528711B2	Control system for a dual clutch transmission A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
US08528709B2	Hydrodynamic machine, especially hydrodynamic retarder The invention relates to a hydrodynamic machine, especially a hydrodynamic retarder, comprising two blade wheels which are opposite of one another in such a way that they jointly form a toroidal working chamber which can be filled with a working medium in order to hydrodynamically transfer torque by means of a cycle flow of the working medium in the working chamber from the first blade wheel to the second blade wheel, with the first blade wheel rotating about a rotation axis and the second blade wheel rotating about the same rotation axis in the same direction of rotation or opposite of the direction of rotation of the first blade wheel, or being held in a stationary manner. The invention is characterized in that at least one of the two blade wheels is subdivided in the region of its blades into at least two concentric rings.
US08528702B2	Lift cage and method for the installation of a lift A lift cage includes a platform having a plurality of platform sections. The cage includes a front-sided and a rear-sided platform section arranged on a central platform section. The platform sections have connection points which are arranged on parallel, vertical planes, whereon the platform sections can be connected together by connection elements. In order to provide additional stabilization for the cage platform, stable platform edge profiles are connected to the uppersides of all platform sections. Subsystems of the lift cage can be premounted in the platform sections. A method for installing a lift wherein a cage platform is prepared in at least two separate platform sections, and the platform sections of the cage platform, which are delivered separately, are connected together by connection elements during installation.
US08528700B2	Industrial truck with a lifting device and a towing device An industrial truck (1) has a lifting device (9) including a movable load bearing implement (11) having a fork-shaped load handling attachment (14) and a towing device (20). The load handling attachment (14) has at least one load segment (14b) which is mounted so that it can be pivoted around an essentially horizontal pivoting axis (15). In one embodiment of the invention, the towing device (20) is located in the vicinity of the lifting device (9).
US08528698B2	Volume adjusting containers A container for receiving an automotive fluid includes a receptacle body defining a container volume for holding the automotive fluid. The receptacle body includes connecting structure for connecting the receptacle body to a vehicle. The receptacle body is at least partially formed by a shape changing material arranged and configured to change the container volume.
US08528695B1	Ladder safety systems A ladder apparatus and system relating to detachably securing a ladder to linear, or non-linear, structures such as, for example, a tree, a telephone pole, a building pillar, etc., thereby assisting preventing the ladder from lateral movement. The system provides for width, depth and angle adjustment to assist clasping to different structural support geometries being attached thereto.
US08528691B1	Silencer for firearm Method and apparatus for a silencer for use on a conventional firearm wherein the silencer has a monolithic core which is machined from a single piece of metal or the like. The core is mounted in a tubular cover on the barrel of the firearm in the conventional manner. The silencer has a plurality of baffles which are disposed at opposite acute angles measured from a perpendicular line to the longitudinal axis of the silencer so that the baffles are disposed in an opposite configuration. Each of the baffles has serrated faces on both faces of the baffle and is supported by a rib disposed on the lateral midline of each baffle.
US08528690B1	Sound effect amplication diffuser A sound effect amplification diffuser includes a deck including a cover member defining a top bearing space, a sound collection hole at one lateral side of the bearing space, a sound collecting hood at the bottom side thereof around the sound collection hole and a sound grille at one side wall thereof opposite to the sound collection hole, a base member affixed to the bottom side of the cover member and an accommodation chamber defined between the base member and the cover member, and an amplification diffuser suspending in the accommodation chamber and connected between the sound collecting hood and the sound grille and adapted to enhance the intensity of the output sound of a mobile electronic device being positioned in the bearing space.
US08528689B2	Motor drive apparatus and method, and electric power steering system using the same When an inverter or a coil set of one system fails in a motor drive apparatus having two power supply systems, a power supply relay of a failing system is turned off. In this case, while a travel speed detection value is less than a predetermined threshold value, current supply to a motor by the other system operating normally is stopped to thereby stop driving of the motor and generate no steering assist torque. Thus, a driver will be caused to surely notice occurrence of failure.
US08528688B2	Lock device and electric power steering system A lock device that restricts movement of a movable body includes: a lock member that is engageable with an engagement portion formed at the movable body; an urging member that urges the lock member in a direction away from the engagement portion; and an actuator that moves the lock member toward the engagement portion to engage the lock member with the engagement portion against an urging force generated by the urging member.
US08528676B2	Control apparatus for hybrid drive system A control apparatus for a hybrid drive system including a main drive power source, an electric generator, a wheel-side output shaft, a power distributing mechanism for distributing the drive force of the main drive power source to the electric generator, the wheel-side output shaft and an automatic transmission, and an electric motor connected to the wheel-side output shaft through the automatic transmission, the control apparatus including a motor-output limitation control device for implementing an output limitation of the electric motor according to a requirement for the output limitation, and a motor-output limitation inhibiting device to inhibit the output limitation of the electric motor by the motor-output limitation control device, during a shift-up action of the automatic transmission, or a motor-output increasing device to control the electric motor to increase its output so as to offset the output limitation of the electric motor implemented by the motor-output limitation control device according to a requirement for the output limitation during a shift-up action of the automatic transmission.
US08528669B2	Earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through An earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter.
US08528668B2	Electronically activated underreamer and calliper tool An electronically activated tool (50) comprising a tool body, cutter blocks and sensors with means for attachment to a drilling support and rotation so as to permit the simultaneous underreaming and measurement of the diameter of a wellbore (especially in oil and gas drilling) characterized by a means of activation using an electronic signal sent by mud-pulse, fiber-optics, wireless transmission or other means which may also communicate commands and receive data from the underreamer during drilling, at least one radially extendable cutter block (62) incorporating positional sensors adapted to measure the relative position of the cutter block to the tool, at least one calliper means (76) to measure wellbore diameter, all of which are inter-linked by a means of communication using receivers, sensors and microprocessors and a system that optimizes underreaming or expansion (22) by simultaneously comparing and correlating wellbore diameter data (22) and underreaming parameters in real-time or in memory.
US08528660B2	System and method for safe well control operations A system and method for safely controlling a well being drilled or that has been drilled into a subterranean formation in which a conventional blow-out preventer operates to close the well bore to atmosphere upon the detection of a fluid influx event. Fluid pressures as well as fluid flow rates into and out of the well bore are measured and monitored to more accurately and confidently determine the fracture pressure and pore pressure of the formation and perform well control operations in response to a fluid influx event. During a suspected fluid influx event, one or more of the fluid flow and pressure measurements are used to confirm the fluid influx event and to safely regain well control by circulating the fluid influx out of the well through a choke line while maintaining the pressure inside the well between specified, selected limits, such as between the fracture and pore pressures.
US08528656B2	Soil tilling and planting implement The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.
US08528655B1	Multi-function implement system A multi-function implement system for providing a single implement that has a plurality of configurations. The multi-function implement system generally includes a frame, a hitch extending from the frame for connecting to a tractor, a support shaft rotatably connected between opposing side members of the frame, and a plurality of implements attached to the support shaft. Rotation of the support shaft positions a selected implement in the lowered position thereby allowing the user to form a plurality of different implements from a single implement structure.
US08528654B2	Anti-piracy system and method An anti-piracy system for a vessel produces a non-lethal all of water along the side of the vessel to wash away a pirate. A cylindrical cap has a top, a bottom edge, a hollow interior, and an outside surface. A slit is defined within the outside surface forming a partial opening within the cap from the interior to the outside surface. A threaded hose fitting is formed within the interior, wherein the cap can be secured to a fire suppression node on the vessel with the downward face positioned over a side of the vessel for forcibly dispersing water through the slit downward over the side of the vessel. The cap is positioned near the deck of the vessel, just over the side of the vessel such that upon activation of the tire suppression system the water is directed downward over the side of the vessel.
US08528649B2	Hydraulic pulse valve with improved pulse control Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.
US08528646B2	Broken pipe blocker An apparatus for blocking or capping a pipe end is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular body defining a central cavity having an inlet, an outlet, and an axis. The apparatus also includes a plurality of conical blocker rings mounted to an inner diameter surface of the tubular body within the cavity, at least some of the blocker rings being rigid and some of the blocker rings being compliant. The blocker rings are adapted to seal to a pipe end inserted into the central cavity. The rigid blocker rings have an outer diameter joined to an inner diameter of the central cavity, and the compliant blocking rings have an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the rigid blocker rings and are adapted to seal around an exterior of the pipe when inserted from the inlet.
US08528644B2	Apparatus and method for milling casing in jet drilling applications for hydrocarbon production An apparatus and method for improving control over the milling force applied to a milling bit that is turned through a rotary drive to form a hole in a wellbore casing. A bit-weighting sub is applied between the tubing used to lower the rotary drive's motor into the wellbore and the rotary drive itself, the sub serving to take the weight of the tubing off the rotary drive when the motor lands in operative connection with the drive, and further serving to apply a known milling force to the drive (and thus to the bit) independent of the weight of the tubing. In a preferred form the sub includes a spring that is compressed against the drive when the tubing and motor are landed.
US08528638B2	Single well dual/multiple horizontal fracture stimulation for oil production A method of producing oil which begins by drilling, casing and inserting a tubing string in a wellbore. The method then perforates both an upper portion and a lower portion of the casing to establish communication between the wellbore with a upper horizontal fracture and a lower horizontal fracture. A retrievable packer or a seal assembly is inserted horizontally between the tubing string and the casing and vertically between the upper horizontal fracture and the lower horizontal fracture for heat isolation. Steam is then injected into the wellbore both into the upper horizontal fracture and the lower horizontal fracture. Heavy oil is then produced from the lower horizontal fracture while injecting steam into the upper horizontal fracture.
US08528635B2	Tool to determine formation fluid movement The present disclosure relates to one or more apparatuses and methods to determine fluid movement within a formation. The apparatus includes a first packer configured to selectively engage a wall of a borehole of the formation, an outlet disposed adjacent to the first packer, wherein the outlet is configured to pump a first fluid therefrom and into the formation, and a detecting tool configured to detect the first fluid within the formation. Movement of the first fluid may be determined based upon the detection of the first fluid within the formation.
US08528634B2	Method of improving oil recovery from an oil reservoir using an enriched anaerobic steady state microbial consortium The present disclosure relates to developing an enriched steady state microbial consortium capable of modifying crude oil components of an oil reservoir under anaerobic denitrifying conditions. The steady state consortium may be used to improve oil recovery.
US08528633B2	Dissolvable tool and method A method of dissolving a tool includes positioning the tool within an environment reactive with at least a portion of the tool, and introducing the environment below a surface of the tool through at least one perforation formed therein. The method also includes reacting at least a portion of the tool exposed to the environment through the at least one perforation, weakening the tool to mechanical stress, and fracturing the tool.
US08528631B2	Seal configuration for top drive swivel apparatus and method For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.
US08528615B2	Nonwoven fabric and method and apparatus for manufacturing same An apparatus for fabricating a nonwoven fabric having the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. A warp yarn alignment station includes two sets of rollers spaced apart to allow the warp yarns to pass between the two sets of rollers, wherein the of rollers are over-driven to provide a roller surface speed greater than a predetermined speed of the warp yarns.
US08528601B2	Passive boundary layer control elements Sub-boundary-layer-scale ramp-like vortex generators that can be mounted on any surface such as the wing of an airplane, the inlet to a propulsion system, the hull of a ship, or any other surface over which a fluid moves, when the objective is to minimize drag, irreversibility losses, or other performance penalties that can occur for reasons such as boundary layer separation or other undesirable boundary layer properties. The disclosed devices acts to passively induce streamwise vortices in the boundary layer, thereby transferring high-momentum fluid toward the surface in such a way as to alter the shape of the velocity profile within the boundary layer and thereby avoid or delay separation or alter other properties of the boundary layer.
US08528597B2	Actuator and valve assembly An actuator for selectively moving a part relative to another part includes a shape memory wire, which contracts when heated. One portion of the shape memory wire is fixed to a first body, and another portion of the shape memory wire is coupled to a second body, which is movable relative to the first body. When heated the shape memory wire contracts and moves the second body in a direction of travel from a first position relative to the first body toward a second position. The actuator further includes a magnetic field for generating a magnetic force on the second body. The magnetic force acts on and moves the second body in the direction of travel to the second position after the shape memory wire initially contracts, and further decouples the second body from the shape memory wire when applying the magnetic force to the second body to thereby unload the load on the shape memory wire when the second body is moved to the second position.
US08528596B2	Distributor with a rotatable U-shaped connecting channel Distributor (5) with at least two discharge channels (10,16) and feed channel (11) arranged at an equal distance from and parallel to a central shaft and a distributor body (12,17,18) arranged rotatably around the shaft with a feed end (12′) disposed along the shaft and a discharge end (12″) disposed at a radial distance therefrom, which, by way of rotation of the distributor body can be selectively and fluidly connected with the respective discharge channels, wherein the fluid feed channel extends along the central shaft and along the discharge channels, wherein the distributor body comprises a U-shaped connecting channel (12) and can be arranged together with the feed end rotatably in the line of projection of the feed channel in fluid connection with the respective discharge channels, characterized in that the U-shaped connecting channel is provided, in close proximity to an upper side, with a breather duct (32) (FIG. 5,6) extending through a perimeter wall of the channel in the through-flow direction up to the U-shaped connecting channel.
US08528594B2	Hydraulic system with leakage fluid removal Hydraulic system with a hydraulic machine, in particular an axial piston or radial piston unit, with rotating and moving machine components which are arranged in a housing. The housing is connected to a high-pressure and a low-pressure line of a working circuit, which is supplied with pressure fluid by means of a charge pump. The leakage fluid which occurs in the housing collects in a leakage fluid reservoir which is arranged below the rotating and moving hydraulic machine components in the working position of the hydraulic machine and is connected fluidically to the housing. The leakage fluid is pumped out of the leakage fluid reservoir into the low-pressure line of the working circuit by the charge pump.
US08528587B2	Two plate manifold with crossovers A manifold includes first and second plates secured together at an inner face of each plate. A plurality of chambers and passages are in the inner faces of the plates and at least one port on an outer face of each plate connected to one of the chambers and passages. A crossover element in the inner face of the first plate separates a chamber or passage in the first plate from a chamber or passage in the second plate in the crossover area where the chambers or passages cross.
US08528585B2	Quick-change wear sleeve for a high-pressure fluid conduit A quick-change wear sleeve for a high pressure fluid conduit is retained in a fluid passage of the fluid conduit by a resilient retainer ring received in complementary grooves in an outer surface of the quick-change wear sleeve and an inner surface of the fluid passage.
US08528581B2	Solenoid bypass for continuous operation of pneumatic valve A solenoid valve assembly capable of providing a continuous flow of pressurized inert gas to operate a process tool without interruption. The valve assembly comprises a manifold that is internally fluidly connected to each of the internal pressure ports, the internal actuator port, and the internal relief port of each solenoid valve, and wherein the manifold comprises a dedicated external relief port for each of the solenoid valves, wherein the dedicated external relief port is in fluid communication with the internal relief port of the respective solenoid valve such that, when one of the solenoid valves is de-energized, a supply of a pressurized inert gas can be connected to the external relief port the supply pressure to a respective pneumatic valve operated by that solenoid valve.
US08528566B2	System and method for precise beam positioning in ocular surgery A method for ocular surgery requires use of a delivery system for generating and guiding a surgical laser beam to a focal point in a treatment area of an eye. Additionally, a contact device is employed for using the eye to establish a reference datum. Further, an optical detector is coupled to the beam path of the surgical laser to create a sequence of cross-sectional images. Each image visualizes both the reference datum and the focal point. Operationally, a computer then uses these images to position and move the focal point in the treatment area relative to the reference datum for surgery.
US08528561B2	Mask system A mask includes a shroud; a cushion module that engages the shroud, the cushion module including a frame and a full-face cushion adapted to engage the patient's face generally along nasal bridge, cheek, and chin regions of the patient's face, the frame at least partly defining a breathing chamber; an elbow connected to the frame in a releasable and rotatable manner, the elbow being adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube to deliver breathable gas to the patient; and headgear removably attachable to the shroud, wherein: the frame includes an opening, the elbow including a distal end releasably inserted into the opening of the frame with a snap-fit, thereby connecting the elbow to the frame, whereby the connection between the elbow and the frame also maintains the shroud in engagement with the frame.
US08528554B2	Inverse sawtooth pressure wave train purging in medical ventilators This disclosure describes systems and methods for purging narrow diameter sensor tubing, occasionally referred to as “sensor lines,” in a ventilation system. The disclosure describes a novel approach in which a series of short, periodic releases of pressurized gas through the sensor tubes are used to clear any blockages due to condensation or patient secretions.
US08528553B2	Method and device for determining the PEEP during the respiration of a patient The invention relates to a device for the automated determination of the PEEP of a patient. Said device comprises sensors and a suitable electronic system for determining a pressure-volume characteristic curve during a P/V maneuver. The electronic system is designed in such a way as to generate, specifically in terms of breathing pressure, the difference between “lung volume during exhalation (Vdef)” and “lung volume during inhalation (Vinf)”, and to determine the maximum value of said difference. The breathing pressure is then determined, for which the volume difference has a value defined in relation to the maximum value of the volume difference. The device calculates a PEEP value on the basis of said determined breathing pressure value.
US08528552B2	SPO2 control with adaptive linear compensation A device and a process for controlling a respirator with inclusion of an oxygen saturation value (34) for compensating a device-dependent time response (15), a physiological time response (16) and a measuring method-dependent time response (17) are described. The device-dependent time response (15), the physiological time response (16) and the measuring method-dependent time response (17) are determined in a continuous sequence and a run time of a change in the oxygen concentration from the metering means (9) in the respirator to the patient (4) is determined and taken into account in regulating the oxygen concentration.
US08528550B2	Outlet device for controlling anesthetic flow in vaporizer An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as a liquid anesthetic, from a reservoir to a machine while minimizing the release of the liquid to the surrounding environment. The apparatus can include a first component having a through-hole, and a second component having an aperture, a support member extending into the aperture having a protrusion configured to be capable of sealing the through-hole, wherein a fluid in the reservoir may exit the reservoir by way of the through-hole and the aperture, wherein twisting the first component and second component relative to each other causes the protrusion to seal or unseal the through-hole thereby allowing or preventing the flow of fluid. A portion of the exterior surface of the second component can have a polygonal shape.
US08528511B2	Variable travel valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine An apparatus includes a valve and an actuator. The valve has a portion movably disposed within a valve pocket defined by a cylinder head of an engine. The valve is configured to move relative to the cylinder head a distance between a closed position and an opened position. The portion of the valve defines a flow opening that is in fluid communication with a cylinder of an engine when the valve is in the opened position. The actuator is configured to selectively vary the distance between the closed position and the opened position.
US08528510B2	Intake manifold An intake assembly for a 3-cylinder, V-configured engine comprises an intake manifold configured to conduct combustion air to a first, two-cylinder, cylinder head housing assembly and a second, single-cylinder, cylinder head housing assembly. A centrally extending plenum defines a plenum axis. A first plurality of intake runners, in fluid communication with the plenum, extend from a front side and transition through a circumferential arc around an upper side to deliver combustion air to, the first, two-cylinder, cylinder head housing assembly. A single intake runner, in fluid communication with the centrally extending plenum, extends from a rear side and transitions through a circumferential arc around the upper side to deliver combustion air to, the second, single-cylinder, cylinder head housing assembly. A zip tube delivers combustion air to the central plenum at a location that is between one of the first plurality of intake runners and the single cylinder intake runner.
US08528509B2	Variable valve lift apparatus A variable valve lift apparatus may include a variable valve lift housing, a master piston which is slidably disposed in the variable valve lift housing and contacts a cam, a slave piston which is slidably disposed in the variable valve lift housing, defines an oil chamber with the master piston therebetween, and opens a valve connected to the slave piston according to reciprocative motion of the master piston, and a lift control portion which supplies oil to the oil chamber or exhausts oil in the oil chamber selectively to control a relative distance between the master piston and the slave piston.
US08528503B2	Heat exchange system and method A dual fluid heat exchange system is presented that provides a stable output temperature for a heated fluid while minimizing the output temperature of a cooled fluid. The heated and cooled fluids are brought into thermal contact with each other within a tank. The output temperature of the warmed fluid is maintained at a stable temperature by a re-circulation loop that connects directly to the mid portion of the tank such that the re-circulated fluid flow primarily warms only a re-circulation section of the tank. The other, lower flow rate, section of the tank may be positioned so that it has a cooler temperature and thus serves to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange by extracting extra heat energy out of the cooled fluid before it leaves the tank. Alternatively, the low flow rate section of the tank may be warmer than the re-circulated section, and thus allow the re-circulated section to be cooler than the output temperature of the warmed fluid.
US08528500B2	Automatic dairy animal milker unit backflusher and teat dip applicator system and method A method for applying teat dip to a dairy animal and backflushing a milker unit using a safety valve. The method includes the steps of: closing the safety valve to seal off the milker unit from a dairy pipeline system, forcing teat dip through the safety valve and a dip channel to a teat dip applicator on a milker unit teat cup, forcing backflush fluid through the safety valve and the milker unit, forcing water through the safety valve and milker unit, forcing air through the safety valve and the milker unit, and opening the safety valve so that the milker unit is in fluid communication with the dairy pipeline system.
US08528498B2	Integrated steerability array arrangement for minimizing non-uniformity An integrated steerability array arrangement for managing plasma uniformity within a plasma processing environment to facilitate processing of a substrate is provided. The arrangement includes an array of electrical elements. The arrangement also includes an array of gas injectors, wherein the array of electrical elements and the array of gas injectors are arranged to create a plurality of plasma regions, each plasma region of the plurality of plasma regions being substantially similar. The arrangement further includes an array of pumps, wherein individual one of the array of pumps being interspersed among the array of electrical elements and the array of gas injectors. The array of pumps is configured to facilitate local removal of gas exhaust to maintain a uniform plasma region within the plasma processing environment.
US08528487B2	System and method for operating a vehicle in multiple transportation networks A system and method for operating a vehicle in multiple zones is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a vehicle for transporting a load comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy originating from at least one of a power source and a linear motor and a motor configured to move the vehicle using energy delivered from the power source when energy from the power source is available for delivery, and further configured to move the vehicle using the energy stored in the energy storage device when the energy from the power source is unavailable for delivery, wherein the power source is located external to the vehicle and is stationary when the vehicle is in motion.
US08528486B2	Dynamic magnetic suspension propeller A dynamic magnetic suspension propeller includes an separate body electromotor and an external force to reversely rotate the separate body electromotor. The separate body electromotor includes a stator and a rotor mounted separately, wherein the stator includes a single layer plane magnetic path having magnetism, the rotor includes a cantilever electromagnet having a first pole provided at an end portion of the cantilever and a second pole provided at a rotating shaft close to the cantilever, wherein the electromagnet is reversely rotated by the external force around the rotating shaft with respect to the stator, so as to produce a countertorque with respect to an magnetic force of the stator, wherein the countertorque includes a magnetic suspension force and a magnetic propelling force.
US08528484B2	Railroad tie plate apparatus and method A cleated belt conveyor is positioned atop a frame connected to a hi-rail truck. The cleated belt conveyor is operably connected to a railroad engagement wheel positioned under the frame to coordinate movement of the cleated belt conveyor relative to the railroad engagement wheel. A sliding member can be positioned at the top, or infeed end, of the cleated belt conveyor for receiving railroad tie plates from an infeed conveyor. One or more sets of rollers can be positioned at the bottom of the cleated belt conveyor for distributing the tie plates near a rail in a desired orientation.
US08528472B2	Wire-binding device with positioning means A wire-binding device for binding together at least two objects comprises a handle part via which the wire-binding device can be held by an operator. Pushing forward the handle part causes a V-shaped wire clip to be guided along the inside of two closing jaws of a mouth until the wire clip encloses the two objects which are to be connected. Additionally provided on the mouth is positioned having two mutually opposite guide faces of which the spacing from one another is less than the spacing of the closing jaws from one another.
US08528469B2	Method and device for preservation of packaged beverage preparing product A device for preserving a product for beverage preparation comprises a first container (4,4′) having a first constant of oxygen permeability (K1PO2) wherein said product is sealed, that is housed in a second sealed package (5,5′) having a second constant of oxygen permeability (K2PO2), the first constant of oxygen permeability (K1PO2) being greater than the second constant of oxygen permeability (K2PO2), moreover, an oxygen absorbing material (6) is housed in second container (5,5′) together with the first container to remove oxygen from the first and second container (4,4′).
US08528460B2	Hydraulic valve arrangement The invention concerns a hydraulic valve arrangement (1) with a supply connection arrangement comprising a high-pressure connection (P) and a low-pressure connection (T), a working connection arrangement comprising two working connections (A, B), which can be connected to a motor (4), a directional valve arrangement (5) located between the supply connection arrangement (P, T) and the working connection arrangement (A, B), and a compensation valve (15) acted upon in a first activation direction by a pressure in a first pressure chamber (33), which is connected to a load-sensing pipe (LS), and, if required, by a spring (32), and in a second activation direction opposite to the first activation direction by a pressure downstream of the directional valve arrangement (5), said pressure acting in a second pressure chamber (34), the compensation valve (15) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (19). In connection with a post-compensated valve, it is endeavored to adjust the load pressures at the working connections (A, B) in dependence of the direction. For this purpose, each working connection (A, B) is connected to a control system, which amplifies the effect of the pressure in the first pressure chamber (33) on the compensation valve (15) in dependence of a pressure ruling at the working connection (A, B).
US08528458B2	Pressure-regulating gas block A gas block assembly for a firearm comprises a gas cylinder fluidly coupled to the bore of a barrel of the firearm through a gas inlet port, and an automatically adjusting gas pressure relief port. The gas cylinder receives a gas pressure generated in the barrel of the firearm, and the gas pressure relief port vents gas pressure in the gas cylinder directly or indirectly into the bore of the barrel of the firearm or attached sound suppressor if the gas pressure in the gas cylinder is greater than or equal to a predetermined and preset gas pressure. A pressure relief mechanism is fluidly coupled between the gas cylinder and the gas pressure relief port and vents gas pressure from the gas cylinder to the gas pressure relief port if the gas pressure in the gas cylinder is greater than or equal to the predetermined gas pressure.
US08528454B2	Counter-die cylinder for a stamping machine Counter-die cylinder (1) for a machine for stamping laminar material, which comprises a cylindrical body (2) that rotates on its own axis, at least one tubular element (3), delimiting two opposite ends, which is arranged on the cylindrical body (2), and at least one shroud (4) arranged around the corresponding said tubular element (3), which further comprises movement means linked to the two opposite ends of the at least one tubular element for moving said tubular element in a longitudinal direction with respect to the axis of the cylindrical body, such that the position of the tubular element can vary along the length of the cylindrical body (2), said movement means being actuated by automated actuation means. In this way, the wear on the shrouds is reduced simply and automatically.
US08528446B2	Parking lever cover for vehicle A parking lever cover for a vehicle can be easily and firmly attached to a parking lever frame having a large bend angle, easily manufactured, and provide the parking lever with an aesthetically elegant external appearance, thereby increasing commercial appeal of the vehicle.
US08528434B2	Manual transmission for vehicle A six speed M/T includes four shafts, which are an input shaft A1, a first intermediate shaft A2, a second intermediate shaft A3, and an output shaft A4, those being parallel to one another. A single drive gear G46i is used as both a fourth-speed drive gear and a sixth-speed drive gear. The number of gear teeth of a second final drive gear Gfi2 is greater than that of a first final drive gear Gfi1. A third-speed driven gear G3o, a fourth-speed driven gear G4o, a first-speed driven gear G1o, and a second-speed driven gear G2o are arranged to the shaft A2 in this order from the side close to an engine E/G, and a fifth-speed driven gear G5o, a sixth-speed driven gear G6o, and a reverse driven gear GRo are arranged to the shaft A3 in this order from the side close to the engine E/G.
US08528431B2	Dual clutch transmission A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08528426B2	Device for transfer of body fluids A cannula (10) for use in removing samples of fluid from a container sealed with a pierceable membrane, the cannula including a hollow needle like portion (12) having a pointed forward end (20) shaped to allow forcible penetration through the membrane, the rear end (14) having a first bore (26) and an insert (40) located within the first bore (40) that reduces the effective size of the first bore (26) without blocking the first bore (26).
US08528420B2	Eccentric venturi flow measurement device An eccentric, smoothly tapered body for installation into cylindrical pipe to cause a constriction in the pipe to facilitate measuring the flow of fluid through the pipe. The body defines a flow constrictor having a smoothly tapered inner surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge and an apex therebetween. A bore extends through the flow constrictor at the apex. Pressure is measured at the bore at the apex and upstream of the flow constrictor and flow rate is calculated from the pressure differential therebetween.
US08528415B2	Medical testing device having multiple testing parameters The present invention is a device for testing the mechanical properties of a specimen. The device includes an actuator component slider for positioning the specimen within one of multiple test configuration positions, such that each test configuration position examines the static compression/tension properties, dynamic compression/tension properties, static torsional properties, or dynamic torsional properties of the specimen.
US08528413B2	Pressure sensor and method for manufacturing a pressure sensor A peripheral pressure sensor for a motor vehicle has a sensor chip and a gasket sealing a sensing unit of the sensor chip from the surroundings, which gasket has a pressure channel through which pressure information is transmitted to the sensing unit of the sensor chip. The peripheral pressure sensor is made by an injection molding method in which an opening in the gasket is placed on the sensing unit of the sensor chip, and subsequently an assembly of the sensor chip and the gasket is surrounded by extrusion coating such that an outer edge opposite the sensing unit and/or an outer opening in the gasket remains at least partially free.
US08528412B2	Pressure gage with removable seal member and diaphragm A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
US08528410B2	Pressure gage with flexible beam and clamping member A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
US08528402B2	Micromechanical component having a volume-elastic medium A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is described, the micromechanical component having a medium. The medium has settable and changeable volume-elastic properties and generally completely encloses a sensor module and/or a module housing. The medium preferably has a low-pass response.
US08528400B2	Aircraft shock strut having a fluid level monitor A system for monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder having an internal chamber sealed by a piston telescopically movable within the cylinder. The chamber contains a gas and a liquid, and a sensor assembly is provided for monitoring a condition of a level of the liquid in the chamber. The sensor assembly includes at least one probe within the chamber, and a fitting assembly allows one or more leads from the probe to pass through the wall of the strut while maintaining pressure in the chamber. The fitting assembly includes a plug molded to the one or more leads extending from the probe. The fitting assembly also includes a retainer for holding the plug in sealed relationship with a through passage in the strut.
US08528399B2	Methods and apparatuses for measuring properties of a substance in a process stream A flow-through sensing apparatus includes a flow-head and a sensor that are configured to be selectively coupled through use of a quick-disconnect mechanical coupling. When the sensor is coupled with the flow-head, the sensor cooperates with the flow-head to at least partially define a sensing chamber. The sensor is configured to determine a process parameter, such as refractive index, regarding a substance in the sensing chamber.
US08528393B2	Wheel position determination using revolution counter A wheel position determination system and method to count wheel revolutions in a wheel unit of a tire monitoring system. An indication of the count is transmitted, optionally along with an indication of a left/right side position of the wheel on the vehicle, and an identification unique to the transmitting wheel unit, to a central controller of the tire monitoring system. In the central controller of the tire monitoring system, the count is compared with wheel speed information for the vehicle, such as from an ABS system, to determine if one wheel on each side of the vehicle is rotating at a different speed. Based at least in part upon a determination that each wheel speed is unique, a determination of wheel location may be made.
US08528389B2	Rotation angle sensing assembly including attaching structure, variable valve mechanism for internal combustion engine using the attaching structure, and vehicle incorporating the same In a rotation angle sensor attaching structure for detecting rotation of a rotational angle detection object shaft through a reduction gear, an outer race of a bearing is force fitted in and secured to a central portion of the reduction gear, and an inner race of the bearing is secured to a supporting wall by a supporting bolt. A sensor-connecting element of a rotation angle sensor, which extends across a head portion of the supporting bolt, is secured integrally to an outer side face of the reduction gear. Such arrangement achieves a minimal size of the rotation angle sensor attaching structure.
US08528375B2	Method for producing electrode for electrochemical element It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing an electrode for an electrochemical element, which can easily adjust a capacity and can produce the electrochemical element at low cost. The method for producing an electrode for an electrochemical element of the present invention includes a thickness adjustment step of compressing an aluminum porous body having continuous pores to adjust the thickness of the aluminum porous body to a predetermined thickness, and a filling step of filling the aluminum porous body, the thickness of which is adjusted, with an active material.
US08528371B2	Everyday safe An everyday safe bag has a dual lock design. A cable is fixed at one end to a first end of the dual lock. The everyday safe bag has a plurality of small openings located at the open end of the bag that receive the cable there through. A fixed ball is affixed to the cable a first distance from the first end of the dual lock. A channel at a second end of the dual lock receives the fixed ball in a locked position, forming a first loop that cinches the bag closed. A lock fob channel located in a second end of the dual lock receives a lock fob on the other end of the cable in a locked position, forming a larger second loop, which may encompass a fixed object. Dials in the dual lock establish an unlock position or combination that secures and releases the cable.
US08528367B2	Systems and methods for cooling optical fiber In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.
US08528359B2	Economized refrigeration cycle with expander A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a compression device, a heat rejecting heat exchanger, an economizer heat exchanger, an expander and an evaporator disposed in a refrigerant circuit. An evaporator bypass line is provided for passing a portion of the refrigerant flow from the main refrigerant circuit after having traversed a first pass of the economizer heat exchanger through the expander to partially expand it to an intermediate pressure and thence through a second pass of the economizer heat exchanger and into an intermediate pressure stage of the compression device. An economizer bypass line is also provided for passing a portion of the refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit after having traversed the heat rejecting heat exchanger through a restrictor type expansion device and thence into the evaporator bypass line as liquid refrigerant or a mix of liquid and vapor refrigerant for injection into an intermediate pressure stage of the compression device. Both economizer and injection flows are mixed together prior to entering an intermediate compression point, when an economizer circuit is active. The invention allows for enhanced system performance and advanced discharge temperature control.
US08528323B2	System and method for particulate matter filter regeneration using a catalytic converter as a combustor A control system for an engine includes an exhaust module and a combustion module. The exhaust module supplies a first MAF to exhaust produced by the engine upstream of a catalytic converter during regeneration of a PM filter located downstream of the catalytic converter. The combustion module, during the regeneration, supplies a first amount of fuel to a cylinder during an intake stroke based on the first MAF and a second MAF to the cylinder during the intake stroke. The combustion module, during the regeneration, further supplies a second amount of fuel to the cylinder during a subsequent intake stroke based on a first A/F ratio of the cylinder and an oxygen content of the exhaust downstream of the catalytic converter. A method for controlling an engine during regeneration of the PM filter is also provided.
US08528316B2	Solid propellant gas control system and method Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant gas pressure and vehicle thrust are provided. Propellant gas pressure and a vehicle inertial characteristic are sensed. Propellant gas pressure commands and vehicle thrust commands are generated. A propellant gas pressure error is determined based on the propellant gas pressure commands and the sensed propellant gas pressure, and vehicle thrust error is determined based on the vehicle thrust commands and the sensed vehicle inertial characteristic. Reaction control valves are moved between closed and full-open positions based on the determined propellant gas pressure error and on the determined vehicle thrust error. The system and method allow the reaction control valves to operate at variable frequencies or at fixed frequencies. The system and method also allows propellant pressure to be commanded to follow a predetermined pressure profile or commanded to vary “on-the-fly.”
US08528311B1	Conduit link system A conduit link system for concealing conduit linking a power source in a ceiling to a suspended load such as a chandelier. The conduit link system generally includes an upper link member for mounting to a ceiling and electrically connecting to a power source. A first central link member will generally be interlocked and electrically connected to the upper link member. Additional central link members may be interlocked and electrically connected with the first central link member and other central link members depending on the distance from the power source to the load. A lower link member is linked and electrically connected to the lowest central link member. The lower link member may then be mounted to a load such as a chandelier. The electrical conduit is fully concealed within the housing of the link members, thus allowing the load to be suspended without the presence unsightly wires.
US08528310B2	Systems and methods of twisting and heat-setting yarn, and apparatus for twisting yarn and heat-setting yarn Included are close-couple twisting and heat-setting apparatus, methods of twisting two or more yarns and heat-setting twisted yarn. The apparatus and methods described permit operation at twisting speeds of about 10,000 to 100,000 rpm. In the event that yarn twisting is interrupted, and accumulating system is also included to prevent interruption of heat-setting the twisted yarn. The apparatus and methods are useful in the accelerated production of yarns suitable for soft floor coverings.
US08528308B2	Disc mower with folding wing frame A movable frame for connection to a prime mover that supports multiple individual similar implements in a manner similar to the manner each would be singly connected in a trail-behind implement pulled by a prime mover, but maintains relative positioning between the implements sufficiently to enable the multiple implements to function as a single, larger implement. The frame allows individual implements to be positioned generally transversely in an operating position for travel in a first direction providing maximum operating width, and generally longitudinally in a transport position for travel in a direction opposite to the first direction in which the overall with of the implements on the frame is minimized to three meters or less.
US08528306B2	Method and device for producing pockets provided with napkins The invention relates to a method of producing pockets containing a napkin (5). To this end, two web-shaped layers (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material are moved along a transport path and held at a distance apart from one another in one section of the transport path. Napkins (5) are individually picked up from a stack and placed between the layers (1, 2). Only then, downstream of the section in the web direction, are adjacent regions of the layers (1, 2) placed in contact with one another and joined to one another. The pockets formed in this manner are cut from the web-shaped layers (1, 2). In the section, a respective napkin (5) is moved in a direction essentially at a right angle to the web direction and placed between the layers (1, 2) in a position oriented essentially parallel with the web direction.
US08528305B2	Flexible ultra-low permeability transport system and method A method for storage and transport of a commodity is described. The method may include the steps of placing the commodity in a long-term storage container, hermetically sealing said long-term storage container, and placing the long-term storage container in an outer container. The long-term storage container may include an outer layer, an inner layer, and a middle layer. The middle layer may be made of an ultra-low permeability material. The placing may include providing a capability of storing for at least four months.
US08528299B2	Method of anchoring a connector, and connector A method of anchoring a connector in a lightweight building element is provided. The connector includes a sleeve element and a piston element with a shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion is guided by the sleeve element. The piston element and/or the sleeve element includes a thermoplastic material at least at an interface portion between the head portion and the sleeve portion. The method includes the steps of providing the connector, of providing a through hole in the first building layer of the lightweight building element, of inserting the connector through the through hole and until a distal portion rests against the second building layer. Therein, it may be the sleeve element or the piston element or both, the sleeve element and the piston element that rest(s) against the second building layer.
US08528292B2	Support framing system for use with bar joists and beams A support system securable between pairs of metal bar joists or beams includes one or more end brackets secured to the top of a first bar joist at one end, and another corresponding number of end brackets secured to the top of a second bar joist opposite the first two end brackets. One or more elongate bars span the distance separating the bar joists. Each elongate bar is secured to one of the end brackets secured to the first bar joist at a first end, and to the respective, aligned end bracket secured to the second bar joist at a second end. Cross members, each defined by a pair T-shaped bracket assemblies having cross bars secured thereto, are secured between the elongate bars.
US08528286B2	Sound control mat A sound control mat, comprising: a resilient layer of extruded polymer monofilaments, and a fiberglass scrim adhered to the resilient layer. A floor assembly employing the foregoing sound control mat is disclosed.
US08528278B2	Embedment tile with replaceable top plate An embedment tile with a replaceable upper plate and a lower plate joined by fasteners in a manner that permits replacement of the upper plate when desired. The embedment tile upper plate comprises a plate having a pattern of upwardly extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely detectable pattern.
US08528267B2	Walkway or passageway cover Dimensionally adequate for the transit of persons in its interior, the main characteristic of which lies in the fact that it consists of a self-supporting, modular and removable cover, which allows simple and fast assembly, independent of said conveyor belt, in addition to subsequent folding in a horizontal position for those times of year when said cover is not used, giving it a high degree of watertightness and resistance to strong winds, with ensuing benefits in terms of visual impact and respect for the natural landscape, in addition to the possibility of using the entire outer surface of the cover as an advertising medium.
US08528259B1	Method of adjusting door glass cross car for frameless window systems A method for adjusting the position of side door windows, in a cross car direction is provided. The method including the steps of providing one or more guide rails positioned within a side door of a vehicle, the guide rails are configured to guide the movement and position of the side door windows, each guide rail has a guide rail bracket configured for seating against a door bracket, attaching the door brackets to portions of the side door, positioning a locator fixture such as to extend through the door bracket, seating the guide rail bracket over the door bracket and over the locator fixture such that the guide rail bracket and the locator fixture mate in a desired fore and aft position relative to the side door and also in a desired cross-car location relative to the side door and fastening the guide rail bracket to the door bracket.
US08528257B2	Convertible pet barrier with a connection member In an embodiment of the disclosure, a pet barrier connection member is disclosed. The pet barrier connection member comprises a first end configured to couple to a top surface of a first panel and a top surface of a second panel, a second end configured to couple to a bottom surface of the first panel and a bottom surface of the second panel, and a rod coupled to the first end and the second end.
US08528252B2	Self watering plant system This Self-Watering Planter comprises a wick, reservoir, wick-housing running between the soil/soil substitute and the reservoir, and a tight fitting cap to maintain a vacuum seal within the reservoir. The water or liquid mixture is maintained at a constant level across the wick by the vacuum that is created. This prevents water from flowing upwards into the soil when the soil is already wet. Liquid is only draw from the wick by osmosis when the soil is dry. Even as the water level in the reservoir drops, the water level across the wick continues to remain level until the reservoir is nearly empty, allowing the soil constant access to water until the reservoir needs refilling. Several embodiments are included. All contains these features, but some contain addition features as well as different proportions. The uses of the different embodiments are also described.
US08528249B1	Lawn and/or garden edging device An apparatus comprising a main portion, a connector and a receptacle. The main portion may have a top, a first side, a second side and a bottom. The connector may be rigidly positioned to extend from the main portion near said first side. The receptacle may be positioned within the main portion near the second side. The connector may be configured to lock into a second receptacle having a similar configuration as said first receptacle.
US08528246B2	Forward hand guard assembly for rifle A forward hand guard assembly for a rifle includes an upper metal hand guard which is secured to the receiver rifle by a clamp, and a lower grip which is releasably secured to the upper guard and the clamp by a latching pin. The clamp has a locking mechanism which can be released without tools. The grip is a molded plastic body designed to rest comfortably in the hand.
US08528244B2	System and method for weapons instrumentation technique A system and method for modifying a weapon with an inexpensive and easily removable attachment that is capable of recording information related to the use of the weapon and transmitting that data to a remote computing device by wired or wireless transmission means. The attachment includes one or more sensors able to record various changes and operations related to settings and usage of the modified weapon. The attachment also includes a module that contains electronics capable of one or more of the following: (i) receiving data from the one or more sensors; (ii) storing data received from the sensors; (iii) transmitting the data received from the sensors or stored data to a computing device via a wired or wireless connection.
US08528240B2	Steam iron A steam iron having a bipartite steam rate control, based on a combination of a user-control, which allows a user to consciously set a desired steam rate, and an intuitively operated handle, which may conditionally provide the steam rate control assembly with corrective, energy saving input.
US08528230B2	Laundry treating appliance with bulky item detection A laundry treating appliance and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance comprising a treating chamber by determining the presence of a bulky laundry item based on image data of the laundry.
US08528222B2	Blade and hook assembly for tape rule Disclosed is a rule assembly having a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, an elongated blade arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing, and an end hook member having a mounting portion attached to the elongated blade and a hook portion. The end hook member is capable of limited movement relative to the blade between an extended position and a retracted position. The rule assembly has a magnet assembly removably attachable to the elongated blade. The magnet assembly has a mounting portion and a magnet. The mounting portion is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly relative to the blade such that a forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or approximately aligned with a forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position.
US08528221B2	Family height recording device A height recording device is provided for measuring and recording the growth of multiple individuals over a period of time. The device comprises a recording board, a sliding member and a head rod. The sliding member is slideably secured within a dovetail channel extending vertically along the record board. A spring-loaded bullet catch within the dovetail channel maintains the sliding member static position. A head rod is hingedly secured to the sliding member and may be positioned in a horizontal working position or a vertical storage position. On at least one side of the channel, a graduated measuring means is disposed. Workspace is provided on both lateral sides of the channel so that a user may make written recordings of height measurements, names, dates and other information. The dual workspaces provide users with ample space to make multiple recordings and thus it is ideal for families with multiple children.
US08528220B2	Six-direction indicator A six-direction indicator is provided in an XYZ rectangular coordinate system and includes a shaft on an X axis, a rotation member rotatable around an axis inclined with respect to a rotation axis, guide pins provided upright on the rotation member, and a guide member provided around the X-axis to surround the rotation member. The guide member has a zigzag slit track bent alternately in a mountain-like shape and a valley-like shape in the X direction at intervals of 60° around the X-axis. The guide pins are inserted in the slit track and move around on the slit track by rotation of the shaft. The device indicates one of the positive and negative directions on the U, V, and W axes crossing one another at intervals of 60° around the X-axis.
US08528218B2	Sundial Embodiments of a sundial. Various embodiments of the sundial disclosed herein may be used to determine the time of day based on the position of the sun. The sundial may comprise an at least substantially spherical curved reflector that may be at least partially transparent and at least partially reflective such that light from the sun can pass through a surface of the reflector and be reflected off of an internal surface of the reflector to reflect an image of the sun from the internal surface. The sundial may further comprise a dial face for viewing of a reflected image of the sun to provide at least an approximate indication of the time based on the position of the reflected image of the sun on the dial face.
US08528204B2	Method for producing connector terminal and method for assembling multi-stage connector 2N (where N=1, 2, 3, . . . ) rod-shaped terminals, having overall lengths that vary in sequence, are formed out of a single metal plate by press punching. In the metal plate, rod bodies bridging between a first carrier and a second carrier are arranged so that the lengthwise direction of the rod bodies is perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the metal plate, the 2N terminals are divided such that the first N in descending order of length are in a first group, and the remaining N are in a second group, the n-th shortest terminal and the n-th longest terminal are selected from the terminals of the first and second groups and combined one by one, and each combined pair of terminals is disposed in series over one rod body.
US08528196B2	Component mounting apparatus and method A component mounting apparatus for mounting components on a plurality of mounting regions placed on an edge part of a substrate along a first direction that is a direction along the edge part of the substrate, comprises component placing units for holding components placed in component delivery positions that are spaced from the edge part of the substrate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, moving the held components in the second direction, and placing the components onto the mounting regions, component feeding units for sequentially feeding the components to component feeding positions spaced from the component delivery positions, and component carrying units for holding the components fed to the component feeding positions, moving the held components, and placing the components in the component delivery positions. Therefore, the components can be placed even onto a large substrate with satisfactory working efficiency.
US08528193B2	Component placement unit for placing a component on a substrate A device suitable for producing an image of an object disposed in an object space by means of a sensor comprises at least the sensor, a first lens assembly disposed in front of the sensor, a stop plate comprising a light passage disposed in front of the first lens assembly, a second lens assembly disposed in front of the stop plate and the object space disposed in front of the second lens assembly. The device further comprises a light source, as well as a diffuser which is disposed on a side of the object space that is averted from the light source.
US08528188B2	Method of fastening furniture posts The disclosure relates to a fastening device with a stem which is engaged on a first end by a cross-dowel with a transverse threaded aperture and on a second end by a cylinder with a set-screw. The second end of the stem includes an aperture surrounded by an oval-shaped longitudinally elongated countersunk region. This aperture can capture the set-screw within a small range of longitudinal positions, thereby allowing for fine adjustments to be made to align the sidewalls of adjacent post segments joined by the fastening device.
US08528185B2	Bi-stable medical sensor and technique for using the same A bi-stable sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an overmold coating, provided about the frame. A resistance-providing component is provided integral with or external to the coated bi-stable sensor such that the bi-stable sensor has two mechanically stable configurations that may be transitioned between by overcoming the resistance provided by the resistance-providing component and/or the by the coating. In one embodiment, the resistance-providing component comprises an elastic band provided about a hinge of the frame, either within or external to the coating. In one embodiment, the sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.
US08528170B2	Ergonomic tool handle A utility tool handle is provided for use with a hand tool shaft. The handle has curved upper and lower surfaces and a curved termination end. The two side surfaces are parallel to each other. The upper surfaces of the handle slants upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the hand tool shaft. The lower surface spline is configured to provide a relaxed wrist grip such that the shaft centerline is generally aligned with a user forearm centerline.
US08528166B2	Upright vacuum with floating head A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.
US08528160B2	Suction motor and fan assembly housing construction for a surface cleaning apparatus A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls and a suction motor housing. At least one of the first and second opposed sidewalls may have a suction motor access opening.
US08528157B2	Coverage robots and associated cleaning bins An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning assembly housing and at least one driven sweeper brush. The robot includes a controller and a removable sweeper bin configured to receive debris agitated by the driven sweeper brush. The sweeper bin includes an emitter disposed on an interior surface of the bin and a receiver disposed remotely from the emitter on the interior surface of the bin and configured to receive an emitter signal. The emitter and the receiver are disposed such that a threshold level of accumulation of debris in the sweeper bin blocks the receiver from receiving emitter emissions. The robot includes a bin controller disposed in the sweeper bin and monitoring a detector signal and initiating a bin full routine upon determining a bin debris accumulation level requiring service.
US08528146B1	Flexible swimming pool brush that contours to clean all angles and areas inside of pools The present invention discloses a cleaning apparatus which the main body is made up of individual brush sections that are shaped in such a way and attached to one another, that no matter which position it is in, always has a continuous row of bristles making contact with the surface being cleaned, and these sections are attached to each other using hinges, or hinge-like devices, and having constant tension that connects these sections, and allow each individual section to operate independently of one another, while always having the constant spring-like action of returning to a flat-like position when not being applied to contour to any angle or shape other than a flat surface, allowing the user to an easier, faster, and more efficient way to clean a swimming pool or other things alike.
US08528141B2	Dressing device for power brush A power-brush apparatus has a housing, a brush rotatable on the housing about a brush axis and having bristles extending generally radially of the axis, and a drive that rotates the brush in a working direction about the axis and thereby orbits tips of the bristles about the axis. Thus when in use the brush is rotated in this working direction. A support immediately adjacent the housing carries a rigid grinding wheel having an abrasive outer surface. This wheel is biased radially against the bristle tips to sharpen and clean them while a drive relatively displaces the bristle tips and the grinding-wheel surface while the wheel is urged against the bristle tips such that the grinding wheel surface primarily engages rear sides of the bristle tips turned away from the working direction.
US08528139B2	Laundry treating appliance with biofilm treating cycle The invention relates to a method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a rotatable treating chamber. The operation of the laundry treating appliance may determine the presence of an over-sudsing condition to execute a biofilm treating cycle based on the presence of the over-sudsing condition determined.
US08528126B2	Apparatus and/or device for personal hygiene An apparatus and/or device for personal hygiene by a person who is confined to a room or bed includes a first clean water storage tank, a second used water storage tank and a basin between the two tanks and wherein the first tank is disposed above the basin and the used water tank is below the basin. The apparatus and device also includes four adjustable legs with casters thereon as well as a frame assembly including upper and lower frame portions. A pair of forwardly extending arms and privacy curtains provides a modicum of privacy. In addition a fluid soap dispenser, soap dish and mirror as well as an electric blow dryer, retractable electric cord and electrical sockets are also provided.
US08528117B2	Gloves for touchscreen use A glove that enables the wearer to interact with a capacitive touchscreen without removing the glove has a first portion formed from a non-conductive knitted material and a second portion formed from an electrically conductive yarn. Exemplary is the finger tip portions of the thumb and index finger being formed from the electrically conductive yarn and the remainder of the finger tips being formed from the non conductive yarn. The second, conductive, portion may include a non-conductive yarn with an electrically conductive fiber distributed uniformly therethrough.
US08533858B2	Domain management method and domain context of users and devices based domain system Provided are domain contexts indicating user and device based domain systems for being applied to a new digital content protection/management system, and management methods thereof. A concept of “domain” is introduced in the present invention so that various business models can be obtained in accordance with content use of one home or small-sized group. The domain refers to as a group of user and device SAV and PAV indicating a context for being applied to the domain system includes: a domain identifier for specifying a domain as a region containing at least one content execution device and at least one content user; domain authentication information for guaranteeing authenticity of the domain; a user list containing information of users belonging to the domain; and a device list containing devices belonging to the domain.
US08533853B2	Location sensitive solid state drive A data storage system including a SSD includes a capability to detect whether its location is acceptable for function, and a capability to self-disable in the event the location of the device is unacceptable, or to self-enable only while the location of the device is acceptable.
US08533835B2	Method and system for rapid signature search over encrypted content A method for detecting malware includes dividing data to be scanned for malware into at least a first data segment and a second data segment, dividing a signature corresponding to an indication of malware into at least a first signature segment and a second signature segment, performing a relationship function on the first signature segment and the second signature segment yielding a first result, performing the relationship function on the first data segment and the second data segment yielding a second result, comparing the first result and the second result, and, based on the comparison, determining that the data includes information corresponding to the signature. The relationship function characterizes the relationship between at least two information sets.
US08533833B2	System, a method, and a data-structure for processing system calls in a computerized system that implements a kernel A computer implementing a kernel, the computer including: a processor that is configured to run processes in kernel mode and to run other processes not in kernel mode, wherein the processor is configured to run in the kernel mode the following processes: (a) determining selection parameters that relates to a system call requesting an operation by a hardware device, by processing information of the system call; (b) deterministically selecting a single data-structure element (DSE) of a data-structure in response to a type of the system call, to at least one other determined selection parameter, and to a status of an activity flag included in the DSE that indicates an availability of the DSE for selection; wherein the selecting includes selecting a DSE that includes an activity flag that indicates that the DSE is available for selection; wherein at least one DSE of the data-structure is an inactive DSE that includes an activity flag indicating that the inactive DSE is not available for selection; (c) modifying an activity flag of at least one DSE of the data-structure, in response to activeness instructions stored in the DSE selected; (d) assigning a priority to the system call in response to a content of the DSE selected; and (e) selectively enabling fulfillment of the operation by the hardware device, in response to the priority assigned to the system call.
US08533831B2	Systems and methods for alternating malware classifiers in an attempt to frustrate brute-force malware testing A computer-implemented method for alternating malware classifiers in an attempt to frustrate brute-force malware testing may include (1) providing a group of heuristic-based classifiers for detecting malware, wherein each classifier within the group differs from all other classifiers within the group but has an accuracy rate that is substantially similar to all other classifiers within the group, (2) including the group of classifiers within a security-software product, and (3) alternating the security-software product's use of the classifiers within the group in an attempt to frustrate brute-force malware testing by (a) randomly selecting and activating an initial classifier from within the group and then, upon completion of a select interval, (b) replacing the initial classifier with an additional classifier randomly selected from within the group. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08533828B2	System for protecting security of a provisionable network Disclosed is a system for protecting security of a provisionable network, comprising: a network server, a network client communicatively coupled with the server, a pool of resources coupled with the server for employment by the client, a resource management system for managing the resources, and an intrusion detection system enabled to detect and respond to an intrusion in said network.
US08533812B1	Systems and methods for securing access to kernel devices A computer-implemented method for securing access to kernel devices may include (1) identifying a context proxy privileged to access a secure device interface for a device, (2) receiving a request from the context proxy to allow a user-mode process to access a non-secure device interface for the device, (3) receiving a request from the user-mode process to access the non-secure device interface, and then (4) allowing the user-mode process to access the non-secure device interface directly based on the request from the context proxy. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.
US08533810B2	Client-side security management for an operations, administration, and maintenance system for wireless clients An Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OA&M) 16 provides security for managed resources on a wireless client device 10 at many levels of granularity, from the entire device, to subsystems, to software and hardware components, services and applications, down to individual attributes.
US08533808B2	Network security smart load balancing using a multiple processor device A method for protecting data communications using a multiple processor device in which multiple processors are operatively connected by a transport mechanism for sharing data. One or more of the processors is programmed as a dispatcher and other processors are programmed with processes. Each of the processes enforce an identical security policy and/or perform an identical or specialized security function. Data streams are transferred respectively from the dispatcher to the processes through the transport mechanism. Control information is transmitted through the transport mechanism from one or more processes to the dispatcher. The control information specifies balancing load of the data streams between the processes. The dispatcher balances load based on the control information.
US08533807B2	Methods for accessing content based on a session ticket A method for accessing content stored on a memory device is provided. In this method, a request to access the content is transmitted and a session ticket is received. The session ticket includes a parameter used to decrypt the content and the session ticket is generated based on a variable that is configured to change at a session. The content may be accessed based on the session ticket.
US08533806B2	Method for authenticating a trusted platform based on the tri-element peer authentication(TEPA) A method for authenticating a trusted platform based on the Tri-element Peer Authentication (TePA). The method includes the following steps: A) a second attesting system sends the first message to a first attesting system; B) the first attesting system sends a second message to the second attesting system after receiving the first message; C) the second attesting system sends a third message to a Trusted Third Party (TTP) after receiving the second message; D) the TTP sends a fourth message to the second attesting system after receiving the third message; E) the second attesting system sends a fifth message to the first attesting system after receiving the fourth message; and F) the first attesting system performs an access control after receiving the fifth message. The method for authenticating a trusted platform based on TePA of the present invention adopts the security architecture of TePA, and improves the safety of an evaluation agreement of the trusted platform, realizes the mutual evaluation of the trusted platform between the attesting systems, and extends the application ranges.
US08533789B1	User management for repository manager Authenticating a user is disclosed. An indication that a portal user wants to access a docbase is received. A non-user-specific credential is used to log in to the docbase on behalf of the portal user. Optionally, the docbase is configured to limit the portal user's access to the docbase, during times when the non-user-specific credential has been used to log in to the docbase on behalf of the portal user, to an extent of access that is associated with a user-specific data associated with the portal user.
US08533782B2	Access control A policy store associated with a policy decision point of an access control system is updated. The policy decision point is arranged to provide, in response to received decision requests, access control decisions in dependence on one or more policies stored in the policy store, each policy specifying a predetermined access control decision to be provided in response to a particular access request made in respect of a particular attribute or combination of attributes. The policy decision point is associated with at least one policy enforcement point arranged to implement access control in accordance with access control decisions provided by the policy decision point in response to decision requests submitted by the policy enforcement point, the policy enforcement point having associated therewith an attribute store providing data relating to attributes in respect of which access requests have previously been made via the policy enforcement point.
US08533775B2	Hierarchical policy management A system and method for administering access to a central resource by a remote access device. A system includes a remote access device and a computer executing a hierarchical policy manager. The remote access device requests access to a central resource. The hierarchical policy manager determines a policy for allowing the device to access the resource by evaluating access policies at a plurality of precedence levels of a policy hierarchy. The hierarchical policy manager allows the device to access the resource based on the policy set at the highest precedence level of the policy hierarchy at which access control is specified.
US08533768B2	Providing syndication feed content on a television set-top box with limited decoder capability Techniques are afforded for providing syndication feed content on a television STB with limited decoder capability. A request is initiated for syndication feed content from a networked content source through the STB. The syndication feed content is obtained through a proxy device in communication with the networked content source. When the syndication feed content is in a first format usable by the STB, the proxy device passes the syndication feed content in the first format to the STB. When the syndication feed content is in a second format unusable by the STB, the syndication feed content is first converted from the second format to the first format usable by the STB and then the syndication feed content is passed, in the first format, to the STB.
US08533754B2	Embedded video player with modular ad processing A method, device and/or system for operating or causing a video player embedded into a web page to play a video is disclosed. Embed code is placed into the web page. When the web page is loaded into a web browser, player code is loaded and optionally customized to display one or more videos that can be selected for playback with the player code. When an end user selects the video using the player code, any ad and/or analytics module associated with the video are retrieved. The functionality of the ad and/or analytics module is integrated into the player code to allow tracking of analytics and inserting advertising into the video.
US08533751B2	Method and apparatus for parental control Television converter devices in accordance with present invention determine whether the programming is to be blocked or not, then inserts an appropriate V-code into the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the programming before delivering the programming to one or more V-chip enabled TV where the V-chip blocks the programming as appropriate. Various methods of determining whether the programming is to be blocked are disclosed.
US08533744B2	Systems and methods for managing policies on a computer An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing policies on a computer having a foreign operating system. Policies may specify hardware or software configuration information. Policies on a first computer with a native operating system are translated into configuration information usable on a second computer having a foreign operating system. In an embodiment, a translator manager manages the association between the policy on the first computer and the translator on the second computer. Computer management complexity and information technology management costs are reduced by centralizing computer management on the native operating system. Further reductions in management complexity are realized when the present invention is used in conjunction with network directory services.
US08533739B2	Re-arranging a graphical program while keeping contents of a structure object fixed Various embodiments of a system and method for automatically arranging or positioning objects in a block diagram of a graphical program are described. The graphical program may include a first plurality of interconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the graphical program, where the first plurality of interconnected nodes includes a structure object having a border visually defining a sub-diagram that includes a second plurality of interconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the structure object. The method may operate to automatically re-arrange the graphical program. Re-arranging the graphical program may include shifting the structure object and the second plurality of interconnected nodes included in the sub-diagram of the structure object to new locations without re-arranging the second plurality of interconnected nodes with respect to each other.
US08533738B2	Excluding a portion of a graphical program from re-arrangement Various embodiments of a system and method for automatically re-arranging a graphical program are described. The method may operate to receive user input excluding a portion of the graphical program from re-arrangement, and to then automatically re-arrange the graphical program without re-arranging the excluded portion of the graphical program. In various embodiments, the objects in the non-excluded part of the may be re-positioned so as to better organize the graphical program or enable a user to more easily view or understand the graphical program.
US08533736B2	System and method for adding local resources for use by a mobile agent object System and method for importing service objects to a host computing environment. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of executing a mobile agent object, (called a delivery-mobile agent object) in a mobile-agent runtime environment in a host computing environment and then installing a service object to be executable in the mobile-agent runtime environment.
US08533735B2	System for execution context isolation in response to invoking a BIOS kernel function during a driver execution environment (DXE) phase of boot-up of a computer Execution context isolation during the DXE phase of computer start-up. Provision is made for referencing and dereferencing execution contexts and thereby providing execution isolation across contexts. In response to invoking a BIOS kernel function during a Driver Execution Environment (DXE) phase of a boot-up of the computer, the BIOS kernel associates a first processor context with the sequence of instructions, determines that scheduling the sequence of instructions requires a switch from a second processor context to the first processor context, performs a context switch action, during the DXE phase of the boot-up of the computer, to switch from the second processor context to the first processor context.
US08533733B2	Virtual world subgroup determination and segmentation for performance scalability A system and method of decreasing server loads and, more particularly, to decrease server load by automatically determining subgroups based on object interactions and computational expenditures. The system includes a plurality of servers; a subgroup optimization module configured to segment a plurality of objects into optimal subgroups; and a server transfer module configured to apportion one or more of the optimal subgroups between the plurality of servers based on a load of each of the plurality of servers. The method includes determining a relationship amongst a plurality of objects; segmenting the objects into optimized subgroups based on the relationships; and apportioning the optimized subgroups amongst a plurality of servers based on server load.
US08533728B2	Resource tracking method and apparatus The present invention is directed to a parallel processing infrastructure, which enables the robust design of task scheduler(s) and communication primitive(s). This is achieved, in one embodiment of the present invention, by decomposing the general problem of exploiting parallelism into three parts. First, an infrastructure is provided to track resources. Second, a method is offered by which to expose the tracking of the aforementioned resources to task scheduler(s) and communication primitive(s). Third, a method is established by which task scheduler(s) in turn may enable and/or disable communication primitive(s). In this manner, an improved parallel processing infrastructure is provided.
US08533727B2	Method for analysing the real-time capability of a system The invention provides a method for analysing the real-time capability of a system, in particular a computer system, where various tasks are provided, wherein the tasks are repeatedly performed and wherein an execution of a task is triggered by an activation of the task and this represents an event of the task, wherein a plurality of descriptive elements are provided to describe the time correlation of the events as event stream, wherein the event streams may detect the maximum time densities of the events and/or the minimum time densities of the events, and wherein at least a further descriptive element to which an amount of event streams is assigned and which describes the time correlation of an entirety of events which are captured by at least two event streams.
US08533724B1	Virtual resource provisioning by assigning colors to virtual resources in multi-tenant resource pool Virtual resource provisioning may be enhanced by coloring virtual resource instances and/or underlying implementation resources. Particular resource colors may be associated with particular treatments during allocation of implementation resources to virtual resources. There may be different types of colors corresponding to different types of allocation treatment. Exclusory colors may be utilized to reduce clustering of virtual resources with respect to implementation resources. Assignment of exclusory colors to virtual resources can help strike a balance between lower costs through efficient implementation resource utilization and higher fault tolerance through spreading across an available implementation resource pool. Inclusive colors may be utilized to require and/or prefer allocation of virtual resources to implementation resources painted with the inclusive color. Proximity colors may be utilized to enhance a computational performance of a set of virtual resources. Proximity colors may be associated with proximity specifications that define proximity in implementation resource networks.
US08533723B1	Computing device application framework Systems and methods of providing a computing device application framework. The framework serves as a platform upon which the desktop applications share common data and logic. The framework may include an application component exposes application programming interfaces (APIs) that provides installed applications access to data and services, a download component that maintains versions of the applications installed on a computing device, and a license component that tracks data use and access.
US08533718B2	Batch job assignment apparatus, program, and method that balances processing across execution servers based on execution times A job assignment apparatus includes: a correlation calculation unit to calculate a correlation between an execution time used for processing a program that depends on a computer resource operating at the start of an execution request job and an execution time used for processing a predetermined amount of data in the execution request job which operates immediately after completion of an operation of the program; a resource identification unit to identify the computer resource on which the execution request job depends on the basis of the correlation calculated by the correlation calculation unit; and a job assignment unit to assign the execution request job to one of execution servers connected to the job assignment apparatus so as to exclude simultaneous execution of a job that depends on the same computer resource as the computer resource identified by the resource identification unit and the execution request job.
US08533717B2	Fast platform independent inter-process communication A system and method are described for performing data processing using shared memory. In one embodiment, a request to perform a transaction is received at a memory. The memory includes a shared memory to provide a common access to a plurality of components including a plurality of work processes and a plurality of worker nodes. The request is then cached at the memory and later assigned to an available work process for performance.
US08533713B2	Efficent migration of virtual functions to enable high availability and resource rebalance A computing platform (source) supporting virtualization comprises a plurality of virtual machines each including a virtual function driver and a guest operating system, and a hardware block including a plurality of virtual functions and visible states and invisible states. The virtual function driver or a guest OS or a virtual machine monitor further includes a self-emulation layer to create a shadow state, which emulates the invisible states of the virtual function, which is to be migrated. The virtual function driver uses contents of the shadow state to migrate one or more of the plurality of virtual functions to a target virtual machine. The source and the target virtual machines are included in a cloud data center and the virtual functions, migrated to the target virtual machine is highly available to provide services.
US08533708B2	Usage period management system for applications A method of managing downloading contents in a network system including a terminal device, a management server and a downloading site includes three phases of procedures. In a first phase procedure, the management server receives a request for downloading contents from the terminal device and performs a predetermined registration operation. In a second phase procedure, the management server transmits attribution data corresponding to the contents to be downloaded by the terminal device, the attribution data including information of the downloading site. In a third phase procedure, the terminal device accessed the downloading site in accordance with the information included in the attribution data and downloads the contents.
US08533702B2	Dynamically resolving fix groups for managing multiple releases of multiple products on multiple systems The present invention generally is directed to a method, system and article of manufacture for managing software fixes for a software product in a computer system. The method comprises: for each of a plurality of software fixes for a corresponding software product, determining whether the corresponding software product is installed on the computer system; if the corresponding software product is installed, then determining whether the each one of the plurality of software fixes is installed in the computer system; and if the each one of the plurality of software fixes is installed, then setting a status value to reflect that the plurality of software fixes is installed.
US08533692B2	Dynamic software enhancement parameters Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for accepting user input defining a first additional parameter to a first source code component, the first source code component not being modified. Accepting user input defining a first modification to the first source code component, the first modification dependent on the first additional parameter, and the source code component not being modified. Incorporating into a second source code component the first source code component and an expression of the first additional parameter and the first modification, the second source code component being separate from the first source code component. And creating a compiled program using the second source code component.
US08533689B2	Method, apparatus and computer program product for creating inter-language interface An inter-language interface is created for an executable file written in a legacy language. The header associated with the legacy file is initially marked up language to generate a first marked header. The legacy file is then wrapped with a first wrapper based at least partially upon the first marked header to create a first wrapped file. Additionally, the first marked header is associated with type maps customized in accordance with the target language in order to generate a second marked header. An executable file may then be generated by wrapping the first wrapped file with a second wrapper so as to be executable in the target language, thereby creating a second wrapped file. Additionally, an interface layer is generated to associate functions in the legacy language with methods in the target language and to define the usage in the target language of the parameters in the legacy language.
US08533680B2	Approximating finite domains in symbolic state exploration A finite domain approximation for symbolic terms of a symbolic state is derived, given some finite domains for basic terms of the symbolic state. A method is executed recursively for symbolic sub-terms of a symbolic term, providing a domain over-approximation that can then be provided to a solver for determining a more accurate domain. The method can be applied to a wide array of system terms, including, for example, object states, arrays, and runtime types.
US08533672B2	Extending the functionality of a host programming language To enable language-level integration of multiple programming languages into a single programming framework, one or more domain specific languages (DSLs) are specified as incremental extensions to a host programming language. An application created in this framework may include program code written in the host language as well as DSL inset code that is written in any of the DSLs. The extensions to the host language are described in DSL specifications, which define how the DSL inset code is processed. At runtime, DSL inset code in the source code is detected and passed to a DSL inset processor for execution according to an appropriate DSL specification, whereas source code in the host language is executed by a host language processor.
US08533668B2	Comparing source code using code statement structures A computer system identifies a plurality of source code files to be compared, parses each source code file to identify a code statement structure present in the file, and compares the plurality of source code files using corresponding code statement structures.
US08533667B2	Call wizard for information management system (IMS) applications IMS source code or a graphical object having corresponding IMS source code can be selected within the graphical user interface (GUI). The IMS source code can include a call out to an external application. An IMS call wizard can be invoked, which graphically prompts a user to specify call-out specific conditions for the external application via an ordered series of presented screens. Each screen can present a user with at least one selectable option. User-made selections from earlier ones of the presented screens can change options presented in later ones of the presented screens. IMS code can be generated to call out an external application in accordance with the user selections of the IMS call wizard. The generated IMS code can be inserted into the selected IMS source code. After the insertion, the IMS source code is operable to call out to the external application.
US08533666B2	Interactive design environments to visually model, debug and execute resource oriented programs In scenarios involving a data set accessible through a protocol, operations sets may be formulated for performing various operations on the data set, and may be expressed as resource scripts according to a scripting language. However, such resource scripts may be difficult to design due to the complicated aspects of the interaction, such as asynchrony, network transport, the syntax of the scripting language, and the details of the protocol. A design environment may be devised to facilitate designers in generating resource scripts, e.g., through the manipulation of visual elements. The design environment may abstract the lower-level working details of the resource scripts, and may allow designers to focus on the logical designing of the operations set. The design environment may then automatically generate the resource script from the operations set in accordance with the constraints of the script language and the protocol.
US08533659B2	Efficient extraction of software dependencies from program code Calls to stop functions are identified in a computer program file. The stop functions are functions that interact with external resources. Parameters of the calls to the stop functions that are references to the external resources are identified. An analysis is performed over the computer program file to find out possible values of the parameters of the calls.
US08533651B1	Providing conversion of a planar design to a FinFET design An approach for providing conversion of a planar design to a FinFET design is disclosed. Embodiments include: receiving a planar design having a plurality of diffusion regions; overlapping a plurality of parallel fin mandrels with a plurality of evenly-spaced parallel lines of a grid; snapping the diffusion regions to the grid based on the parallel lines; and generating a FinFET design based on the overlapping and the snapping. Embodiments include the parallel lines and the parallel fin mandrels being perpendicular to a poly orientation associated with the planar design, and determining a spacing length between the parallel lines; determining a plurality of edges of the diffusion regions that are parallel to the poly orientation; and cropping the diffusion regions until each of the edges has a length that is a multiple of the spacing length.
US08533647B1	Method for generating an integrated and unified view of IP-cores for hierarchical analysis of a system on chip (SoC) design In order to realize some of the advantages described above, there is provided a computer-implemented method for verification of an intellectual property (IP) core in a system-on-chip (SoC). The method comprises generating a plurality of verification specific abstracted views of the IP core each of the plurality of verification specific abstracted views having a plurality of verification specific attributes at an input/output (I/O) interface of each of the abstracted view of the IP-core. A unified abstracted view of the IP-core is generated.
US08533644B1	Multi-CCC current source models and static timing analysis methods for integrated circuit designs In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-CCC current source model is disclosed to perform statistical timing analysis of an integrated circuit design. The multi-CCC current source model includes a voltage waveform transfer function, a voltage dependent current source, and an output capacitor. The voltage waveform transfer function receives an input voltage waveform and transforms it into an intermediate voltage waveform. The voltage dependent current source generates an output current in response to the intermediate voltage waveform. The output capacitor is coupled in parallel to the voltage dependent current source to generate an output voltage waveform for computation of a timing delay.
US08533643B2	Method and apparatus for performing template-based classification of a circuit design A method and apparatus for performing template-based classification of a circuit design are disclosed. A template file is read that defines a plurality of channel-connected-region (CCR) templates. A graph is formatted for each of the CCR templates. A plurality of CCRs are identified based on a partitioned netlist file that defines a given circuit design. A graph is generated for each of the identified CCRs. A matching CCR template graph is identified for each generated CCR graph. The template file may further defines super-CCR templates, and a graph may be formatted for each of the super-CCR templates. All possible combinations of CCRs and previously-matched super-CCRs that are candidates to match the formatted super-CCR template graph may be determined in an interative manner, for each formatted super-CCR template graph. A determination may be made as to which of the candidate combinations actually match the formatted super-CCR template graph.
US08533639B2	Optical proximity correction for active region design layout The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit design method. In an example, a method includes receiving an integrated circuit design layout that includes an active region feature, a contact feature, and an isolation feature, wherein a portion of the active region feature is disposed between the contact feature and the isolation feature; determining whether a thickness of the portion of the active region feature disposed between the contact feature and the isolation feature is less than a threshold value; and modifying the integrated circuit design layout if the thickness is less than the threshold value, wherein the modifying includes adding a supplementary active region feature adjacent to the portion of the active region feature disposed between the contact feature and the isolation feature.

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