Document	Document Title
US08541743B2	Apparatus and method for detecting and quantifying analytes in solution A method for identifying and quantifying one or more analytes included in a sample comprising a background solvent is disclosed. The present invention locates a sample fluid at a sample region by virtue of a sample holder that comprises work-hardened silver halide. The sample fluid at the sample region is then spectrally characterized via a mid-infrared spectrometer.
US08541735B2	Inlaid optical material and method of manufacture An optical material is inlaid into a supporting substrate, with the top surface of the optical material flush with the top surface of the substrate, wherein the optical element is used to shape a beam of light travelling substantially parallel to the top surface of the substrate, but with the central axis of the beam below the top surface of the substrate. The optical elements serve to shape the beam of light for delivery to or from a microfabricated structure within the device.
US08541727B1	Signal monitoring and control system for an optical navigation sensor A circuit and method are provided to control the strength of signals from an array of photo-detectors (PDs) in an optical navigation sensor. The circuit includes a number of transimpedance-amplifiers (TIAs) each coupled to an output of at least one PD to receive a current signal therefrom and generate a signal in response thereto. A controller coupled to outputs of the TIAs receives the signals and executes an algorithm to adjust gain of a signal processor coupled to the array. In one embodiment, the signal processor includes differential transimpedance-amplifiers (DIFF-TIAs) each including inputs coupled to receive current signals from the array, and the controller outputs a control signal to adjust a time over which the DIFF-TIAs and the TIAs integrate the current signals. Optionally, the signal processor includes gain-amplifiers coupled to the DIFF-TIAs and TIAs, and the controller outputs a signal to adjust gain thereof.
US08541718B2	Hypodermic needle destruction Disclosed is an apparatus for processing a hypodermic needle (2), comprising: means for softening the needle; and means (120) for providing a compressive force to the needle.
US08541717B2	Device for remotely detonating explosives The present disclosure relates to a device for remotely detonating explosives. According to the present disclosure, the device includes: a heat source in the form of an electric generator for generating a thermal infrared signal, capable of producing two heating zones and mounted in a casing; and a mobile supporting structure bearing the casing at the front and connected to a vehicle at the rear.
US08541715B2	Hair iron and methods of operation thereof There are provided hair irons. In a preferred embodiment an electric hair iron (1) comprises at least one heating element and control means comprising a temperature sensor and a control circuit. The control means is arranged such that power is only supplied to the heating element or elements when the temperature sensed by the sensor is at or above a predetermined minimum temperature. Also provided are methods of straightening hair.
US08541714B2	Method and system for laser processing targets of different types on a workpiece A method and system for laser processing targets of different types on a workpiece are provided. The method includes setting a laser pulse width of one or more laser pulses to selectively provide one or more laser output pulses having one or more set pulse widths based on a first type of target to be processed. The method further includes setting a pulse shape of the one or more output pulses to selectively provide the one or more output pulses having the set pulse shape based on the types of targets to be processed. The method still further includes delivering the one or more output pulses having the one or more set pulse widths and the set pulse shape to at least one target of the first type. The method finally includes resetting the laser pulse width of one or more laser pulses to selectively provide one or more laser output pulses having one or more reset pulse widths based on a second type of target to be processed.
US08541711B2	Internal part feature cutting method and apparatus A method for cutting an internal feature in a workpiece using a plasma cutting system can include cutting in a first zone using at least one cutting parameter from a first cutting parameter set, which can include a first cutting current and/or a first speed. The method can include cutting in a second zone using at least one cutting parameter from a second cutting parameter set that can be different from the first cutting parameter set. The second cutting parameter set can include a second cutting current and/or a second speed. The method can also include cutting in a third zone using at least one cutting parameter from a third cutting parameter set, which can be different from the first cutting parameter set or the second cutting parameter set. The third cutting parameter set can include a third cutting current and/or a third speed.
US08541704B2	Electrical appliance housing An electrical appliance housing including a hard plastic housing body defining a switch-actuating aperture. The aperture is sealed with a soft plastic membrane. An actuating button is fastened to a hard plastic base that is bonded to the membrane.
US08541699B2	Adjustable module A module forming a part of a lead-through or transit for cables, pipes or the like is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the module includes two base parts forming an outer part of the module. Two holding parts form an inner part of the module. Inside the inner part, formed of the two holding parts a cable or the like is received. The inner part of the module is received turnable inside the outer part of the module.
US08541696B2	EMI-shielding solutions for computer enclosures using combinations of two and three-dimensional shapes formed in sheet metal The present invention provides a configuration of a computer-chassis containment or other electromagnetic device method for manufacture in which a “one-hit” solution may be implemented to provide adequate electromagnetic interference shielding (EMC shielding) and is configured such that shielding gaskets, “spoons” or other excessive structures may be reduced or eliminated completely. Patterned sinusoidal “patterns” that are stamped, molded, cut, or extruded into one or more sides of a “box” provide sufficient EMI shielding, such that the need for gaskets is reduced or eliminated.
US08541679B2	Photo-voltaic power generation equipment that can automatically track the sun This invention relates to a type of solar energy photo-voltaic power generation equipment that can automatically track the sun. This device includes a pedestal installed on a mounting platform. On the pedestal, a main support frame is provided. On the support frame, a solar cell panel platform is provided. On this platform, a solar energy photo-voltaic assembly is installed. The pedestal is connected to the mounting platform and can rotate relative to the mounting platform. On the pedestal, a circumferentially driven planet reduction gear is installed. On the main support frame, a platform elevation angle adjustment lifter is installed. The end of the telescopic link on the lifter is hinged to the solar cell panel platform. The circumferentially driven planet reduction gear and platform elevation angle adjustment lifter are connected to an electric control device.
US08541674B2	Support bridge A support bridge includes a support platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a holder attached to the top surface of the support platform. The holder includes a first set of support members separated by a first gap, a first material free region, in the first support member, that provides access from outside of the first member through the first member to the first gap, and a first securing member on a surface of the first support member bounding the first material free region, and a first plug configured to physically engage the first securing member to secure a first object disposed between the first members in the first gap to the holder and the support platform.
US08541660B2	Soybean cultivar 2484721658 A soybean cultivar designated 2484721658 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 2484721658, to the plants of soybean 2484721658, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 2484721658, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 2484721658 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 2484721658, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 2484721658, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 2484721658 with another soybean cultivar.
US08541657B2	Canola cultivar CL117235H The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated CL117235H. Also included are seeds of canola CL117235H, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola CL117235H and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola CL117235H with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola CL117235H.
US08541656B2	Canola cultivar DN051465 The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated DN051465. Also included are seeds of canola DN051465, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola DN051465 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola DN051465 with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola DN051465.
US08541643B2	Superabsorbents, nanofiber nonwovens finished therewith and use thereof The invention relates to a superabsorbent powder consisting of polymer particles which have a core swelling in the presence of water and a superficially postcured shell, in which the powder is a screening fraction of such polymer particles which have not been crushed after the superficial postcure of their shell. This superabsorbent powder is especially suitable for the finishing of textile webs made of super-fine fibers or filaments with a diameter of less than 10 μm, in particular for the finishing of sanitary products. There is further proposed the use of a nanofiber nonwoven, finished with a superabsorbent for the absorption and retention of hydrophilic fluids, for the absorption and/or sustained release of at least one of the following fluids: body fluids, sweat of humans and animals, water, including cooling water, condensation water and water vapor, chemicals, including agrochemicals and pesticides, pharmaceuticals, biocides, germicides and fungicides, diagnostics, fire protection and fire extinguishing agents, cleaning agents, hydraulic fluids, heating and cooling fluids, sewage, including radioactively contaminated fluids, perfumes.
US08541633B2	Processes for producing anhydrous ethanol compositions In one embodiment, the present invention is to a process for producing a anhydrous ethanol composition comprising hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product; separating in a first column at least a portion of the crude ethanol product into a first distillate comprising ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, and a first residue comprising acetic acid; separating in a second column at least a portion of the first distillate into a second distillate comprising ethyl acetate and a second residue comprising ethanol and water; separating in a third column at least a portion of the second residue into a third distillate comprising ethanol and residual water and a third residue comprising separated water; and dehydrating at least a portion of the third distillate to form the anhydrous ethanol composition. The anhydrous ethanol composition, as formed, comprises less than 1 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the anhydrous ethanol composition.
US08541630B2	Process for producing dimethyl ether from methanol Disclosed is a process for producing dimethyl ether from methanol, which is characterized in that the absorbing liquid used in said absorbing column is the bottom liquid of DME-fractionating column and/or bottom waste water of the methanol-recovering column. Said process can significantly reduce energy consumption of the apparatus.
US08541629B2	Heterocyclic amine catalyst compositions for the alkoxylation of alcohols to glycol ethers Glycol ethers are made by a process in which an alcohol, an alkylene oxide and a catalytic amount of an aromatic, heterocyclic amine catalyst are contacted under reactive conditions. Representative catalysts include substituted and unsubstituted pyridines and imidazoles. The process uses known oxides and alcohols, and produces more mono- and di-adduct products than does a corresponding process using a caustic catalyst. Moreover, the process can be conducted at a lower reaction temperature than a corresponding process using a caustic catalyst without sacrificing oxide conversion rates yet producing fewer carbonyl impurities.
US08541621B2	Polymerization initiator having aryl azide and surface modification method of cyclic olefin copolymer using the same Provided is a method for modifying a surface of a cyclic olefin copolymer, comprising: coating a compound of the following Chemical Formula 1 on the surface of a cyclic olefin copolymer substrate, irradiating UV light on the cyclic olefin copolymer substrate, and polymerizing a monomer on the cyclic olefin where X is H or F, and n is an integer of 1 to 6.
US08541617B2	Cycloalkylphenyl substituted cyclic ketoenols The invention relates to novel cycloalkylphenyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols of the formula (I) in which J, X, Y, m and CKE are as defined above, to processes and intermediates for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, the cycloalkylphenyl-substituted cyclic ketoenols and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound. The invention furthermore relates to increasing the activity of crop protection compositions comprising compounds of the formula (I) by adding ammonium or phosphonium salts and, if appropriate, penetrants.
US08541616B2	Addition of a methyl hydrogen terephthalate reactor to a dimethyl terephthalate process An MHT reactor is added to a DMT process to eliminate the majority of the DMT/MHT recycle back to the DMT reactor, allowing for an increase in capacity to the DMT reactors.
US08541606B2	Tertiary alcohol derivative, polymer compound and photoresist composition A polymer compound for a photoresist composition (a) having a high dissolution rate in a developing solution after exposure and (b) exhibiting little swelling during development. A tertiary alcohol derivative that is a raw material for the polymer compound. A tertiary alcohol that is an intermediate of the tertiary alcohol derivative. The tertiary alcohol is represented by formula (3): wherein R1 and R2 individually represent a linear, branched or cyclic alkylene group having 2 to 9 carbon atoms, which may contain an oxygen atom, and wherein R1 and R2 may together form a ring with a carbon atom to which R1 and R2 are bonded.
US08541600B2	11-aza, 11-thia and 11-oxa sterol compounds and compositions The invention provides compositions comprising formula 1 steroids, e.g., 16α-bromo-3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one hemihydrate and one or more excipients, including compositions that comprise a liquid formulation comprising less than about 3% v/v water. The compositions are useful to make improved pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also provides methods of intermittent dosing of steroid compounds such as analogs of 16α-bromo-3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one and compositions useful in such dosing regimens. The invention further provides compositions and methods to inhibit pathogen replication, ameliorate symptoms associated with immune dysregulation and to modulate immune responses in a subject using the compounds. The invention also provides methods to make and use these immunomodulatory compositions and formulations.
US08541597B2	Process for preparing biphenyl imidazole compounds The invention provides processes for preparing intermediates useful for preparing compounds of the formula: or a salt thereof, where R1-3 are as defined in the specification.
US08541590B2	Proteasome inhibitors and processes for their preparation, purification and use The invention provides boronic esters of Formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described herein, and methods for the preparation and purification thereof.
US08541589B2	Thioacetate compounds, compositions and methods of use Described herein are compounds useful in the modulation of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of using them. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.
US08541584B2	3-(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyrrolo [2,3-b] pyridine derivatives Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings indicated in claim (1), are inhibitors of PDK1 and cell proliferation/cell vitality and can be employed for the treatment of tumors.
US08541567B2	Transition state structure of 5′-methylthioadenosine/s-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidases Provided are methods of designing a putative inhibitor of a 5′-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase. The methods comprise designing a chemically stable compound that resembles the charge and geometry of the 5′-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase transition state. Also provided are methods of inhibiting 5′-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidases using the inhibitors found by the above methods.
US08541562B2	Bridged artificial nucleoside and nucleotide It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel molecule for antisense therapies which is not susceptible to nuclease degradation in vivo and has a high binding affinity and specificity for the target mRNAs and which can efficiently regulate expression of specific genes. The novel artificial nucleoside of the present invention has an amide bond introduced into a bridge structure of 2′,4′-BNA/LNA. The oligonucleotide containing the 2′,4′-bridged artificial nucleotide has a binding affinity for a single-stranded RNA comparable to known 2′,4′-BNA/LNA and has an increased nuclease resistance over LNA. Particularly, it is expected to be applied to nucleic acid drugs because of its much stronger binding affinity for single-stranded RNAs than S-oligo's affinity.
US08541561B2	DNA aptamer specifically binding to pLDH (plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase) Disclosed herein are a DNA aptamer specifically binding to pLDH (Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase), a composition for the diagnosis of malaria, comprising the same, and a diagnostic kit for malaria using the same. Superior in specificity and stability to antibodies which are conventionally used to diagnose malaria, the DNA aptamers specifically binding to pLDH (Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase) in accordance with the present invention can be developed into biosensors which determine pLDH levels with high sensitivity and accuracy, greatly contributing to the diagnostic accuracy of malaria.
US08541554B2	Immunosuppressant drug extraction reagent for immunoassays An improved extractive reagent composition and method for extracting an immunosuppressant drug, such as sirolimus, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, from blood samples while yielding a test sample extract that has low vapor pressure and is compatible with immunoassay components. The inventive reagent composition comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at least one divalent metal salt and water. The sample extracts resulting from use of each of these combinations have low vapor pressure and are compatible with immunochemistry assays.
US08541552B2	Antibodies to lymphotoxin-α The invention provides various antibodies that bind to lymphotoxin-α, methods for making such antibodies, compositions and articles incorporating such antibodies, and their uses in treating, for example, an autoimmune disorder. The antibodies include murine, chimeric, and humanized antibodies.
US08541547B2	Methods and compositions for tumor vaccination and therapy The present invention relates to peptide vaccines, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and associated methodologies that promote the immune-mediated regression of tumors expressing an onconeural antigen, e.g. a cdr-2 antigen, HuD antigen. The cancer peptide vaccines of the present invention are antigenic peptides capable of being faithfully presented on the MHC I complex of a target cell or antigen presenting cell. This external cellular presentation of these peptides promotes a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune response against tumor cells expressing these proteins, thereby, inducing immunological reactivity.
US08541546B2	WDRPUH epitope peptides and vaccines containing the same The present invention provides peptides containing the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 40, 41, 45, 49, 55, 57 and 61, as well as peptides containing the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acid(s) are substituted, deleted, inserted or added, but still have cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing tumors, which drugs containing these peptides. The peptides of the present invention can also be used as vaccines.
US08541533B2	Fluorine-containing polyfunctional silicon compound and method for producing fluorine-containing polyfunctional silicon compound A fluorine-containing polyfunctional silicon compound represented by the following general formula (I), which is useful as a raw material for materials having high water repellency and excellent scratch resistance and water droplet sliding properties and which can be produced by a production method which is simple and easy and environmentally friendly, is provided. In the formula, Q represents an (n+m)-valent organic group having at least one fluorine atom; each of Rf1 and Rf2 independently represents a fluorine atom, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having at least one fluorine atom; R1 represents a hydroxyl group, an isocyanate group or a hydrolyzable group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group; k represents 0 or 1; n represents an integer of 2 or more; m represents an integer of 0 or more; a represents an integer of from 1 to 6; and b represents an integer of from 1 to 3.
US08541531B2	Anti-bleed compounds, compositions and methods for use thereof The invention is based on the discovery that addition of certain carboxylic acid derivatives of siloxanes to thermosetting adhesive compositions and die-attach pastes renders such compositions and pastes extremely resistant to resin bleed. The present invention provides siloxane-carboxylic acid compounds useful as anti-bleed additives. Also provided are adhesive compositions and pastes containing the compounds of the invention, which are particularly useful in applications that require little to no resin bleed prior to curing of the compositions (such as e.g., electronic packaging applications).
US08541526B2	Tinted lenses that correct for high order aberrations Disclosed herein are photopolymerizable compositions and formulations that comprise photochromic dyes, photochromic blue light blocking dyes, permanent dyes, permanent blue blocking dyes, and/or their combinations. In some variations, these formulations are suited for example, for sandwiching between lens blanks to form semi-finished lens assemblies to form a tinted lens useful in sunglasses. The formulations are also suitable for correcting optical aberrations, and may provide a photochromic effect when exposed to sunlight.
US08541524B2	Free-radical polymerization process in aqueous dispersion for the preparation of a block copolymer at least one block of which is a block of a halogenated polymer Process of controlled free-radical polymerization in aqueous dispersion for the preparation of a block copolymer at least one block of which is a block of a halogenated polymer using molecular iodine and at least one oxidant whose solubility in water is at least 10 g/l for the synthesis of the first block of the block copolymer.
US08541518B2	Semi continuous operational method for producing copolymers A process for the preparation of a copolymer in a semicontinuous mode of operation in a polymerization apparatus containing a polymerization reactor connected to a metering device, in each case acid monomer being initially introduced into the metering device and polyether macromonomer and water into the polymerization reactor, acid monomer being metered from the metering device into the polymerization reactor, the metering of the acid monomer into the polymerization reactor being effected in such a way that first a polymerization pH is established in the aqueous medium and then, until the conversion of 70 mol % of the polyether macromonomer initially introduced into the polymerization reactor, acid monomer is passed into the polymerization reactor in an amount per unit time such that the pH in the aqueous medium deviates by not more than ±0.3 from the initially established polymerization pH.
US08541509B2	Polymers functionalized with protected oxime compounds A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of (i) polymerizing conjugated diene monomer by employing a lanthanide-based catalyst to form a reactive polymer, and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with a protected oxime compound.
US08541506B2	Polycarbonate resin composition with excellent scratch resistance and impact strength A polycarbonate resin composition according to the present invention comprises a polycarbonate resin and an ultra-high molecular weight branched acrylic copolymer resin and can have excellent transparency, appearance, and flowability, as well as scratch resistance and impact strength.
US08541505B2	Poly(arylene ether) composition with improved melt flow and method for the preparation thereof A thermoplastic composition is prepared by melt blending a poly(arylene ether) and an other resin, where the poly(arylene ether) has a particular molecular weight distribution. The thermoplastic composition exhibits significantly increased melt flow compared to compositions containing poly(arylene ether)s with similar intrinsic viscosities but different molecular weight distributions. The increased melt flow facilitates preparation of the thermoplastic composition and subsequent article fabrication procedures.
US08541503B2	Polymeric core-shell nanoparticles with interphase region A polymeric nanoparticle composition is provided. The nanoparticle may be of a core/shell configuration with an interphase region connecting the core and the shell. The mean average diameter of the polymer nanoparticles may be less than about 250 nm. The size, composition, and/or configuration of the interphase region may be varied to achieve desired physical and/or chemical properties of the resulting polymeric nanoparticles, and of the compositions into which the nanoparticles are compounded.
US08541501B2	Water-dispersed pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, pressure-sensitive adhesive and pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet Provided is a water-dispersed pressure-sensitive adhesive composition capable of forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive that exhibits good adhesiveness to a non-polar adherend and maintains its properties at a low temperature. The water-dispersed pressure-sensitive adhesive composition according to the present invention comprises a (meth)acrylic polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer composition containing as a primary component an alkyl (meth)acrylate having an alkyl group with 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a latex containing a rubber component that is immiscible with the (meth)acrylic polymer and has a loss tangent peak temperature of −5° C. or below when determined by a dynamic viscoelastic measurement in which shear strain is applied at a frequency of 1 Hz, and a tackifier that is miscible with the rubber component, but immiscible with the (meth)acrylic polymer.
US08541500B2	Cardanol-based associative polyurethanes, corresponding associative thickeners and uses thereof New associative polyurethanes which are manufactured with cardanol which is potentially oxyethylated. Use of these polyurethanes as thickening agents for aqueous formulations.
US08541497B2	Composition and manufacturing methods for grips A composition for use in grips is disclosed. The composition may be used, for example, in making a golf club grip. The disclosed grip provides for improved shock absorption and other beneficial properties. In one embodiment the comprises a cross-linked composition of from about 40% by weight to about 80% by weight of one or a combination of a first material selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber and chloroprene rubber, and from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of one or a combination of a second material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polypropylene and cork.
US08541495B2	Adhesive composition An adhesive composition is provided particularly excellent in thermal shock resistance for adhesive strength as well as high shear adhesive strength, peel adhesive strength and impact adhesive strength. The adhesive composition of the present invention contains (a) a 2-cyanoacrylate such as 2-ethoxyethyl 2-cyanoacrylate and (b) a polyfunctional cyanoacrylate having two or more 2-cyanoacryloyl groups, the number average molecular weight of the polyfunctional cyanoacrylate (b) is in the range from 1,000 to 50,000, and preferably from 2,000 to 30,000, and the content of the polyfunctional cyanoacrylate (b) is in the range from 1 to 400 parts by weight, and preferably from 1 to 200 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the 2-cyanoacrylate (a).
US08541488B2	Formed resin article and polymer film A formed resin article, containing a compound and a polymer substance, wherein the compound has a maximum absorption wavelength in a range of 400 nm or less, measured in a solution of the compound, wherein the compound is contained in the polymer substance in a quantity of 5 g/m2 or less, and wherein a light transmittance of the article at a wavelength of 410 nm is 5% or less.
US08541482B2	Removable multilayer nail coating system and methods therefore The present disclosure relates generally to compositions for nail coatings, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to polymerizable compositions. The disclosure further relates to methods of making a polymerizable, protective and scratch resistant topcoat layer that can be easily removed.
US08541460B2	PDK-1/Akt signaling inhibitors Use of a new class of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) inhibitors of formula I for inducing apoptosis in unwanted rapidly proliferating cells, for treating, inhibiting, or delaying the onset of cancer, and for preventing restenosis in a subject that has undergone an angioplasty or stent: wherein X is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and haloalkyl; Ar is an aryl radical selected from the group consisting of phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthryl, phenanthryl, and fluorenyl; and wherein Ar is optionally substituted with one or more radicals selected from the group consisting of halo, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, azido, C1-C4 azidoalkyl, aryl, akylaryl, haloaryl, haloalkylaryl, and combinations thereof; and R is selected from the group consisting of nitrile, acetonitrile, ethylnitrile, propylnitrile, carboxamide, amidine, tetrazole, oxime, hydrazone, acetamidine, aminoacetamide, guanidine, and urea.
US08541459B2	Pharmaceutical composition To provide a pharmaceutical composition which can enhance the storage stability of 1-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyloxymethyl)-2-nitroimidazole without impairing the effect of the compound.The pharmaceutical composition includes 1-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydroxypropyloxymethyl)-2-nitroimidazole, which is represented by formula (1): and a compound having chelating ability.
US08541457B2	Aminothiazole derivatives as human stearoyl-CoA desaturase inhibitors Methods of treating an SCD-mediated disease or condition in a mammal, preferably a human, are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound of formula (I), where V, W, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed.
US08541454B2	Antiseptic based on bispyridinium alkanes An antimicrobially effective composition includes a) at least 0.15% by weight of bispyridinium alkane, b) at least 3.5% by weight of humectant and c) water. Upon dilution with water, the composition produces a solution with an osmolality of from 230 to 350 mOsmol/kg and is free from surfactant. It is used as an antiseptic and is suitable for use in a method for the disinfection of injured or uninjured skin of a human being or animal, preference being given to use in the case of newborns, in particular those born prematurely.
US08541453B2	Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08541450B2	Process for the preparation of chiral 8-(3-aminopiperidin-1yl)-xanthines The invention relates to enantiomerically pure 3-(phthalimido)piperidines and processes for preparing enantiomerically pure 3-(phthalimido)piperidines.
US08541447B2	3-substituted-2-(arlyalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes and methods of use thereof The present invention relates to 3-substituted-2-(arylalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes, methods of preparing the compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds. The azabicycloalkanes generally are azabicycloheptanes, azabicyclooctanes, or azabicyclononanes. The aryl group in the arylalkyl moiety is a 5- or 6-membered ring heteroaromatic, preferably 3-pyridinyl and 5-pyrimidinyl moieties, and the alkyl group is typically a C1-4 alkyl. The substituent at the 3-position of the 1-azabicycloalkane is a carbonyl group-containing moiety, such as an amide, carbamate, urea, thioamide, thiocarbamate, thiourea or similar functionality. The compounds exhibit activity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), particularly the α7 nAChR subtype, and are useful towards modulating neurotransmission and the release of ligands involved in neurotransmission. Methods for preventing or treating conditions and disorders, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal neurotransmission, are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating inflammation, autoimmune disorders, pain and excess neovascularization, such as that associated with tumor growth.
US08541434B2	Ethynyl-substituted pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives and their use in treating viral infections The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): and tautomers, isomers, and esters of said compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and pro-drugs of said compounds, wherein each of R, R1, X, Y, Z, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R18, R19 and n is selected independently and as defined herein. Compositions comprising such compounds are also provided. The compounds of the invention are effective as inhibitors of HCV, and are useful, alone and together with other therapeutic agents, in treating or preventing diseases or disorders such as viral infections and virus-related disorders.
US08541429B2	Pyrazolo quinazoline derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as kinase inhibitors Pyrazolo-quinazoline derivatives of formula (Ia) or (Ib) as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; the compounds of the invention may be useful, in therapy, in the treatment of diseases associated with a disregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer.
US08541423B2	Methods and compositions for treating pain The present application relates to compounds and methods for treating pain, incontinence and other conditions.
US08541419B2	Isotopically enriched pyrimidin-5-yl acetic acid derivatives as CRTH2 antagonists Provided herein are 2H- and 13C-enriched compounds of formula (I) or (II); wherein R is as defined herein, and wherein at least one hydrogen atom, in certain embodiments, three or more hydrogen atoms, are deuterium atoms or at least one carbon atom is a carbon-13 atom. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods using the 2H- and 13C-enriched compounds, useful for treating CRTH2-related diseases or disorders such as, for example, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjuvatitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, sinusitis, basophilic leukemia, chronic urticaria or basophilic leukocytosis.
US08541418B2	Inhibitors of polo-like kinase The present invention provides compounds having a structure according to Formula (I): or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein ring A, E1, E2, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined herein. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds of the invention and methods of making and using the compounds and compositions of the invention, e.g., in the treatment and prevention of various disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
US08541405B2	Methods for the preparation of Ivabradine sulfate and form I crystal thereof Methods for the preparation of Ivabradine sulfate and form I crystal thereof. In particular, the Ivabradine sulfate and the preparation methods thereof, and the stable form I crystal of Ivabradine sulfate and the preparation methods thereof.
US08541403B2	Dihydropyridophthalazinone inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) for use in treatment of diseases associated with a PTEN deficiency A compound having the structure set forth in Formula (I) and Formula (II): wherein the substituents Y, Z, A, B, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein. Provided herein are inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase activity. Also described herein are pharmaceutical compositions that include at least one compound described herein and the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein to treat diseases, disorders and conditions associated with a PTEN deficiency that are ameliorated by the inhibition of PARP activity.
US08541400B2	Compositions forming non-lamellar dispersions The present invention relates to compositions containing a) at least one monoacyl lipid; b) at least one diacyl glycerol and/or tochopherol; and c) at least one fragmentation agent; and optionally an active agent. The compositions are capable of self-dispersing to provide colloidal non-lamellar particles upon contact with an aqueous fluid. The invention additionally provides a method for forming non-lamellar particles from such compositions, and pharmaceutical formulations containing the compositions, plus non-lamellar particles formable from the compositions.
US08541397B2	Alkyne and alkene derivatives as sphingosine 1-phosphate-1 receptor modulators The present invention relates to novel alkyne and alkene derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08541391B2	Crystalline phases of 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-β-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole The invention relates to novel crystalline forms of 5,6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-(β-L-ribofuranosyl)-1H-benzimidazole (Maribavir), pharmaceutical compositions thereof and their use in medical therapy.
US08541390B2	Treatment of cancer by inhibition of IGFBPs and clusterin Agents that reduce the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that are known to be useful in the treatment of cancer result in increased expression of the protein clusterin. Since clusterin can provide protection against apoptosis, this secondary effect detracts from the efficacy of the therapeutic agent. In overcoming this, the present invention provides a combination of therapeutic agents that is useful in the treatment of cancer. The combination includes an agent that reduces the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that stimulates expression of clusterin as a secondary effect, and an oligonucleotide that is effective to reduce the amount of clusterin in cancer cells. In some embodiments of the invention, the agent that reduces IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 is a bispecific antisense species. The oligonucleotide may be an antisense oligonucleotide or an RNAi oligonucleotide.
US08541382B2	Cardiac glycoside analogs in combination with emodin for cancer therapy A method and medicine for treating leukemia or other cancer includes administering to a patient diagnosed with leukemia or other cancer a treatment regimen that includes periodic doses of a combination of emodin and digoxin.
US08541379B2	Kokumi-imparting agent A substance capable of imparting a kokumi having CaSR agonist activity is described. This substance is able to impart kokumi in a superior manner, in particular, at the initial taste, and is also highly stable and can easily be produced at a low cost. The present invention thus provides a kokumi-imparting composition which includes such a substance as well as a complex kokumi-imparting composition which includes the substance and other substances possessing the CaSR agonist activities in combination. More particularly, the present invention herein provides a kokumi-imparting composition including γ-Glu-Nva (L-γ-glutamyl-L-norvaline), and a complex kokumi-imparting composition including the foregoing substance and another substance having a CaSR agonist activity, in combination.
US08541375B2	Glycopeptide phosphonate derivatives Disclosed are glycopeptides that are substituted with one or more substituents each comprising one or more phosphono groups; and pharmaceutical compositions containing such glycopeptide derivatives. The disclosed glycopeptide derivatives are useful as antibacterial agents.
US08541374B2	Use of a composition comprising a non-fermented rice peptidic hydrolyzate for stimulating hair growth The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising at least one non-fermented rice peptidic hydrolyzate as an active agent for slowing down and limiting hair loss and/or stimulating hair growth. Said composition is also intended to protect the follicular adult stem cells as well as their specific microenvironment. In addition, the composition according to the invention combats the aging and particularly the photoaging of hair. Lastly, the present invention relates to several non-therapeutic treatment methods utilizing said composition.
US08541373B2	BChE albumin fusions for the treatment of cocaine abuse A method of attenuating a biological effect of cocaine exposure in a primate. Such method includes administering to the primate an amount of a BChE-albumin fusion protein comprising the amino acid substitutions A227S, S315G, A356W, and Y360G, wherein the amount of the fusion protein is effective to cause attenuation of the biological effect of cocaine exposure in the primate.
US08541372B2	Isolated extracellular matrix material including subserous fascia Described are purified extracellular matrix materials isolated from the abdominal wall of animals and including the subserous fascia layer of the abdominal wall. Such medical materials can find use in treating damaged tissue and in certain aspects in providing tissue support for the repair of hernias. Related methods of manufacture and use are also described.
US08541364B2	Use of a octreotide as a therapeutic agent The present invention is directed to the use of the peptide compound D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-L-threoninol as a therapeutic agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, lung diseases, heart and vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Moreover the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions preferably in form of a lyophilisate or liquid buffer solution or artificial mother milk formulation or mother milk substitute containing the peptide D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-L-threoninol optionally together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, cryoprotectant, lyoprotectant, excipient and/or diluent.
US08541362B2	Cyclopropyl compounds and compositions for delivering active agents Compounds and compositions for the delivery of active agents are provided. Methods of administration and preparation are provided as well.
US08541361B2	Composition The present invention relates to compositions comprising a peptide with 2-12 amino acids substituted with a lipophilic moiety and a water soluble salt of an alkali, earth alkaline metal or transition metal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a container comprising such compositions. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of a water soluble salt of an alkali, earth alkaline metal or transition metal for reducing the adhesion of a peptide with 2-12 amino acids substituted with a lipophilic moiety to a surface.
US08541359B2	Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for peptide treatment Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating a patient with a pharmaceutically active agent other than insulin selected from the group consisting of peptides, peptidomimetics, and proteins, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in the form of an emulsified nasal spray comprising: a macrocyclic permeation enhancer, a liquid carrier comprising water, and a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically active agent other than insulin selected from the group consisting of peptides, peptidomimetics, and proteins; wherein the macrocyclic permeation enhancer is a Hsieh enhancer emulsified in the liquid carrier.
US08541358B2	Fragrant gel polymer with water The fragrant gel polymer system is a process where a fragrance formulation is divided and blended with a polymer and a cross-linking agent. The polymer is then liquefied and made homogenous with a solvent, including esters. The solvent modifies viscosity and later eases the mixing of the polymer with the cross-linking agent. The cross linking agent is then liquefied and blended with water and aliphatic alcohol reducing steric hindrance. Mixing of the fragrance carrying polymer and the cross linking agent results in a gel that sets in less time and with less syneresis than existing processes. The resulting gel achieves a near transparent form and receives dyes while attaining various molded shapes.
US08541352B2	Surface treatment compositions including poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and sheilding salts Surface treatment compositions comprising certain cationic polymer(s), anionic surfactant, one or more shielding salts and hydrophobic association disruptor. The surface treatment compositions comprise at least about 6% by weight of cationic polymer, at least about 6% by weight anionic surfactant, and at least about 4% by weight of the shielding salt. The weight ratio of anionic surfactant to cationic polymer is between about 0.5:1 and about 4:1. The composition may also have a weight ratio of shielding salt to cationic polymer of between about 0.3:1 and about 3:1.
US08541351B2	Estolide compositions exhibiting high oxidative stability Provided herein are estolide compositions having high oxidative stability, said compositions comprising at least one compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided herein are uses for the compositions and methods of preparing the same.
US08541347B2	Hydrocarbon-acid emulsion compositions and associated methods Methods that include a method comprising providing a hydrocarbon-acid emulsion composition that comprises an acid phase, a hydrocarbon blend phase, and an emulsifying agent; and placing the hydrocarbon-acid emulsion composition in a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon blend phase comprises at least about 65% hydrocarbons having from six carbons (C6) through eleven carbons (C11). In other embodiments, the hydrocarbon blend phase has a flash point greater than about 100° F. Additional methods are also provided.
US08541342B2	Fungicidal substance combinations The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising the known fungicidally active compounds N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]-5-fluoro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide, metalaxyl and strobilurin (3), which are highly suitable for controlling unwanted phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for the curative or preventive treatment of phytopathogenic fungi on plants or useful plants, in particular to the treatment of seed, for example seed of cereals, and not least to the treated seed itself.
US08541341B2	Thermal transfer sheet There is provided a thermal transfer sheet including a thermal transfer dye layer formed on one surface of a base sheet and containing a dye and a heat resistant smooth layer formed on the other surface of the base sheet and containing a binder, a lubricant containing phosphoric acid ester having a melting point of 50° C. or more, and a filler. The phosphoric acid ester is contained in the heat resistant smooth layer at a ratio of 5 mass % or more and 25 mass % or less and contains straight chain phosphoric acid monoalkyl ester at a ratio of 16 mass % or more and 75 mass % or less of a total amount thereof.
US08541338B2	Highly porous activated carbon with controlled oxygen content Nanoporous activated carbon material having a high specific capacitance in EDLCs and controlled oxygen content, and methods for making such activated carbon material. Reduction of oxygen content is achieved by (a) curing a carbon precursor/additive mixture in an inert or reducing environment, and/or (b) refining (heating) activated carbon material after synthesis in an inert or reducing environment. The inert or reducing environment used for curing or refining is preferably substantially free of oxygen.
US08541334B2	Catalyst carrier, catalyst and process for producing the same The present invention provides a catalyst carrier having excellent durability and capable of attaining high catalytic ability without increasing the specific surface area thereof, and a catalyst obtainable by using the catalyst carrier. The catalyst carrier of the present invention comprises a metal oxycarbonitride, preferably the metal contained in the metal oxycarbonitride comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of niobium, tin, indium, platinum, tantalum, zirconium, copper, iron, tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, hafnium, titanium, vanadium, cobalt, manganese, cerium, mercury, plutonium, gold, silver, iridium, palladium, yttrium, ruthenium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, and nickel. Moreover, the catalyst of the present invention comprises the catalyst carrier and a catalyst metal supported on the catalyst carrier.
US08541331B2	Iron-containing aluminosilicate zeolites and methods of making and using same There is disclosed iron-containing aluminosilicate zeolites having both framework iron and iron cations on the ion-exchange sites. There is also disclosed a direct synthesis method of making an iron-containing aluminosilicate zeolite, which does not require the use of an intermediate step, such as ion-exchange or impregnation. In addition, there is disclosed a method of using the iron-containing aluminosilicate zeolite disclosed herein in a selective catalytic reduction reaction, typically in the presence of ammonia, to reduce or remove nitric oxides from exhaust emissions.
US08541315B2	High throughput epitaxial lift off for flexible electronics A method of removing a semiconductor device layer from an underlying base substrate is provided in which a sacrificial phosphide-containing layer is formed between a semiconductor device layer and a base substrate. In some embodiments, a semiconductor buffer layer can be formed on an upper surface of the base substrate prior to forming the sacrificial phosphide-buffer layer. The resultant structure is then etched utilizing a non-HF etchant to release the semiconductor device layer from the base semiconductor substrate. After releasing the semiconductor device layer from the base substrate, the base substrate can be re-used.
US08541314B2	Method for smoothing group III nitride semiconductor substrate The invention discloses a smoothing method to decrease bowing of group III nitride semiconductor substrate. The certain face of group III nitride semiconductor substrates is etched under the appropriate etching recipe and time, the certain morphology such as rod-type and other structures are appeared at the certain face. And such structures releases the compressive stresses at these certain faces, resulting in clearly increasing the bowing radius of the group III nitride semiconductor substrates, finally decreasing the bowing phenomenon of the group III nitride semiconductor substrate.
US08541310B2	CMP compositions containing a soluble peroxometalate complex and methods of use thereof The present invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition for polishing a ruthenium-containing substrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide without forming a toxic level of ruthenium tetroxide during the polishing process. The composition comprises (a) a catalytic oxidant comprising a water-soluble peroxometalate complex, an oxidizable precursor of a peroxometalate complex, or a combination thereof, (b) a particulate abrasive; and (c) an aqueous carrier. The peroxometalate complex and the precursor thereof each have a reduced form that is oxidizable by hydrogen peroxide to regenerate the peroxometalate complex during chemical-mechanical polishing. CMP methods for polishing ruthenium-containing surfaces with the CMP composition are also provided.
US08541303B2	Method for fabricating MOS transistor A method for fabricating metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate having a silicide thereon; performing a first rapid thermal process to drive-in platinum from a surface of the silicide into the silicide; and removing un-reacted platinum in the first rapid thermal process.
US08541300B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device thus manufactured, and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus A plurality of projections, respectively given later as cores of a plurality of external connection terminals, are formed first by selectively forming a curable resin layer over a protective insulating film; flat portions are then formed respectively on the top surfaces of the plurality of projections, by pressing a molding jig having a flat opposing surface onto the top surfaces of the plurality of projections, before the projections are cured; the plurality of projections are cured; and the plurality of external connection terminals, and the plurality of interconnects are formed, by selectively forming an electro-conductive film over the plurality of projections, the protective insulating film, and the plurality of electrode pads.
US08541284B2	Method of manufacturing string floating gates with air gaps in between A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of strings spaced a first distance from each other, each string including first preliminary gate structures spaced a second distance, smaller than the first distance, between second preliminary gate structures, forming a first insulation layer to cover the first and second preliminary gate structures, forming an insulation layer structure to fill a space between the strings, forming a sacrificial layer pattern to partially fill spaces between first and second preliminary gate structures, removing a portion of the first insulation layer not covered by the sacrificial layer pattern to form a first insulation layer pattern, reacting portions of the first and second preliminary gate structures not covered by the first insulation layer pattern with a conductive layer to form gate structures, and forming a capping layer on the gate structures to form air gaps between the gate structures.
US08541263B1	Thermoset molding for on-package decoupling in flip chips In an exemplary embodiment, a method takes as an input a package substrate on which multiple capacitors have been mounted in a ring as part of a design to effectuate on-package decoupling. The method involves plasma cleaning the package substrate and the capacitors to remove organic contaminants. The method then involves applying a thermoset plastic to encase the capacitors on the package substrate. In one embodiment, a heated metal mold is utilized and the thermoset plastic is placed therein. The method includes opening the metal mold and curing the molded thermoset plastic by baking the molded thermoset plastic at an elevated temperature.
US08541261B2	Method for manufacturing a package-on-package type semiconductor device Bump electrodes (conductive members) bonded onto lands disposed at a peripheral portion side than terminals (bonding leads) electrically coupled to pads (electrode pads) of a microcomputer chip (semiconductor chip) are sealed with sealing resin (a sealing body). Thereafter, the sealing resin is ground (removed) partially such that a part of each of the bump electrodes is exposed. The step of protruding the part of each of the bump electrodes from a front surface of the sealing resin is performed, after the grinding step.
US08541254B2	Solar cell module and method for manufacturing the same A solar cell module and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module includes forming a front protective member including a hardened first silicone resin on a first surface of a front substrate; disposing a plurality of solar cells on the front protective member; forming a back protective member including a hardened second silicone resin and a fiber material on the plurality of solar cells; and disposing a back substrate on the fiber material.
US08541250B2	Method and system for continuously manufacturing liquid crystal display device A method for continuously manufacturing a liquid crystal display device by bonding a polarizing film to a liquid crystal panel with a pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed therebetween, includes a polarizing film supply step including drawing an optical film laminate from the continuous roll placed in a dry environment, cutting at least a polarizing film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive, while leaving a carrier film uncut and feeding the sheet piece and the pressure-sensitive adhesive piece; a liquid crystal panel supply step including feeding the liquid crystal panel in a first humid environment having a relative humidity higher than that of the dry environment; and a bonding step including bonding the sheet piece to the liquid crystal panel with the pressure-sensitive adhesive piece interposed therebetween in a second humid environment having a relative humidity higher than that of the dry environment.
US08541240B2	Colorimetric and fluorimetric fluoride sensing The present invention generally relates to fluoride receptor reagent compounds that are derived from one or more N-aryl or heteroaryl substituted 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide (NDI) units. The invention also relates to associated methods for the detection of fluoride in a composition. π-electron orbitals present in the NDI unit of the reagents form a complex with fluoride anions. It is believed that the anion-π interaction results in a charge transfer process between the fluoride anion and the NDI unit, resulting in a number of measurable effects (e.g., colorimetric response).
US08541239B2	Assay method for detecting primary amines The invention provides an assay method for the detection of a primary amine analyze in an aqueous body fluid, which method comprises contacting a sample of said body fluid at a pH below 9.5 with a thiol and an unsaturated cis-dialdehyde and testing for the presence of a pyrrole reaction product.
US08541234B2	Methods of generating tendon tissue in vitro from connective tissue progenitor cells Methods of generating and expanding proliferative, multipotent connective tissue progenitor cells from adult stem cells are provided. Also provided are methods of generating functional tendon grafts in vitro and bone, cartilage and connective tissues in vivo using the isolated cell preparation of connective tissue progenitor cells.
US08541232B2	Composition comprising a progenitor/precursor cell population A population of cultured cells is provided that comprises at least 10% of a sub-population of cells that: stain as CD31 Bright, demonstrate uptake of Ac-LDL+, and secrete both IL-8 and angiogenin.
US08541227B2	Cell counting The inventions relates to compositions and method for determining the absolute counts of cells per unit volume of a sample. Such a method comprises: (a) providing a container containing (i) a predetermined quantity of microparticles; and (ii) a cell-binding agent; in which the microparticles are disposed in or on a matrix which adheres to at least one wall of the container such that substantially all the microparticles are thereby attached to the container; (b) adding a known volume of sample to the container; (c) determining the ratio of microparticles to cells by counting microparticles and cells in a volume of the sample; and (d) determining the absolute count of cells by multiplying the number of cells per microparticle by the concentration of microparticles in the sample. Preferably, the matrix retains substantially all the microparticles in or on the container during routine handling, including inversion, of the container, in the absence of mechanical retaining means such as a retainer grid in the container.
US08541222B2	Modified microorganisms with inactivated lactate dehydrogenase gene Modified microorganisms are prepared by inactivation of the endogenous lactate dehydrogenase gene. The microorganisms are deposited under NCIMB Accession Nos. 41277, 41278, 41279, 41280 or 41281.
US08541214B2	Method of conversion of syngas using microorganism on hydrophilic membrane A stable system for producing liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components contacts CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a hydrophilic membrane under anaerobic conditions and transfers these components into contact with microorganisms contained as a biofilm on the membrane. Maintaining the microorganisms as a biolayer on the surface of the membrane facilitates cleaning of the membrane surface that retains the biofilm. In addition the shell gas space that surrounds the membranes may be flooded to reduce or remove the biofilm. Agitation of the liquid, by for example the bubbling of gas in the surrounding shell space, can fully or partially remove the biofilm from the membrane.
US08541176B2	Droplet-based surface modification and washing The present invention relates to droplet-based surface modification and washing. According to one embodiment, a method of modifying a surface on a droplet microactuator is provided, wherein the method includes executing one or more droplet operations to bring a droplet comprising a surface-modifying agent into contact with the surface. According to another embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes a sample or reagent immobilized on a surface thereof and arranged such that a droplet on the droplet microactuator may contact the surface. According to yet another embodiment, a method of removing a substance from a surface to which the substance is bound is provided, the method including conducting one or more droplet operations to contact a droplet with the surface, the droplet comprising a solution for eluting the substance from the surface
US08541175B2	Detection of molecular interactions using a reduced affinity enzyme complementation reporter system Methods and compositions for detecting molecular interactions are provided. Aspects of the invention include the use of a reduced affinity enzyme complementation reporter system. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing embodiments of the methods.
US08541167B2	Methods and compositions for vaccination The invention provides kits, methods and compositions of matter which improve the safety of vaccination. By combining the administration of antiviral drugs, particularly ester derivatives of cidofovir, with the administration of viral vaccines, particularly the variola vaccine DryVax, side effects of the vaccine are diminished without significantly affecting the effectiveness of the vaccine.
US08541159B2	Positive resist composition for immersion exposure and pattern forming method A positive resist composition for immersion exposure includes the following (A) to (D): (A) a resin capable of decomposing by an action of an acid to increase a solubility of the resin in an alkali developer; (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation; (C) a resin having at least either one of a fluorine atom and a silicon atom; and (D) a mixed solvent containing at least one kind of a solvent selected from the group consisting of solvents represented by any one of the following formulae (S1) to (S3) as defined in the specification, in which a total amount of the at least one kind of the solvent is from 3 to 20 mass % based on all solvents of the mixed solvent (D).
US08541157B2	Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, compound and acid generator including the same A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under the action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein the acid-generator component (B) includes an acid generator (B1) composed of a compound having a base dissociable group within a cation moiety.
US08541156B2	Method for erasing image According to one embodiment, a method for erasing an image includes erasing an image formed using a toner containing at least a binder resin, an electron donating color developable agent, and an electron accepting color developing agent by heating for 10 seconds or less. A color difference ΔE between a region where the image is erased and a paper is 5 or less.
US08541150B2	Manufacturing method of polymer film with photonic crystal structure A manufacturing method of a polymer film with the photonic crystal structure includes a mixing step for at least mixing an achiral liquid crystal (LC), a chiral dopant, a monomer and a photo initiator together to form an LC-monomer mixture, at least one exposure step for exposing the LC-monomer mixture through a mask, at least one diffusion step for diffusing the monomer from the area around one of the exposure areas to the exposure area, and a LC removing step for removing the achiral LC to form the polymer film. By implementing the diffusion step after the exposure step, the polymerization rate of the monomers is enhanced so as to increase the proportion of the polymer in the polymer film and raise the imprint rate of chirality. Therefore, the polymer film can reveal stronger photonic crystal structure and property of Bragg reflection when it is not filled with any fluid.
US08541148B2	Method for making a laminated chip and method for aligning a lithographic mask A method for making a laminated chip includes: (a) forming a first conductive layer on a substrate; (b) forming an insulating layer on the first conductive layer opposite to the substrate; (c) bombarding the insulating layer using an electron beam to form a plurality of holes that expose the first conductive layer; and (d) forming a second conductive layer on the insulating layer such that a part of the second conductive layer extends into the holes to electrically connect to the first conductive layer.
US08541146B2	Photocatalytic methods for preparation of electrocatalyst materials The invention relates to methods of preparing metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).
US08541144B2	Fuel cell system manifold seal A manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack. The manifold seal includes a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages the sealing area. The manifold seal also includes a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof. The base portion is moveably secured to a face of the end plate so that the edge is positioned on the sealing area. The lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with a slot formed in the mating surface to seal a gap between the mating surface and the sealing area caused by movement of the fuel cell stack.
US08541143B2	Fuel cell system and process for operating same A process for operating a fuel cell system (1), especially in a motor vehicle. The fuel cell system (1) includes at least one fuel cell (3) as well as at least one reformer (2). To improve the possibility of warm start, a warm-holding mode, in which heat transfer takes place from the fuel cell (3) to the reformer (2), is activated after switching off the fuel cell system (1).
US08541136B2	Mixed metal olivine electrode materials for lithium ion batteries A positive electrode material is provided including an electroactive material having one or more phases comprising lithium (Li), an electroactive metal (M), and phosphate (PO4), wherein in the fully lithiated state, the overall composition has a ratio of Li:M ranging from greater than about 1.0 to about 1.3, a ratio of (PO4):M ranging from about 1.0 to about 1.132, M is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and at least one phase includes an olivine lithium electroactive metal phosphate. In some instances, a composite cathode material including an electroactive olivine transition metal phosphate and a lithium and phosphate rich secondary phase is disclosed for use in a lithium ion battery.
US08541131B2	Elongate battery for implantable medical device A battery assembly for a medical device includes an elongate cathode, an elongate anode, an electrolyte, and an elongate housing assembly encapsulating the cathode, the anode, and the electrolyte. The battery assembly also includes a first electrode that is exposed from and electrically insulated from the housing assembly. One of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the first electrode, and the other of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the housing assembly. One of the cathode and the anode includes a first portion and a second portion disposed in spaced relationship from the first portion. The other of the cathode and the anode is disposed between the first and second portions.
US08541130B2	Interconnectors for a battery assembly A battery module includes multiple electrochemical cells, a circuit board, and multiple interconnectors. Each electrochemical cell includes a terminal. Each of the interconnectors is coupled to the circuit board and to a terminal of one of the electrochemical cells. Each of the interconnectors is a resilient spring-type interconnector.
US08541123B2	Secondary battery, battery assembly, and vehicle equipped with the secondary battery A secondary battery comprises a flat wound electrode body, a flat-type hard case housing the wound electrode body, and a film sandwiched between them. The film is formed with thick portions each of which is located at a boundary region between a flat portion and a curved portion of the surface of the wound electrode body. When a plurality of the secondary batteries are bound, therefore, load is applied widely on almost the entire wound electrode body, thereby enabling exertion of sufficient generation capability. Thus, a secondary battery with improved battery performance is provided in which load is sufficiently applied on an electrode body. The secondary battery can also be used as a battery assembly, a battery to be mounted on a vehicle, and a battery to be mounted on a battery mounting device.
US08541121B2	Quenching system A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.
US08541115B2	Oxide coating foundation for promoting TBC adherence A coating system for a turbine engine component has a substrate, a masking layer on a surface of the substrate, which masking layer comprises a homogeneous layer of a single metal, a non-thermally grown oxide layer deposited on the masking layer, and a thermal barrier coating deposited on the oxide layer.
US08541111B2	Organic electroluminescent device and display apparatus A red light-emitting organic electroluminescent device is provided and includes an anode; a cathode; and an organic layer which includes a light-emitting layer and is interposed between the anode and cathode. The light-emitting layer includes a red light-emitting guest material and a host material composed of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound whose mother skeleton has a ring member number of from four to seven. The organic electroluminescent device also includes an electron transport layer containing a benzimidazole derivative provided adjacent to the light-emitting layer.
US08541107B2	Pigmented polyimide films and methods relating thereto The present disclosure is directed to a base film having a thickness from 8 to 152 microns, a 60 degree gloss value from 2 to 35, an optical density greater than or equal to 2 and a dielectric strength greater than 1400 V/mil. The base film comprises a chemically converted (partially or wholly aromatic) polyimide in an amount from 63 to 96 weight percent of the base film. The base film further comprises a pigment and a matting agent. The matting agent is present in an amount from 1.6 to 10 weight percent of the base film, has a median particle size from 1.3 to 10 microns, and has a density from 2 to 4.5 g/cc. The pigment is present in an amount from 2 to 35 weight percent of the base film. The present disclosure is also directed to coverlay films comprising the base film in combination with an adhesive layer.
US08541099B2	Heat-resistant resin The present invention provides a low-modulus low-stress resin which has such heat resistance that cohesive force and reliability can be retained even at high temperatures and which is applicable as various functional materials. The resin is a thermoplastic resin having a modulus of elasticity at room temperature, 25° C., of 1 GPa or lower and a modulus of elasticity at 250° C. of 1 MPa or higher, or a precursor resin thereof.
US08541096B2	Printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same There is provided a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be configured to include: a core layer in which a bending prevention portion of at least two layers is interposed between a plurality of insulating members and includes metal layers having different thermal expansion coefficients is disposed; a circuit pattern that is formed so as to have a desired pattern on at least one of the inside of the core layer and an outer face of the core layer; and an insulating layer that is formed on the core layer and includes an opening portion that exposes the circuit pattern, and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board. According to the above-described printed circuit board and the method of manufacturing the printed circuit board, by disposing a bending prevention portion inside the printed circuit board, a printed circuit board capable of improving the progress rate and the productivity and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board can be provided.
US08541090B2	Method for making a composite material, composite material and end product A method is presented for making a composite material from strips comprising longitudinal fibers and a binder or resin, which material comprises a number of layer assemblies one on top of the other. Each layer assembly comprises m sets (with m at least 2) of parallel strips each extending in a different direction, Each layer assembly is manufactured by successive steps of depositing groups of parallel strips according to a well defined pattern (without longitudinally interweaving strips with previously deposited strips). Before completing a layer assembly, with the exception of the last layer assembly, by depositing its last group of parallel strips, the first group of parallel strips of the following layer assembly is already deposited. A composite material manufactured with such a method is presented too.
US08541089B2	Fixing belt, base element for fixing belt, fixing device, image forming apparatus and method for producing base element A base element for a fixing belt are provided. The base element includes a sheet which is made of a heat resistant resin and has opposite end portions joined in an endless state. A conductive film layer of a thickness of 3 to 15 μm is provided over two third or more area of an inner surface of the endless belt.
US08541088B1	Optical recording media and method of forming a printable layer thereon The present invention is related to an optical recording media having a printable layer with high specular gloss. The optical recording media comprises a first ink-absorbing layer formed on an outermost layer at an opposite side of a recording/reading surface of the optical recording media; and a second ink-absorbing layer formed on an inner side of the first ink-absorbing layer. A surface of said first ink-absorbing layer is printed with inks of colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, black to have an average specular gloss value at 20 degree angle greater than or equal to 30GU, an average specular gloss value at 60 degree angle of the four colored inks greater than or equal to 70GU, and an average specular value at 85 degree angle of the four colored inks greater than or equal to 88GU.
US08541087B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive, sheet for manufacturing an optical recording medium and optical recording medium A sheet (1) for manufacturing an optical disc which includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (11), having a peak temperature of a loss tangent not higher than −10° C. and a polar component (γPs) of the surface energy not smaller than 2.0 mJ/m2, and a protective sheet (12), is laminated on a data recording layer (3) (a laminate formed of a reflecting layer (31), a dielectric layer (32), a phase change layer (33) and a dielectric layer (32′)) that is formed on an optical disc substrate (2). The sheet for manufacturing an optical disk (1) allows obtaining an optical recording medium that is provided with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (11) that has high adhesion to the data recording layer (3) and does not peel readily off adjacent layers.
US08541070B2	Media for inkjet web press printing A media suitable for inkjet web press printing is disclosed herein. The media includes a paper substrate and an ink receptive layer coated onto at least one surface of the paper substrate. The ink receptive layer includes: inorganic pigments; at least one water-based binder; a water-soluble metallic salt; a colorant durability enhancer selected from the group consisting of boric acid, borax, sodium tetraborate, phenyl boronic acid, butyl boronic acid and combinations thereof; and a coefficient of friction (COF) reducer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, polypropylene wax, polytetrafluoroethylene wax, and combinations thereof.
US08541069B2	Method of guided non-line of sight coating A method for applying a vapor deposition coating onto a substrate with a non line of sight or limited line of sight is disclosed. A vapor stream is provided in a chamber that is below atmospheric pressure. The vapor stream is impinged with a working gas that provides a flow that transports the vapor stream. The flow of the working gas is modified with a physical object that directs the flow to achieve a desired coating on the substrate.
US08541067B2	Method of laser treating ti-6AI-4V to form surface compounds The method of laser treating Ti-6Al-4V to form surface compounds is a method of forming barrier layers on surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V workpieces. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece is first cleaned and then a water-soluble phenolic resin is applied to at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece and the layer(s) of water soluble phenolic resin are then heated to carbonize the phenolic resin, thus forming a carbon film on the at least one surface. TiC particles are then inserted into the carbon film. Following the insertion of the TiC particles, a laser beam is scanned over the at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. A stream of nitrogen gas is sprayed on the surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece coaxially and simultaneously with the laser beam at a relatively high pressure, thus forming a barrier layer of TiCxN1-x, TiNx, Ti—C, and Ti2N compounds in the surface region.
US08541066B2	Light-induced directed self-assembly of periodic sub-wavelength nanostructures In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a system for the light-induced directed self-assembly (LIDSA) of periodic sub-wavelength nanostructures, including: a light source for delivering a beam of photons; a reaction chamber disposed adjacent to the light source; a gas including one or more precursor materials disposed within the reaction chamber; and a substrate disposed within the reaction chamber, wherein the substrate is positioned and configured to receive the beam of photons; wherein the beam of photons causes a periodic sub-wavelength nanostructure of one or more constituents of the one or more precursor materials to form on a surface of the substrate. In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention also provides an associated method.
US08541051B2	On-the fly coating of acid-releasing degradable material onto a particulate The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations, and more specifically, to improved methods and compositions for degrading filter cake deposited on a subterranean formation. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of creating particulates coated with acid-releasing degradable material on-the-fly comprising the step of: combining an acid-releasing degradable material with a solvent or a plasticizer to create a coating solution; and, coating the coating solution onto a particulate on-the-fly to create coated particulates. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a gravel pack comprising gravel particles coated on-the-fly with an acid-releasing degradable material.
US08541050B2	Method for manufacturing optical waveguide An object is to manufacture an optical waveguide having low optical loss, by smoothing the surface of a core. To this end, a method for manufacturing an optical waveguide includes: a core-forming layer formation step of forming a core-forming layer of a photosensitive polymer on a surface of a lower cladding layer formed on a substrate; a smoothing step of smoothing the surface by lowering a surface viscosity thereof through a heat treatment of the core-forming layer; and a photocuring step of forming a core through selective exposure of the smoothed core-forming layer.
US08541041B2	Use of alternan as a thickening agent and thickening agent compositions containing alternan and another thickening agent The invention relates to the use of alteman as a thickening agent, in particular for foodstuffs, a thickening agent composition comprising alternan and at least one thickening agent, a foodstuff comprising the thickening agent composition, and a method of increasing the viscosity of foodstuffs.
US08541036B2	Synergetic effect of the phytase combination on the hydrolysis of phytic acid The invention concerns compositions and methods combining at least two phytases for hydrolyzing phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakis phosphate) into inorganic monophosphates, into myo-inositols with lower degree of phosphorylation and into free myo-inositol. Said compositions and methods are of particular interest for animal feeding.
US08541034B2	Electrical producing creams New electrical producing creams are provided. In one embodiment, the electrical producing creams comprise menthol and camphor, preferably provided as part of a base gel, supplemented with potassium and a source of oxygen. The most preferred base gel is sold under the name SOMBRA. In another embodiment, the electrical producing creams comprise potassium and a source of oxygen supplemented with optional active and inactive ingredients. The most preferred source of oxygen is a chlorite (e.g., sodium chlorite) and/or spirulina. The electrical producing creams provide high metabolic activities and sustain those activities over prolonged periods of time, thus being useful for treating a large variety of ailments, including diabetic neuropathy, post hepatic neuralgia, scleroderma, psoriasis, strain, spasticity, headaches, neuropathy secondary to drugs, peripheral neuropathy, leg pain, muscle cramps, muscle aches and pains, bruise, sinusitis, sprain, arthritis, joint pain (arthralgia), and edema.
US08541023B2	Immunogenic compositions containing phospholipid Immunogenic compositions containing phospholipid adjuvants, including microparticle and emulsion compositions. According to one aspect of the invention, an immunogenic microparticle composition is provided comprising: water; a polymer microparticle; an antigen adsorbed to the microparticle; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound comprising: (i) one or more phosphoryl groups independently selected from a phosphato group and a phosphodiester group; (ii) a plurality of linear alkane groups. According to another aspect of the invention an immunogenic emulsion composition is provided that comprises: water; a metabolizable oil; an emulsifying agent; an antigen; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound like that above. The emulsion composition is an oil-in-water emulsion having oil and aqueous phases, in which the oil phase is in the form of oil droplets, substantially all of which are less than 1 micron in diameter.
US08541021B2	Hydrogel compositions demonstrating phase separation on contact with aqueous media A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer or a water-soluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding to the hydrophilic polymer. The composition also includes a second water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer that provides for a phase separating film forming composition. Active ingredients, such as a whitening agent, may be included. The composition finds utility as an oral dressing, for example, a tooth whitening composition that is applied to the teeth in need of whitening, and removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.
US08541020B2	Polymeric hydrogel The invention aims at providing a polymeric hydrogel which is highly resistant to water washing.The aim is attained by a polymeric hydrogel comprising a polymeric matrix formed by copolymerizing a nonionic polymerizable monomer with a crosslinking monomer, characterized in that the polymeric matrix contains a wetting agent and water, at least 50 wt % of the wetting agent is constituted of a polymer prepared by polymerizing a polyhydric alcohol monomer component containing a trihydric or more alcohol monomer, and the polymer is a water-soluble one which has an average molecular weight of 150 to 4000 and satisfies the relationship: {(number of ether groups in the polymer+number of hydroxyl groups in the polymer)/number of carbon atoms present in the polymer}≧1/3.
US08541011B2	Silicone organic elastomer gels from organopolysiloxane resins Gel compositions are disclosed comprising a silicone elastomer from the reaction of an SiH containing organopolysiloxane resin and an organic compound having at least two aliphatic unsaturated groups in its molecule.
US08541007B2	Vaccines against chlamydial infection The present invention relates to compositions comprising proteins or polynucleotides of Chlamydia sp., in particular combinations of proteins or polynucleotides encoding them, and methods for the use of the proteins or polynucleotides in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.
US08541005B2	Cysteine-tagged streptococcal protein G variant The present invention relates to an N-terminal cysteine-tagged Streptococcal protein G variant. Since the variant binds in a directional manner to a surface of a biochip or a biosensor, the variant provides a biochip and a biosensor having an improved antibody-immobilizing capability, compared with an untagged protein G variant.
US08540995B2	Monoclonal antibodies specific to the fusion peptide from hemagglutinin from influenza A viruses and uses thereof This invention relates to methods and products for the diagnosis, surveillance, prevention, and treatment of influenza A virus infections in animals and humans. More particularly, the invention relates to antibodies and related binding proteins for the detection, prevention and treatment of influenza A viruses. The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins of the invention are useful for the treatment of the highly pathogenic H5 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV).
US08540990B2	Methods for treating osteoarthritis pain by administering a nerve growth factor antagonist and compositions containing the same The invention concerns anti-NGF antibodies (such as anti-NGF antagonist antibodies), and polynucleotides encoding the same. The invention further concerns use of such antibodies and/or polynucleotides in the treatment and/or prevention of pain, including post-surgical pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, and osteoarthritis pain.
US08540984B2	Phytases with improved thermal stability The invention provides variant phytase enzymes having increased thermal stability relative to their counterpart parent enzymes. The modifications to the enzymes include both single substitutions and various combinations of substitutions that provide improved stability and activity. The invention further provides nucleic acids encoding the variant phytase enzymes, host cells and vectors containing and expressing them, as well as feed compositions useful for providing improved nutrition, particularly with respect to the bioavailability of dietary phosphate, calcium, iron and zinc, among others.
US08540983B2	Debriding composition from bromelain and methods of production thereof The present invention relates to a debriding composition obtained from bromelain and to methods of producing same. Particularly, the present invention relates to a debriding composition obtained from bromelain comprising proteolytic enzymes having molecular weights of about 23 kDa, being essentially devoid of bromelain inhibitors, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. The debriding compositions and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising same are particularly useful in debriding eschar tissues and in wound healing.
US08540982B2	Methods for inducing a natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune response and for increasing NK cell activity This disclosure relates to methods of inducing a natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune response and increasing NK activity in a mammal for the treatment of tumors and virus infections, comprising isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a subject, exposing them in vitro to a protein conjugate comprising granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) covalently linked to a soluble peptide antigen to activate the PBMCs, and administering the activated PBMCs to the subject. The method also relates to assessing NK cell activity of activated PBMCs to determine whether the subject has had a therapeutically effective response to the protein conjugate.
US08540979B2	Methods of generating immune responses with compositions comprising an adenoviral expression vector comprising a CD40L fusion protein Provided are adenoviral vectors for generating an immune response to antigen. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal sequence upstream of a tumor antigen upstream of CD40 ligand, which is missing all or substantially all of the transmembrane domain rendering CD40L secretable. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a tumor antigen by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer expressing a tumor antigen in an individual by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Still further provided are methods of generating immunity to infection by human papilloma virus (HPV) by administering an effective amount of the invention vector which enocodes the E6 or E7 protein of HPV. The immunity generated is long term.
US08540965B2	Single wall nanotube constructs and uses therefor The present invention provides soluble single wall nanotube constructs functionalized with a plurality of a targeting moiety and a plurality of one or more payload molecules attached thereto. The targeting moiety and the payload molecules may be attached to the soluble single wall carbon nanotube via a DNA or other oligomer platform attached to the single wall carbon nanotube. These soluble single wall carbon nanotube constructs may comprise a radionuclide or contrast agent and as such are effective as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Methods provided herein are to diagnosing or locating a cancer, treating a cancer, eliciting an immune response against a cancer or delivering an anticancer drug in situ via an enzymatic nanofactory using the soluble single wall carbon nanotube constructs.
US08540964B2	Polyvalent conjugate vaccine for cancer This invention provides a polyvalent vaccine comprising at least two conjugated antigens selected from a group containing glycolipid antigen, polysaccharide antigen, mucin antigen, glycosylated mucin antigen and an appropriate adjuvant. This invention also provides a multivalent vaccine comprising at least two of the following: glycosylated MUC-1-32mer, Globo H, GM2, Ley, Tn(c), sTN(c), and TF(c). This invention provides the vaccine above, wherein the adjuvant is saponin-based adjuvant. This invention provides a method for inducing immune response in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of the vaccine above to the subject. Finally, this invention provides a method for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering an appropriate amount of the vaccine above to the subject.
US08540958B2	Cascading purification The present invention provides a method of purifying a material using a cascading dissolution and washing process. The dissolution and washing processes can contain single or multiple stages. Water and dissolving chemicals are recycled through the process towards the beginning of the process.
US08540952B2	Catalyzed substrate and exhaust system for internal combustion engine An exhaust system, and a catalyzed substrate for use in an exhaust system, is disclosed. The exhaust system comprises a lean NOx trap and the catalyzed substrate. The catalyzed substrate has a first zone, having a platinum group metal loaded on a support, and a second zone, having copper or iron loaded on a zeolite. The first zone or second zone additionally comprises a base metal oxide or a base metal loaded on an inorganic oxide. Also provided are methods for treating an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine using the exhaust system. The exhaust system is capable of storing NH3 generated in rich purging, reacting the NH3 with slip NOx, controlling H2S released from NOx trap desulfation, and oxidizing slip hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. When the catalyzed substrate is a filter substrate, it is also capable of removing soot from exhaust system.
US08540947B2	Method for reducing entrainment in a staining device During operation of a staining device (20) including a first container (22) filled with a first process medium (23) and a second container (24) filled with a second process medium (25), samples (26) to be stained are immersed in the first process medium (23). A speed representative of how fast the samples (26) are to be withdrawn from the first process medium (23) is determined according to the first process medium (23) and/or according to the samples (26). Subsequently, the samples (26) are withdrawn from the first process medium (23) at the determined speed.
US08540945B2	Water absorbing material and manufacturing method therefor Provided is a water absorbing material having a granular core portion and a coating layer portion coating the granular core portion, which does not produce color before use and with which a test result can be determined only after use. In the water absorbing material, the coating layer portion is composed of 90 wt % to 96 wt % of a substrate and 10 wt % to 4 wt % of an excretion test material, the excretion test material contains a porous adsorbent having an adsorbance of 25 wt % or greater and including micropores, and an excretion test indicator adsorbed on the micropores of the porous adsorbent, and the excretion test indicator is added in an amount in the range of 0.015 wt % to 0.10 wt % relative to the total amount of the coating layer portion.
US08540934B2	Lead free free-cutting steel and its use A lead free free-cutting steel is described having the following composition in percent by weight: C 0.85-1.2 Si 0.1-0.6 Mn 0.4-1.2 P max 0.05 S 0.04-0.3 Cr max 2 Ni max 1 Mo max 0.5 Cu max 2 Al max 0.1 B max 0.008 Bi+Se+Te max 0.005 Ti+Nb+Zr+V max 0.2 balance Fe and normally occurring impurities. The steel is mainly intended for small/thin dimensions and/or low cutting speeds during manufacture of a product formed of the steel.
US08540933B2	Stainless austenitic low Ni steel alloy An austenitic stainless steel alloy having the following composition in percent of weight (wt %): 0.02≦C≦0.06; Si<1.0; 2.0≦Mn≦6.0; 2.0≦Ni≦4.5; 17≦Cr≦19; 2.0≦Cu≦4.0; 0.15≦N≦0.25; 0≦Mo≦1.0; 0≦W≦0.3; 0≦V≦0.3; 0≦Ti≦0.5; 0≦Al≦1.0; 0≦Nb≦0.5; 0≦Co≦1.0; the balance Fe and normally occurring impurities, wherein the contents of the alloying elements are balanced so that the following conditions are fulfilled: Nieqv−1.42Creqv≦−13.42; and Nieqv+0.85Creqv≧29.00 wherein Creqv=[% Cr]+2[% Si]+1.5[% Mo]+5[% V]+5.5[% Al]+1.75[% Nb]+1.5[% Ti]+0.75[% W] Nieqv[% Ni]+[% Co]+0.5[% Mn]+0.3[% Cu]+25[% N]+30*[% C]; and −70° C.
US08540927B2	Method for retaining a vascular stent on a catheter A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter at least one time, and positioning the balloon with the stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold, or within a sheath, in two stages as the stent is restrained from radially expanding. The method may include crimping the stent onto the balloon one or two times during processing. The method increases retention of the stent on the balloon catheter following sterilization.
US08540921B2	Method of forming a reinforced foam-filled composite stringer A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite stringer. A composite material and foam are laid up onto a tool in the form of a stringer. The foam has a plurality of structural members within the foam. The plurality of structural members has a number of orientations to resist a number of loads. The composite material, the foam in the form of the stringer, and the plurality of structural members are cured to form the composite stringer.
US08540919B2	Manufacturing method of housing of electronic device A manufacturing method of housing of electronic device comprises following steps: providing a metal member; forming a plurality of micro anchored apertures on a surface of the metal member; placing the metal member in a plastic injection mold, wherein the plastic injection mold is set at a first temperature; and providing a molten plastic material in the plastic injection mold for integrating with the surface of the metal member with an injection molding manner, wherein the plastic injection mold is set at a second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.
US08540908B2	Method of preparing nano-dispersed high-all-trans-carotenoid microcapsules A method of preparing nano-dispersed high-all-trans-carotenoid microcapsules is provided, comprising: preparing 10-20% carotenoid suspension by milling the high-all trans-carotenoid crystals with dichloromethane until the particle size thereof is in the range of 2-5 μm, then supplying the suspension together with preheated dichloromethane of another pass into a dissolving tank to obtain a solution of 0.5-2%; delivering the solution together with ethanol or isopropanol into a crystallization device having high gravity rotating packed bed simultaneously and continuously, and then into a wiped-film evaporator for desolvation until the solid content is 10-20%, then a transparent alcohol dispersion of carotenoid is obtained; mashing the alcohol dispersion together with an aqueous solution containing an antioxidant and protective colloid and spray drying to obtain nano-dispersed high-all-trans-carotenoid microcapsules. As the crystals are nano-dispersed and the content of trans-isomer is more than 90%, the carotenoid microcapsules of present inventions exhibit high bioavailability.
US08540907B2	Methods for producing ophthalmic lens molds and molded ophthalmic lenses Devices, systems, and methods for producing ophthalmic lens molds and molded ophthalmic lenses are described. The present devices, systems, and methods provide venting of gases produced during injection molding of ophthalmic lens molds. With the present devices, systems, and methods, improvements in mold quality, lens quality, mold quality consistency, and lens quality consistency can be achieved compared to existing injection molding devices, systems, and methods. An optic power insert bushing is described and includes a venting system that directs gas from a first end of the bushing toward a second end of the bushing. The gas is directed between an optic power insert and an inner sidewall surface of a bushing bore in which the optic power insert is located. The bushing or bushings, and optic power inserts, can be provided as components of an ophthalmic lens mold injection system. Methods of making and using the vented bushings are also described.
US08540882B2	Process for enhanced total organic carbon removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance One embodiment of a method to system for enhancing TOC removal while maintaining membrane filter performance is the implementation of a dual pH control system. This embodiment will enhance the ability to maximize TOC removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. By adjusting pH, dosing a chemical coagulant and incorporating liquid-solids separation, a considerably higher degree of TOC removal is possible. By adjusting pH again after liquid-solids separation this embodiment can drastically increase the efficiency of the membrane microfiltration/ultrafiltration system.Thus pH control for soluble organic removal is critical. This pH level however may not be the ideal set point for minimizing membrane fouling which is the basis for this embodiment. An example: the pH set point for optimum soluble organic removal is designated to be 5.5. However, the optimum pH set point for optimum membrane performance is 7.0. This embodiment will show the reader that a two stage approach can accomplish the desired result. Stage 1 involves coagulant dosing, pH control, mixing and liquid-solids separation followed by Stage two which involves pH control, mixing and membrane filtration.
US08540880B1	Pretreatment of biodiesel feedstock Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
US08540875B2	System for use in a dialysis apparatus An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
US08540855B2	Water battery device The water battery device has a sterilizing unit composed of a non-noble metal body and a noble metal body that are overlapped coaxially via an interval keeping member. The sterilizing unit is disposed in a passing water or flowing water or immersed in a stored water. Then, a battery action is generated via the water at a uniform clearance space between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body. Thereby, metal ions are dissolved in a complete ionization state from the non-noble metal body, thereby giving sterilization effect to the water. A container has a container structure that generates an electric current in the water between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body and that maintains an oxygen concentration in the water required to continually produce the battery action water. Moreover, with the container structure, the concentration of the battery action water produced between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body becomes not less than a predetermined concentration at which an oxide film or biofilm is formed on a facing surface of the non-noble metal body. Thus, the container structure surrounds the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body to keep the concentration of the battery action water at the concentration not less than the predetermined concentration.
US08540852B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetoresistive devices Disclosed are method and apparatus for manufacturing a magnetoresistive device which are suitable for manufacturing a high-quality magnetoresistive device by reducing damages caused during the processing of a multilayer magnetic film as a component of the magnetoresistive device, thereby preventing deterioration of magnetic characteristics due to such damages. Specifically disclosed is a method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive device, which includes processing a multilayer magnetic film by performing a reactive ion etching on a substrate which is provided with the multilayer magnetic film as a component of the magnetoresistive device. This method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive device includes irradiating the multilayer magnetic film with an ion beam after the reactive ion etching.
US08540849B2	Press felt for papermaking Press felts for papermaking include a batt fiber layer and a base fabric. The batt fiber layer is integrated into the base fabric. The base fabric includes a ground warp yarn, a ground weft yarn, and an additional warp yarn. The ground warp yarn and the ground weft yarn include monofilament yarns, and the additional warp yarn includes a material different from a material forming the ground warp yarn. The additional warp yarn is arranged so that, when the base fabric is viewed in cross-section in a warp yarn direction, the additional warp yarn ascends toward a wet paper web-side surface of the base fabric and descends toward a roll-side surface of the base fabric, relative to the at least one ground warp yarn.
US08540846B2	Belt-creped, variable local basis weight multi-ply sheet with cellulose microfiber prepared with perforated polymeric belt A multi-ply wiper/towel product includes at least one wet laid web including at least 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfiber, and at least about 40% wood pulp derived papermaking fibers. The at least one wet laid web has formed therein (i) a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions on the upper side of the at least one wet laid web having a relatively high local basis weight, and (ii) connecting regions of a relatively lower local basis weight forming a network interconnecting the relatively high local basis weight domed regions of the one wet laid web. Transition areas are provided in the at least one wet laid web with upwardly and inwardly inflected consolidated fibrous regions transitioning from the connecting regions into the domed regions, and the at least one wet laid web exhibits a differential pore volume for pores under 5 microns in a diameter of at least about 75 mm3/g/micron.
US08540841B2	Rubber sheet jointing apparatus and method A rubber sheet jointing apparatus is provided with first holding means for releasably holding a joint end portion of one of two rubber sheets, second holding means provided movably relative to the first holding means for releasably holding a joint end portion of the other of the two rubber sheets, and operating means for pressure-contacting the end surfaces of the two rubber sheets respectively held by the first and second holding means by moving the second holding means relative to the first holding means. Mutually facing surfaces of the first and second holding means are respectively provided with holder portions which are formed as rugged portions each taking a comb tooth shape and which are able to partly overlap to mesh with each other.
US08540840B2	Method of making high temperature resistant models or tools A method of making High Temperature Resistant Models and Tools is provided. An assembly of substrates can be formed with intermediate adhesive layer of curable paste and same curable paste can be used as topcoat or sealer. The curable paste can be machine dispensed from a mixer mixing 2 components composition. The composition can contain a resin, a filler, a chemical thixotropy agent, a latent hardener and another hardener. The method provides easy and cost-effective manufacture of models or tools.
US08540839B2	Method of making resealable multi-ply labels Resealable multi-ply labels are made from webs along an inline press that include a base label ply and an overlaminate for capturing onserts between them. The base label plies carry an adhesive layer on the bottom surface for mounting the resealable multi-ply labels to articles. The base plies each include a hinge area, an attachment area, a tab area, and an intermediate area separating the hinge area from the attachment area. The overlaminates form permanent bonds with both the hinge areas and the tab areas of the base plies and form reusable bonds with the attachment areas of the base plies. The permanently bonded tab areas of the base plies provide access for releasing the overlaminates from the attachment areas of the base plies and exposing the onserts.
US08540834B2	Nozzle plate holding device and method for manufacturing inkjet head A nozzle plate holding device having a holding section which holds a nozzle plate arranged with a plurality of nozzles, and the nozzle plate holding device being used for bonding the nozzle plate, while the holding section holds the nozzle plate, onto a head chip arranged with a plurality of channels, wherein the holding section is configured to be capable of causing a distortion deformation of the nozzle plate in a direction that is parallel to a surface of the nozzle plate and crosses a length direction of the nozzle plate.
US08540822B2	Control method of a dishwasher A control method of a dishwasher is provided in which a filter is cleaned by controlling an operation of a washing pump. In this control method, washing fluid pumped by the washing pump back flows and is directed to the filter so as to remove foreign materials accumulated in the filter from the filter.
US08540820B2	Rinse aid release detection method A dishwashing machine configured to detect the presence of rinse aid in fluid in a washing chamber of the dishwashing machine. An electronic controller selects the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle based on whether rinse aid is present.
US08540810B2	Regenerable adsorption unit An adsorption unit comprising an adsorbent hollow fiber in which the fiber includes an active component and means for transmitting heat.
US08540808B2	Venting and filtration systems with gas permeable membrane Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.
US08540807B2	Venting and filtration systems with gas permeable membrane Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.
US08540803B2	Method and device for removing water from natural gas or from industrial gases with physical solvents A method and apparatus for drying a natural gas or an industrial gas that contains acidic gas components, wherein gas drying is followed by the removal of the acidic gas components from the dried gas. The same physical solvent is used for both of the process steps of gas drying and of acidic gas removal. The gas to be dried is brought into contact with the physical solvent, which absorbs most of the water contained in the gas. The physical solvent, loaded with water, is transferred into a solvent regenerating device to be heated where the water contained in the solvent is stripped from the solvent in the countercurrent by acidic gas that is removed from the dried useful gas during the acidic gas absorption. The acidic gas being released again in the acidic gas solvent regenerating device, stripped from the solvent, and discharged from the solvent regenerating device.
US08540802B2	Adsorptive gas separation of multi-component gases The disclosure relates generally to a gas-separation system for separating one or more components from a multi-component gas using Zeolitic imidazolate or imidazolate-derived framework.
US08540801B2	Microporous membrane and method for forming The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.
US08540790B2	Filter element A filter element, and filter apparatus, include a filter pack, a seal member, and a seal support frame operatively connecting the seal member to the filter pack. The seal support frame includes an annular extension, which is preferably canted at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis, for supporting the seal member. The seal support frame also preferably includes a first end thereof including the annular extension, and a second end thereof spaced from the first end thereof along the longitudinal axis, with the first and second ends of the seal support frame joined by a hub of the outer peripheral sidewall of the seal support frame to define a cavity within the seal support frame for receiving the filter pack. The first and second ends of the seal support frame, and the filter pack are preferably joined and sealed to one another by a single bead of adhesive.
US08540786B2	Method for producing PVD coatings The present invention relates to a method of producing coatings of metal oxide, nitride or carbide or mixtures thereof, whereby operating a High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering, HIPIMS, discharged on one or more target (s) (3), in an argon and reactive gas mixture (5, 6), at peak pulse power higher than 200 Wcm−2, in which the deposition rate is improved and in the need for partial reactive gas pressure feedback systems is eliminated.
US08540784B2	Fuel compositions The present invention provides hybrid diesel fuels and methods for manufacturing hybrid diesel fuels. In embodiments, fuel compositions comprise at least one petrochemical fuel, at least one biosynthetic oil and at least one stabilizer mixture. The percentage by volume of the petrochemical fuel can be greater than 0% and less than 100%, and the percentage by volume of the stabilizer mixture can be between about 0.001% and about 0.5%.
US08540781B2	Foot prosthesis Foot prosthesis, comprising an upper part, and a lower part that is placed on the ground when walking, wherein the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other via an elastic damping element arranged in the heel area, and the upper part and the lower part, forming a spring, extend one above the other and spaced apart from each other into the area of the forefoot, wherein at least one filling piece (15) is inserted between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) in the area between the damping element (9) and the forefoot (5), which filling piece (15) increases the flexural stiffness of the upper and lower part coupled via the filling piece during walking.
US08540776B2	Total knee prosthesis The present invention relates to a total knee prosthesis. This prosthesis includes a femoral implant (2) including two condyles (8, 9) delimiting between them an intercondylar notch (10), a tibial implant (3) intended to rest on the end of the tibia, and an articular insert (4) interposed between the tibial implant and the femoral implant and the upper surface of which (41) includes two glenoid cavities (18, 19) with an external profile (181, 191) congruent with the external profile (81, 91) of the condyles (7, 8) of the femoral implant and connected together through an interglenoidal connecting surface (20). According to the invention, the intercondylar notch (10) and the interglenoidal connecting surface (20) have congruent contact surfaces (101, 201) which are inscribed in two mating hyperbolic paraboloids and the contact surface (181, 191) of the glenoid cavities (18, 19) have in a horizontal section an ovoid shape and its inclined point (P) is located posteriorly to the line of larger width (L) of the insert.
US08540774B2	Low profile intervertebral implant The present invention is directed to a low profile intervertebral implant (10) for implantation in an intervertebral disc space (D) in-between adjacent vertebral bodies (V). The intervertebral implant includes a plate (40) preferably coupled to a spacer (20). The plate is preferably formed from a first material and the spacer is preferably formed from a second material, the first material being different from the second material. The plate is preferably sized and configured so that the plate does not extend beyond the perimeter of the spacer. In this manner, the plate preferably does not increase the height profile (hs) of the spacer and the plate may be implanted within the intervertebral disc space in conjunction with the spacer.
US08540756B2	Surgical fastener and associated systems and methods According to one embodiment, a fastener includes a shank defined about a central axis and a head coupled to the shank. The head includes a continuous receptacle circumscribing the central axis. The continuous receptacle includes a radially inner surface that is angled radially inwardly toward the central axis in a head-to-shank direction.
US08540752B2	Interspinous mesh In accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention, a flexible mesh bag including a catenoidal central portion (106) and two bulbous end portions (104, 108) may be employed as a spinal spacer. The mesh may be percutaneously implanted between adjacent spinous processes (202, 204) to correct the position and orientation of a spine and thereby relieve any discomfort associated with spinal stenosis. Additionally, the mesh may be filled with a bone graft material to permit bone fusion for long-term stability.
US08540747B2	K-wire and method for surgical procedures A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire or guide wire has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire or guide wire while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.
US08540746B2	Cannula for receiving surgical instruments A cannula (10) receives surgical instruments (120) for performing a surgical procedure on a body (130). The cannula (10) comprises a tube structure (12) defining a passage (16) through which the surgical instruments (120) are inserted into the body (130). The tube structure (12) has a proximal end (20) and a distal end (62). The tube structure (12) includes an expandable portion (40) for enabling an increase in the cross-sectional area of the passage (16) at the distal end (62). The expandable portion (40) of the tube structure (12), when expanded, has a conical configuration.
US08540745B2	Balloon dissector with cannula There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly generally includes a balloon tip cannula assembly for anchoring the device to the abdominal wall and a balloon dissector assembly having a dissection balloon at a distal end for separating apart tissue layers and forming an anatomical space. Various structures are provided to connect the balloon dissector assembly to the balloon tip cannula assembly. Obturators associated with the balloon dissector assembly and the balloon tip cannula assembly may also be provided. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly may also include a scope support for insertion through the balloon dissector assembly and dissection balloon and for receipt of an endoscope to view the procedure from within the balloon. Various combinations of valve ports and sub-assemblies are disclosed for providing inflation fluid to the balloon tip cannula assembly, insufflation fluid for the abdominal cavity and inflation fluid for the dissection balloon.
US08540743B2	Hydraulic vitrectomy probe Hydraulic vitrectomy probes and methods and systems associated therewith are discussed. Example hydraulic vitrectomy probes may include a pressure multiplier that is operable to output a hydraulic pressure at a multiple of a received pneumatic pressure. Because of the incompressible nature of liquid, hydraulic vitrectomy probes are, among other things, more responsive, may be operated at higher cutting rates, provide improved patient safety, and have a form factor (e.g., size and/or shape) that may be more easily maneuvered by a surgeon.
US08540742B2	Ultrasonic surgical blade having transverse and longitudinal vibration An ultrasonic surgical blade includes an ultrasonic-surgical-blade body having a longitudinal axis, a distal tip, a proximal end adapted for longitudinal ultrasonic vibrational excitation, a most-distal longitudinal vibration node, a treatment portion extending from the distal tip toward the most-distal longitudinal vibration node, and a functional asymmetry. The functional asymmetry is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis and translates longitudinal ultrasonic vibrational movement of the proximal end into a combination of a longitudinal ultrasonic vibration and a transverse ultrasonic vibration in at least some of the treatment portion of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body. An amplitude of the transverse ultrasonic vibration at the distal tip is less than substantially ten percent of a maximum amplitude of the transverse ultrasonic vibration of the treatment portion of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body. An alternate embodiment of the ultrasonic surgical blade includes at least one functional asymmetry and at least one balance asymmetry.
US08540740B2	Apparatus and methods for forming and securing gastrointestinal tissue folds Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies, as well as anchor delivery systems, are also provided.
US08540738B2	Method and apparatus for delivery of a ligating suture An apparatus for ligating a medical protrusion comprises a ligating suture having a proximal end and a distal end configured to circumscribe the medical protrusion, and a one-way lock positioned there between. The apparatus further comprises an endoscope, a cutter blade configured to cut the suture, and a device for ligating a medical protrusion. The device comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle positioned at the proximal end, an endoscope controller operably connectable to the endoscope, a cutting controller operably connectable to the cutter blade, a suture controller configured to be operatively coupled with the suture, a curved bridge positioned at the distal end, the bridge having a proximal end and a distal end, and an armature, having a proximal end and a distal end, configured to releaseably retain at least a portion of the suture.
US08540736B2	Spool configured to retain suture for a suture system A suture system spool is configured to retain suture having a suture diameter and tension the suture between a distal and proximal end portions of a suturing tool. The spool includes a monolithically formed disc defining a central opening that provides the disc with an inside diameter. The disc includes a base and a flap joined with the base at the inside diameter, and the flap extends from the inside diameter to an outer periphery of the disc to define a cavity between the flap and the base. The flap is spaced away from the base at a location between the inside diameter and the outer periphery of the disc by a factor of at least two times the suture diameter, and the flap is spaced away from the base at the outer periphery of the disc by a distance that is approximately equal to the suture diameter.
US08540725B2	Instruments, implants and methods for positioning implants into a spinal disc space Instruments, implants and methods are provided for positioning spinal implants in a spinal disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments provide a low profile engagement with the implants and facilitate insertion while minimizing tissue retraction and exposure of the tissue and neural elements to the instrumentation in the approach to the disc space.
US08540723B2	Medical system and method of use A medical system and method can used to treat a bone. The system and method can include the preparation of bone cement to be used in the treatment. A non-liquid component and a liquid component can be combined to form a bone cement. A vacuum system can be used to saturate the non-liquid component with the liquid component. The bone cement and/or components can be heated and/or cooled.
US08540722B2	Methods, materials and apparatus for treating bone and other tissue A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.
US08540718B2	Rod persuader A rod persuader assembly includes a tubular body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a gripping end and a handle end. The outer shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a rod reducing end. In one embodiment, the handle end is rotatable relative to the gripping end. In another embodiment, the gripping end includes a cylindrical socket. In yet another embodiment, the rod persuader assembly is operable in two separate and independent stages to secure the instrument to an implant, and advance a rod into the implant.
US08540716B2	Disposable reamer shaft or modular spherical or tapered hollow reamer assembly for medical applications A low cost disposable reamer shaft is made from a rod or tube stock of stainless steel, Nitinol or fiber reinforced polymer having a precise outer diameter in the range of 4 to 14 millimeter and is cut to a shaft length of 250 to 400 millimeters. An attachment piece with male or female thread matching a spherical hollow or tapered hollow reamer is machined and glued with epoxy on one end of the rod of tube stock using a precision centerline aligning jig. An attachment piece for connecting to a drive power unit is machined and glued with epoxy to the other end of the rod or tube stock thus forming a low cost disposable reamer shaft that aligns the centerline of the shaft with that of the reamer. The shaft contacts the reamer at two attachment locations that are displaced from each other, providing precise centerline alignment.
US08540711B2	Vessel sealer and divider An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.
US08540704B2	Guided cardiac ablation catheters Guided ablation instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, especially cardiac tissue for treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. In one aspect of the invention, a percutaneous catheter is disclosed with an endoscope positionable in the instrument's distal end region to obtain an image. The image allows the clinician to determine whether contact has been achieved (or blood has been cleared from an ablative energy transmission path) before ablation begins or while ablation is occurring. In one embodiment, percutaneous ablation catheters are disclosed having at least one central lumen and one or more balloon structures at the distal end region of the instrument. Also disposed in the distal end region are an illuminating light source and an endoscope capable of collecting sufficient light to relay an image to the user. The instruments can further include an ablation element. The ablation element can be a contact ablation element, or a radiant energy emitter, which is preferably independently positionable within the lumen of the instrument and adapted to project ablative energy through a transmissive region of the instrument body (and/or balloon) to a target tissue site proximate to the pulmonary veins. The energy can delivered without the need for contact between the energy emitter and the target tissue so long as a clear transmission pathway is established. The endoscope element of the instrument allows the clinician to determine the position of the instrument and, if radiant energy is to be employed, see if such a pathway is clear. Moreover, because the position of the radiant energy emitter can be varied, endoscopic guidance permits the clinician to select a desired location and dose for the lesion.
US08540695B2	Catheter A catheter body includes a hollow coil whose outer and inner surfaces are coated with outer and inner resin layers. A resin tip is provided at a distal end of the catheter body. The tip has a tapered section at a distal end of the tip. Also, an axially extending braid is embedded in the catheter body and the tip to extend from the catheter body to the tip.
US08540694B2	Systems and methods for delivering drugs to selected locations within the body Systems and methods for delivering drugs or other substances to target locations outside of blood vessel lumens or other body lumens. In some embodiments, a catheter having a penetrator is advanced into the body lumen and the penetrator is then advanced from the catheter toward a target location outside of that body lumen. The substance is then delivered through a the penetrator itself or through a delivery catheter that has been advanced through the penetrator to the target location. In other embodiments, the blood vessel or other body lumen is blocked at spaced-apart first and second locations and a quantity of the substance is introduced into the closed-off body lumen between the blocked first and second locations. The substance then diffuses into or through the wall of the vessel or body conduit to reach the target location.
US08540689B2	NuChain NuPurposing container conditioning method and apparatus NuChain supply chain and disposal chain apparatus are created by NuPurposing containers, conditioning and transforming such containers from fluent material delivery containers into waste collection containers. Novel structural features of the waste collection systems allows bottle docking for the ingress of collection material into fluent material distribution containers as well as operation as a canister waste ingress collection system. The application of counter opposing forces on a canister and a lid operates in sealing and the unsealing and assembly and disassembly. A reduced pressure configured to be drawn away from said container inducing ingress of air into said container by a source of reduced pressure.
US08540684B2	Back pain relief and immuno protection of donor cells The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, endplates become occluded by calcified layers, and diffusion of nutrients and oxygen into the disc diminishes. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered and deployed into the intervertebral disc to re-establish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. The intervertebral disc installed with semi-permeable conduits may be used as an immuno-isolated capsule to encapsulate donor cells capable of biosynthesizing therapeutic molecules. The semi-permeable conduits establish the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic molecules between disc and bodily circulation to treat a disease without using immuno-suppressive drugs.
US08540681B2	Injection control device with gearing mechanism An injection control device having a metered/controlled injection rate, that is proportional to the rate of withdrawal/injection—suitable for cosmetic as well as other applications—is described. For an injection mode, after the cannula is advanced into an object, the cannula is withdrawn to create a tract or tunnel within the targeted area. As the cannula is withdrawn, filler material in the injection control device is uniformly deposited into the tract or tunnel via the automatic metering system. The automatic metering system incorporates a syringe activating mechanism coupled to a gearing system which is capable of proportioning the deposition (or sucking) rate to the retraction/injection rate of the cannula. Accordingly, more consistent and uniform distribution (or harvesting) of material can be achieved with less cannula passes as well as requiring less dependence on the skills of the practitioner of this device.
US08540676B2	Guidewire and method for surgical procedures A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire, or guide wire, has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire, or guide wire, while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.
US08540668B2	Catheter including a compliant balloon A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.
US08540659B2	Delivery system and method of use for the eye A method and delivery system are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Pulsed laser radiation is delivered from the distal end of a fiber-optic probe sufficient to cause photoablation of selected portions of the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and an inner wall of Schlemm's canal in the target site. The fiber-optic probe may be advanced so as to create an aperture in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in which fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye flows. The method and delivery system may further be used on any tissue types in the body.
US08540658B2	Bone-regeneration material The invention relates to a process for producing a bone-regeneration material. According to the method, a bio-compatible, open-pored body is exposed to a vacuum and osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances are absorbed into the pores of the body, for example by means of a vacuum generated therein. It is thus possible to produce a bone-regeneration material, which contains osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances in the pores of the bio-compatible body, said substances acting as a network structure for new somatic cells that are to grow into the porous body.
US08540652B2	Robotic training system with multi-orientation module The present invention relates a system and method to allow users to train different joints of a limb in different planes. The rotation of the system can be driven by a motor to assist or resist the motion for training purpose. By the present invention, the user can use the device to switch training between the vertical and horizontal planes, without changing the device and any module. The system is also adjustable to meet different users' body sizes.
US08540648B2	Guide wire with marking pattern A guide wire for a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, has a marking pattern, which extends at least across part of the axial length of the guide wire and includes markings of different marking types that can be sensed. On the guide wire, markings of first and second marking types are formed by marking surfaces, of which the marking surfaces of at least the first marking type each extend across only part of the circumferential surface of the guide wire and across only part of the axial length of the marking pattern, and in the axial direction of the guide wire follow each other at a distance by at least one interposed marking surface of the second marking type. At least one longitudinal marking strip is formed as a marking of a third marking type, which extends continuously across the axial length of the marking pattern.
US08540647B2	Lancing device The invention relates to a lancing system for collecting samples of a body liquid having a receptacle for accommodating a lancet supply strip with a plurality of lancets, arranged transversely to the lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip, a feed mechanism for transporting a lancet supply strip, placed in the receptacle, to move the lancets of the lancet supply strip one after the other to a puncturing position, and a lancing drive for causing a lancet, which occupies a puncturing position, to perform a puncturing movement. The lancing system is characterized by a bending mechanism for bending a section of the lancet supply strip in lengthwise direction of the lancet supply strip and for thereby separating a lancet tip of a lancet from the lancet supply strip for a puncturing action.
US08540646B2	Biopsy and sutureless device A dermal punch device for automatically extracting a sample of tissue of a predetermined size and shape from a body comprising a retractable cutter and a sutureless biopsy closure mechanism that includes a wound closure fastener member adapted to be disposed over a biopsy region after the performance of the biopsy, wherein wound closure fastener member is applied without the need of several instruments to seal the wound. The wound closure fastener member is dispensed by a sutureless biopsy closure dispenser located at the same distal end of the biopsy punch device surrounding the biopsy punch cutter assembly avoiding the need of separates instruments, reducing the wound closing steps and surgical procedure time.
US08540643B1	Method and device for motion and noise immunity in hemodynamic measurement A method and device, such as an implantable cardiac device, for motion and noise immunity in hemodynamic measurement is presented. The method includes obtaining a template waveform representing hemodynamic performance of a heart during a first hemodynamic state and obtaining an autocharacterization measure from an autocharacterization (e.g., autocorrelation) of the template waveform. The method further includes obtaining a test waveform during a second hemodynamic state, performing a cross-characterization (e.g., cross-correlation) of the template waveform and test waveform to identify a cross-characterization measure, and comparing the autocharacterization measure with the cross-characterization measure as a measurement of hemodynamic status of the second hemodynamic state. The device includes hardware and/or software for performing the described method.
US08540640B2	Ultrasonic probe and method for manufacturing the same and ultrasonic diagnostic device An ultrasonic probe (2) comprises a cMUT chip (20), which has a plurality of vibration elements whose electromechanical coupling coefficient or the sensitivity changes depending on a bias voltage, and transmits/receives an ultrasonic wave; an acoustic lens (26) provided on the ultrasonic wave radiation side of the cMUT chip (20); a backing layer (22) provided on the back side of the cMUT chip (20) for absorbing propagation of the ultrasonic wave; an electric wiring portion (flexible substrate (72)), which is provided from the peripheral portion of the cMUT chip (20) to the side face of the backing layer (22) and has a signal pattern connected with the electrode of the cMUT chip (20) arranged thereon; and a housing (ultrasonic probe cover (25)) for containing the cMUT chip (20), the acoustic lens (26), the backing layer (22) and the electric wiring portion (flexible substrate (72)). A ground layer (conductive film (76)) of ground potential is provided on the ultrasonic wave radiation side of the cMUT chip (20).
US08540636B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and medical image processing apparatus In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image generating unit configured to generate medical images from a multislice which covers an area including the heart of an object. Each slice is almost perpendicular to the long axis of the heart. Each medical image is a short-axis image of the heart. A series of medical images captured at different times correspond to each slice. The embodiment generates a polar map associated with myocardial motion indices from a plurality of medical images. A polar map is segmented into segments. The embodiment calculates the average value of motion indices for each segment. The utility of an average value depends on the range covered by each segment. This embodiment matches the boundary of a segment with the position of a vein. This prevents a deterioration in the utility of average values due to the influences of veins.
US08540635B2	Medical diagnostic imaging with hardware generated region of interest border A system and method for generating a border of a region of interest of an image, such as a medical image, are disclosed. Imaging data is acquired for generation of an image. A region of interest of the image is determined. A display value is allocated to a plurality of pixels, respectively, based on color or tissue information from the imaging data. If at least one pixel corresponds to a border of the region of interest, a border value is allocated to the at least one pixel substantially at the same time as when the display value is allocated. The image having the border of the region of interest is displayed.
US08540632B2	Low profile antenna for in body device Low profile antennas for ingestible devices, such as ingestible event markers, are provided. Aspects of the ingestible devices of the invention include low profile signal transmission antennas configured such that they are flexible or degrade after use, allowing the antenna and attached components to pass easily through the body. Embodiments of the low profile antennas are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.
US08540629B2	Continuous monitoring of stress using a stress profile created by renal doppler sonography In particular embodiments, a method includes accessing data streams from one or more of a heart-rate monitor, a blood-pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, a mood sensor, or an accelerometer monitoring a person, accessing a stress model, analyzing the data streams with respect to the stress model, and determining based on the analysis a current stress index of the person.
US08540625B2	Endoscope An endoscope includes an insertion portion, a bending operation input portion, a first bending drive mechanism and a second bending drive mechanism. The insertion portion includes a first bending portion and a second bending portion disposed at the proximal end of the first bending portion. The bending operation input portion can bend the first bending portion. The first bending drive mechanism bends the first bending portion in accordance with the operation of the bending operation input portion. The second bending drive mechanism can automatically bend the second bending portion in the same direction as the bending direction of the first bending portion in conformity to the first bending portion after the start of the bending of the first bending portion.
US08540619B2	Fabric cutting system and method A fabric cutting system and/or method can include a mandrel having a body and first and second legs, a centered chuck, and an offset chuck, each chuck configured to receive either one of the legs or body to rotatingly support the mandrel between the chucks. When one of the legs is inserted into the centered chuck and the mandrel body is inserted into the offset chuck, the mandrel can be rotated and the fabric mounted on the mandrel can be cut about the leg at a location beyond the end of the other leg. One of the legs can include a leg extension removable from a leg base that when removed allows the other leg to be cut beyond the end of the leg base. The fabric can be cut with a cutting laser, which may be a multi-axis laser, and/or have low power.
US08540616B2	Ventricular assist device and related methods A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated blood with one or more anastomosis devices and pumping such oxygenated blood directly to the aorta adjacent to the right atrium or left atrium via a VAD system. In one embodiment, a VAD system can be implanted with open surgery.
US08540608B2	Training program and music playlist generation for athletic training Systems and techniques for generating an athletic training program and selecting music for playing during the training program are described. Based on specified parameters, a training program module may generate a customized training program intended to help an athlete reach a goal. In conjunction therewith or independently thereof, a music selection module may generate a music playlist for playing during a training program. Music selection parameters may include training intensity, user speed, user location, user mood, a user's currently performance (e.g., as compared to an expected performance) and the like. The music selection module may select songs from a personal library or a public database of music. Music selection may be made to maximize user motivation/inspiration.
US08540575B2	Method and system for increased realism in video games A system and method for updating parameters of a video game is provided. As events occur in the real world that may influence a game attribute, a parameter is recorded on a server. A video game player may connect to the server and download the parameter. The parameter is stored by the video game and changes an attribute of the video game. Thus, for example, the new performance characteristics of the rising star may be recorded on the server as improved performance parameters. When these parameters are downloaded by the video game player, the video game incorporates the star-like qualities of the rising star.
US08540571B2	System and method for providing haptic stimulus based on position Haptic stimulus associated with other sensory content is generated for conveyance to one or more users with the other sensory content. This may enhance the experience provided to the one or more users by the content. The sensory content may include video content, video game content, audio content, and/or other content. The haptic stimulus may be varied based on position information. Such position information may include information related to the position of the one or more users, the position of a controller (e.g., a game controller), the position of an actuator delivering the haptic stimulus, and/or other position information.
US08540569B2	Method and system for multiplayer multifunctional electronic surface gaming apparatus A method for electronic board game play by producing on a display surface a first image which is a field of play image that senses at least one object on the display surface. The object is proximate or in contact with the display surface thus forming on a table-top horizontal display surface, at least one game piece image overlaid on the field of play image, and determined by sensing a position of the object on the display surface.
US08540563B2	Interactive slot machine method and apparatus A gaming device that does not employ pay lines is provided, and has a playfield that is subdivided into a plurality of groups. The configuration of the groups could be done manually by the player, or at random, and changes for each game. At least one key group is used to define key symbols that must be repeated at other groups for a winning combination of symbols to occur.
US08540562B2	Advantage bingo bonus One or more instances of a bonus game (e.g., Class II games such as Bingo games) may be provided to players of another wagering game (e.g., a Class III game such as a slot game, a poker game, etc.). Some implementations of the invention allow players to exchange indicia of credit (e.g., money, game credits, or player loyalty points) for bonus opportunities. For example, players may be able to purchase one or more Bingo cards for Bingo bonus games. Some implementations award bonus opportunities to players based on wager levels, game results, a player's level in a player loyalty program and/or other criteria.
US08540560B2	Monitoring of physical training events A computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data generated by a test subject moving a test ball containing motion sensors through a predetermined exercise; analyzing in the first motion data, with the computer system, the data from the inertial sensors; and providing to a remote computer at a location of the subject a report regarding the first motion data, the report reflecting a comparison of the first motion data with corresponding motion data of other users who have performed the predetermined exercise.
US08540559B1	Combine varying dimensional vane threshing system A cage vane for use with a combine threshing system that includes (i) a mounting leg extending a mounting leg length from a cage vane inner edge to a mounting leg outer surface and a mounting leg thickness from a mounting leg bottom surface to a mounting leg top surface and (ii) a protruding leg extending a protruding leg length from the cage vane inner edge to a protruding leg top surface and a protruding leg thickness from a protruding leg inner surface to a protruding leg outer surface. At least one of the mounting leg length changes as the mounting leg extends the cage vane length, the mounting leg thickness changes as the mounting leg extends the cage vane length, the protruding leg length changes as the protruding leg extends the cage vane length, and the protruding leg thickness changes as the protruding leg extends the cage vane length.
US08540557B1	Wall curb for air treatment system A device for reducing sound from an air treatment unit includes, in one embodiment, a wall curb. The air treatment system includes a supply opening and a return opening. The wall curb includes a frame portion defining an interior chamber. A partition divides the interior chamber into a supply plenum in a first portion of the interior chamber and a return plenum in a second portion of the interior chamber. A curb supply opening is formed through the perimeter frame in communication with the supply plenum. A curb return opening is formed through the perimeter frame in communication with the return plenum. The curb return opening is positioned such that airflow through the return plenum is non-linear and a sound absorbing material may be positioned on at least some inside surfaces of the return plenum.
US08540555B2	Supply device for hanging elements A feeding device for suspension elements, for feeding flexible suspension elements into a packaging machine, in particular into a clipping machine, wherein the suspension elements are detachably disposed in the form of loops by an adhesive on a carrier strip transversely to the feeding direction and may be conveyed of said carrier strip to a delivery point at which a suspension element may be removed from the carrier strip. In the region of the delivery point for the suspension elements, a holding-down device is provided above the carrier strip.
US08540549B2	Brassieres A brassiere having at least one breast supporting cup where at least one breast-supporting cup has a frontal opening to expose the breast is disclosed. The breast-supporting cup includes a panel/flap that covers the opening and a part of which is releasably attachable to the shoulder strap of the brassiere when closing the opening so that on release the opening may be uncovered. The panel/flap is releasably attachable to the shoulder strap by a clasp on the shoulder strap that is movable up and down the shoulder strap to a selected position and has a clamping part so that it may be clamped at the selected position, thereby providing adjustment of the breast-supporting cup. The clasp incorporates a co-operative engagement device thereon for the releasable attachment of the panel/flap.
US08540547B2	Toy workover rig A toy workover rig modeling the kind used to service oil and gas wells. The workover rig includes a wheeled truck. An extensible mast is pivotally fastened to the truck. A remotely-controlled pivoting assembly is connected to the truck for selectively moving the mast from a horizontal, traveling position to a vertical, substantially perpendicular operating position. A remotely-controlled telescoping assembly is connected to the truck for selectively extending the mast from a retracted position to an extended position. A remotely-controlled hoisting assembly is connected to the truck for lifted selected objects within the mast.
US08540545B2	Interconnectible building elements for intellectual challenge games Embodiments may including multiple building elements that may include connector building elements and basic building elements for the construction of three-dimensional puzzles. Connector building elements may include a connector portion that may insert into a receiving portion of a basic building element. Connector building elements and basic building elements may rotate with respect to each other to a fixed point where respective faces of the connector building element and the basic building element are aligned; the alignment may be to pre-determined angles. Connector building elements and/or basic building elements may include blocking and/or locking structures that may resist and/or arrest the rotation of the elements with respect to each other and to aid in maintaining the alignment of the elements.
US08540534B2	Connector A connector having a housing and terminals, mates with a mating connector having mating terminals. The housing has a side wall, a facing wall and a receiving depression between the side wall and the facing wall. Each terminal is installed in the receiving depression and has an attached portion attached to the housing, a first spring portion extending from the attached portion, an upward-extending portion extending from the first spring portion, an elastic support portion extending from the upward-extending portion, and a contact portion supported by the elastic support portion. The upward-extending portion has an abutting portion opposite the facing wall. The elastic support portion is bendable more easily than a spring formed with the first spring portion and the upward-extending portion. The contact portion contacts the mating terminal when the connector is mated with the mating connector and the abutting portion is pressed against the facing wall.
US08540530B2	Connecting structure and production method A connecting structure to connect electronic components electrically through a plurality of conducting lines each including a covered segment including a wire conductor covered with an insulating covering and an uncovered segment includes a molding unit and a sealing unit. The molding unit encloses a boundary portion between the covered segment and the uncovered segment of each of the conducting lines so that the uncovered segments project in a first direction from a first end of the molding unit and the covered segments project in a second direction from a second end of the molding unit, and thereby holding the conducting lines to fix positions of the conducting lines relative to one another. The sealing member of an adhesive adheres to the second end of the molding unit and adheres to each of the covered segments of the conducting lines projecting from the second end of the molding unit.
US08540527B2	Jumper cable plug with moisture resistant seal An electrical plug configured to be mated with a socket, the electrical plug including a substantially tubular plug housing having a front end, a rear end, a side wall between the front end and the rear end, and a housing protrusion on the side wall and configured to be inserted within a socket cutout of the socket, a groove proximate the front end of the housing, and a seal located in the groove and having a cross-section with an outer surface that is substantially similar to an outer surface of a cross-section of the side wall and the housing protrusion.
US08540523B2	Connection device for high frequency signals between a connector and a transmission line A connection device for high frequency signals is disclosed. The connection device includes a printed circuit having an external face and a transmission line printed on the external face, and a coaxial connector surface mounted on the external face of the printed circuit. The transmission line is connected to the connector by means of a bump contact belonging to the transmission line. A central core of the connector is connected to the bump contact. The printed circuit has at least one internal ground plane disposed parallel to the external face and contributing to the matching of the transmission line. The internal ground plane defines a perforation therethrough that faces the bump contact.
US08540519B1	Seated balancing device A device for developing and improving seated balance is described. The device can be used to develop seated balance that is beneficial for horseback riding, kayaking, and other sports where seated balance is required. Embodiments include a seated balancing device that includes a seat borne by a universal joint, the universal joint being borne by a support member. The universal joint provides a pivot point, and a seating surface resides within 7 inches of the pivot point. The universal joint enables the seat to have at least two rotational degrees of freedom, which permits the seat to tilt in multiple directions.
US08540516B2	Optimizing behavioral change based on a patient statistical profile A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.
US08540515B2	Optimizing behavioral change based on a population statistical profile A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.
US08540514B2	System and method to give a true indication of respondent satisfaction to an electronic questionnaire survey Whilst partaking in a traditional electronic questionnaire survey, responses given by any one respondent are almost always influenced by that person's emotional state due to the survey format. This emotional content skews the results thus obtained making them inaccurate, so that statistical methods become necessary to interpret the results. Such a statistical analyses requires not only a minimum sample size but also to be interpreted, which can also lead to false, non repeatable results. However, by structuring the system and method of the electronic questionnaire survey in accordance with a strict set of guidelines, it is possible to measure a respondent's views on any subject matter both emotionally and rationally, together with the respondent's level of conviction. By comparing the emotional responses with the rational responses, a truly quantifiable and repeatable measure of respondent satisfaction towards the subject matter can be achieved, which also allows benchmarking as an added benefit.
US08540512B2	Dental implant system An abutment for dental implant systems of the kind suitable to be associated to a dental implant. The abutment has an inlay, and the inlay is provided at its upper part with an external profile having one or more shoulders for connecting and permanently jointing the inlay to the abutment. Further, the inlay may be shaped such that it is completely surrounded by the abutment in the assembled state of the dental implant system.
US08540487B2	Actuatable seal for aerofoil blade tip The present invention relates to an actuatable seal (14) for an aerofoil blade tip, for providing a seal between the blade tip (12) and an adjacent surface (10) over which the blade tip passes in use. The seal comprises a flexible member that is arranged in use to be mounted on the tip of a rotating aerofoil blade and to flex towards the surface under the action of centrifugal force when the blade rotates. The seal further comprises an actuator means provided on the flexible member and operably arranged in use to deflect at least a portion of the flexible member away from the surface.
US08540476B2	Pipette tip loader and transporter Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for storing and/or transporting platforms of pipette tips. The system includes packaging in which a stacked tower of platforms may be transported. Embodiments of the present invention further include a loader for transferring platforms from the packaging to a rack for holding pipette tip platforms. The loader transfers the platforms by accessing the uppermost platform in the stack.
US08540466B2	Adjustable bulkhead for a railcar An adjustable bulkhead for a railcar is provided. The adjustable bulkhead is releasably attachable to the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead is adjustable between a plurality of positions along the length of the railcar relative to the end of the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead includes a support structure, a reinforcement mechanism, and a stabilizing mechanism.
US08540458B2	Center hole ram cable puller A center hole ram can have a barrel, and a piston that is moveable relative to the barrel. The piston can define an axial hole that extends through the piston. A gripping assembly can be attached to the ram. The gripping assembly can be configured to grip a cable and pull the cable through the axial hole in response to multiple actuating strokes of the ram. Also, a bursting head can be attached to a cable. The cable can be pulled through a tunnel (such as an existing pipe) and through a piston of a ram. Pulling the cable can result in the cable pulling the bursting head through the tunnel toward the ram. Also, pulling the cable can include gripping the cable with a gripping assembly attached to the ram, and actuating the ram.
US08540453B2	Apparatus for joining members and assembly thereof An apparatus for joining a first member and a second member includes means for joining the first member and the second member, means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member, and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member. An assembly includes a first member, a second member, and means for joining the first member and the second member. The assembly further includes means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member separate from the means for joining the first member and the second member and means for providing a compression preload to the means for transferring shear loads between the first member and the second member.
US08540451B2	Binder clip Placing sheets around a retainer or between a retainer and clamp and securing a clamp against the sheets and retainer for compressively fixing the pages against the retainer.
US08540450B1	Pen cap attachment mechanism In general, this disclosure relates to a pen housing mechanism, comprising at least one locking collar provided on a pen body configured to receive a pen cap, specifically a pen cap having a plurality of inset “balls” that engage channels within the locking collar. In one form, the “balls” are fit into voids drilled or otherwise provided in a portion of the pen cap and press fit, or otherwise attached, thereto. In one form, a compression spring is provided, which biases the “balls” into a locking portion of the channel.
US08540448B2	Cover structure for enclosing a removeable fluid-dispensing reservoir between the cover and an exterior surface of a toothbrush A fluid-dispensing power toothbrush which includes a handle portion with a housing, a head portion and a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system includes a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump which are positioned to extend substantially along an outer surface of the housing of the handle portion. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is configured to overlay and mate with a portion of the housing to form the exterior surface of a lower portion of the toothbrush when the cover member is in a closed position.
US08540432B2	Disengageable axial abutment In a disengageable axial abutment for a rotary machine fitted with fluid bearings, an outer ring (103) comprises first and second outer half-rings (103A, 103B) centered in the casing (111) by a flexible suspension system, with the outer half-rings (103A, 103B) being held in the axial direction between a static abutment member (113) and a pre-loading system (104) exerting a predetermined axial force such that, so long as the axial load exerted on the axial abutment via a synchronization cone (108) is greater than a given threshold, each rolling element (101) presents a single line (121) of two points of contact (121A, 121B) with an inner ring (102) and with the first outer half-ring (103A) respectively, and the inner ring (102) is driven in rotation by the synchronization cone (108), whereas, when the axial load exerted on the axial bearing becomes smaller, a gap (115) is created between the outer half-rings (103A, 103B) and a second line (123) of two additional points of contact (123A, 123B) is created between each rolling element (101) and the inner ring (102) and the second outer half-ring (103B) respectively, such that the axial abutment is disengaged.
US08540429B1	Snap-on pipe guide A pipe guide includes a pair of cylindrical shells each having a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced vanes and structure for holding the shells together when the shells are axially mated end-to-end. A pair of curved tab arms extend circumferentially about corresponding ones of the cylindrical shells. A pair of slide-locks are configured to slide over corresponding ones of the tab arms to move them into a locking position in which keys on the tab arms extend between adjacent coils of a coil spring surrounded by the shells.
US08540428B2	Easily tearable fastener tape, method of producing the fastener tape, packaging bag with easily tearable fastener tape, and device and method for producing the packaging bag A belt-shaped base of a male member of a zipper tape attached to an inner surface of a bag body includes: a main body on which an engagement portion is provided; a first projecting portion provided on an opening-side of the main body; a thin portion connected to an opening-side of the first projecting portion; and a second projecting portion connected to an opening-side of the thin portion. A belt-shaped base of a female member includes: a main body; a first projecting portion; a thin portion; and a second projecting portion. When the zipper tape is fused onto the bag body, a space is provided between the thin portions and a film of the bag body.
US08540426B2	Compostable natural-fiber food storage bag A biodegradable natural-fiber disposable food storage container for storing a serving of food is formed of an envelope made of a generally unitary blank of a suitable paper that is generally resistant to food fluids such as blood, juices, sauces, etc., but admits at least some permeation of water vapor and atmospheric fluids. Accordion-fold side panels allow the envelope to store flat and open up to accommodate the food article. Two half-panels join at an overlap to form a closed front panel. A water-based glue closes the envelope sides and base, while a repositionable adhesive on the flap closure allows the envelope to be opened and resealed.
US08540422B2	Electrical component behavior analysis tools Tools and methods for creating isolated or localized temperature changes on components in an electric circuit. By isolating temperature changes to individual components or small sets of components, the tools and methods allow greater control over the analysis of interactions within a board. This may allow clearer understanding of the effects of temperature on circuit component behavior. The tools and analysis advances analysis such as failure analysis and design testing.
US08540397B2	Lighting apparatus using light emitting diode The invention includes a lamp housing member having a circular upper plate and a side portion formed at the outer circumference of the upper plate, first light emitting diode modules that are provided on a lower surface of the upper plate and are supplied with power to emit light, and second light emitting diode modules that are mounted on the inner surface of the side portion and are supplied with power to emit light. According to the invention, it is possible to increase a light distribution area, achieve illumination with high brightness, and improve flexibility in the road lighting design. In addition, it is possible to easily ensure a cut-off-angle at which pedestrians or drivers cannot directly view the second light emitting diode modules by adjusting the inclination angle of the side portion.
US08540396B2	Lighting system A lighting fixture capable of efficiently radiating heat of a lamp device may be configured to be attached to a socket device. In some examples, by attaching the lamp device to the socket device, a cap portion of the lamp device is brought into contact with a fixture body, and pressed against and brought into close contact with the fixture body by an elastic body. Heat generated by lighting of LEDs of the lamp device is conducted from the cap portion to the fixture body and efficiently radiated.
US08540390B2	Illumination system for a wall, a ceiling, or a floor The invention relates to an illumination system for a wall, a ceiling or a floor (5), comprising at least one point-type light-emitting body (2), which is connected to a light source by means of a fiber-optic (4) and which when mounted is recessed in relation to a surface (6) of the wall, the ceiling or the floor (5). Said system also comprises a transparent protective body (3), which when mounted covers the light-emitting body (2) on the surface (6) side and lies flush with said surface (6).
US08540379B2	Image display device and information processing apparatus including the same An image display device built into electronic apparatuses, the device including a laser beam source unit emitting laser beams of various colors; a light modulation element modulating the laser beams emitted from the laser beam source unit, based on video signals; a projecting optical system projecting the modulated laser beams formed by the light modulation element on a screen; a control portion controlling the laser beam source unit and the light modulation element; and a movable body provided to be drawn out of and inserted into the case of electronic apparatuses. The movable body includes at least a first unit having the projecting optical system and a second unit rotatably supporting the first unit through a hinge portion. The hinge portion is featured by rotating the first unit.
US08540368B2	Ophthalmic photographing apparatus An ophthalmic photographing apparatus including an interference optical system for dividing light from a first light source into measurement light and reference light, directing measurement light to a fundus and reference light to a reference optical system, and photo-receiving by a first photodetector interference light, a first optical scanner disposed in a measurement light optical path and scanning measurement light in two dimensional directions, a driving unit moving an optical member in an optical path of measurement light or reference light to change an optical path length, a control unit controlling the driving unit to adjust an optical path length difference, controlling the optical scanner to scan measurement light at a given photographing view angle, and obtaining a tomographic image based on a photodetector signal, and a calculation unit converting a photographing range into an actual distance based on optical member positional information and view angle information.
US08540362B2	Liquid ejection device A liquid ejection device includes a first rolled medium accommodation unit, a second rolled medium accommodation unit and a liquid ejection head. The first rolled medium accommodation unit is configured to accommodate a rolled medium, the first rolled medium accommodation unit being movable along a first path. The second rolled medium accommodation unit is configured to accommodate the rolled medium, the second rolled medium accommodation unit being movable along a second path. The liquid ejection head is configured to eject an ink as a liquid onto a medium supplied by being unwound from the rolled medium.
US08540361B2	Printing system with input media roller and output vacuum belts A printing system that has a print zone, a drive roller positioned at an input side of the print zone, a vacuum platen assembly positioned under the print zone, a printhead assembly overlaying and spanning the print zone and a vacuum belt assembly configured to receive media from the print zone.
US08540358B2	Inkjet compositions and processes for stretchable substrates Novel inkjet ink compositions for forming an image in a form of an elastic film attached to a surface of a stretchable and/or flexible substrate and processes utilizing same for inkjet printing color images on various substrates such as colored and absorptive or impregnable stretchable materials, which are characterized by heightened efficiency in process time, ink and energy consumption, as well as products having durable, wash-fast and abrasion-fast images printed thereon by the process, are disclosed. The novel ink compositions comprise a first part, which contains a property-adjusting agent and a carrier, and a second part which contains an emulsified property-sensitive proto-elastomeric film-forming agent, a colorant and a carrier, such that the second part congeals upon contact with the property-adjusting agent. The second part is digitally applied to the substrate less than 1 second following the application of the first part to the substrate.
US08540357B2	Dithered printing of clear ink to reduce rub and offset An imaging device includes a media supply and handling system configured to move media along a path. A printing system is disposed along the path that includes at least one printhead for applying melted phase-change ink of at least one color to the media to form images thereon. A fixing assembly is disposed along the path downstream of the printing system that is configured to apply heat and/or pressure to the melted phase change ink of the images on the media. A coating system is disposed along the path downstream from the spreader. The coating system includes at least one printhead for applying a clear ink on top of the images formed on the media by the printing station.
US08540354B2	Liquid ejection head A liquid ejection head including a flow path unit is provided. The flow path unit includes a plurality of liquid ejection ports arranged in a matrix form in a two-dimensional area of a parallelogram, and a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the plurality of liquid ejection ports, respectively, and each pressure chamber being long in a first direction. The flow path unit is long in a second direction. Each of the pressure chambers has a length in the second direction larger than a length in a direction orthogonal to the second direction. The plurality of pressure chambers are arranged in a matrix form in a substantially same area as the two-dimensional area.
US08540348B2	Fluid ejection device A fluid ejection device comprising firing cells including a first group of firing cells and a second group of firing cells and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to respond to the control signal to selectively initiate a first sequence adapted to enable the first group of firing cells for activation and a second sequence adapted to enable the second group of firing cells for activation.
US08540347B2	Recording material delivery system for recording material-consuming apparatus; circuit board; structural body; and ink cartridge A circuit board of an ink cartridge is provided with a plurality of terminals, with the contact portions of the plurality of terminals forming a plurality of lines. The contact portions of two terminals used for detecting installation are positioned in a first line, and the contact portion of a power terminal is positioned between the two terminals. The first line may be positioned to a leading side when the ink cartridge is moved in a prescribed direction to effect installation in a printer. Alternatively, the first line may be the line closest to an opening of an ink delivery port. Alternatively, the first line may be the line closest to an ink delivery needle.
US08540340B2	Printer having modular maintenance sled A printer having a media width printhead a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.
US08540332B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image forming apparatus An image processing apparatus includes a multiple value conversion device which carries out quantization processing of original image data having multiple tones (M values) to convert the original image data to image data of N values having fewer tones than the original image data (where M and N are integers satisfying M>N≧2), wherein: the recording head has a two-dimensional nozzle arrangement where the nozzle rows are arranged in a first direction which is a direction of the relative movement between the recording head and the recording medium, and the multiple value conversion device generates the image data of N values representing a dot pattern having blue noise characteristics in the first direction and green noise characteristics in a second direction which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction on the recording medium to achieve tonal representation based on the dot pattern having these frequency characteristics.
US08540329B2	Liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection apparatus includes a valve which adjusts the flow rate of a recording liquid in a return passage connecting an outflow opening with a tank, a pump which supplies the recording liquid from the tank to the internal passage via the supply passage, a detecting unit which detects an operating state of the pump, and a calculating unit which calculates the viscosity of the recording liquid. The calculating unit calculates the viscosity of the recording liquid based on the operating state of the pump detected by the detecting unit, while the recording liquid in the tank circulates so as to serially pass through the supply passage, the internal passage, and the return passage.
US08540327B2	Mounting apparatus for side panel of computer An enclosure includes a chassis, a side panel and a knob structure. The chassis includes a rear panel in which a latching hole is defined. The knob structure includes a mounting member, a sliding member engaged in the mounting member, a positioning member secured to the side panel and a resilient member elastically engaged between the sliding member and the positioning portion. The mounting member is secured to the side panel. The sliding member includes a hook. The sliding member can slide from a first position to a second position; when the sliding member is in the first position, the hook engages in the latching hole, when the sliding member is in the second position, the hook disengages from the latching hole; the resilient member elastically deforms to bias the sliding member to slide from the first position to the second position.
US08540326B2	Stackable footwear storage cabinet A stackable footwear storage cabinet is provided that includes a plurality of components forming a cubic arrangement inclosing an interior space for a drawer with dividers to store footwear in a vertical fashion. Two or more units capable of being interlocked in a vertical stack, counter weighted to prevent tipping over when the fully loaded drawers are extended open.
US08540324B2	Pressure modulator control The invention relates to a brake system which comprises an actuating device (26), especially a brake pedal (30), and a control/regulation device (22). Said control/regulation device (22) controls at least one electromotive drive device (7a, 7b, 8) in response to the movement and/or position of the actuating device (26). The drive device adjusts a piston (1, 1a, 1b) of a piston/cylinder system via a non-hydraulic transmission device, thereby adjusting a pressure in the working compartment (4′, 4′a, 4b′) of the cylinder. Said working compartment is connected to a wheel brake (15, 17) via a pressure conduit (13, 13a). A valve (14, 14a, 15, 15a, 14′, 14a′) is interposed between the brake cylinder of the wheel brake and the working compartment of the piston/cylinder system. The control/regulation device opens the valve for pressure suppression or pressure build-up in the brake cylinder and closes it in order to maintain the pressure in the brake cylinder.
US08540312B2	Infant support with independently repositionable legs An infant support includes a seat and an upright portion that extends from the seat. A tray has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. Additionally, the second member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled between the first member and the third member.
US08540309B2	Apparatus for receiving an information medium The present invention relates to an apparatus, in particular for attaching to the back of a seat. The apparatus comprises a plate with a flat recess and an insert which is removably mountable in the flat recess of the plate and is configured to receive an information medium which is viewable when the insert is mounted in the flat recess of the plate. For releasably fixing of the insert on mounting of the same in the flat recess, the insert has the following: at least one tongue on a first border area of the insert for engagement in at least one correspondingly shaped groove in the plate, and at least one releasable fixing that is present in or on at least one second border area of the insert and that is operable by twisting and/or sliding at least one component.
US08540301B2	Sun visor A sun visor can appropriately expand its light shielding area without requiring any auxiliary sun visor or the like and hence can be provided at low cost. The sun visor includes a sun visor main body section 101 including a container section 102 having a first width and an aperture section 103 having a second width greater than the first width and held in communication with the container section 102, and a translucent light shielding plate including a light shielding plate main body section 111, a pair of upper projections 112 arranged at the upper lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section 111 and a pair of lower projections 113 arranged at the lower lateral ends of the light shielding plate main body section, and the width between the pair of upper projections 112 is greater than the second width.
US08540299B2	Convertible space system for interior cargo area of a vehicle A vehicle includes a convertible space system that is integrated into a floor of an interior cargo area. The convertible space system includes a pair of panels that are moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the pair of panels are extended and integrally positioned on the floor to define a primary load bearing surface. When in the stowed position, the pair of panels are collapsed and positioned on the floor to define vertically extending lateral boundary walls for the cargo area, and to expose a secondary load bearing surface disposed below the primary load bearing surface, thereby increasing the effective height of the interior cargo area.
US08540298B2	Vehicle console tray assembly A vehicle interior trim assembly comprises first, second and third trim members. The first trim member has a first surface which includes a first mounting structure. The second trim member is positioned adjacent to the first trim member such that a first peripheral edge of the first trim member faces a second peripheral edge of the second trim member. The third trim member is more elastic than the first and second trim members and is coupled to and at least partially overlays the second trim member. The third trim member has a second surface including a second mounting structure, and a third peripheral edge of the third trim member extends beyond the second peripheral edge of the second trim member such that the second mounting structure of the third trim member engages the first mounting structure of the first trim member.
US08540290B2	Structure for electrical lock A structure for electrical locks comprises two rotational members, a latching assembly, and a controlling means. The two rotational members are respectively secured to two handles of a door. The latching assembly includes a cartridge, a sliding element, and a dividing rod. The dividing rod is fitted in the cartridge to define two lateral zones respectively corresponding to two recesses of the rotational members. The sliding member is slidably fitted in one of the lateral zones of the cartridge. The controlling means includes a pushing assembly and a solenoid. When the solenoid is de-energized, the pushing assembly can be moved forward to lock a respective handle. When the solenoid is energized, the pushing assembly can be moved back to free the respective handle. The structure can be easily applied in a door where one handle can be freely operated while the other handle can be electro-selectively operated.
US08540288B2	Door lock transmission structure A door lock transmission structure includes two inserts and a link component installed in a case, and the two inserts are driven by a key and a door handle respectively. The insert driven by the door handle includes two driving elements for driving one of the inserts to operate, such that the two inserts are driven for a synchronous operation when one of the driving elements is operated, so as to constitute the door lock transmission structure.
US08540286B2	Connection device for a moulding core for producing a fibre composite component Connection devices for a moulding core for producing a fibre composite component are provided. Such a connection device can include a base element for receiving a coupling portion of the moulding core for subjecting the moulding core to a medium, a clamping element for fixing and sealing the coupling portion of the moulding core on the base element, and a locking mechanism for locking the clamping element with respect to the base element and the coupling portion of the moulding core.
US08540278B2	Airbag assembly An airbag assembly includes an airbag cushion, an inflator to provide inflation gas to inflate the airbag cushion, a diffuser provided between the inflator and the airbag cushion and a deflector provided between the inflator and the diffuser. The diffuser forces the inflation gas to change flow direction at least one time before the inflation gas exits into the airbag cushion. The deflector deflects particulates emitted from the inflator into a predetermined portion of the diffuser to inhibit particulates from entering into the airbag cushion. The predetermined portion of the diffuser may be an upper corner of the diffuser.
US08540274B2	Vehicle airbag support assembly A vehicle airbag support assembly comprises a vehicle cross-car beam and an airbag support structure. The vehicle cross-car beam includes rearward and forward surfaces facing rearward and forward directions of a vehicle. The airbag support structure includes a mounting portion, and elongated extension portion and a support portion. The mounting portion is fixedly coupled to the rearward surface of the vehicle cross-car beam. The elongated extension portion includes a first end fixedly coupled to the mounting portion and a second end spaced from the first end such that the first end is situated closer to the rearward surface than the forward surface and the second end extends beyond the forward surface. The support portion supports an airbag device and is fixedly coupled to the second end of the extension portion such that the support portion is situated closer to the forward surface than the rearward surface and is cantilevered.
US08540271B2	Snowshoe binding A snowshoe binding includes a base plate having opposing first and second lateral sides and a locating block located on the second lateral side and defining an inverted T-shaped retaining hole, a flat connection block defining therein a bottom accommodation chamber adapted for accommodating the locating block, a plurality of binding strap each having a first end connected to the first lateral side of the base plate and a second end coupled to the flat connection block, and a locking device adapted for detachably locking the flat connection block to the locating block.
US08540262B2	Commercial vehicle and device for attaching a spring element to a commercial vehicle axle A commercial vehicle has its axle housings supported on the chassis frame by way of spring elements. Each spring element is connected to a clamping yoke having two legs, of which in each case one leg rests against the front of the axle housing and the other leg rests against the rear of the axle housing, as seen in the driving direction. The legs are connected to one another by a web. Each leg is fixed and secured on a fixing projection on a longitudinal side of the axle housing, and the web is spaced apart from the upper side of the axle housing.
US08540261B2	Suspension arm attachment structure A suspension arm attachment structure provided with a cylindrical vibration-damping bush which is attached to the side of a vehicle body via a core member. The attachment structure is provided with: a suspension arm having an attachment tube part fitted with a vibration-damping bush; and a retaining member which regulates the movement of the attachment tube part in the axial longitudinal direction. The retaining member is provided with: facing walls on sides thereof which respectively face end surfaces of the vibration-damping bush; a linking part which integrally links the facing walls; and an attachment part on one end and an attachment part on the other end which respectively extend in the axial longitudinal direction of a core member from the facing surface on one side and the facing surface on the other side and which are attached to the side of a vehicle body.
US08540258B2	Rack assist type electric power steering apparatus A rack-assist type electric power steering apparatus, in which when a ball nut slides a rack bar while rotating, a vibration and a noise in the axis direction and the radial direction, generated from the rack bar and a rack housing, are absorbed. This facilitates the operation of the ball nut and the rack bar, and reduces the vibration and the noise, thereby resulting in an effect for providing a comfortable steering feeling to a driver.
US08540256B1	Up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture An up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture. The up-right walker includes side frames having a back leg frame and a front leg frame. Wheels are coupled to the back leg frame and to front leg frame for contacting a surface for enabling motion. A first support frame is disposed at the top of the first side frame and a second forearm support frame disposed at the top of the second side frame. A first support structure is coupled to the first support frame and a second support structure is coupled to the second forearm support frame. The first and second support structures are configured to have an angled slope not parallel to the surface engaged by the wheels. A knee support fixture may be provided that includes a knee support platform and a pivoting repository for receiving and supporting a knee therein.
US08540246B1	Balanced six-sided dice Balanced six-sided dice are provided. In this regard, a representative die includes a cubical body provided with a corresponding set of seven indicia on each face, wherein six of the seven indicia of each set form a hexagon pattern with a seventh of the indicia being positioned at a center of the corresponding face.
US08540241B2	Sheet end detection device, image recording apparatus including the sheet end detection device, and a method for detecting position of sheet A sheet end detection device includes a cylindrical roller rotatable around an axis; and a phase detection unit configured to detect a phase in a circumferential direction of the roller. A first piezoelectric element band is provided on the peripheral surface of the roller and extending in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, and the first piezoelectric element band is configured to detect a contact of the sheet and extending in an axial direction of the roller over an inside and an outside of a contact area to be contacted with the conveyed sheet on the peripheral surface. A position of an arbitrary point of the first piezoelectric element band in the axial direction of the roller corresponds one-to-one with the phase in the circumferential direction of the roller.
US08540238B2	Automatic sheet transporting apparatus, and automatic document scanning apparatus with the automatic sheet transporting apparatus An automatic sheet transporting apparatus includes a transporting unit with a discharge roller, the transporting unit discharge a sheet onto a discharge tray configured that support discharged sheets in a stack. A discharge guide, positioned on an upstream side of the discharge tray in a sheet discharging direction, guides a subsequent sheet transported by the transporting unit to a position between the discharge tray and a bottom surface of a previously discharged sheet in the stack. The discharge tray includes at least one rotating member that rotates when the discharge guide guides the subsequent sheet between the discharge tray and the bottom surface of the previously discharged sheet in the stack. The frictional resistance applied to the subsequent sheet is reduced to increase the number of sheets that can be stacked in the discharge tray.
US08540237B2	Auto document feeder and a document reader with the auto document feeder An auto document feeder includes a lead path, a first reverse path, a second reverse path, and a both surfaces eject path. The lead path guides a document from a left side to a right side of a read position. The first and second reverse paths are connected to the lead path, and reverse the document to guide the document from the right side to the left side of the read position. A both surfaces eject path is connected to the first and second reverse paths and guides the document whose image information of a second surface has been read to eject further to the right side than the read position. A shared curve path shared by the lead path and the both surfaces eject path includes a portion between the read position and a portion in which a lead curve path protrudes the most.
US08540235B2	Conveying apparatus for envelopes and related methods An apparatus for conveying envelopes traveling in a travel direction in a generally upright orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and configured to engage lateral edges of the envelopes, and configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction. The apparatus includes a second pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and positioned downstream of the first pair of conveyor assemblies in the travel direction, with the second pair of conveyor assemblies being configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction independently of the first pair of conveyor assemblies.
US08540234B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a swing member swinging between a first position where a force for moving a pressing plate upward is transmitted to the pressing plate and a second position where transmission of the force is interrupted, a latchet mechanism that forbids the pressing plate to move downward and includes a latchet gear rotating in conjunction with a motion of the pressing plate and a latching member that is movably attached to the swing member and configured to forbid rotation of the latchet gear by engaging with the latchet gear, and a pressing member that applies a pressing force to the latching member when the swing member is in the second position and does not apply the pressing force to the latching member, and render the latching member movable relative to the swing member when the swing member is in the first position.
US08540224B2	Variable amplitude sine wave spring A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.
US08540220B2	Air spring for vehicle and railway truck for vehicle The invention offers an air spring for obtaining a vehicle that renders good comfortableness even at the time of the curved-track running. The air spring for a vehicle has an upper board, a lower board, a diaphragm, and a stopper rubber placed between the lower board and a lower plate. The air spring is provided with a mechanism for restraining the displacement of the stopper rubber, the mechanism having a first restraining member placed on either one of the lower plate and the lower board and a second restraining member placed on the other. The shape of restraining wall surfaces is formed such that in the relative positional relationship between the first and second restraining members, when the first or second restraining member displaces itself such that it delineates an arc by placing the center at the railway truck axis of the railway truck of a vehicle, the spacings between the first and second restraining members at the left side and right side are equal to each other or decrease as the amount of displacement along the arc increases.
US08540218B2	Fluid dispersion unit assembly and method A tray valve assembly for a process column of a type wherein a first, heavier fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto a tray and thereacross in a first direction through which a second, lighter fluid flows upwardly therethrough for interaction and mass transfer with the heavier fluid before passing therefrom. A plurality of valves disposed across a surface of the tray and mounted above a plurality of apertures on the surface of the tray, each valve of the plurality of valves comprising a top surface and at least one securement leg. A first securement leg of is adapted to intercept the heavier fluid flow in the first direction forming a diverting baffle for engaging the heavier fluid flow across the tray. Each valve includes at least one aperture to facilitate the lighter fluid flow therefrom and further comprising a first aperture in the first securement leg. The first aperture is adapted to allow the lighter fluid to flow in a second direction to interact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction for lighter fluid aeration thereof. Each valve includes a plurality of open side regions for allowing ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom in generally oppositely dispersed directions for contact with the heavier fluid flow in the first direction and each valve is adapted to allow the ascending lighter fluid flow to pass outwardly therefrom generally in the first direction of the heavier fluid flow passing over the top surface for facilitating a propulsion of the heavier fluid flow therefrom and across the tray.
US08540217B2	Fence post assemblies A fence post assembly (120) comprising a fence post (121) and at least one keeper (122) for holding a fencing wire (2) relative to the post (121). The keeper (122) is movable between a holding position in which the wire (2) is held relative to the post (121) and a release position in which the wire (2) may be released from the post (121). The keeper (121) comprises a slot (123) extending within the post (121) for receiving the wire (2) and a retainer (124) connected to the post (121) that is pivotable between the holding and release positions, wherein in the holding position the retainer (124) obstructs the slot (123).
US08540213B2	Powered pallet truck A powered pallet truck is provided having a drive motor mounted in a drive wheel, a lift mechanism in general fore-and-aft alignment with the center of the drive wheel, and a pressurized fluid supply mechanism mounted to the load lift portion of the frame assembly. In one aspect, the powered pallet truck has a fluid conduit connected to an upper portion of a lift cylinder device adjacent a pivot connection between the lift cylinder device and a load lift portion of the pallet truck to limit movement of the fluid conduit during up and down movement of the load lift portion. In another aspect, the powered pallet truck has a base support portion with an arcuate window permitting movement of one or more cables extending therethrough as a steering assembly of the pallet truck is turned.
US08540211B2	Automated valve testing apparatus A method for partially stroking an emergency valve apparatus is provided. The emergency valve apparatus comprises an actuator (103) and a valve member (101). The apparatus is movable between a first position and a second position. The method comprises the step of initiating a partial stroke movement of the apparatus from the first position towards the second position. A parameter of the fluid acting on the apparatus is measured. Once the measured parameter reaches a threshold value, the partial stroke movement is reversed.
US08540202B2	Support mechanism A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device is disclosed. The support mechanism, comprises at least one connecting assembly; and at least one pair of support portions, each of the at least one pair of support portions comprising a first support member, a connecting member comprising a first connecting end and a second connecting end, and a second support member; wherein the first support member is rotatably connected to the connecting member at the first connecting end, the second support member is rotatably connected to the second connecting member at the second connecting end, and the second support members of each of the at least one pair of support portions are rotatably connected to each other by the at least one connecting assembly.
US08540193B2	Railway snow melter duct assembly The present disclosure relates to a component for a railway snow melter. The component includes a mounting plate adapted for connection to a tie duct. The mounting plate defines a point nozzle opening and/or a track duct nozzle. A point nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the point nozzle opening. A track duct nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the track duct nozzle opening.
US08540189B2	Cable way for aircraft with a structure made of composite material A retention device, in the form of a trunking with a substantially U-shaped section, for retaining at least one cable running along the structure of an aircraft, fastened to said structure by a fastening device and providing an electrical continuity over the whole of its length is disclosed. The device is electrically connected to a current-return circuit from the items of equipment of the aircraft. The trunking includes at least one curve on its longitudinal axis corresponding substantially to that of a frame of a fuselage. It is intended to be mounted on a frame of an aircraft made of carbon fibers and to protect the skin of the aircraft against a possible contact with a damaged cable.
US08540183B2	Aerovehicle system including plurality of autogyro assemblies An unmanned, towable aerovehicle is described and includes a container or frame to hold or support cargo, at least one and, in some examples, a plurality of autogyro assemblies connected to the container and to provide flight characteristics, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. The container or frame includes a connection to connect to a powered aircraft to provide forward motive force to power the autogyro assembly. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. In an example, the electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle. The aerovehicle can further include plurality of autogyro assemblies to assist in flight. The aerovehicle can include surfaces that provide lift or control to assist in the flight profile of the aerovehicle.
US08540182B2	Dispenser for multiple rolls of lottery tickets A lottery ticket dispensing system includes a housing having a plurality of lottery ticket rolls carried therein. At least one wall of the housing defines a common dispensing face having a respective dispensing slot for each of the lottery ticket rolls. A leading end of each of the lottery ticket rolls is pulled and dispensed independently of the other lottery ticket rolls.
US08540179B2	Webbing take-up device When a retaining portion for a first load absorbing wire and a second insertion hole of a second load absorbing wire are aligned with each other in a spool radial direction, and a retaining portion for the second load absorbing wire and a first insertion hole of the first load absorbing wire are aligned with each other in a spool radial direction, the forming position of the retaining portion for the first load absorbing wire is set further to the spool radial direction outside than the second insertion hole so that the retaining portion of the first load absorbing wire and the second insertion hole do not align with each other along the spool axial direction in this state. Similarly the forming position of the retaining portion for the second load absorbing wire is set further to the spool radial direction outside than the first insertion hole.
US08540178B2	Seatbelt retractor When a pinion gear body (33) rotates co-axially with rotational axis of the take-up drum (6), a first rotation body (76) which is fixed to the pinion gear body co-axially rotates relatively to a second rotation body (77) which is mounted to the pinion gear body co-axially, as well, and does not rotate during initial rotation of the pinion gear body. Thereby, an engagement member (29) which is rotatably supported by the first rotation body and fitted to the first and second rotation bodies protrudes radially and outwardly. The engagement member that has thus projected gets engaged with the take-up drum. In this stage, the engagement member is pressed and moved by a guiding portion of the second rotation body in response to the relative rotation so as to be guided in an outward radial direction.
US08540176B2	Crushing plant and method for controlling the same There is described a crushing plant and a method for controlling the same. The crushing plant includes a crusher (1) and a feeding arrangement (3), and is driven by a diesel engine (13). A load value related to the diesel engine is retrieved e.g. by means of a J1939 interface. If the retrieved value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control loop of the feeding arrangement (3) is altered. Thereby it can be avoided that the diesel engine (13) stalls, such that continuous operation of the crushing plant may be ensured.
US08540174B2	Method for producing powder and fluidized bed pulverizing apparatus A method for producing powder including supplying a powder material to a fluidized bed container, jetting fluid from each of a plurality of fluid jetting nozzles provided in the fluidized bed container to collide against each other, thereby fluidizing and pulverizing the powder material in the fluidized bed container to form powder, classifying the powder using a centrifugal classification rotor provided at the upper part of the fluidized bed container and discharging the classified powder from an outlet by being guided by the centrifugal classification rotor, wherein the centrifugal classification rotor is rotated at a first rotating speed for a predetermined time from the beginning of the flow of the powder material in the fluidized bed container, and at a second rotating speed after the predetermined time has passed, and the centrifugal classification rotor is controlled so that the first rotating speed is higher than the second rotating speed.
US08540172B2	Replaceable reservoir A sachet (1) having walls of flexible material is disclosed. The walls are joined so as to form an impermeable seal, thereby defining a cavity within the sachet (1). A conduit (2) passing through the seal and having inner and outer ends is disposed with the inner end within the cavity and the outer end outside the sachet (1) such that the cavity is in fluid communication, via the conduit, with the outside of the sachet. The cavity contains a volume of liquid (8) in use, and the conduit (2) is adapted to prevent the liquid (8) flowing from the cavity without the application of an additional stimulus, irrespective of the orientation of the sachet (1).
US08540171B2	Sprinkler with dual shafts In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a sprinkler is provided, having a first shaft coupled to a drive mechanism and a grooved deflector. A second shaft is disposed within the first shaft, coupled to a water flow adjustment mechanism and an adjustment region on the top of the deflector. The first shaft transfers rotational movement from the drive mechanism to a grooved deflector on the top of the sprinkler. The second shaft rotates with the first shaft during normal operation due to a friction clutch within the sprinkler. When the user desires to adjust the water flow (i.e., the radius of the water), the friction of the clutch can be overcome by rotating the second shaft, increasing openings of flow passages within the sprinkler body. In this respect, flow adjustments can be made from the top of the sprinkler while the deflector rotates.
US08540170B2	Rotor nozzle The invention relates to a rotor nozzle, in particular for high-pressure cleaning devices, having a nozzle housing which has an inlet opening at its axially one end and an outlet opening at the other end for a fluid, in particular water, as well as having a rotor which is arranged in a swirl chamber of the nozzle housing, which is supported at a bearing at its front end facing the outlet opening, which can be at least partly flowed through by the fluid, which can be set into rotation about a longitudinal axis of the nozzle housing by fluid flowing into the swirl chamber and is inclined toward the longitudinal axis at least in the rotated state. Provision is made in this respect that a flexing device is arranged in the swirl chamber which surrounds the rotor and at which deformation work is carried out in a flexing state given from a specific inclination angle of the rotor onward, wherein up to a specific angle of inclination of the rotor the flexing device adopts a base state in which the flexing device is arranged at a spacing from an end abutment and/or wherein the spacing is changeable in the flexing state by deformation of the flexing device: and or that the nozzle housing has a front assembly opening through which an assembly including a plurality of components can be introduced into a nozzle housing and removed from the nozzle housing as a unit.
US08540169B2	Atomizing member and atomizer including the same An atomizing member that includes a piezoelectric vibrator and a vibrating membrane. The piezoelectric vibrator includes a cylindrical piezoelectric body, a first electrode disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the piezoelectric body, and a second electrode disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric vibrator performs cylindrical breathing vibration. The vibrating membrane is disposed on an opening at a first side in an axial direction of the piezoelectric body so as to cover the opening. The vibrating membrane has a through hole in its central portion.
US08540168B2	Wick fragrance diffuser A fragrance diffuser and method of adjusting the evaporation rate of fragrance from a diffuser includes a container having an opening communicating with the interior of the container. A quantity of granular solids material such as silica sand, calcium carbonate sand, salt or starch is located in the container, and a fragrance material is mixed with the solids material to form a solids material-fragrance material mixture that is free of solvents, or includes a minor amount of a low volatility solvent. Wicking material is inserted through the opening of the container, and a portion of the wicking material is immersed into and supported by the solids material-fragrance material mixture. The fragrance material migrates along or through the wicking material and evaporates into the surrounding environment. The evaporation rate of fragrance from the diffuser can be adjusted by varying the length of the wicking material immersed into the granular solids material-fragrance mixture.
US08540163B2	Personalization of card-shaped data carriers In a method and an apparatus for personalizing card-shaped data carriers (10, 11, 12), for example chip cards in the formats ID000 to ID3 or other suitable formats, a card-shaped data carrier (10, 11, 12) to be personalized is transported by means of a transport device within the apparatus. During the transport motion, personalization data are transferred to an electronic storage device (13) of the card-shaped data carrier (10, 11, 12) by means of a personalization device (40). The transporting of the card-shaped data carrier (10, 11, 12) is effected by means of a band-shaped or tubular carrier (20, 21, 22, 23) on which a multiplicity of card-shaped data carriers (10, 11, 12) to be personalized are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction.
US08540160B2	Card carrier having extended transaction card A transaction card carrier is disclosed. The transaction card carrier may include a transaction card having substantially the same width as the transaction card carrier. The transaction card may also be secured on the transaction card carrier such that at least one scan bar positioned on the back surface of the transaction card is visible and accessible without manipulating the transaction card carrier.
US08540158B2	Document verification using dynamic document identification framework Techniques are described for identifying and validating security documents according to a dynamic document identification framework. For example, a security document authentication device includes an image capture interface that receives the captured images of a document and a memory that stores a plurality of document type objects within a data structure according to the dynamic document identification framework. The security document authentication device also includes a document processing engine that traverses the data structure by selectively invoking one or more of the plurality of processes to identify the captured images as one of the plurality of document type objects. Contrary to conventional identification techniques, this identification method performed by traversing the data structure stored according to the dynamic document identification framework may provide more accurate identification result in a more efficient manner, as only applicable processes may be applied to identify the captured images. Upon identifying the document type, a set of one or more validators are applied to further confirm its authenticity.
US08540156B2	System and method for quality management utilizing barcode indicators A barcoded quality indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one product quality threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded quality indicator including a changeable barcode including at least one material having at least one variable visually-sensible characteristic which gradually changes as a function of changes in the at least one product quality affecting parameter and a background having at least one selectable visually-sensible characteristic which is not variable or not variable in the same way as is the barcode. The machine-readable indication of exceedance being represented by a machine-readable difference between the at least one variable visually-sensible characteristic and the at least one selectable visually-sensible characteristic, the barcoded quality indicator providing a first machine-readable indication prior to the exceedance of the at least one threshold and a second machine-readable indication, different from the first machine-readable indication.
US08540149B1	Active barcode authentication system and authentication method thereof The present invention is to provide an active barcode authentication system and an authentication method thereof, which actively provides an encrypted message barcode and can fast and easily authenticate the ID of a user who holds a portable device, so that the avoidance that portable information is copied or stolen to cause fake conditions of trade, ID confirmation, membership card, access control, attendance, etc. can be made.
US08540144B2	Automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records with improved security An automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards. The machine includes a reader device operative to read data usable to identify a financial account authorized for use in conducting a transaction through the machine. An authorized machine user is able to use the machine to perform transactions, including financial transfers, cash dispensing, and other actions associated with financial accounts. The machine includes a safe having two sections separated by a shared wall structure. A cash handling arrangement is operative to transport cash between the two sections through a slot in the wall structure.
US08540143B2	Cassette for automated teller machine A cassette for an automatic teller machine (ATM) is provided, which is capable of returning a paper medium disposed at an entrance of the cassette into the cassette using a moving force of a shutter that closes the entrance, during separation of the cassette from a cassette receiving portion.
US08540140B2	Automated handling of exceptions in financial transaction records A financial transactions control system may automate the correction of exceptions in financial transaction data. It may include an exception identification system configured to detect exceptions in the financial transaction data. It may include a storage system configured to store information about the detected exceptions, recipients designated to handle the detected exceptions, and the status of efforts to resolve the exceptions. An exception alert system may be configured to automatically in response to each detected exception look up the identity of at least one recipient that has been designated in the storage system to handle the exception, and to cause a message to be delivered to the at least one identified recipient alerting the at least one identified recipient to the exception. The financial transactions control system may also include an exception tracking system configured to track each exception and the status of efforts to resolve it.
US08540138B1	Stair step portfolio file A stair-step, expandable file folder is disclosed, in which each pocket in the folder has the same depth, rather than the back pockets being deeper than the front pockets. The folder includes a series of dividers that form the front and back sides of the pockets of the folder. The top edges of the dividers have increasing height, from the front to the back of the folder. The dividers are folded to form the bottoms of the pockets, with the folded portions also increasing in height from the front to the back of the folder. Each divider extends downward to form the back face of a pocket, is folded forward to form the bottom face of the pocket, and is folded downward to extend toward the bottom edge of the folder. The troughs in an expandable gusset support the sides of the dividers. Above the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into one trough. Below the fold portion, the divider laterally extends into the adjacent trough toward the front of the folder.
US08540134B2	Reinforcement of friction plug welds A hole in a metal workpiece is filled by friction plug welding. The weld between the workpiece and the plug is reinforced by a weld land in the workpiece that surrounds one end of the plug. The weld land is formed by extruding a portion of the plug into a cavity in an anvil used in the welding process.
US08540133B2	Staple cartridge A surgical stapling instrument and, in addition, a staple cartridge comprising a cutting member positioned therein. The staple cartridge can comprise alignment features configured to align the cutting member of the staple cartridge with a distal end of a drive bar when the staple cartridge is assembled to the surgical stapling instrument.
US08540122B2	Pressurized hydration system A hydration system includes first and second opposing flexible walls that form a bladder having a sealable compartment for containing a liquid. The system includes a drinking tube having a first end with a valve and a second end. A first port is configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment. A second port is configured to provide fluid communication between the compartment and the drinking tube. The third port allows liquid to be supplied into the compartment. A first baffle and a second baffle connect the opposing walls within the compartment. The first and second baffles are configured to oppose expansion of the bladder as the pressurizing gasses are introduced into the compartment. A space between the first and second baffles is accessible via the third port. The space is configured to receive and secure a thermal pack. The thermal pack is insertable and removable via the third port. When sealed and pressurized, activation of the valve unseals the compartment and allows the liquid to be expelled from the compartment via the second port and the drinking tube as a result of a pressurization of the compartment by the pressurizing gasses.
US08540117B2	Compartmentalized portable container and body wash wipes The present invention is a compartmentalized portable container and body wash wipes, which allows the user to substitute the traditional showering or bathing cycle with a series of body wipes. These body wipes are carried in a slender container, which allows the present invention to be a very portable device. The series of wipes include a number of pre-wash wipes, soap wipes, moisturizing wipes, and deodorizing wipes. Once the user finishes the series of wipes, the user throws the wipes away. The container stores and separate each kind of wipe in their own compartment. The dispensing mechanisms on the container allows the user to take only one of each kind of wipe at a time. The present invention can also be cleaned out with warm soapy water or alcohol once the supply of body wipes has been exhausted, which provides a replacement pack of body wipes with a clean container.
US08540108B2	Bowl holder A bowl holder for a bowl adapted for serving a hot meal includes a top structure configured for a removable placement of the bowl into the bowl holder, a bottom plate, and sidewalls disposed between the top structure and the bottom plate near perimeters thereof.
US08540107B2	Cooking vessel with nonstick coating The invention relates to a cooking vessel having a non-stick coating, a handle and a vessel body. According to the invention, the inner surface of the vessel body is provided with a multiplicity of oil wells, the inner side of which wells is provided with studs of which the height is less than the depth of the oil wells, wherein the upper surface of the oil wells is provided with a non-stick coating, and the thickness of the non-stick coating is greater than the height of the studs and at the same time less than the depth of the oil wells.
US08540103B2	Closure for pressure vessels A closure for pressure vessels provides ease in access to the inside of a pressure vessel and at the same time provides a tight pressure seal for the closure. The closure for pressure vessels includes a hub adapted to fit on to an opening on the pressure vessel, a door connected to the hub, a hinge assembly to secure the door to the hub, and a locking assembly attached to the door. The locking assembly includes a slide lock operating around a central support, a plurality of locking lug arms radially operating around the central support, a pressure alert valve connected to the door, and a handle connected to the slide plate operating around the central support. The handle moves the locking assembly from a locking position to an unlocking position as the result of the groove pattern machined in the back of the slide plate.
US08540102B2	Drum ring and lever system A two piece clamping ring and lever system for retaining removable lids to containers comprises a split circular ring. The ring first end includes outwardly extending receiving hooks. The second end of the ring includes pivot bosses comprising a pivot shaft and enlarged button. A lever with pivot shafts engages with the ring first end. When the lever is closed contact surfaces on an inwardly projecting transverse beam on the underside of the lever and outwardly projecting beams on the ring first end engage to relieve stresses on the lever pivot shafts and ring first end pivot receiving hooks. A second stress transfer relationship is engaged as an inwardly facing transverse beam extending between the sidewalls of the second end is slideably engaged into corresponding receiving channels outwardly facing from the ring first end thereby relieving stresses on the pivot bosses and corresponding longitudinally extending lever bearing surface.
US08540101B1	Filter housing with liftable lid A filter housing having a lid that is mateable with a vessel portion. An arm that is rotationally fixed relative to the housing having threads that mate with threads in a ratcheting mechanism. Rotating the ratcheting mechanism raises the lid because the ratcheting mechanism is fixed from longitudinal movement. A slot in which a pin rides is used to fix rotation, the slot has an aligned portion and an angled portion. The aligned portion is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the arm and the angled portion is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm. As the arm raises and the pin rides in the aligned portion of the slot, the lid raises without rotation, and as the pin rides in the angled portion the lid raises and rotates.
US08540100B1	Cap for travel toothpaste tube with integrated refill adapter A refill adapter for a travel toothpaste tube is provided as an adapter which has one end to be engaged with a large-capacity toothpaste tube and the other end to be engaged with a travel toothpaste tube. The refill equipment is integrated with a cap for the travel toothpaste in order to be carried together with the cap as one body. The cap for the travel toothpaste tube includes a refill adapter, which is configured to be a hollow tube and have one end to be engaged with a nozzle of a large-capacity toothpaste tube and the other end to be engaged with a nozzle of the travel toothpaste tube, and an upper cap configured to be detachably engaged with the one end of the refill adapter.
US08540093B2	Middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles What is described is a middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles, comprising two coupling halves (2, 2′) to be coupled together attached to vehicle parts (A, B), each of said coupling halves (2, 2′) comprising a coupling rod (8, 8′) with a coupling head (12, 12′), and comprising a connecting element (16) for manually connecting the two coupling heads (12, 12′). Disposed at each coupling head (12, 12′) is an electrical contact element (32, 34) for contacting with the contact element of the other respective coupling head (12, 12′) when the two coupling halves (2, 2′) are coupled. Routed within each coupling rod (8, 8′) are electrical lines (18, 18′) that lead from the contact elements (32, 34) of the associated coupling head (12, 12′) to the vehicle part (A, B) to which the coupling halves (2, 2′) comprising said coupling rods (8, 8′) are attached, respectively.
US08540086B2	Weapon wall mount and locking method and apparatus A weapon wall mount is provided with the mount having a continuous base plate which matches the silhouette of a weapon. The continuous base plate has equidistantly spaced countersunk holes providing uniform attachment to a wall. The wall having wall studs spaced at least between a range of 12 inches to 24 inches on center. The base plate has a transversely aligned support which provides longitudinal and vertical support to the weapon. In addition the base plate has a transversely aligned locking shaft to receive a lock. When mounted, the weapon restricts access to the equidistantly spaced countersunk holes so that the mount and weapon cannot be easily removed from the wall. This mount also provides the appearance of the weapon securely fastened and mounted to the wall without the noticeable visual appearance of any support.
US08540085B2	Dishwasher rack assembly with adjustable tines A dishwasher rack assembly includes a bottom wall formed of spaced apart lateral rods crossed by spaced apart longitudinal rods to define an open lattice structure. A plurality of fixed vertical tines extend upward from the bottom wall and are arranged in pairs along the longitudinal or lateral rods of the bottom wall with a defined space between adjacent pairs of the fixed vertical tines. A frame structure is provided with a shape and size so as to slide along the bottom wall between the pairs of fixed vertical tines. A plurality of vertical tines extend upward from the frame structure and are arranged in pairs along the frame structure. A securement mechanism is configured between the frame structure and the bottom wall to accommodate relative movement and anchoring between the frame structure and the bottom wall for variable positioning of the frame structure tines relative to the pairs of fixed vertical tines.
US08540083B2	Plate stand for random assortment of plates An interlocking assembly of two generally rectangular panels with one of each of their edges aligned proximately to each other at a generally orthogonal engagement, each of the panels including a plurality of matching recess cut-outs in the adjacent edges in which dishes can be engaged in a cantilevered manner. Each of the cut-outs is shaped to include a convex curvature in its lower edge which is opposed by a spaced, generally matching convolution in the upper edge to serve respectively as a large diameter fulcrum to cooperate with an off-set periphery engaging opposing surface between which the dish is captured. To insure a conforming capture the cut-out edges may be covered with a resilient covering.
US08540071B2	Conveyor roller support arrangement A conveyor roller support arrangement includes a frame having a pair of opposed end-frames, each end-frame including a mounting support for mounting a respective end of a conveyor roller, wherein at least one of the mounting supports is displaceable relative to the frame between an operative position in which the roller is mounted for rotation and a removable position in which the roller is free for removal from the frame.
US08540066B2	Rotationally fixed connection of two parts of a transmission for transmitting torque A rotationally fixed connection of first and second components (2, 4) of a transmission (1) for torque transfer. The fixed connection is produced by the combination of two different types of connection elements (6, 7, 8, 9), such that the connection elements (6, 8) of a first type ensures the mutual centering of the first and the second components (2, 4) to be connected and torque transfer, while the connection elements (7, 9) of a second type enable the first and the second components (2, 4) to be axially fixed and transfer axial operating forces.
US08540061B1	Disc brake pad mounting and retention system and method A system and method are provided for mounting, removing and retaining brake pads in disc brakes, such as air-operated disc brakes utilized on commercial vehicles, in a manner which does not require the use of separate brake pad retaining devices while providing positive retention of the brake pad. A preferred embodiment includes a brake caliper mount having brake pad abutment surfaces having radially-oriented and lateral grooves which permit a brake pad with corresponding projections on is lateral sides to be inserted through an opening of the brake caliper into the radially-oriented grooves until the backing plate projections are aligned with the lateral groove, and advancing the brake actuator behind the brake pad to place the brake pad in an operating position in which the actuator prevents the brake pad from realigning with the radially-oriented grooves until the actuator is retracted to permit brake pad extraction.
US08540058B2	Elevator with a closable opening in a car sill An elevator in which a first gap between a car sill and a landing sill can be maintained as small as possible except at a space of the car sill which passes over a second connecting element that drives a landing door on a landing. The structure of the elevator is simple, inexpensive and reliable, wherein a second gap of the space required for the connecting element, which gap is larger than the first gap, can be closed and opened.
US08540055B2	Oil supplying apparatus for vehicle An oil supplying apparatus for a vehicle, includes an engine driven mechanical oil pump, a hydraulic actuator operated by pressure of oil supplied from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the hydraulic actuator, an engine lubrication device lubricating each member of the engine with the oil supplied from the engine driven mechanical oil pump, and a priority flow valve selectively establishing priority flow and secondary flow conditions when a low oil pressure is working on the hydraulic actuator and when a high oil pressure is working on the hydraulic actuator, respectively, the priority flow condition allowing an oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the hydraulic actuator with priority over an oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the engine lubrication device, the secondary flow condition allowing the oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the engine lubrication device.
US08540049B2	Acoustic diaphragm suspending A suspension element for mechanically coupling an acoustic diaphragm to a stationary element. The suspension element is characterized by a total compliance. The total compliance includes a shear compliance and a beam compliance. The beam compliance is not significantly larger than the shear compliance.
US08540046B2	Electrical unit layout structure for saddle type electric vehicle An accelerator position sensor for detecting accelerator position is provided rearwardly of a head pipe and on the upper side of a main frame. A breaker for cutting off battery power supplied to a controller for performing drive control of a motor unit is provided on the accelerator position sensor. The breaker and the accelerator position sensor are covered with an electrical unit case provided with an opening part. The opening part is provided with a closing member by which the opening part can be opened and closed.
US08540043B2	Over bulkhead air intake for reduced snow ingestion A bulkhead cover for a vehicle air intake system includes a forward wall defining a bulkhead cover primary port for receiving an air flow admitted through a grille of a vehicle, a first side wall extending from an outer lateral side of the forward wall to an outer lateral side of an intake enclosure, and a second side wall extending from an inner lateral side of the forward wall to an inner lateral side of the intake enclosure. The intake enclosure defines an intake port between the outer and inner lateral sides of the intake enclosure. A bulkhead cover auxiliary port is defined in the second side wall for receiving additional air flow admitted through the grille and thereby reducing snow ingestion through the bulkhead cover primary port.
US08540041B2	Driving system for electric vehicle A driving system for electric vehicle is disclosed to use a clutch switching unit for controlling a motor rotor-driven bushing to rotate a wheel hub via a direct-drive active clutch or via a set of planet gears and a reducing clutch. At the initial state after startup of the motor, the direct-drive active clutch runs idle, enabling the wheel hub to provide a low-speed high-torque output, saving power consumption. When the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined level, a control circuit drives a clutch motor to move the clutch switching unit in releasing the reducing clutch to idle the planet gears, enabling the direct-drive active clutch to be switched on so that the rotor of the motor can rotate the wheel hub directly to accelerate the vehicle speed.
US08540040B2	Multi-purpose ground vehicle The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).
US08540038B1	Low profile omnidirectional vehicle A track assembly and vehicle for omnidirectional travel. The track assembly includes a driving arrangement and two or more closed loop linking members connected to the driving arrangement. The track assembly also includes freely rotatable rollers for contacting a surface, the rollers supported on the closed loop linking members. The rollers travel a roller path defined by the motion of the closed loop linking members. An omnidirectional vehicle includes two or more track assemblies.
US08540018B2	Apparatus and method for recovering fluids from a well and/or injecting fluids into a well Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
US08540014B2	Vehicle air conditioner In a vehicle air conditioner (1) employing an air-mix method, airflow which passed through a bypass channel (14) and airflow which passed through a heated air channel (13) are mixed in an air-mix area (15) located downstream of an air-mix damper (6) and the airflow is guided to a foot outlet (19) through a foot channel (18) provided on the back side of a partition wall (2A) constituting the heated air channel (13). The vehicle air conditioner includes a mixing enhancement portion (50) that makes airflow flowing along the partition wall (2A) flow toward the air-mix area (15) and an introduction portion (60) that is continuous with the mixing enhancement portion (50) and smoothly guides the airflow after air mixing to the foot channel (18) are provided at an end (30) of the partition wall (2A) constituting an outlet of the heated air channel (13).
US08540012B2	Heat exchanger A heat exchanger and a method for fabricating the heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger core that is formed from a plurality of stacked aluminum panels that are joined together via friction stir welding. Each panel in the core is formed from at least two aluminum extrusions that are joined to one another via friction stir welding.
US08540011B2	Shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles The present invention provides a single shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, where within a single pitch, the helical baffles are separated into inner and outer parts along the radial direction of the shell. In the central portion of the inner space of the shell, an inner non-continuous helical form is employed; in other portion outside the central portion, doughnut shaped helical baffles with continuous curved surfaces are arranged to form an outer continuous helical baffle, and the outer helical baffles are arranged to surround the inner helical baffles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a multiple shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, in which complete continuous helical baffles are provided in shell-sides other than the inner shell-pass, while non-continuous helical baffles or other flow guide means are employed in the inner shell-pass. The present invention makes flow patterns of fluids on the shell side more desirable, leading to a reduced flow pressure drop, and mitigate fouling, thus the heat transfer rate is improved and the service life of the heat exchanger is increased. The present invention also provides two methods for manufacture of continuous helical baffles, which ensure the concentricity of the tube bundle holes on each continuous helical baffle so as to facilitate installation of heat exchange tube bundles.
US08540008B2	Lift guiding system for a car curtain A lift guiding system for a car curtain, set on the left and right hand sides of a car rear windshield, comprises a gliding rail in strip shape, wherein remote from the rear window a cover is set; a passage, an opening, a slide, longitudinally movable set in said passage, wherein an upper end is jointed with an end of the rod of said curtain; and a rope, wherein a lower end is connected with the folding system of the car curtain; while the upper end is fixed on said slide; thus the rope is concealed; due to the cover the outward appearance and interior trim become unified; so a aesthetic appearance is achieved.
US08540004B2	Sheet winder Disclosed is a sheet winder which enables a sheet roll paper wound in a roll shape to be used in manufacturing of a corrugated cardboard for packing cases, in which the sheet roll paper is obtained by laminating sheet papers printed one by one using a lithography technique as one of the most general and economical printing methods and a roll paper used as a material for manufacturing the corrugated cardboard for packing cases.
US08540003B2	Labeling apparatus The invention relates to apparatus which can be used to apply self adhesive labels (2) from a label supply (14,100), with said apparatus requiring no or very little alteration to allow the same to be used to apply labels which are provided on a backing layer or labels which are provided from a linerless label supply. This allows the use of the apparatus to be significantly wide ranging while ensuring that the accuracy of application is still maintained.
US08539992B2	Apparatus and method for anchor bolt grouting A filling apparatus for a grouting system. The filling apparatus comprises a first fill tube and a second fill tube. The first fill tube is discrete from the second fill tube. The first fill tube is disposed for transporting resin mastic and the second fill tube is disposed for transporting initiator. A portion of the first fill tube has an inlet opening through which an injection quill extends interiorly and downwardly through the first fill tube. The injection quill is disposed for transporting inhibitor. This disclosure also relates to a method for adjusting gel time of a grouting system used for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, a grouting system for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, and a method for anchoring a reinforcing member in a mine.
US08539991B1	Vapor recovery fuel dispensing nozzle A vacuum-assist fuel dispensing nozzle has a body defining a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage each having a control valve operated simultaneously by a hand actuated lever pivotally connected to an axially movable tubular member retained by a diaphragm actuated clutch. A fuel dispensing spout extends from the body and a fuel responsive poppet valve, and the spout encloses an air bleed passage which actuates the clutch. The housing supports a vapor flow responsive valve within the vapor passage and includes a ferrous valve member or disc movable within retainers between a closed position contacting an annular seat to block the flow of vapor and an open position permitting a free flow of vapor through the vapor passage. A circular magnet is supported by the retainers and magnetically attracts the valve disc to the closed position in response to no flow of vapor through the vapor passage.
US08539985B2	Compact high pressure rubber hose Compact flexible reinforce rubber hose adapted for conveying fluids under high pressure. The hose includes a thin inner tube formed of a vulcanized rubber.
US08539965B2	Hair styling tool with rotatable cylinder A hair styling tool 20 includes a body 22, a cylinder 24 extending from the body, the cylinder rotatable relative to the body, a motor 39 for rotating the cylinder, a heater 1324 to heat the cylinder, and a styling arm pivotally attached to the body. The hair styling tool may have a generally clam shell configuration, wherein the styling arm 151 is movable between an open position in which the styling arm is distant the cylinder and a closed position in which the styling arm is proximate to the cylinder, such as contacting the cylinder. The styling arm may also include a brush head 26 with fixed or retractable bristles and/or a smoothing plate 108.
US08539962B2	Cosmetic for eyelashes The present invention is a cosmetic for eyelashes characteristically comprising modified cross-section hollow fibers. What is preferable is a cosmetic for eyelashes characteristically containing said modified cross-section hollow fibers that are polygonal cross-section hollow fibers having depressions so they can orient along the eyelashes wherein the length of the hollow fibers is 0.5-4 mm and the size is 20-50 μm.The object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic for eyelashes that exhibits a superior curling effect and long lash effect and allows a beautiful finish.
US08539959B1	Electronic cigarette configured to simulate the natural burn of a traditional cigarette The present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarette components. As will be disclosed, an electronic cigarette may have a translucent conduit and light chamber which, together, allow light from the light source to be diffused therethrough in such a way that the light emitted during inhalation simulates the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation. The electronic cigarette may also have a translucent ash simulator to further simulate the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation.
US08539958B2	Oral moist smokeless tobacco products with net-structured gel coating and methods of making Oral tobacco products having a gel-coating and methods for making are provided. The method includes (a) molding a portion of tobacco material to form a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material, the tobacco material comprising moist smokeless tobacco; (b) contacting the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material with a gel-coating solution to form a gel-coating comprising at least one polymer on an outer surface of the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product, said gel-coating comprising an inner surface disposed around the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material and an outer surface; and (c) forming one or more of perforations, uncoated areas and holes in the gel-coating of the oral tobacco product to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product.
US08539957B2	Cigarettes and cigarette filters including activated carbon for removing nitric oxide Filters and cigarettes include an activated carbon sorbent capable of selectively removing nitric oxide from mainstream tobacco smoke. Methods for making cigarette filters and cigarettes using the activated carbon sorbent and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke produced by smoking a cigarette comprising the sorbent are also provided.
US08539952B2	Mechanical insufflation/exsufflation airway clearance apparatus An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.
US08539951B1	Oscillating positive respiratory pressure device An oscillating positive respiratory pressure apparatus and a method of performing oscillating positive respiratory pressure therapy. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, an exhalation flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet, and a restrictor member rotatably mounted within the interior chamber. The restrictor member has an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the flow path at the inlet, and includes at least one blocking segment. Rotation of the restrictor member moves the at least one blocking segment between an open position and a closed position. Respiratory pressure at the chamber inlet oscillates between a minimum when the at least one blocking segment is in the open position and a maximum when the at least one blocking segment is in the closed position. By exhaling into the apparatus, oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy is administered.
US08539949B2	Ventilation system with a two-point perspective view The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information.
US08539948B2	Hyperthermia assisted radiation therapy A breathing system for hyperthermic assisted radiation therapy includes at least one heating element that modulates the temperature of air inhaled by a patient, at least one cooling element that modulates the humidity of the air inhaled by a patient, and a controller that maintains the desired humidity and temperature.
US08539946B2	Dry powder inhaler The invention relates to a dry powder inhaler, having a base housing, having a capsule receptacle for a capsule containing dry powder, having at least one needle- or blade-like opening means, movably arranged in relation to the base housing, for opening the capsule, and having a mouthpiece, through which the dry powder from an opened capsule can be inhaled. The invention is distinguished in that the opening means are fastened on the mouthpiece, and that the mouthpiece can be moved in respect to the base housing out of a normal position into an opening position which opens the capsule.
US08539945B2	Dose counter and recording method A dose counter for a metered dose inhaler includes a force sensor, an electronic controller, a memory for storing data indicative of a remaining number of doses and an electronic display device coupled to the controller for displaying the remaining number of doses. The dose counter is attached or integrated into a base of a canister containing medicament such that force applied to the base of the canister is registered by the force sensor, the controller being configured to measure force applied to the dose counter when depressing the canister and being responsive to measured force to decrement the remaining number of doses stored in the memory and shown on the display device.
US08539943B2	Method for supporting a stretched membrane solar trough collector An improved solar reflector with a frame structure suitable for spanning longer distances that utilizes light-weight side beams, ridgecaps and tensioned cables to form a truss-system.
US08539939B2	Clay bird thrower A hand held disk thrower consisting of a pivoting extended arm and launching head connected to a gripping handle that allows a wide ratios secondary action. The throwing head and arm section are designed to grip the clay target in a semicircular channeled head that offers some resistance to releasing. The arm is lengthened and arched to create both drag and centrifugal force. The launch head and arm section are attached to the handle by a pivoting joint that allows for free or flopping movement of head arm section. The combination head and launch arm and handle are constructed of a semi-ridged plastic. The thrower is designed to release a spinning disk when swung in an arc by the person grasping the handle.
US08539934B2	Injection abnormality detection method and common rail fuel injection control system To reliably detect, without adding new parts, injection abnormality not only when fuel injection is not performed but also including fuel injection in a state where the injection quantity has fallen abnormally low. In a state where a flow rate control valve is controlled in a closed loop, a pressure control valve is controlled in an open loop and an indicated injection quantity of fuel that should be injected from fuel injection valves arithmetically calculated by predetermined arithmetic processing on the basis of the operating state of an engine exceeds zero, when it has been determined that the difference between a minimum fuel through-flow rate in the flow rate control valve determined by a predetermined map from an engine speed Ne and the indicated injection quantity and a fuel through-flow rate decided in closed loop control of the flow rate control valve is larger than a predetermined threshold value K, it is determined there is injection abnormality.
US08539931B1	Rotary internal combustion diesel engine A rotary internal combustion diesel engine (46) comprising: a posterior plate (78), an intermediate plate (80), and an anterior plate (82); a rotor-housing unit (46) on each side of the intermediate plate (80), each containing a yousroid chamber (48), and a 2-apex rotor (56) containing an aperture (58). The chamber (48) wall contains an intake valve (68), an exhaust valve (70), and a fuel supply device (72); in gasoline embodiments, an ignition device (76) is added; compressed air/gas and hydraulic embodiments, require an input port (74) and an output port (70a). A shaft (52) rotatably mounted, extends through the housing, having essentially rectangular segments (54) within the chambers (48). There are seals (not shown) on the rotor apices (60, 62) and on the anterior (82) intermediate (80), and posterior plate (78).
US08539929B2	Cylinder head cooling system A cylinder head for a motorcycle engine, which has a pair of cylinders arranged in a “V” configuration such that the cylinders converge toward a crankshaft axis and such that a space is defined between the cylinders at an upper extent of each of the cylinders. The cylinder head includes a base configured to be coupled to one of the cylinders, an intake side including an intake passage and an intake valve movable disposed within the intake passage, the intake side being positioned adjacent the space, and an exhaust side including an exhaust passage and an exhaust valve movable disposed within the exhaust passage, the exhaust side being positioned remote from the space. A cooling liquid inlet port and a cooling liquid discharge port are located on the intake side. A cooling liquid passage runs through the cylinder head to reduce an operating temperature of the cylinder head.
US08539928B2	Piston assembly and connecting rod having a profiled wrist pin bore therefor A piston assembly and connecting rod therefor is provided. The connecting rod has an elongate body extending to an end for operable attachment to a piston. The end has a wrist pin bore extending between opposite sides of the body. The wrist pin bore has a wavy profile extending between the sides. The wavy profile has at least one concave surface with a valley extending along a circumferential direction of the wrist pin bore and convex surfaces having peaks extending along a circumferential direction of the wrist pin bore on laterally opposite sides of the valley. The peaks and valleys cooperate to form a smooth load gradient and uniform lubrication flow across the interface region between the wrist pin bore and the wrist pin extending therethrough.
US08539922B2	Rigid primer bulb pump A hand operated primer pump for small marine or other engines generally spark ignition engines used on stern drive boats that prevents transfer of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. The primer generally mimics and replaces prior art rubber primer bulbs in general shape and possibly color, although it can be made in any shape or color. It generally contains a pump that delivers a precise measured amount of fuel with each stroke of the actuator. The primer can have an ergonomically designed actuator that creates the farthest distance from a fulcrum point for maximum leverage and hence, maximum ease of use. The primer is generally designed with a continuous molded fuel path to seal any source of hydrocarbon leakage as well as being made from materials that prevent transfer of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere.
US08539909B2	Apparatus for supporting a pet A pet bed having a pet cushion for supporting a pet has a lower cushion for improving comfort when held on one's lap. Between the pet cushion and the lower cushion is an intermediate planar layer made of a stiff material. The pet cushion rests on or is affixed to a top surface of the intermediate planar layer and the top surface of the lower cushion is affixed or removably affixed to a bottom surface of the intermediate layer. When lifting or carrying the pet bed, the intermediate planar layer remains substantially planar, even while a pet rests on the pet surface of the pet cushion.
US08539908B2	Film forming apparatus, film forming method and storage medium A film forming apparatus includes a processing chamber, and a mounting table disposed in the processing chamber to mount a substrate thereon. The film forming apparatus further includes a gas shower head having gas supply holes and including a central region facing a central portion of the substrate and a peripheral region facing a peripheral portion of the substrate, a first processing gas supply unit for supplying a first processing gas to the central region, a second processing gas supply unit for supplying a second processing gas to the central region, an energy supply unit for supplying energy to react the first processing gas with the second processing gas on the substrate, and a purge gas supply unit for supplying a purge gas to the central region and the peripheral region when one of the first and the second processing gas is switched by the other.
US08539907B2	Apparatus for chemical bath deposition between two covers, wherein a cover is a substrate The invention provides a film deposition apparatus, which includes a first cover and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are disposed opposite to each other, and the first cover has at least two holes, and a spacer disposed between the first cover and the second cover, wherein the first cover, the spacer and the second cover form a film deposition space.
US08539902B2	Device for displaying a flag A device for displaying a flag includes a raisable and lowerable flag container (12) provided with an arrangement for extending or retracting a flag, and a raisable and lowerable flag cassette (6) provided with several flag containers (12). The device for displaying a flag is provided with a control unit (5) from which the device for displaying a flag may be controlled. The flag container (12) in the flag cassette is provided with a device for pivoting the flag container from being essentially parallel to the flag pole into an essentially orthogonal angle relative to the flag pole and a device for extending or retracting a flag in the flag container, where the control unit (5) is arranged to first pivoting a flag container and then extending a flag in the flag container.
US08539900B2	Folding transom for a collapsible boat Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.
US08539893B2	Sewing machine and computer-readable medium storing sewing machine control program A sewing machine includes a transfer device that includes a carriage to which an embroidery frame can be attached under a plurality of attaching conditions and that is adapted to transfer the carriage, a sewing device that moves a needle bar up and down, a specification device that specifies an embroidery pattern to be sewn, an allocation device that allocates pattern data to one of the plurality of attaching conditions, a data acquisition device that acquires pattern data allocated to a current condition, an image capture device that is adapted to capture an image of at least one marker, a computation device that computes a difference as a correcting condition based on image data, a correction device that corrects the pattern data, and a sewing control device that performs sewing of the partial pattern by controlling the transfer device and the sewing device in accordance with the pattern data.
US08539875B1	Protection system A net deployment system which, in one example, includes lengthy housing with a channel therein, a net folded in the channel, a lengthy bladder fixed to the housing and in the channel behind the net, attachments between the net and the bladder, and at least one inflator charge for inflating the bladder to deploy the net out of the channel.
US08539861B2	Movable blade not impairing durability of stationary blade, paper sheet cutting device with movable blade, and printer with paper sheet cutting device Provided is a movable blade including, at a part including a movable blade leading edge which engages with a stationary blade, a blade edge portion which is thinned toward the movable blade leading edge. The blade edge portion is formed by shaving.
US08539856B2	Bicycle shift control device A bicycle shift control device comprises a base member, a shift control unit movable in a first direction and in a second direction, and an operating member operatively coupled to the shift control unit. The operating member is coupled relative to the base member to move along a shift operating path from a rest position to a first shift position for causing movement of the shift control unit in the first direction, and the operating member is coupled relative to the base member to move along the shift operating path from the rest position to a second shift position for causing movement of the shift control unit in the second direction, wherein the first shift position is located between the rest position and the second shift position. The operating member is coupled relative to the base member to move along a brake operating path that is non-coincident with the shift operating path, and the operating member has a finger contact portion that the user contacts to move the operating member along the brake operating path.
US08539847B1	Automated fragment collection apparatus An apparatus for collecting fragments from a substrate subjected to an exploded munition, including a predetection element for removing large fragments from a sheet of the substrate; a detection and removal element for locating fragments embedded within the sheet and for removing located fragments from the sheet; and a capture element for capturing removed fragments.
US08539842B2	Systems and methods for measuring bearing endplay A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a follower configured to extend through an opening in a cover connected to a wheel hub. The cover covers the wheel hub such that the cover inhibits access to an end of a shaft of the wheel hub assembly, and the follower is configured to contact the end through the opening. The follower is received in a holder engageable with the cover such that the follower is movable relative to the cover and the holder to allow the follower to extend from the holder to contact the end of the shaft. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the follower and is configured to measure movement of the follower to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub.
US08539836B2	MEMS sensor with dual proof masses A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor (20) includes a substrate (26) and suspension anchors (34, 36) formed on a planar surface (28) of the substrate (26). The MEMS sensor (20) further includes a first movable element (38) and a second movable element (40) suspended above the substrate (26). Compliant members (42, 44) interconnect the first movable element (38) with the suspension anchor 34 and compliant members (46, 48) interconnect the second movable element (40) with the suspension anchor (36). The movable elements (38, 40) have an equivalent shape. The movable elements may be generally rectangular movable elements (38, 40) or L-shaped movable elements (108, 110) in a nested configuration. The movable elements (38, 40) are oriented relative to one another in rotational symmetry about a point location (94) on the substrate (26).
US08539835B2	Low inertia frame for detecting coriolis acceleration A sensing frame is disclosed. The sensing frame includes a first rail and a second rail. The first and second rails are constrained to move along a first axis parallel to the first and second rails. The frame includes a base and at least two guiding arms for ensuring that the first rail and the second rail move in anti-phase fashion along the first axis. First and second guiding arms are flexibly coupled to the first rail and second rail. The first guiding arm is flexibly suspended to the base at first anchoring points for allowing rotation of the first guiding arm, and the second guiding arm is suspended to the base at a second anchoring point allowing rotation of the second guiding arm. The sensing frame includes a plurality of coupling flexures and a transducer for sensing motion of the first and second rails.
US08539832B2	MEMS gyros with quadrature reducing springs Spring set configurations that include an advantageous combination of spring geometries are disclosed. Spring elements having curved and straight sections, orientation of spring element anchor points with respect to the common radius, orientation of spring element segments with respect to a specific axis, balance of the length of spring elements about the common radius, and mass balance about the common radius can be used to mitigate unwanted out of plane motion. The spring set provides planar motion while reducing undesired out of plane motion making MEMS devices substantially insensitive to the process-induced etch angle variations of the spring elements. The spring set can be used in a MEMS gyro device which maintains the desired resonant modes and consistently low quadrature error even with process variations in manufacturing causing undesirable etch angles.
US08539831B2	Balance test indexing tool for balance-testing a rotor A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount face disposed on the rotor being tested. The rotor mount face may be machined in a surface of the rotor or provided in a separate rotor mount temporarily fixed to the rotor. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount face in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount face and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.
US08539829B2	Magnetostrictive probe fuel quality sensor retrofit assembly A retrofit assembly for installing a fuel quality sensor with a fuel level probe having a shaft extending through a tank interface into a fuel storage tank. The shaft, which comprises a magnetostrictive element extending therealong, is coupled with the fuel quality sensor. An isolation sheath is sized for receipt over the shaft and to extend between the fuel quality sensor and the tank interface. The sheath has a cross-sectional profile configured to define at least one passage between the sheath and the shaft when the sheath is received over the shaft. The passage(s) extend between a proximal end and a distal end of the sheath. Also provided is a product-level float comprising at least one product-level magnet for measuring the level of fuel in the fuel storage tank. The product-level float is configured to translate along the sheath with the level of fuel in the fuel storage tank.
US08539826B2	Pressure sensor and nozzle assembly An assembly includes a nozzle having a curved contact surface curvedly and downwardly extending from two opposite sides of a linear top ridge of the nozzle, a tire pressure sensor having a connection groove with a curved contact surface complementary in shape to and slidable relative to the curved contact surface of the nozzle, and a bolt for fastening the nozzle with the tire pressure sensor. The curved contact surface of the nozzle is slidably movable relative to the curved contact surface of the tire pressure sensor along a specific direction reciprocally so as to adjust a relative connection angle between the sensor and the nozzle and the nozzle is prohibited to move in the connection groove along other directions. Therefore, the work of using the bolt to fasten the tire pressure sensor to the nozzle can be done easily.
US08539823B2	Microfluidic device and method of loading sample into the microfluidic device Provided is a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a sample chamber in which a sample is accommodated. The sample chamber includes: an introduction portion including a loading hole through which the sample is loaded; an accommodation portion including a discharge hole; and a neck portion forming a boundary between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion. The neck portion provides a capillary pressure for controlling flow of the sample between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion.
US08539820B2	Acoustic leak detection system and method with enviromental noise isolation The acoustic leak detection system with environmental noise isolation provides for the acoustic detection of leaks in a pipe while minimizing interference from external or environmental noise. The acoustic leak detection system includes a hollow shell adapted for positioning about the pipe to be inspected. A pair of gaskets are circumferentially secured to the inner surface of the hollow shell so that the pair of gaskets bear against the outer surface of the pipe to form an acoustically isolated region defined between the pipe, the pair of gaskets and the inner surface of the hollow shell. An acoustic sensor, microphone or the like is mounted on the hollow shell within the acoustically isolated region for detecting any acoustic signals; i.e., the sound produced by a leak in the pipe within the acoustically isolated region. Upon detection of a leak, an alert signal is generated.
US08539819B2	Pressure monitor optimization of fluid path utilization A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.
US08539813B2	Gel phantoms for testing cavitational ultrasound (histotripsy) transducers A cavitational ultrasound (e.g., Histotripsy) gel phantom and cavitational ultrasound testing system are provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the phantom and system is that it can allow for instant visual feedback on the efficacy and dosage of a Histotripsy transducer. The changes in the gel phantom can be visualized with the naked eye without having to wait for histology. The changes in the gel phantom can also be visualized with a camera, with ultrasound imaging, or with microscopy. In various embodiments, the phantom includes indicators such as carbon particles, dye-encapsulated beads, and red blood cells. Methods associated with use of the cavitational ultrasound gel phantom and testing system are also covered.
US08539812B2	Air bubble detector Air bubbles may be characterized by an air bubble detector by choosing an optimum set of frequencies and then comparing a return signal from a sensor receiving those frequencies against an internal reference. The number of pulses that exceed the internal reference represents a width and may be counted. The width, as counted, may be correlated to bubble characteristics including volume.
US08539811B2	Rotary transducer with monitoring of the bearing wear and method therefor A rotary transducer has a detector device with a measurement sensor, used to generate a measurement signal representative of angular position and/or velocity of an object. The detector device has a rotary bearing and a material measure that can be rotated relative to the measurement sensor and is arranged in the measurement field of the latter. A monitoring device, connected to the measurement sensor, which can provide a state signal representative of the state of wear of the rotary transducer, is integrated in the rotary transducer. In order to be able to timely warn of mechanical failure of the rotary transducer, the monitoring device is provided with a register that can permanently store as value representative of the state of wear of the rotary bearing and is formed from the information relating to the angular position and/or velocity contained in the measurement signal.
US08539802B2	Movement transmission device and method A device and a method are provided for transmitting a movement as well as corresponding forces or moments and in particular a rotational movement, wherein the transmission only takes place in a coupled state but not in a decoupled state. Devices and methods of this kind are in particular used in the field of lock devices, such as door or safe locks and the like. The device, in particular for a movement as well as corresponding forces and/or moments comprises a drive and a take-off, wherein the drive and take-off are coupled via a coupling element in such a manner that in the decoupled state a movement of the drive causes a movement of the coupling element which is not suitable for transmitting a movement of the drive to the take-off.
US08539800B2	Tank-locking device, system for managing liquid supply and method using the same A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.
US08539798B2	Handcuff apparatus Handcuffs characterized by a single locking head/single strap support receiving a single handcuff strap. The single locking head/single strap support includes a manually movable locking member which includes locking member ratchets for engagement with the strap ratchets. With one embodiment of the single-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention, a two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses is formed. With another embodiment of the single-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention, a three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses is formed.
US08539785B2	Condensing unit having fluid injection A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger and the compressor and may selectively supply fluid to the compressor. A valve may control a volume of fluid supplied to the compressor via the conduit and a controller may control the valve based on a discharge temperature of the compressor and a super heat temperature of the third heat exchanger.
US08539784B2	Adjustable orifice for use in an air conditioning system, in particular an aircraft air conditioning system An adjustable orifice for use in an aircraft air conditioning system includes a first orifice element which has an orifice frame as well as a first orifice area. When the orifice is assembled at a duct, the first orifice area of the first orifice element leaves open a part of a cross section of the duct. The orifice also includes a second orifice element with a second orifice area. When the orifice is assembled at the duct, the second orifice area of the second orifice element leaves open a part of the cross section of the duct. The second orifice element is rotatable about an axis, so that the second orifice area is rotatable relative to the first orifice area in order to set a desired flow cross section in the duct.
US08539780B2	Method and apparatus for harvesting ice in an ice maker system Method and apparatus for ice maker systems are disclosed. One exemplary method comprises the steps of: heating an ice mold body to separate ice formed in the ice mold body from the ice mold body; releasing the separated ice from the ice mold body; and contacting at least a portion of the ice mold body with a heat transfer fluid to cool the ice mold body.
US08539777B2	Can cooling device A can cooling device that includes a beverage can insulating sleeve, a cylindrical flexible bellows attached to the bottom of the sleeve and a bottom plate. A chemically activated cooling cartridge resides within the flexible bellows A cartridge push plate and compression spring reside within the bellows directly under the cooling cartridge. The cooling cartridge includes an outer flexible enclosure that houses a powder, an inner flexible enclosure containing a liquid, and a rigid plate with upwardly directed attached prongs. When a user presses down on the beverage can, the cooling cartridge is compressed causing the upwardly directed prongs to impale the liquid holding flexible inner enclosure and causing the liquid to mix with the powder causing an endothermic cooling reaction causing the beverage can inside the insulating sleeve to be cooled in relation to the surrounding outside temperature.
US08539772B2	Air conditioning using mechanical leverage and refrigerants In one embodiment, a mechanical leverage system using refrigerants in conjunction with temperature differences found in the environment is utilized for air conditioning, energy generation and other applications. The mechanical leverage system provides a means for altering boiling point temperatures of refrigerants in which the system is enabled to absorb and expel heat within the temperature differentials found in the environment. The mechanical leverage system is capable of saving or generating energy.
US08539768B2	Exhaust bypass system for turbocharged engine with dedicated exhaust gas recirculation A turbocharger assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a bypass valve for controlling a flow of exhaust gas from a second group of exhaust ports of a cylinder head assembly. When disposed in an open position, the bypass valve allows exhaust gas from the second group of exhaust ports to combine with exhaust gas from a first group of exhaust ports to spin a turbine of the turbocharger assembly. When disposed in a closed position, the bypass valve forces the exhaust gas from the second group of exhaust ports through an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) passage to an intake manifold to establish a dedicated EGR system.
US08539767B2	Exhaust treatment system for an internal combustion engine An exhaust system comprises an exhaust driven turbocharger having an outlet and a flanged portion that extends about the outlet, an exhaust treatment device comprising a canister having an inlet cone that includes an integral inlet flange defining an the inlet opening configured to define a seal with the flanged portion that extends about the outlet of the turbocharger and a substrate disposed within the canister through which the exhaust gas flows. An exhaust gas passage, fluidly couples the turbocharger and the exhaust treatment device and allows for the passage of exhaust gas therebetween and a flow modifier comprising a radially inwardly extending wall portion extends from an inner wall of the exhaust gas passage and directs the exhaust gas away from an outer radius of the exhaust gas passage to evenly distribute the exhaust gas across the an inlet face of the substrate.
US08539748B2	Segmented inertial particle separators and methods of assembling turbine engines A method for assembling a turbine engine including a compressor is disclosed. The method includes coupling an inlet including an inertial particle separator (IPS) and a first surface that is defined using a segment angle, to a gas turbine engine, and coupling the first surface substantially flush against a fuselage of an aircraft to reduce drag.
US08539744B2	Crop lifter and crop accessory attachment A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.
US08539740B2	Filling and packaging machine and process for producing package Filling and packaging machine (10) includes supply pipe (13) for supplying contents into film (10), squeeze rollers (16) for feeding film (1) downward and horizontal seal mechanism (100) for sealing in the contents supplied into film (1). Horizontal seal mechanism (11) includes heating unit (120) having a pair of seal bars for heat-sealing film (1) and cooling/cutting unit (140), placed under the cooling/cutting unit, having a pair of cooling bars for cooling a heat-sealed portion of film 1. Cooling/cutting unit (140) is movable in a vertical direction so that the cooling bars can be positioned between the seal bars while the seal bars are opened.
US08539739B2	Method of palletizing items The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.
US08539731B2	Transition molding and installation methods therefor The invention is a joint cover assembly and related method for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the molding, wherein the first arm, and optionally the second arm, extend generally perpendicularly to the foot. A tab depends from at least one of the first and second arms. At least one of the tab and the foot engage a track in order to position the assembly over the gap. The method includes placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is installed.
US08539713B2	Automated contamination-free seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds A method is provided for removing tissue samples from seeds. The method generally includes orienting the seeds in a desired orientation and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds. The method may also include orienting the seeds in the desired orientation using an actuator, where the actuator is configured to position the seed in a desired orientation. In addition, the method may include orienting the seeds together in a seed transport and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds while the oriented seeds are in the seed transport. Further, various operations of the method may be automated as desired, for example, to permit greater sampling throughput than was previously practical.
US08539708B2	Barrel mounting and retention mechanism A barrel mounting and retention device for attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The barrel mounting and retention device can include a barrel extension disposed at a proximal end of the barrel, with an annular collar extending from the barrel extension and defining a first clamp face. A mounting plate having a second clamp face and defining a first axial bore fits over the barrel of the firearm with the barrel extending through the first axial bore. At least a portion of the second clamp face abuts a portion of the first clamp face as the mounting plate is secured to the barrel extension for mounting and retaining the barrel in communication with the receiver of the firearm.
US08539707B1	Device to prevent over-rotation of pistol ejector A pistol having a device to prevent ejector over-rotation is provided. The pistol includes a frame having an upper rear portion having a left side wall and a right side wall. An ejector has a first end, a second end and a pivot point. The first end has a cam surface for ejection of a spent case. The second end contacts an over-rotation stop. A sear spring is adjacent to the upper rear portion and has a cantilevered spring leg disposed adjacent to the second end of the ejector to rotably bias the ejector downward such that the first end of the ejector pivots upward. A stop is disposed between said left and right side walls to engage the second end of the ejector to limit rotational travel past the spring leg of the sear spring.
US08539706B1	Recoil reducing firearm system A frame is adapted to be held by a user. A barrel is coupled to the base. A slide is slidably received on the barrel and adapted for rearward movement in response to firing. A full-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the entire rearward movement of the slide including primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement. A recoil reducer includes a part-time spring. The part-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the primary portion of the rearward movement. The recoil reducer also includes an engager. The engager is operable in response to movement of the slide between the primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement to terminate operation of the part-time spring.
US08539696B2	Differential-stiffness impact-attenuation members and products including them A differential-stiffness impact-attenuation member includes at least one spring element. The spring element has dimensions in height, length and width directions. The height dimension extends from a top surface to a bottom surface. The length dimension extends from a front end to a back end. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces is adapted for mounting. The impact-attenuation member has a first stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the front end of the spring element and a second stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the back end of the spring element. The spring element may define a cavity. A tension element may engage the spring element and be located at least partially within the cavity. The impact-attenuation member may engage at least one of a foot-covering member, a foot-supporting member and a surface-contacting member associated with a foot-receiving device.
US08539694B2	Clothes treatment apparatus A clothes treatment apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet comprising an accommodating space formed therein to accommodate clothes, an air supply device configured to supply air or heated air to the accommodating space, a duct configured to guide the air or the heated air supplied by the air supply device toward the accommodating space, the duct comprising a communication part configured to draw external air into the accommodating space and a circulation fan configured to flow air along the duct, wherein the communication part is located in a rear portion of the circulation fan.
US08539693B2	Brake mechanism for a device for drying foods and other items A brake assembly for reducing the rotational velocity the spinning basket of a food spinning device applies a frictional force to an annular ridge on the lid of the spinning basket. A brake button movably disposed in a cover of the spinning device includes flexible pinching arms having cam surfaces. The cam surfaces of the flexible pinching arms extend through a guide aperture, thereby causing the pinching arms to flex toward each other when the brake button is depressed and to apply the frictional engagement to the annular ridge.
US08539690B2	Wall mountable height measuring device A wall mountable height measuring device to record development of height of a person comprises a board, a pair of vertical slits, at least one linear measurement scale, a horizontal frame and a leveling bar. The board includes a front surface, a rear surface, a left side and a right side. The pair of vertical slits is present at the left side and right side of the board. The horizontal frame can slide along the pair of slits. A middle portion of the horizontal frame includes a cut out. A housing present at the middle portion of the leveling bar is for holding the at least one date stamp. The at least one date stamp indicates the date at which the height measurement was taken.
US08539686B2	Leveling device and leveling method A leveling device having a sighting device that defines an alignment axis, an imaging system, spatially separated from the sighting device, having an imaging lens to which a lens primary plane is allocated and a detector having a recording surface lying in an image plane and an evaluation device that is connected to the detector. A visual field of the imaging system is defined by the imaging lens and the detector as the maximum angle range within which points can be registered by the imaging lens by means of the recording surface of the detector. The imaging lens and the detector are designed and arranged relative to one another and to a lens plane comprising the alignment axis such that all points of the lens plane within the visual field are simultaneously imaged in focus on the recording surface of the detector.
US08539683B2	Stamping machine An engraving device that forms a desired image via a plurality of engraved marks in a surface of an object via a working tool is presented. The engraving device includes a base comprising a retainer configured to retain the object, a X-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a X-axis along the surface of the object, a Y-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis along the surface of the object, and a Z-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Z-axis toward and away from the object.
US08539675B2	Method for manufacturing a tapered stabilizer bar having a continuously changing cross-section A method for manufacturing a stabilizer bar for a vehicle includes cutting a stabilizer bar material having a round bar-shaped configuration, heating both end portions of the cut stabilizer bar material to be formed as leg bars of the stabilizer bar, rolling both side surfaces of each of both heated end portions of the stabilizer bar material so that both side surfaces are tapered, rotating the stabilizer bar material about an axis thereof between rollers to taper both remaining non-rolled side surfaces of each of both end portions of the stabilizer bar material to be formed as the leg bars of the stabilizer bar, so that each or both end portions of the stabilizer bar material has an elliptical cross-section, forming eyes on distal ends of the stabilizer bar material, and bending the stabilizer bar material into the shape of the stabilizer bar.
US08539671B2	Method for repairing an electrode assembly A method of repairing a used electrode device is disclosed wherein a used electrode assembly has an inner conductor with an integral electrode tip; the inner conductor is encapsulated in an insulator body having an outer conductor and an outer electrode tip; and an outer sleeve is attached to the insulator body, the sleeve being filled with a particle suspended fluid and the sleeve being retained by a metal ring at the location of attachment to the insulator body prior to removing the inner conductor from the insulator body; the electrode assembly is placed in a fixture with a collet holding the metal ring in place; the sleeve is pushed upon to release the ring; and the inner conductor is pressed with the integral electrode tip while holding or restraining the insulator body to apply a force sufficient to disengage the inner conductor from the insulator body.
US08539666B2	Method for making an electrical inductor and related inductor devices A method is for making an electrical inductor. The method includes forming a first subunit having a sacrificial substrate, and an electrically conductive layer defining the electrical inductor and including a first metal on the sacrificial substrate. The method includes forming a second subunit having a dielectric layer and an electrically conductive layer thereon defining electrical inductor terminals and having the first metal, and coating a second metal onto the first metal of one of the first and second subunits. The method includes aligning the first and second subunits together, heating and pressing the aligned first and second subunits to form an intermetallic compound of the first and second metals bonding adjacent metal portions together, and removing the sacrificial substrate.
US08539661B2	Frame for a vehicle seat The invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising a structural element that consists of several components which are at least partly connected to one another. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing the motor vehicle seat according to the invention.
US08539656B2	Fastening tool The invention provides a fastening method and a fastening tool which can stably fasten a nut to a bolt securely and with a small dispersion at a desired axial force. A fastened member is fastened by inserting a bolt to the fastened member, thereafter temporarily fastening a nut and the bolt, pulling a leading end of a shaft portion of the bolt in an axial direction of the bolt, rotating the nut so as to screw into the bolt while elastically deforming the bolt so as to generate an axial force, and thereafter canceling the pulling of the bolt.
US08539649B2	Headset cord holder A headset cord holder comprises a body and a first groove built into the body configured to receive and releasably hold a headset cord. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 mm. In further embodiments, the body is integrally formed within the teeth of a zipper. In some embodiments the body comprises one or more of rubber, plastic and metal. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more of stamped metal and molded metal. In further embodiments, the body comprises molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more additional grooves configured to receive and releasably secure the headset cord.
US08539642B2	Static air dam The static air dam includes at least one mounting feature, which is preferably at least one hole or slot to allow a fastener, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, or other similar attachment devices, to secure the air dam to a wall of a jamb channel. Air passage through the jamb channel is prohibited or at least substantially inhibited by the static air dam that is designed to approximate the size and dimensions of the cross section of the jamb channel. At least one side of the air dam includes a tab or similar structure for securing the free end of the curl spring of a curl spring balance. The air dam includes integrally formed reinforcing elements that either abut or are adjacent to the side walls of the jamb channel. The air dam preferably includes a pair of flexible projections for engaging ears on the curl spring carrier.
US08539637B2	Harness for backpack blower A power tool includes a power tool housing at least partially encompassing an internal combustion engine and a harness on which the power tool housing is mounted. The harness has a pair of shoulder straps, a waist strap, and a panel connecting the shoulder straps and waist strap. The power tool housing is mounted on a frame having at least one arcuate tool-supporting member with an upper end proximate the shoulder straps and a lower end proximate the waist strap. The tool-supporting member is shaped along its vertical length such that a middle portion of the member arcs away from the panel such that there is an air-circulation space between the power tool housing and the panel. In one embodiment, the power tool is a blower and the housing has an air intake port facing the air-circulation space.
US08539631B2	Roller for providing benefits to fabric Roller for providing benefits to fabric. The present invention relates to utilizing one or more benefit agents in conjunction with a hand-held roller in order to provide one or more benefits to fabrics. The present invention also relates to a method for applying one or more benefit agents to the roller.
US08539629B2	Fit-together type of precast concrete lining and bridging structural body The present invention relates to a fit-together type of precast concrete lining and bridging structural body in which main girders are integrated with deck plates. Precast concrete deck members connected in longitudinal and transverse directions are pre-stressed by pre-stressed members, thereby making it possible to increase load carrying capacity or rigidity of a structure to stably use the structure for a long time. Further, it is possible to support the load applied from the top of a deck structure with a small thickness, and to make the deck structure light. Due to a knockdown type (fit-together type), installation and dismantlement are easy, and reuse is possible, and thus it is possible to provide convenient construction and low production costs.
US08539628B2	Infant mattress that fits safely in a crib An infant mattress fits safely in a crib without any gap between the mattress and the walls or bars of the crib. A ring of memory foam surrounds the supporting foam layers of the mattress and forms a snug fit with the vertical bars of the crib regardless of whether the dimensions of the particular crib or mattress vary from their standard sizes. The memory foam ring intentionally renders the infant mattress somewhat larger than the inner dimensions of the crib. The ring compresses when the mattress is placed in a crib in which opposing side bars are separated by a distance that is smaller than the mattress width. The ring is formed by pouring foam into a rectangular mold around the supporting foam layers. Where the mattress includes pocket coils on the supporting foam layers, the ring of memory foam conforms to the outer row of pocket coils.
US08539627B2	Body position and pressure control apparatus A body position and pressure control apparatus is provided capable of highly accurately detecting body pressure distribution without causing a sense of discomfort for a sleeper, changing body positions, and distributing body pressure. The body position and pressure control apparatus has a mattress provided with a plurality of divided portions and supporting a sleeper, an elastomer sensor, and a body pressure adjuster controlling each of the divided portions based on an instruction from the elastomer sensor and thereby changing the body pressure distribution of the sleeper. The elastomer sensor has a sheet sensor main body and a calculator, the sensor main body having an elastomer sensor thin film, a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of detectors corresponding to the divided portions provided between the electrodes.
US08539623B2	Operating table patient positioner and method A patient positioner for maintaining a patient's position during a medical procedure is provided. The patient positioner includes a generally rectangular body anchoring portion having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, placeable atop an operating table, a pair of spaced apart chest straps, a pair of spaced apart table straps, a pair of upper arm straps, and a pair of wrist straps. There is a generally rectangular substrate backing having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, substantially concentrically disposed on and fixedly attached to the body anchoring portion. In use, the table straps are placed through a break of the operating table and secured to the head end of the operating table to prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the operating table in the Trendelenburg position.
US08539622B2	Operating table patient positioner and method A patient positioner for maintaining a patient's position during a medical procedure is provided. The patient positioner includes a generally rectangular body anchoring portion having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, placeable atop an operating table. There are a pair of spaced apart chest straps, a pair of spaced apart table straps, a pair of upper arm straps, and a pair of wrist straps. There is a generally rectangular substrate backing having a longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, substantially concentrically disposed on and fixedly attached to the body anchoring portion. In use, the body anchoring portion is positioned under the patient's torso with the substrate backing side ends wrapped over the arms while the chest straps are brought over the patient's shoulders and criss-crossed over the patient's chest and secured on an opposing side rail while the upper arm and wrist straps are brought from underneath the patient's torso and wrapped over the patient's arms. The table straps are placed through a break of the operating table and secured to a surface underneath the operating table to prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the operating table in the Trendelenburg position.
US08539615B1	Shirt comprising protrusions on back side The present invention features a t-shirt 100 comprising a front side and a back side. The back side has an outer surface and an inner surface, where the back side also has a plurality of apertures. The t-shirt further comprises a a set of quills, wherein the quill has a pointy end and a base end, and the base end has a female slot. The t-shirt further comprises a set of plugs having a plug base and a male protrusion.
US08539613B2	Protective helmet A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
US08544105B2	Method and apparatus for managing policies for time-based licenses on mobile devices Methods and devices provide for creating, managing, modifying, and/or enforcing flexible digital rights management license policies for protecting games, media, data, or other software with a time-based license. Embodiments are especially directed toward situations in which a source of time is unavailable, untrustworthy, or unreliable. Licenses are defined by a small number of parameters. Parameter values may be defined by and included with protected content or applications. The parameter values may be chosen to define and enforce a desired level of compromise between usability and security characteristics.
US08544098B2	Security vulnerability information aggregation Security vulnerability information aggregation techniques are disclosed. Vulnerability information associated with one or more security vulnerabilities is obtained from multiple sources and aggregated into respective unified vulnerability definitions for the one or more security vulnerabilities. Aggregation may involve format conversion, content aggregation, or both in some embodiments. Unified vulnerability definitions may be distributed to vulnerability information consumers in accordance with consumer-specific policies. Storage of vulnerability information received from the sources may allow the aggregation process to be performed on existing vulnerability information “retro-actively”. Related data structures and Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are also disclosed.
US08544091B2	Advocate for facilitating verification for the online presence of an entity Some embodiments provide an advocate system to facilitate automated online presence verification for different entities on behalf of the entities. The advocate system places service providers on notice that profiles and information hosted by them and that form the online presence for a particular entity should first be verified with that particular entity. The advocate system further facilitates online presence verification by 1) directly or indirectly connecting the service providers that are placed on notice with the appropriate authoritative entities to facilitate the verification of the profiles and information, 2) selectively targeting service providers hosting profiles and information that are unverified, 3) automatedly verifying hosted profiles and information based on a verified profile lists and verified information that authoritative entities provide to a central repository. In so doing, the advocate system prevents potential damage to the authoritative entity's credibility while also mitigating potential for fraud, identity theft, etc.
US08544080B2	Mobile virtual private networks An apparatus for establishing a virtual private network with an internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) device that includes a key derivation module, a tunneling protocol module, a tunnel management module, and a security policies module. The apparatus includes a non-volatile memory configured to store a first routing table that maps host addresses and IMS addresses of security devices allowing access to those hosts, such that when an application running in the IMS device requests communication to a host address, the apparatus initiates a session with the IMS address to which the host address is mapped. The session is initiated by a message that includes a body that contains, for each tunneling protocol supported by the tunneling protocol module, data about the local tunnel endpoint (e.g., an address and a port), an identifier corresponding to the tunneling protocol, and identifiers corresponding to the cryptographic suite(s) supported by the cryptographic module that may be applied together with the tunneling protocol, as determined by a query from the apparatus to the security policies module.
US08544077B2	Internet protocol telephony security architecture A secure Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system, apparatus, and methods are disclosed. Communications over an IP telephony system can be secured by securing communications to and from a Cable Telephony Adapter (CTA). The system can include one or more CTAs, network servers, servers configured as signaling controllers, key distribution centers (KDC), and can include gateways that couple the IP telephony system to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Each CTA can be configured as secure hardware and can be configured with multiple encryption keys that are used to communicate signaling or bearer channel communications. The KDC can be configured to periodically distribute symmetric encryption keys to secure communications between devices that have been provisioned to operate in the system and signaling controllers. The secure devices, such as the CTA, can communicate with other secure devices by establishing signaling and bearer channels that are encrypted with session specific symmetric keys derived from a symmetric key distributed by a signaling controller.
US08544070B2	Techniques for non repudiation of storage in cloud or shared storage environments Techniques for non-repudiation of storage in cloud or shared storage environments are provided. A unique signature is generated within a cloud or shared storage environment for each file of the storage tenant that accesses the cloud or shared storage environment. Each signature is stored as part of the file system and every time a file is accessed that signature is verified. When a file is updated, the signature is updated as well to reflect the file update.
US08544066B2	Access right management system, access right management method, and access right management program An authentication device includes a user authentication certificate generation unit that issues to another device user authentication information on which information about a user is recorded; and a right transfer certificate/token generation unit that issues right transfer information and a token corresponding to the right transfer information to another device on the basis of information about a user to whom the right is transferred and a condition under which the right is transferred. A service proxy access device includes a token request unit that requests the issuing of the right transfer information and the token in order to access another device; and a user proxy access unit that accesses another service using the token. The service providing device includes a user authentication certificate request unit that acquires user authentication information from the authentication device using the token.
US08544064B2	Techniques for automatic registration of appliances Techniques, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, include automatic registration of appliances and delivery of location specific information utilizing the registration.
US08544062B2	Method and system for improving computer network security Computers connected to a private network are monitored and controlled through the use of a client agent that operates in association with the computer and a server client that establishing security parameters, privileges and authorizations for the computer. The invention can prevent access to certain devices according to an active security policy. Any activity of the computer, such as a request to transfer data to an external device, access a particular file, etc. is monitored and controlled by the client agent. No operations or procedures are allowed by the computer inconsistent with the active security policy. The security policy may be set by the administrator of the private network according to the user rights and position in the organization.
US08544061B2	Object model for domain-based content mobility In embodiments of an object model for domain-based content mobility, a client object model architecture (146) is configured for scalable and adaptive implementation to interface a mobile client device (128) with a media server (126) for wireless, secure download of media content (136) to the mobile client device. The client object model architecture can be implemented for domain-based control of a proxy application (144) that instantiates a media player (142) on the mobile client device, and interfaces with the media server that communicates the media content to the mobile client device. The client object model architecture also controls domain discovery of the media server, domain-based registration of the mobile client device with the media server, authentication of the mobile client device to the media server, and the secure download of the media content from the media server to the mobile client device.
US08544058B2	Techniques of transforming policies to enforce control in an information management system In an information management system, policies are deployed to targets and targets can evaluate the policies whether they are connected or disconnected to the system. The policies may be transferred to the target, which may be a device or user. Relevant policies may be transferred while not relevant policies are not. The policies may have policy abstractions.
US08544055B2	Communication apparatus, control method, and computer-readable storage medium A communication apparatus includes a transmission unit, a command processing unit, an acquisition unit, a first determination unit, a second determination unit, and a control unit. The second determination unit determines whether a first physical address acquired from the external apparatus by the acquisition unit matches a second physical address included in a second command received by the command processing unit. The control unit controls the command processing unit to transmit the first command including the first physical address to the external apparatus if it is determined that the first physical address matches the second physical address.
US08544051B1	Broadcast solution for cable IPTV Methods and apparatus are disclosed for offering broadcast IPTV solutions over cable (HFC networks). Rather than bypass the CMTS, a reduced number of downstream ports are utilized for video streams. Each input video stream is streamed to a multicast group address. In one embodiment, several RF channels are configured so that they are RF spanned across all the Fibernodes in the CMTS service area. In an embodiment, an STB sends a service request for a desired video stream using an IGMP request, and the CMTS responds by issuing a DBC request to tune the corresponding CM to the RF channel that is carrying the requested stream. Preferably, the CMTS ports that carry the static multicast streams are RF spanned across all the Fibernodes, or a selected subset.
US08544049B2	Contents receiving system and client A contents receiving system uses a digital broadcast wave or a broadband network to enable a user to suitably view main content, and provide a user with subsidiary content information desired by the user. Each of subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102) transmits ID information specific to each of the subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102), and a request for acquiring subsidiary content, from a communication control unit (405) to a main content receiving display unit 100. The main content receiving display unit 100 uses a content separation control unit (310) to separate a stream into subsidiary content corresponding to the request. Then, a request information input/transmission control unit (313) transmits the separated subsidiary content and the received ID information to the subsidiary content control receiver in question. The subsidiary content control receiver judges from the ID information that the subsidiary content should be acquired.
US08544047B2	Automatically reconfigurable multimedia system with interchangeable personality adapters A TV-set is equipped with HDMI and USB connections that allow it to display and run audio-video content from a variety of conventional consumer devices. The TV-set is further equipped to provide a secure HDMI-USB interface that will allow the transfer of licensed high definition content and Internet subscriber services. Such secure HDMI-USB interface also enables a selection of proprietary application modules to be attached. Downloadable user interface templates, much like XML style sheets, are rendered to a user interface displayed on the screen. These are associated with corresponding thumbnails and URI's that allow a user to surf through lists and catalogs of materials, and then to play them in the appropriate formats and provide the machine with a customized controller. A remote commander is simplified, yet expanded to control all the attached devices through interactions with the user interface. The functions of the remote commander's keys change depending on where the user is navigating and what device is being controlled, similar to so-called soft-keys.
US08544044B2	Up next video guide for TV video player An Internet TV shows which video clip in an Internet-provided playlist of multiple clips is “up next” for play.
US08544043B2	Methods and apparatus for providing content information to content servers Methods and apparatus for maintaining program-guide records comprises the steps of requesting a program-guide index, receiving the program-guide index, and determining whether there exists any new program-guide record based on the received program-guide index. The method further comprises requesting a new program-guide record and receiving the program-guide record. In one aspect, a method for maintaining program-guide records comprises the steps of receiving a program-guide update indication, and determining any new program-guide record based on the received program-guide update indication. The method further comprises requesting an updated program-guide record, receiving the updated program-guide record, and updating the program-guide records.
US08544042B2	Method and apparatus for displaying entertainment system data upon selection of a video data display A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection. A first area of the first window displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection. A second area of the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection. Upon selection by a user of the respective window, entertainment system data regarding the entertainment selection corresponding to the respective window is displayed.
US08544033B1	System and method for evaluating content in a digital signage environment An apparatus is provided in one example and includes a memory element configured to store data, a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the data, and a recording module configured to record video data associated with a display, and record individual data associated with one or more audience members witnessing the video data on the display. The video data and the individual data are recorded in a substantially concurrent manner, and the video data and the individual data are communicated over a network to a next destination. In a more particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a server configured to communicate programming instructions for recording the video data. A camera is configured to record the video data and the individual data based on the programming instructions, and the camera interfaces with an optical element that reflects at least a portion of the video data and the individual data.
US08544032B2	Disc device, a multimedia apparatus including a disc device, and a method of driving the disc device A disc device that includes a loading unit configured to load an storage medium into the disc device, a chucking unit configured to accommodate the loaded storage medium thereon, an ejection unit configured to eject the storage medium, and a controller configured to control the loading unit, the chucking unit, and the ejection unit. The ejection unit moves the storage medium to a loading position for loading the storage medium onto the chucking unit when the storage medium is initially inserted.
US08544030B2	Information processing apparatus, method, and program An information processing apparatus is provided including a first operating system incapable of adding or deleting an application and a second operating system capable of adding and deleting an application; and determines whether a received command is a command directed to the first operating system or a command directed to the second operating system by referencing a table in which the command and an operating system for processing the command are associated with each other; retains the table; controls a memory so that the first operating system or the second operating system can start processing based on a result of the determining by the means for determining; and transfers the received command to the first operating system or the second operating system based on the result of the determining.
US08544027B2	Logical data model abstraction in a physically distributed environment A component object binds business driven services to a graphical user interface (GUI). The object includes a data model, view model and controller. The view model graphically presents, and the controller manipulates data used by the object. The controller includes an event handler that respond to events generated within the GUI and binds data used by the object to a data source which can be another component object or a remotely located source. The event handler can call a local script to calculate the value of a data element within the object. The component object can be instantiated on a client, and can be configured to communicate with a corresponding component object on a server. The client and server component objects can exchange only that data that needs to be exchanged to maintain the current state of a user interface in the client computer.
US08544013B2	Process scheduler having multiple adaptive partitions associated with process threads accessing mutexes and the like A system is set forth that includes a processor, one or more memory storage units, and software code stored in the one or more memory storage units. The software code is executable by the processor to generate a plurality of adaptive partitions that are each associated with one or more process threads. Each of the plurality of adaptive partitions has a corresponding processor budget that is assigned to it. The process threads include a mutex holding thread and a mutex waiting thread. The mutex holding thread is associated with a first adaptive partition and may gain exclusive access to a mutex object. The mutex waiting thread is associated with a second adaptive partition and must wait for access to the mutex object while the mutex object is held by the mutex holding thread. The software code further includes a scheduling system that selectively allocates the processor to run the process threads based, at least in part, on the processor budget of the associated adaptive partitions. The scheduling system bills processor allocation used to run the mutex holding thread to the processor budget of the second adaptive partition when the processor budget of the first adaptive partition has been exhausted.
US08544009B2	Method, apparatus, and product for scheduling of distributed processing based on average execution time and communication time A master calculator assigns a series of processing groups to a communicable worker calculator. The master receives information about an execution time and a waiting time from the worker calculator for the series of processing groups. The computer acquires the time elapsed between transmitting the processing group transmitted to the worker calculator and receiving the execution result of the processing group from the worker calculator. The master calculates the communication time required for communication with the worker calculator on the basis of the information received and the elapsed time acquired. The master calculates the number of processings to be assigned to the worker calculator on the basis of the communication time calculated. The master generates a processing group to be assigned to the worker calculator on the basis of the number of processings calculated, and transmits the processing group generated to the worker calculator.
US08544004B2	Cluster-based operating system-agnostic virtual computing system According to a disclosed embodiment of the invention, an improved cluster-based collection of computers (nodes) is realized using conventional computer hardware. Software is provided that enables at least one virtual machine to be presented to guest operating systems, wherein each node participating with the virtual machine has its own emulator or virtual machine monitor. VM memory coherency and I/O coherency are provided by hooks, which result in the manipulation of internal processor structures. A private network provides communication among the nodes.
US08544002B2	Managing virtual overlay infrastructures A system has a virtual overlay infrastructure mapped onto physical resources for processing, storage and network communications, the virtual infrastructure having virtual entities for processing, storage and network communications. Each virtual infrastructure can be passivated by suspending applications, stopping operating systems, and storing state, to enable later reactivation. This is simpler for a complete virtual infrastructure than for groups of virtual entities and physical entities. It enables cloned virtual infrastructure to be created for testing, upgrading or sharing without risk to the parent. On failure, reversion to a previous working clone is feasible.
US08544000B2	Information processing device with an automatic return unit for returning a license An information processing device includes an installation unit which downloads installation data of an application program corresponding to a function from an external device and installs the application program. A license acquisition unit acquires a license file from an external device in order to activate the function. A license managing unit manages presence of a license of the function independently of presence of the license file. A license transfer managing unit transfers the license from a source device to a destination device and updates the presence of the license of the function. An automatic return unit automatically returns the transferred license to the source device according to automatic return conditions stored in the information processing device.
US08543998B2	System and method for building virtual appliances using a repository metadata server and a dependency resolution service A system and method for building virtual appliances using a repository metadata server and a dependency resolution service is provided. In particular, a hosted web service may provide a collaborative environment for managing origin repositories and software dependencies, whereby remote clients may follow a simple and repeatable process for creating virtual appliances. For example, the repository metadata server may cache and parse metadata associated with an origin repository, download software from the origin repository, and generate resolution data that can be used by the dependency resolution service. The dependency resolution service may then use the resolution data to resolve dependencies for a package selected for an appliance, wherein the dependencies may include packages that are required, recommended, suggested, banned, or otherwise a dependency for the selected package.
US08543996B2	System and method for updating wind farm software A method is provided for updating software of at least one installation in a wind farms wherein the at least one installation is connected to a wind farm network. The method including the steps of establishing a connection between a remote control center and a connection unit of the wind farm, transmitting an update software from the remote control center to the connection unit of the wind farm, transmitting the update software from the connection unit of the wind farm to the at least one installation via the wind farm network, and updating the software of the at least one installation with the update software.
US08543995B2	Information processor, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium An information processor includes a first part storing one or more programs included in one or more packages; a second part correlating and retaining the package and version information of the programs on a program basis; a third part comparing, if one of the installed programs is to be installed, the version information of the installed one of the programs and the one of the programs to be installed; a fourth part determining whether the one of the programs to be installed is subordinate to a package other than a package including the one of the programs to be installed, if the version information of the one of the programs to be installed is determined to be lower; and a fifth part installing the one of the programs to be installed if the one of the programs to be installed is determined to be not subordinate to the other package.
US08543993B2	Compiler, compile method, and processor core control method and processor A compiler compiling a source code and is implemented in a plurality of processor cores includes a parallel loop processing detection unit configured to detect from the source code a loop processing code for execution of an internal processing operation for a given number of repeating times, and an independent parallel loop processing code in the internal processing operation performed for each repetition to be concurrently processed, and a dynamic parallel conversion unit configured to generate a control core code for control of the number of repeating times in the parallel loop processing code and a parallel processing code for changing the number of repeating times corresponding to the control from the control core code.
US08543992B2	Method and apparatus for partitioning programs to balance memory latency A method of compiling code that includes partitioning instructions in the code among a plurality of processors based on memory access latency associated with the instructions is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, partitioning instructions includes partitioning memory access dependence chains. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08543985B2	System and method for verification of programs using threads having bounded lock chains A system and method for model checking of concurrent multi-threaded programs with bounded lock chains includes analyzing individual program threads in a concurrent multi-threaded program to determine sets of reachable states and lock access patterns for bounded lock chains by tracking sets of states reachable from a given set of states and tracking lock acquisitions and releases by maintaining a bi-directional lock causality graph. Analysis results from multiple threads are combined using an acceptance condition of the lock causality graph to determine whether there is a violation of a correctness property in the concurrent multi-threaded program.
US08543976B1	Generation of multi-domain code from a graphical program A system and method configures a target processing entity having multiple processing elements to execute a graphical program. A first part of the graphical program is designated for execution by a first processing element, and a second part of the graphical program is designed for execution by a second processing element. A code generation system generates a single build file from the graphical program having an initialization section, suitable executable code sections for each processing element, and a communication section that supports communication between the two processing elements. The build file may be downloaded to, and run by the target processing entity to implement the graphical program at the target processing entity.
US08543962B2	Method for identifying redundant signal paths for self-gating signals A method for identifying and removing redundant signal paths includes determining whether a given input to a logic circuit is coupled to both an input of a cone of logic of a data input of a clocked state element and a clock gate circuit that is coupled to disable a clock input to the clocked state element. The method may include removing the given input from the cone of logic such that the given input is no longer coupled to the input of the cone of logic responsive to determining that the given input is coupled to both the input of the cone of logic and the clock gate circuit. The method may include preserving the given input to the clock gate circuit such that the given input continues to be coupled to the clock gate circuit after being removed from the input of the cone of logic.
US08543956B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit and pattern layouting method for the same A semiconductor integrated circuit and a pattern lay-outing method for the same are disclosed, which can suppress bending or partial drop-out of a dummy pattern even when a mechanical stress acts on the dummy pattern in CMP. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes predetermined functional areas and a dummy pattern formed in a space area. The space area is positioned between predetermined functional areas. The dummy pattern includes a first metal portion formed in the shape of a frame and defining an outer edge of the dummy pattern, a second metal portion positioned on an inner periphery side of the first metal portion and formed so as to be continuous with the first metal portion, and a plurality of non-forming areas positioned in an area where the second metal portion is not formed on the inner periphery side of the first metal portion.
US08543953B2	Automated stimulus steering during simulation of an integrated circuit design A method is contemplated in which the stimulus to an IC design simulation may be automatically manipulated or steered so that the test environment is altered during subsequent simulations of the IC design based upon the simulation results and/or configuration settings of previous simulations of the IC design. More particularly, a stimulation steering tool may analyze the simulation results and/or the test environment, and manipulate the test environment, which may include the test generator output, and the test bench model, for subsequent simulations.
US08543949B1	Allocating hardware resources for high-level language code sequences Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing a programmable chip using a high-level language. Code sequences or subroutines provided in a high-level language are overloaded with information to specify the number of hardware resources such as logic elements or functional blocks used to implement the code on a programmable chip. Code sequences remain compliant with standard high-level language compilers while also being able to provide resource count information to high-level language to hardware compilers.
US08543946B2	Gesture-based interface system and method Systems and methods of manipulating display parameters of displayed images, and optionally designating the images for manipulation, via a gesture pad.
US08543943B2	Methods and systems for entering object assignments Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for entering object assignments. In one implementation, a system is provided that comprises means for storing first and second object hierarchies, the second object hierarchy including a plurality of objects and at least one folder object being the root of a sub-hierarchy of objects, and each object of the first and second object hierarchies having an object type of a pre-defined set of object types. The system may further comprise a rule base for storage of object types and associated sub-sets, means for displaying the object hierarchies on a graphical user interface which enables a user's selection of the first object from the first object hierarchy and displays an indicator for the at least one folder object if the sub-hierarchy of the folder object contains at least one object having an object type of the sub-set associated with the first object and, in response, further displays an assignment symbol between the first object and the folder object and/or the at least one object of the sub-hierarchy.
US08543942B1	Method and system for touch-friendly user interfaces A computing device has a processor executing instructions to provide a graphical user interface rendered on a display device, the user interface includes a first control rendered on the display device and a second control rendered on the display device, wherein, by receiving input through the user interface of a selection within a proximity of at least one of the first control and the second control, the computing device renders at least one supplemental control on the display device corresponding to the selection.
US08543937B2	Methods and apparatus employing a reference grid for generating electronic manifests of underground facility marking operations A grid is displayed on a display device to provide a reference for a geographic area including an excavation site. User input is acquired that relates to a geographic location of at least one physical locate mark applied by a technician to a ground surface at the excavation site to indicate a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at the excavation site. Based on the user input, at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark is added to the displayed grid so as to generate a marked-up image. Information relating to the marked-up image is electronically stored and/or electronically transmitted so as to generate an electronic manifest.
US08543936B2	Graphical user interface for building Boolean queries and viewing search results Graphical user interfaces and method for building Boolean queries and viewing search results using search cells, combination cells, toolbar, and menu bar. Search cells are movable within a workspace and contain a text field, facet type designation, advanced button, and hit count. Categories are chosen using a category walker. Combination cells, a Boolean combination of two or more selected search cells, are also movable and contain a combine icon, hit count, and an expression field. The Boolean query is depicted in a folder tree hierarchy, where search folders are shown within combination folders, which are represented as logical AND, OR, or MINUS folder icons. An applet in a browser accesses a server through the Internet.
US08543929B1	User ratings allowing access to features for modifying content Methods and apparatus provide for a Virtual Environment that receives content associated with a first user and stores the content for presentation to a second user. When the second user accesses the virtual community, the Virtual Environment transmits the content for display of the content to the second user. The Virtual Environment receives data (e.g. ratings, feedback) associated with the content from the second user(s). The Virtual Environment processes the received data from the second user in order to determine an amount of reward for the first user. The Virtual Environment allows the first user to use the amount of reward (e.g. virtual money) towards obtaining one or more features that allow the first user to modifying the content.
US08543920B2	Method and device for composing a menu Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected.
US08543914B2	Method and device for proportional setting of font attributes A method and handheld electronic device for displaying text in accordance with a user-specified font attributes are provided. Where the text comprises formatted sections of varying font sizes, the font size settings are set according to a default font size specified for the device to provide a readable display of text. Text with a font size above a maximum threshold is set to a large font size appropriate for the device display. Text with a font size below a minimum threshold is set to a small font size appropriate for the device display. Text with a font size between the minimum and maximum thresholds is set to the default font size for the device. The font face of the text may be set to a user-specified font face, however, fixed-width fonts are unchanged in order to preserve spacing and formatting associated with text in fixed-width format.
US08543905B2	Device, method, and graphical user interface for automatically generating supplemental content An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface displays a portion of a document in a primary user interface for the document. The portion of the document includes a respective author-specified term. The respective author-specified term is associated with corresponding additional information supplied by an author of the document, and the corresponding additional information is not concurrently displayed with the author-specified term in the portion of the document. The device also receives a request to annotate the respective author-specified term in the portion of the document; and in response to the request to annotate the respective author-specified term: annotates the respective author-specified term in the primary user interface; and generates instructions for displaying, in a supplemental user interface for the document distinct from the primary user interface, the respective author-specified term and at least a portion of the corresponding additional information for the respective author-specified term.
US08543899B2	Controlling access to digital content Method for utilizing digital content is provided. The method includes controlling a throughput rate for utilizing the digital content by an accessing system, where the throughput rate is associated with information related to the digital content and is stored as a file. The throughput rate is controlled by a storage system that is operationally coupled to the accessing system.
US08543878B1	Apparatus and a method to test a parametric structure utilizing logical sensing An apparatus to test a parametric structure utilizing a logical sensing technique is provided. The apparatus includes a device under test (DUT) and tester hardware. The DUT includes a parametric structure that receives a logic signal and transfers the logic signal through the parametric structure to a power pin that is coupled to the parametric structure. The DUT also includes a DFT circuitry that controls a pathway connecting the parametric structure and the power pin. The DFT circuitry gates the logic signal propagation from the parametric structure to the power pin. The tester hardware includes a channel to transfer or receive a logic signal and a power pathway to transfer power to the DUT. The tester hardware also includes a switch to multiplex the power pathway or the channel connections to the power pin.
US08543877B2	Method of performing a chip burn-in scanning with increased efficiency Utilize a pattern generator to write a predetermined logic voltage to each memory cell of a memory chip. Read a predetermined logic voltage stored in the memory cell. Compare the predetermined logic voltage stored in the memory cell with the predetermined logic voltage to determine if the memory cell is a good memory cell or not and store a determination result corresponding to the memory cell in a data latch of the memory chip. And determine if the memory chip is a good memory chip or not according to determination results of all memory cells of the memory chip stored in the data latch of the memory chip.
US08543874B2	Macro and command execution from memory array Methods and apparatus for executing internal operations of memory devices utilizing instructions stored in the memory array of the memory device. Decode blocks adapted to interpret instructions and data stored in the memory device. Methods can be used to perform internal self-test operations of the memory device by executing test procedures stored in the memory array of the memory device performing a self-test operation.
US08543861B1	Systems and methods for diagnosing a network configuration of a computing device A computer-implemented method for diagnosing a network configuration of a computing device is described. A test network configuration is captured. A test network signature is generated from the test network configuration. A label is assigned to the test network signature. A determination is made as to whether the test network signature is labeled as an unsuccessful network signature. If the test network signature is labeled unsuccessful, one or more procedures to change the label are generated.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9