Document	Document Title
US08946198B2	Estrogen replacement regimen The present invention provides an improved method to deliver estrogen to menopausal women comprising administering ultra-low dose estradiol alternating with standard-dose estradiol.
US08946197B2	Transglutaminase TG2 inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof Certain compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt therein and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain disease states responsive to the inhibition of transglutaminase TG2 activity are described. These disease states include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as a single active agent or administering at least one compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents.
US08946187B2	Materials and methods related to microRNA-21, mismatch repair, and colorectal cancer The present invention discloses the discovery that miR-21 targets and down-regulates the core mismatch repair (MMR) recognition protein complex hMSH2 and hMSH6. Anti-sense miR-21 is therefore proven as therapeutic herein. Therefore, compositions, kits, therapies and other methods, including methods of treatment/amelioration of symptoms, are disclosed in the present invention.
US08946186B2	QSOX1 as an anti-neoplastic drug target The present invention provides methods for tumor treatment by administering an inhibitor of quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1), compositions comprising such inhibitors, and methods for identifying such inhibitors.
US08946183B2	Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 splicing Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating splicing of SMN2 mRNA in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy.
US08946182B2	Treatment of RNASE H1 related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to RNASE H1 The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of RNase H1, in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of RNase H1. The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of RNASE H1.
US08946177B2	Methods and compositions involving miRNA and miRNA inhibitor molecules The present invention concerns methods and compositions for introducing miRNA activity or function into cells using synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying miRNAs with specific cellular functions that are relevant to therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic applications wherein synthetic miRNAs and/or miRNA inhibitors are used in library screening assays.
US08946171B2	Immunization of an individual against carcinomas and the preliminary stages thereof The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a cell cycle regulatory protein and/or an expressible nucleic acid coding for this in an amount suitable for immunization of an individual against carcinomas and the preliminary stages thereof and common auxiliary agents and/or to the use of a cell cycle regulatory protein and/or an expressible nucleic acid coding for this to immunize an individual against carcinomas and the preliminary stages thereof.
US08946158B2	Treatments of gastrointestinal disorders The present invention provides peptides that are useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The present invention also provides compositions and methods of treating gastrointestinal disorders and pharmaceutical compositions for accomplishing the same. In some embodiments, these pharmaceutical compositions include oral dosage forms.
US08946157B2	Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of seryl-tRNA synthetases Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.
US08946152B2	Method of treating parkinson's disease in humans by convection-enhanced infusion of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor to the putamen A method of treating Parkinson's disease in humans is disclosed, wherein glial cell-line derive neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is chronically administered directly to one or both putamen of a human in need of treatment thereof via convection-enhanced infusion using at least one implantable pump and at least one catheter. In one aspect of the present invention the GDNF is infused directly into one or both putamen through one or more indwelling intraparenchymal mutitiport brain catheters connected to one or moreimplantable pumps wherein the flow rate is pulsed.
US08946148B2	Modified insulin polypeptides and their uses Modified insulin polypeptides and their uses thereof are provided.
US08946141B2	Compositions, systems and method for in situ generation of alkalinity The invention discloses compositions, methods and systems for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions, methods and systems relate to the use of a manganese decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source providing highly alkaline cleaning compositions in situ. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
US08946139B2	Liquid laundry composition The present invention concerns liquid laundry formulations incorporating a modified lignin polymer.
US08946135B2	Lubricating composition containing a nitrile compound The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a nitrile compound. The invention further relates to a method of the lubricating an internal combustion engine with the lubricating composition.
US08946127B2	Nucleic acid probe-based diagnostic assays for prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types.
US08946120B2	Method for preparing boron fertilizer A method for preparing a boron fertilizer, including: (1) heating boric acid to a temperature of 180-200° C., maintaining the temperature for 20-30 min for dehydration of the boric acid to yield pyroboric acid; and (2) cooling down the pyroboric acid to a temperature of 40-60° C., crushing, and screening to yield a powdered, weakly acidic, high-content boron fertilizer. The method is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and low in cost. The resulting boron fertilizer is weakly acidic, fast in dissolution rate, and has excellent in compounding performance
US08946108B2	Slurry bed Fischer-Tropsch catalysts with silica/alumina structural promoters A structurally promoted, precipitated, Fischer-Tropsch catalyst that exhibits an RCAI-10 of 0-2.8 and/or produces less than 6 wt % fines after 5 hours ASTM Air Jet Attrition testing, due to formation via: preparing a nitrate solution by forming at least one metal slurry and combining the at least one metal slurry with a nitric acid solution; combining the nitrate solution with a basic solution to form a precipitate; structurally promoting the precipitate with at least one source of silicon to form a promoted mixture, wherein promoting comprises combining the precipitate with (a) silicic acid and one or more component selected from the group consisting of non-crystalline silicas, crystalline silicas, and sources of kaolin or (b) a component selected from the group consisting of non-crystalline silicas and sources of kaolin, in the absence of silicic acid; and spray drying the promoted mixture to produce catalyst having a desired particle size.
US08946094B2	Method of fabricating a graphene electronic device A method of fabricating a graphene electronic device includes (a) forming a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, on a substrate; (b) forming supporting patterns on the first electrode and the second electrode; (c) coating the supporting patterns with graphene-oxide-containing solution to form composite patterns; and (d) separating the supporting patterns from the composite patterns. The step of forming supporting patterns may expose end portions of the first and second electrodes and the substrate between the end portions and be accomplished by providing a mask on the first and second electrodes; and electrospinning a polymer solution on the first and second electrodes with the mask. The supporting patterns may be composed of polymer fibers.
US08946092B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, method of processing substrate and substrate processing apparatus An insulating film having features such as a low dielectric constant, a low etching rate and a high insulating property is formed. An oxycarbonitride film is formed on a substrate by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times, the cycle including: (a) supplying a gas containing an element to the substrate; (b) supplying a carbon-containing gas to the substrate; (c) supplying a nitrogen-containing gas to the substrate; and (d) supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the substrate.
US08946086B2	Methods of forming patterns, and methods of forming integrated circuitry Some embodiments include methods of forming a pattern. First lines are formed over a first material, and second lines are formed over the first lines. The first and second lines form a crosshatch pattern. The first openings are extended through the first material. Portions of the first lines that are not covered by the second lines are removed to pattern the first lines into segments. The second lines are removed to uncover the segments. Masking material is formed between the segments. The segments are removed to form second openings that extend through the masking material to the first material. The second openings are extended through the first material. The masking material is removed to leave a patterned mask comprising the first material having the first and second openings therein. In some embodiments, spacers may be formed along the first and second lines to narrow the openings in the crosshatch pattern.
US08946083B2	In-situ formation of silicon and tantalum containing barrier A method includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, and forming a silicon rich layer on a surface of the dielectric layer. A portion of the silicon rich layer extends into the opening and contacts the dielectric layer. A tantalum-containing layer is formed over and the contacting the silicon rich layer. An annealing is performed to react the tantalum-containing layer with the silicon rich layer, so that a tantalum-and-silicon containing layer is formed.
US08946079B2	Semiconductor construct and manufacturing method thereof as well as semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A semiconductor construct includes a semiconductor substrate and connection pads provided on the semiconductor substrate. Some of the connection pads are connected to a common wiring and at least one of the remaining of the connection pads are connected to a wiring. The construct also includes a first columnar electrode provided to be connected to the common wiring and a second columnar electrode provided to be connected to a connection pad portion of the wiring.
US08946076B2	Methods of fabricating integrated structures, and methods of forming vertically-stacked memory cells Some embodiments include methods of forming vertically-stacked memory cells. An opening is formed to extend partially through a stack of alternating electrically insulative levels and electrically conductive levels. A liner is formed along sidewalls of the opening, and then the stack is etched to extend the opening. The liner is at least partially consumed during the etch and forms passivation material. Three zones occur during the etch, with one of the zones being an upper zone of the opening protected by the liner, another of the zones being an intermediate zone of the opening protected by passivation material but not the liner, and another of the zones being a lower zone of the opening which is not protected by either passivation material or the liner. Cavities are formed to extend into the electrically conductive levels along sidewalls of the opening. Charge blocking dielectric and charge-storage structures are formed within the cavities.
US08946074B2	Method of making interconnect structure A method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising: providing a Si-containing layer; forming a barrier layer over said Si-containing layer, said barrier layer comprising a compound including a metallic element; forming a metallic nucleation_seed layer over said barrier layer, said nucleation_seed layer including said metallic element; and forming a metallic interconnect layer over said nucleation_seed layer, wherein said barrier layer and said nucleation_seed layer are formed without exposing said semiconductor device to the ambient atmosphere.
US08946062B2	Polycrystalline silicon thick films for photovoltaic devices or the like, and methods of making same A method of manufacturing a polycrystalline silicon film includes: depositing a catalyst layer including nickel and depositing nickel nanoparticles on a substrate; exposing the catalyst layer and the nanoparticles to at least silane gas; and heat treating the substrate coated with the catalyst layer and the nanoparticles during at least part of the exposing to silane gas in growing a silicon based film on the substrate.
US08946053B2	Method for reducing irregularities at the surface of a layer transferred from a source substrate to a glass-based support substrate A method for reducing irregularities at a surface of a layer transferred from a source substrate to a glass-based support substrate, by generating a weakening zone in the source substrate; contacting the source substrate and the glass-based support substrate; and splitting the source substrate at the weakening zone; wherein the glass-based substrate has a thickness of between 300 μm and 600 μm.
US08946048B2	Method of fabricating non-volatile memory with flat cell structures and air gap isolation High-density semiconductor memory is provided with enhancements to gate-coupling and electrical isolation between discrete devices in non-volatile memory. The intermediate dielectric between control gates and charge storage regions is varied in the row direction, with different dielectric constants for the varied materials to provide adequate inter-gate coupling while protecting from fringing fields and parasitic capacitances. Electrical isolation is further provided, at least in part, by air gaps that are formed in the column (bit line) direction and/or air gaps that are formed in the row (word line) direction.
US08946047B2	Method for fabricating capacitor A method for fabricating a capacitor includes: forming a storage node contact plug over a substrate; forming an insulation layer having an opening exposing a surface of the storage node contact plug over the storage contact plug; forming a conductive layer for a storage node over the insulation layer and the exposed surface of the storage node contact plug through two steps performed at different temperatures; performing an isolation process to isolate parts of the conductive layer; and sequentially forming a dielectric layer and a plate electrode over the isolated conductive layer.
US08946046B1	Guided path for forming a conductive filament in RRAM A method of forming a non-volatile memory device, includes forming a first electrode above a substrate, forming a dielectric layer overlying the first electrode, forming an opening structure in a portion of the dielectric layer to expose a surface of the first electrode having an aspect ratio, forming a resistive switching material overlying the dielectric layer and filling at least a portion of the opening structure using a deposition process, the resistive switching material having a surface region characterized by a planar region and an indent structure, the indent structure overlying the first electrode, maintaining a first thickness of resistive switching material between the planar region and the first electrode, maintaining a second thickness of resistive switching material between the indent structure and the first electrode, wherein the first thickness is larger than the second thickness, and forming a second electrode overlying the resistive switching material including the indent structure.
US08946043B2	Methods of forming capacitors A method of forming capacitors includes forming support material over a substrate. A first capacitor electrode is formed within individual openings in the support material. A first etching is conducted only partially into the support material using a liquid etching fluid to expose an elevationally outer portion of sidewalls of individual of the first capacitor electrodes. A second etching is conducted into the support material using a dry etching fluid to expose an elevationally inner portion of the sidewalls of the individual first capacitor electrodes. A capacitor dielectric is formed over the outer and inner portions of the sidewalls of the first capacitor electrodes. A second capacitor electrode is formed over the capacitor dielectric.
US08946041B2	Methods for forming high gain tunable bipolar transistors Embodiments for forming improved bipolar transistors are provided, manufacturable by a CMOS IC process. The improved transistor comprises an emitter having first and second portions of different depths, a base underlying the emitter having a central portion of a first base width underlying the first portion of the emitter, a peripheral portion having a second base width larger than the first base width partly underlying the second portion of the emitter, and a transition zone of a third base width and lateral extent lying laterally between the first and second portions of the base, and a collector underlying the base. The gain of the transistor is larger than a conventional bipolar transistor made using the same CMOS process. By adjusting the lateral extent of the transition zone, the properties of the improved transistor can be tailored to suit different applications without modifying the underlying CMOS IC process.
US08946037B2	Methods for producing a tunnel field-effect transistor A method for producing a tunnel field-effect transistor is disclosed. Connection regions of different doping types are produced by means of self-aligning implantation methods.
US08946035B2	Replacement channels for semiconductor devices and methods for forming the same using dopant concentration boost A replacement channel and a method for forming the same in a semiconductor device are provided. A channel area is defined in a substrate which is a surface of a semiconductor wafer or a structure such as a fin formed over the wafer. Portions of the channel region are removed and are replaced with a replacement channel material formed by an epitaxial growth/deposition process to include a first dopant concentration level less than a first dopant concentration level. A subsequent doping operation or operations is then used to boost the average dopant concentration to a level greater than the first dopant concentration level. The replacement channel material is formed to include a gradient in which the upper portion of the replacement channel material has a greater dopant concentration than the lower portion of replacement channel material.
US08946028B2	Merged FinFETs and method of manufacturing the same FinFETs are merged together by a metal. The method of manufacturing the FinFETs include forming a plurality of fin bodies on a substrate and merging the fin bodies with a metal. The method further includes implanting source and drain regions through the metal.
US08946022B2	Integrated nanostructure-based non-volatile memory fabrication Nanostructure-based charge storage regions are included in non-volatile memory devices and integrated with the fabrication of select gates and peripheral circuitry. One or more nanostructure coatings are applied over a substrate at a memory array area and a peripheral circuitry area. Various processes for removing the nanostructure coating from undesired areas of the substrate, such as target areas for select gates and peripheral transistors, are provided. One or more nanostructure coatings are formed using self-assembly based processes to selectively form nanostructures over active areas of the substrate in one example. Self-assembly permits the formation of discrete lines of nanostructures that are electrically isolated from one another without requiring patterning or etching of the nanostructure coating.
US08946016B2	Replacement gates to enhance transistor strain Some embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses and methods relating to NMOS and PMOS transistor strain.
US08946007B2	Inverted thin channel mosfet with self-aligned expanded source/drain After formation of a gate electrode, a source trench and a drain trench are formed down to an upper portion of a bottom semiconductor layer having a first semiconductor material of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The source trench and the drain trench are filled with at least a second semiconductor material that is different from the first semiconductor material to form source and drain regions. A planarized dielectric layer is formed and a handle substrate is attached over the source and drain regions. The bottom semiconductor layer is removed selective to the second semiconductor material, the buried insulator layer, and a shallow trench isolation structure. The removal of the bottom semiconductor layer exposes a horizontal surface of the buried insulator layer present between source and drain regions on which a conductive material layer is formed as a back gate electrode.
US08946005B2	Thin-film transistor, array substrate having the thin-film transistor and method of manufacturing the array substrate A thin-film transistor includes a semiconductor pattern, source and drain electrodes and a gate electrode, the semiconductor pattern is formed on a base substrate, and the semiconductor pattern includes metal oxide. The source and drain electrodes are formed on the semiconductor pattern such that the source and drain electrodes are spaced apart from each other and an outline of the source and drain electrodes is substantially same as an outline of the semiconductor pattern. The gate electrode is disposed in a region between the source and drain electrodes such that portions of the gate electrode are overlapped with the source and drain electrodes. Therefore, leakage current induced by light is minimized. As a result, characteristics of the thin-film transistor are enhanced, after-image is reduced to enhance display quality, and stability of manufacturing process is enhanced.
US08946000B2	Method for forming an integrated circuit having a programmable fuse A back-end-of-line thin ion beam deposited fuse (204) is deposited without etching to connect first and second last metal interconnect structures (110, 120) formed with last metal layers (LM) in a planar multi-layer interconnect stack to programmably connect separate first and second circuit connected to the first and second last metal interconnect structures.
US08945998B2	Programmable semiconductor interposer for electronic package and method of forming Various structures of a programmable semiconductor interposer for electronic packaging are described. An array of semiconductor devices having various values is formed in the interposer. A user can program the interposer and form a “virtual” device having a desired value by selectively connecting various one of the array of devices to contact pads formed on the surface of the interposer. An inventive electronic package structure includes a standard interposer having an array of unconnected devices of various values and a device selection unit, which selectively connects various one of the array of devices in the standard interposer to an integrated circuit die encapsulated in the electronic package. Methods of forming the programmable semiconductor interposer and the electronic package are also illustrated.
US08945991B2	Fabricating a wafer level semiconductor package having a pre-formed dielectric layer There are disclosed herein various implementations of improved wafer level semiconductor packages. One exemplary implementation comprises forming a post-fabrication redistribution layer (post-Fab RDL) between first and second dielectric layers affixed over a surface of a wafer, and forming a window for receiving an electrical contact body in the second dielectric layer, the window exposing the post-Fab RDL. At least one of the first and second dielectric layers is a pre-formed dielectric layer, which may be affixed over the surface of the wafer using a lamination process. In one implementation, the window is formed using a direct laser ablation process.
US08945990B2	Chip package and method of forming the same Embodiments provide a method of forming a chip package. The method may include attaching at least one chip on a carrier, the chip including a plurality of chip pads on a surface of the chip opposite to the carrier; depositing a first adhesion layer on the carrier and on the chip pads of the chip, the first adhesion layer including tin or indium; depositing a second adhesion layer on the first adhesion layer, the second adhesion layer including a silane organic material; and depositing a lamination layer or an encapsulation layer on the second adhesion layer and the chip.
US08945987B2	Manufacture of face-down microelectronic packages In a high volume method for manufacturing a microelectronic package, a spacer element and a first die, i.e., microelectronic element, can be attached face-down to a surface of a substrate, contacts on the first die facing a first through opening of the substrate. Then, a second die can be attached face-down atop the first die and the spacer element, contacts on the second die disposed beyond an edge of the first die and facing a second through opening in the substrate. Electrical connections can then be formed between each of the first and second dies and the substrate. The first and second dies can be transferred from positions of a single diced wafer which are selected to maximize compound speed bin yield of the microelectronic package.
US08945983B2	System and method to improve package and 3DIC yield in underfill process A method embodiment includes forming a packaging unit by attaching a die to a packaging substrate, applying plasma treatment to a first portion of the packaging substrate, wherein the first portion corresponds to a portion of the packaging substrate underneath the die, not applying plasma treatment to a second portion of the packaging substrate, wherein the second portion of the packaging substrate surrounds the first portion of the packaging substrate, and applying an underfill material over the first portion of the packaging substrate.
US08945980B2	Alkali metal-doped solution-processed metal chalcogenides A method is provided for forming an alkali metal-doped solution-processed metal chalcogenide. A first solution is formed that includes a first material group of metal salts, metal complexes, or combinations thereof, dissolved in a solvent. The first material group may include one or more of the following elements: copper (Cu), indium (In), and gallium (Ga). An alkali metal-containing material is added to the first solution, and the first solution is deposited on a conductive substrate. The alkali metal-containing material may be sodium (Na). An alkali metal-doped first intermediate film results, comprising metal precursors from corresponding members of the first material group. Then, thermally annealing is performed in an environment of selenium (Se), Se and hydrogen (H2), hydrogen selenide (H2Se), sulfur (S), S and H2, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), or combinations thereof. The metal precursors in the alkali metal-doped first intermediate film are transformed, and an alkali metal-doped chalcogenide layer is formed.
US08945976B2	Method for making solar cell having crystalline silicon P—N homojunction and amorphous silicon heterojunctions for surface passivation A thin silicon solar cell is described. An example solar cell may be fabricated from a crystalline silicon wafer having a thickness of approximately 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers. The solar cell comprises a first region having a p-n homojunction, a second region that creates heterojunction surface passivation, and a third region that creates heterojunction surface passivation. Amorphous silicon layers are deposited on both sides of the silicon wafer. A final layer of transparent conductive oxide is formed on both sides. Metal contacts are applied to the transparent conductive oxide.
US08945975B2	Light emitting device grown on a relaxed layer In some embodiments of the invention, a device includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a third semiconductor layer, and a semiconductor structure comprising a III-nitride light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The second semiconductor layer is disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer. The third semiconductor layer is disposed between the second semiconductor layer and the light emitting layer. A difference between the in-plane lattice constant of the first semiconductor layer and the bulk lattice constant of the third semiconductor layer is no more than 1%. A difference between the in-plane lattice constant of the first semiconductor layer and the bulk lattice constant of the second semiconductor layer is at least 1%. The third semiconductor layer is at least partially relaxed.
US08945967B2	Photosensitive imaging device and method for forming semiconductor device A photosensitive imaging device and a method for forming a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes: providing a first device layer formed on a first substrate, wherein a conductive top bonding pad layer is formed on the first device layer; providing a continuous second device layer formed on a second substrate, wherein a continuous conductive adhesion layer is formed on the continuous second device layer; bonding the first device layer with the second device layer, where the top bonding pad layer on the first device layer is directly connected with the conductive continuous adhesion layer on the continuous second device layer; removing the second substrate; selectively etching the continuous second device and the continuous conductive adhesion layer to form a groove array; and filling up the groove array with an insulation material to form a plurality of second devices. Alignment accuracy may be improved.
US08945966B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor devices having gallium nitride epilayers on diamond substrates using intermediate nucleating layer Methods for integrating wide-gap semiconductors with synthetic diamond substrates are disclosed. Diamond substrates are created by depositing synthetic diamond onto a nucleating layer deposited or formed on a layered structure including at least one layer of gallium nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, or zinc oxide. The resulting structure is a low stress process compatible with wide-gap semiconductor films, and may be processed into optical or high-power electronic devices. The diamond substrates serve as heat sinks or mechanical substrates.
US08945960B2	Optical device processing method An optical device wafer has a plurality of optical devices formed on a front side and a plurality of crossing division lines for partitioning the optical devices. Each optical device has electrodes formed on the front side. A processing method includes: forming a groove on the front side of the wafer along each division line, the groove having a depth reaching a finished thickness; of forming a nonconductive reflective film on the front side of the wafer to thereby form the reflective film on at least the side surfaces of the groove; removing the reflective film formed on the electrodes to thereby expose the electrodes; and grinding a back side of the wafer to thereby reduce the thickness to the finished thickness until the groove is exposed to the back side of the wafer to divide the wafer into individual optical device chips.
US08945957B2	Method of manufacturing liquid ejection head The method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head includes: forming a first protective layer on one surface of the substrate; forming the wiring layer on another surface of the substrate; forming the insulating layer on the wiring layer, and then partially removing the insulating layer to partially expose the wiring layer; forming the electrode pad on an exposed portion of the wiring layer; forming a flow path member on the another surface of the substrate; forming a second protective layer on the one surface of the substrate after the formation of the flow path member; and partially removing at least one of the first protective layer and the second protective layer, and then forming the supply port leading from the one surface of the substrate to the another surface of the substrate.
US08945956B2	Metrology test structures in test dies Test dies having metrology test structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming one or more metrology test structures in a test die that are identical to one or more structures formed in an adjacent product chip.
US08945947B2	Use of perfluoropolymers in the determination of the receptor-ligand binding constant A method for determining the binding constant of interacting molecular species comprises the use of flat surfaces comprising perfluorinated polymers and measurements of reflected light intensity. The surfaces comprise at least one molecule with the receptor function absorbed or immobilized on the surface and at least one ligand that interacts with the receptor.
US08945921B2	Modulating the production of neurons and/or oligodendrocytes from white matter progenitor cells The present invention relates to a method of modulating production of neurons and/or oligodendrocytes from neural progenitor cells of human white matter and to a method of treating a subject for a condition modulated by underproduction of oligodendrocytes from human white matter. Both of these methods involve administering an agonist or antagonist of one or more molecules set forth in Tables 1 and/or 2 to the neural progenitor cells. Also disclosed is a method of using an inhibitor of sterol synthesis to differentiate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to oligodendrocytes.
US08945918B2	Expression in insect cells of genes with overlapping open reading frames, methods and compositions therefor The present teachings disclose nucleic acid cassettes for expressing in an insect cell a plurality of polypeptides encoded by a gene comprising overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). A cassette comprises, in 5′ to 3′ order, a) a first insect cell-operable promoter, b) a 5′ portion of a gene comprising a first ORF of the gene, c) an intron comprising a second insect cell-operable promoter, and d) a 3′ portion of the gene comprising at least one additional ORF. Vectors and insect cells comprising the cassettes are also disclosed, as well as methods for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus in insect cells using the cassettes.
US08945909B2	Tunable elastomeric nanochannels for nanofluidic manipulation The invention relates to tunable elastomeric nanochannels for nanofluidic manipulation. In particular, the present invention relates to nanochannels for performing biological assays.
US08945907B2	Genetically engineered recombinant Escherichia coli producing L-tryptophan having originally L-phenylalanine productivity, and method for producing L-tryptophan using the microorganism The present invention relates to a microorganism having L-tryptophan productivity and a method for producing L-tryptophan using the same. More precisely, the present invention relates to the recombinant E. coli strain CJ600 (KCCM 10812P) having tryptophan productivity produced from the mutant form (KFCC 10066) of E. coli having L-phenylalanine productivity, wherein tryptophan auxotrophy is released, L-phenylalanine biosynthesis is blocked but tryptophan productivity is enhanced by reinforcing the gene involved in tryptophan biosynthesis, and a method of producing L-tryptophan using the same.
US08945906B2	Organic biofilm substrata as a microbial inoculum delivery vehicle for bioaugmentation of persistent organic pollutants in contaminated sediments and soils A system and methods for removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from an environment, where the system includes an inert and organic biofilm substrata as biofilm media for dual use: 1) inoculation of microorganisms to degrade POPs and 2) accumulation of POPs on the substrata, effective in maintaining bioavailable concentrations for sustaining microbial activity. Microorganisms capable of degrading or transforming POPs are actively associated with the substrata as a biofilm. Application of this delivery vehicle will enhance the microbial degradation of POPs, while simultaneously adsorbing hydrophobic POPs from the environment making them bioavailable for the microorganisms located in the formed biofilms and additionally lowering the aqueous concentration of POPs that have detrimental effects towards fish and mammals as they bioaccumulate through the food chain.
US08945901B1	High activity mutants of butyrylcholinesterase for cocaine hydrolysis Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) polypeptide variants of the presently-disclosed subject matter have enhanced catalytic efficiency for (−)-cocaine, as compared to wild-type BChE. Pharmaceutical compositions of the presently-disclosed subject matter include a BChE polypeptide variant having an enhanced catalytic efficiency for (−)-cocaine. A method of the presently-disclosed subject matter for treating a cocaine-induced condition includes administering to an individual an effective amount of a BChE polypeptide variant, as disclosed herein, to lower blood cocaine concentration.
US08945896B2	Ligand functionalized polymers Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.
US08945884B2	Methods and compositions for synthesis of nucleic acid molecules using multiplerecognition sites The present invention provides compositions and methods for recombinational cloning. The compositions include vectors having multiple recombination sites and/or multiple topoisomerase recognition sites. The methods permit the simultaneous cloning of two or more different nucleic acid molecules. In some embodiments the molecules are fused together while in other embodiments the molecules are inserted into distinct sites in a vector. The invention also generally provides for linking or joining through recombination a number of molecules and/or compounds (e.g., chemical compounds, drugs, proteins or peptides, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, etc.) which may be the same or different. The invention also provides host cells comprising nucleic acid molecules of the invention or prepared according to the methods of the invention, and also provides kits comprising the compositions, host cells and nucleic acid molecules of the invention, which may be used to synthesize nucleic acid molecules according to the methods of the invention.
US08945875B2	Product and process for transformation of thraustochytriales microorganisms Disclosed are nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for acetolactate synthase, acetolactate synthase regulatory regions, α-tubulin promoter, a promoter from a Thraustochytriales polyketide synthase (PKS) system, and fatty acid desaturase promoter, each from a Thraustochytriales microorganism. Also disclosed are recombinant vectors useful for transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms, as well as a method of transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms. The recombinant nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be used for the expression of foreign nucleic acids in a Thraustochytriales microorganism as well as for the deletion, mutation, or inactivation of genes in Thraustochytriales microorganisms.
US08945858B2	Methods and compositions for treating neurodegenerative disorders and alzheimer's disease and improving normal memory The disclosure relates generally to neurodegenerative disorders and more specifically to a group of presenilin/G-protein/c-src binding polypeptides and methods of use for modulating signaling and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
US08945853B2	Detection of intracellular binding events by measuring protein abundance Methods and compositions are provided to measure the binding of a test compound to a target peptide by measuring the effect of the compound on the abundance of the target peptide inside a cell. The target peptide may bind the test compound at an active site or an allosteric site, and it has been found that such binding may stabilize the target peptide against cellular degradation. The target peptide will preferably comprise a destabilizing mutation which shortens the half life of the target peptide within the cell, typically a mammalian cell. Test compounds, including small molecules, have been found to stabilize target peptides. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing the methods.
US08945851B2	Quantitative assay for membrane association of proteins The present invention relates to a kit for detection of association of a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein with cellular membranes in living cells and methods thereof. The kit includes a first nucleic acid construct comprising a first nucleic acid molecule encoding a first fusion protein comprising a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein or membrane binding domain thereof operatively coupled to DNA binding and transactivation domains of a naturally occurring or chimeric transcription factor and a first promoter operatively associated with the first nucleic acid molecule. A second nucleic acid construct comprises a second nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein and a second promoter responsive to the DNA binding and transactivation domains of the first fusion protein. The second promoter is operatively associated with the second nucleic acid molecule. Activation of the second promoter results in expression of the reporter protein. Also disclosed is a transgenic non-human animal.
US08945838B2	Aptamer-based lateral flow assay and associated methods Methods, assays, and products for the detection of analytes in a sample are provided. In one aspect, for example, a device for detecting an analyte in a sample can include a fluid transfer membrane further including a sample input region operable to receive a liquid sample, a reagent region including a first split aptamer segment, a second split aptamer segment, and a detection marker, where the first and second split aptamers are operable to ligate in the presence of the analyte. The detection marker is operable to bind to the second split aptamer. The device can further include a test region having an immobilized binding reagent operable to bind to the first split aptamer segment such that the detection marker is held in the test region when the first split aptamer segment is ligated to the second split aptamer segment due to the analyte being present in the sample.
US08945827B2	Serological methods and diagnostic tests for syphilis antibodies A non-treponemal diagnostic test for syphilis infection includes initially dissolving cholesterol in an organic solvent and further diluting the dissolved cholesterol in an ethanol solution comprising cardiolipin and lecithin, permitting a volume of the antigen solution to evaporate in place within a container, rinsing the coated container with buffered saline, stabilizing the antigen coating by overcoating the antigen coating with an inert protein dissolved in buffered saline, decanting the overcoat solution, air-drying the container, and sealing the container in vapor-proof pouches with desiccant, providing an enzyme-labeled conjugate component of a syphilis infection test that is formulated to be compatible with a lipid nature of the cholesterol, the cardiolipin, and the lecithin VDRL antigens, providing a sample diluent that is formulated to be compatible with the lipid nature of the VDRL antigens, and providing a wash fluid that is formulated to be compatible with the lipid nature of the VDRL antigens.
US08945822B2	Resist pattern thickening material, method for forming resist pattern, semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same The present invention provides a resist pattern thickening material, which can utilize ArF excimer laser light; which, when applied over a resist pattern to be thickened, e.g., in form of lines and spaces pattern, can thicken the resist pattern to be thickened regardless of the size of the resist pattern to be thickened; and which is suited for forming a fine space pattern or the like, exceeding exposure limits. The present invention also provides a process for forming a resist pattern and a process for manufacturing a semiconductor device, wherein the resist pattern thickening material of the present invention is suitably utilized.
US08945821B2	Method for patterning flexible substrate The invention provides a method for patterning a flexible substrate. The method for patterning a flexible substrate includes providing a carrier substrate. A release layer is formed on the carrier substrate. A flexible substrate film is formed on the release layer. A plurality of UV blocking mask patterns is formed covering various portions of the flexible substrate film and the release layer. A UV lighting process is performed to expose the flexible substrate film and the release layer not covered by the UV blocking mask patterns, to a UV light. A debonding step is performed so that the various portions of the flexible substrate film directly above the various portions of the release layer, which were not exposed to the UV light, are separated from the carrier substrate.
US08945818B2	Method of manufacturing liquid ejection head A method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head, and the method includes a process of providing a first photosensitive resin layer containing a photodegradable positive photosensitive resin and serving as a mold material of the channel on a substrate, a process of providing a gas barrier layer having a film density of 1 g/cm3 or more on the first photosensitive resin layer, a process of subjecting the first photosensitive resin layer and the gas barrier layer to pattern exposure, and then performing development to thereby form the mold material of a channel and also removing the gas barrier layer before or simultaneously with the development, a process of providing a second photosensitive resin layer on the mold material and the substrate, a process of subjecting the second photosensitive resin layer to pattern exposure, and then performing development, and a process of removing the mold material of the channel.
US08945790B2	Microporous layer structures and gas diffusion layer assemblies in proton exchange membrane fuel cells In at least one embodiment, a microporous layer configured to be disposed between a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell electrode assembly is provided. The microporous layer may have defined therein a plurality of hydrophilic pores, a plurality of hydrophobic pores with a diameter of 0.02 to 0.5 μm, and a plurality of bores with a diameter of 0.5 to 100 μm. The microporous layer structures and gas diffusion layer assemblies disclosed herein may be defined by a number of various designs and arrangements for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems.
US08945789B2	Solid oxide fuel cell The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) including a porous fuel electrode which allows reaction of a fuel gas to proceed and which is formed of Ni and YSZ, a porous air electrode which allows reaction of an oxygen-containing gas to proceed, and a dense solid electrolyte membrane which is provided between the fuel electrode and the air electrode and which has an interface with the fuel electrode. In the fuel electrode, Ni grains present in a region located within 3 μm from the interface (i.e., a “near-interface region”) have a mean size of 0.28 to 0.80 μm, YSZ grains present in the near-interface region have a mean size of 0.28 to 0.80 μm, and pores present in the near-interface region have a mean size of 0.10 to 0.87 μm. Thus, the fuel electrode of the SOFC exhibits low reaction resistance.
US08945785B2	Adaptive limitation of standby mode to enhance fuel cell system life A system and method for reducing the frequency of stack stand-by mode events, if necessary, as a fuel cell stack ages and experiences lower performance. The method determines an irreversible voltage loss of the fuel cell stack at predetermined time intervals and determines a stack voltage degradation variable based on the irreversible voltage loss. The method also determines if the stack voltage degradation variable indicates that the fuel cell stack will not meet predetermined stack end-of-life voltage requirements and calculates a maximum allowed voltage degradation rate of the fuel cell stack. The method calculates a maximum number of stand-by mode events per unit time that can be allowed to prevent the stack from exceeding the maximum allowed degradation rate and controls the number of stand-by mode events based on the calculated maximum number of stand-by mode events.
US08945778B2	Conducting salts for galvanic cells, the production thereof and their use The invention relates to conducting salts which contain lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) and mixed lithium borate salts of the type of formula (I), wherein the portion of compound (I) in the conducting salt is 0.01 to 20 mole-% and X in formula (I) is a bridge linked with the boron via two oxygen atoms, selected from formula (II), wherein Y1 and Y2 together=O, m=1, n=0 and Y3 and Y4 independently represent H or an alkyl group with 1 to 5 C atoms, or Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4 independently represent OR (with R=alkyl group with to 5 C atoms), or H or an alkyl group with 1 to 5 C atoms, and wherein m=0 or 1, n=0 or 1, or Y2 and Y3 are members of a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic ring (with N, O or S as the hetero element) which can be optionally substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, carboxy or nitrile, and if so, Y1 and Y4 are not applicable and n>0, m=0 or 1. The invention also relates to a method for producing the inventive conducting salts.
US08945776B2	Electrolyte for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including the same An electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same, the electrolyte including a lithium salt, a silylborate-based compound, an anhydride component, and a non-aqueous organic solvent.
US08945775B2	Battery having a porous insulating member A main object of the present application is to provide a battery including an insulating member that insulates a battery case from an electrode body and is able to secure good injection performance of an electrolyte solution. The battery provided by the present application includes an electrode body provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and a battery case that houses the electrode body together with an electrolyte solution. An insulating member that isolates the electrode body from the battery case is arranged between the electrode body and the battery case, and the insulating member is formed into a bag shape that encloses the electrode body and is made of a porous material having pores through which the electrolyte solution is able to flow.
US08945757B2	Battery pack having conductive line holders A battery pack including: a plurality of battery cells; conductive tabs, each of which has a first portion electrically connected to at least one of the battery cells, and a second portion extending from the first portion; conductive lines electrically connected to the second portions of the conductive tabs; and a protective circuit module electrically connected to the conductive lines. Each of the conductive tabs includes a conductive line holding portion formed at the second portion, to fix the corresponding conductive line. Due to this constitution of the battery pack, the conductive lines are prevented from entirely escaping from the area of solder joints with the conductive tabs, after being disconnected from the solder joints. Therefore, the conductive lines do not come into contact with the battery cells or circuits of the protective circuit module.
US08945750B2	Electronic apparatus, control method and program thereof, and battery for operating electronic apparatus An electronic apparatus using a fuel cell as at least one electric power source. The fuel cell has an electric power output unit for outputting an electric power through a chemical reaction between fuel gas and oxidant gas, a purge device for purging the electric power output unit and a purge control unit for issuing a purge instruction to the purge device. The electronic apparatus has a monitor unit for monitoring a consumption power, an operation state or a manipulated state of the electronic apparatus, and a purge permission unit for judging from an output of the monitor unit whether the purge control unit is permitted to issue the purge instruction, and outputting a judgment result to the purge control unit.
US08945747B2	Battery cell having an attachment structure and vehicle battery module In a longitudinal battery cell for a vehicle battery module, the battery cell includes a first end and an opposite second end with respect to a longitudinal axis of the battery cell, and a lateral surface extending from the first end to the second end. The battery cell includes an attachment structure extending in an outward direction from the lateral surface at the second end for coupling the battery cell to the battery module.
US08945744B2	Electrode assembly having stepped portion, as well as battery cell, battery pack, and device including the electrode assembly There is provided an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a stack of unit cells respectively including at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode, alternately stacked, wherein at least one separator is placed on each of both sides of the electrodes, and at least one of the unit cells has an area different from that of an adjacent unit cell to form at least one stepped portion on the electrode assembly. In addition, there are also provided a battery cell, a battery pack, and a device that include the electrode assembly.
US08945731B2	Interlayer for device including NFT and cladding layers A device that includes a near field transducer (NFT); at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; and a discontinuous metal layer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.
US08945722B2	Materials and architectures for efficient harvesting of singlet and triplet excitons for white light emitting OLEDs The present invention relates to organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), and more specifically to OLEDS that emit light using a combination of fluorescent emitters and phosphorescent emitters for the efficient utilization of all of the electrically generated excitons.
US08945717B2	Adhesive material The invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is envisaged that the pressure-sensitive adhesive comprises a first layer and a second layer,the first layer being a heat-activatable pressure-sensitive adhesive which has a static glass transition temperature Tg,a or a melting point Tm,a of at least +30° C.; andthe second layer being a polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive which has a static glass transition temperature of not more than +15° C.
US08945715B2	Low V2O5—content and V2O5—free porcelain enamels The present invention relates to a low-V2O5-content and even V2O5-free porcelain enamel with improved dish-washer resistance, very good acid resistance and good adherence on various substrates. The invention moreover relates to a transparent low-V2O5-content and even V2O5-free porcelain enamel frit for application of enamel coatings with infinite color range on a substrate made of aluminum, cast aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum-magnesium alloy, cast aluminum alloy, copper, austenitic stainless steel and mild steel, presenting improved dish-washer resistance, good acid resistance and good adherence on the substrate.The composition of the porcelain enamel in question comprises about 30 wt-% to about 50 wt-% SiO2, about 30 wt-% to about 40 wt-% R2O, about 15 wt-% to about 25 wt-% TiO2, about 0 wt-% to about 5 wt-% RO, about 0 wt-% to about 4 wt-% V2O5, about 0.3 wt-% to about 7 wt-% Fe2O3, about 0 wt-% to about 3 wt-% Sb2O3, about 0 wt-% to about 3 wt-% SnO2, about 0 wt-% to about 2 wt-% B2O3, about 0 wt-% to about 3 wt-% Al2O3, about 0 wt-% to about 4 wt-% P2O5, about 0 wt-% to about 1 wt-% MoO3, about 0 wt-% to about 2 wt-% F2, about 0 wt-% to about 4 wt-% ZrO2, about 0 wt-% to about 4 wt-% ZnO, about 0 wt-% to about 6 wt-% NOx, R2O is a combination of alkaline oxides selected from the group of: Na2O 10-23 mol %, K2O 7-20 mol % and Li2O 1-6.5 mol %, wherein RO represent at least one earth alkali oxide and wherein the molar ratio of (Li2O+B2O3) to TiO2 amounts to 0.2 to 0.6.
US08945711B2	Water-based composite resin composition and an article comprising the same It is an object of the present invention to provide a water-based composite resin composition which has an excellent long-term storage stability and which enables formation of a coating film having an excellent water resistance and solvent resistance. The present invention relates to a water-based composite resin composition and a coating agent; the water-based composite resin composition containing composite resin particles (A) and an aqueous medium (B), the composite resin particles (A) containing polyester resin (a1) particles having a sulfonate group and an epoxy resin (a2) of which some or all parts are encapsulated in the polyester resin (a1) particles, wherein a mass ratio [(a1)/(a2)] of the polyester resin (a1) to the epoxy resin (a2) in the composite resin particles (A) is in the range of 95/5 to 30/70.
US08945704B2	Multi-layer film, decorative molding film and molded body A multi-layer film which is excellent in transferability to a metal shape during thermoforming and hardly produces uneven thickness, wrinkles, whitening or cracks on the surface of the obtained molded article.The multi-layer film has a layer (layer A) containing a polycarbonate resin and a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer and a layer (layer B) containing an acrylic resin, wherein the layer B is formed on at least one side of the layer A.
US08945692B2	Liquid crystal display unit and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device with which response characteristics are able to be easily improved without using major equipment is provided. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device includes steps of forming a first alignment film 22 including a polymer compound having a crosslinkable functional group as a side chain on one substrate of a pair of substrates 20 and 30; forming a second alignment film 32 on the other substrate of the pair of substrates 20 and 30; arranging the pair of substrates 20 and 30 so that the first alignment film 22 and the second alignment film 32 are opposed to each other, and sealing a liquid crystal layer 40 containing a liquid crystal molecule 41 having negative dielectric constant anisotropy between the first alignment film 22 and the second alignment film 32; and bridging the polymer compound to give pretilt to the liquid crystal molecule 41 after sealing the liquid crystal layer 40.
US08945688B2	Process of forming a material having nano-particles and a material having nano-particles A process of forming a material having nano-particles and a material having nano-particles are disclosed. The process includes arranging nano-particles in a predetermined pattern within a matrix material. The material includes arranged nano-particles forming a predetermined pattern in the matrix material.
US08945682B2	Deposition apparatus, method for manufacturing organic light emitting display apparatus, and organic light emitting display apparatus A deposition apparatus includes a first transporting unit configured to transport moving units, to which substrates may be detachably affixed, in a first direction; and a second transporting unit configured to transport empty moving units, from which the respective substrates have been detached, in a return direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the moving units are transported cyclically in reusing fashion.
US08945679B2	Apparatus for impregnating web-like materials with thermally curable impregnating resin An apparatus for impregnating web material with thermally curable impregnating resin, The apparatus includes an impregnating trough in which the web material is brought into contact with the impregnating resin and an inlet line which leads to the impregnating trough and through which the impregnating resin is introduced into the impregnating trough. The apparatus also includes a heating device structured and arranged for heating the impregnating resin, wherein the heating device is associated with the inlet line and heats the impregnating resin in the inlet line.
US08945677B2	Electronic device manufacture using low-k dielectric materials Materials and methods for manufacturing electronic devices and semiconductor components using low dielectric materials comprising polyimide based aerogels are described. Additional methods for manipulating the properties of the dielectric materials and affecting the overall dielectric property of the system are also provided.
US08945676B2	Method and apparatus for coating The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for coating one or more objects (1) by exposing an object (1) to alternately repeating surface reactions of two or more gaseous precursors. The apparatus comprises a reaction chamber (2, 40), means for forming at least one distinct precursor region inside the reaction chamber, and means for causing translational, essentially mechanically unsupported and unsuspended, motion of an object (1) inside the reaction chamber, relative to the reaction chamber, for bringing the surface of the object (1) into contact with a gaseous precursor, the means for causing the translational motion comprising means for moving the object (1) essentially through the at least one distinct precursor region inside the reaction chamber.
US08945672B2	Process for preparing compacted pigment granules, process for preparing encapsulated pigment granules, and process for dyeing landscaping and/or construction materials A process for preparing encapsulated pigment granules, including the steps of (1) loading iron oxide powder into a mixer; (2) rotating the mixer to cause the iron oxide powder to continuously cascade within the mixer, so as to form compacted pigment granules; and (3) spraying liquid encapsulation solution onto the cascading compacted pigment granules to cause the cascading compacted pigment granules to be encapsulated.
US08945667B2	Alkylcellulose and salt compositions for dust control applications A method of reducing dust generation from an aggregate surface is described. The method includes applying a dust suppression compound to the aggregate surface. The dust suppression compound may be made from an aqueous mixture of an alkylcellulose compound and a halogen containing salt.
US08945660B2	Edible foam product for the treatment or prevention of obesity The present invention relates to an edible foam product that can advantageously be used in the treatment or prevention of obesity. More particularly, the present invention provides an edible foam product of pourable or spoonable consistency having an overrun of at least 100%, said foam product containing at least 60 wt. % of water, from 1 to 7 wt. % of protein and from 1 to 20 wt. % of carbohydrates, and further being characterized by a high in-mouth stability as evidenced by a reduction in overrun of less than 35% under in-mouth shear conditions and a high gastric stability as evidenced by a t½>30 minutes, t½representing the time needed to achieve a reduction in overrun of 50% under gastric conditions. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of an edible foam product in the treatment or prevention of overweight or obesity, said edible foam product having a pourable or spoonable consistency, an overrun of at least 100% and a high gastric stability as evidenced by t½>30 minutes. Yet another aspect of the invention concerns a pressurized container holding an edible liquid composition and a propellant, which liquid composition can be released from the container by activating a valve to produce an edible foam product having a pourable or spoonable consistency, an overrun of at least 100% and a high gastric stability as evidenced by t½>30 minutes.
US08945654B1	Cheese product having a veined appearance A method of producing a food product such as a colored veined cheese product includes providing a cheese curd to which a flavorant is added. The cheese curd and the flavorant are worked into a homogenous mixture. A colored vein mimetic is added to the homogeneous mixture in an amount for a time sufficient to produce the colored veins within the cheese product such that the cheese product has a flavor and an appearance of a naturally veined cheese.
US08945647B2	Process and an apparatus for preparing a beverage under controlled pressure conditions A process of preparing a beverage from a beverage preparation chamber includes feeding water to the preparation chamber until a first pressure is reached, interrupting the flow of water to the preparation chamber, holding the preparation chamber in a closed condition for a first time interval, opening the outlet of the preparation chamber and delivering the thus prepared beverage.
US08945642B2	Nutritionally enhanced isolate from stabilized rice bran and method of production Provided is a nutritionally enhanced derivative (isolate) from Stabilized Rice Bran (SRB) with improved antioxidant, fat and protein levels enhancing both the nutritional and yield values over existing techniques. Also provided is an improved method that utilizes certain enzyme combinations under various time and temperature conditions for extracting these nutritionally enhanced isolates from SRB.
US08945641B2	Use of gum arabic for improving the growth and survival of bifidobacteria The invention relates to the use of acacia gum (or gum Arabic) possibly in combination with sulphur-containing amino acids, for improving the growth and survival of bifidobacteria which are part of the manufacture of fermented food products, in particular, of fermented milk products.
US08945637B2	Decubitus treatment system The present invention includes compositions and methods for cleaning, treating, protection and resolution of decubitus ulcers comprising: a first composition comprising a wound cleaning solution comprising aloe vera gel comprising at least 5,000 MPS, a balanced salt solution; and a second composition comprising a wound healing gel comprising aloe vera gel comprising at least 10,000 MPS, a thickening agent, and one or more preservatives and, optionally, a third composition comprising a moisture barrier cream comprising a vegetable-based emulsifier, a cosmetic ester for dry skin that has low occlusivity, an ester-based emollient that is oxidation stable and has low occlusivity; a beeswax; a hydrogenated oil, glycerin, a buffering agent, aloe vera gel comprising at least 2,000 MPS and water.
US08945632B2	Methods and compositions for inhibiting the nuclear factor κB pathway The current invention provides therapeutic methods which include inhibition of nuclear factor κb pathway in a cell based on the discovery of an active fraction of a plant extract termed NUP or a composition which includes NUP. NUP is used in treating and managing different diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and virus infections.
US08945626B2	Preparation of pharmaceutical compositions A process for the production of a composition comprising a water-insoluble paracetamol or NSAID which comprises the steps of: a) providing a mixture comprising: i) a water-insoluble paracetamol or NSAID, ii) a water soluble carrier, and iii) a solvent for each of the paracetamol or NSAID and the carrier, and b) spray-drying the mixture to remove the or each solvent and obtain a substantially solvent-free nano-dispersion of the paracetamol or NSAID in the carrier.
US08945625B2	Regulated delivery systems for inner ear drug application and uses thereof The invention relates to a controlled release delivery compositions and methods of using them for pathologies associated with Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck. Specifically, the invention relates to regulating drug delivery by the use of chitosan based matrices together with chitosanases.
US08945619B2	Shell-and-core dosage form approaching zero-order drug release Drugs are formulated as oral dosage forms for controlled release in which the release rate limiting portion is a shell surrounding the drug-containing core. The shell releases drug from the core by permitting diffusion of the drug from the core. The shell also motes gastric retention of the dosage form by swelling upon imbibition of gastric fluid to size that is retained in the stomach during the postprandial or fed mode.
US08945611B2	Artificial oxygen carriers and use thereof The invention relates to dispersions of artificial oxygen carriers, wherein the dispersions contain capsules with reversible oxygen storage capacity, the capsules comprising an oxygen-permeable capsule material, that contains and/or encloses fluorinated, particularly perfluorinated hydrocarbons, preferably perfluorocarbons. The dispersions are particularly suitable as a blood substitute, preferably for the purpose of transfusion, e.g. in states of blood loss of the human or animal body, in particular following surgical interventions, accidents, injuries etc, or for the prophylactic treatment and/or treatment by therapy of ischaemic states or states following a reperfusion.
US08945609B2	Thermosetting neutralized chitosan composition forming a hydrogel, lyophilizate, and processes for producing the same The aqueous thermosetting neutralized chitosan composition, forming a phosphate-free transparent hydrogel at a temperature higher than 5° C., comprises 0.1 to 5.0 w/w %, based on the total composition, of a reacetylated chitosan having a molecular weight of not smaller than 100 kDa and a deacetylation degree of 40 to 70%, neutralized with an hydroxylated base, and 1 to 30 w/w %, based on the total composition, of a complexing agent selected from polyoses and polyols derived from polyoses. Said composition is useful for the preparation of an injectable formulation.
US08945597B2	Botanical insecticides The invention generally relates to environmental friendly pesticide compounds, formulations, methods of preparation and application and utilities thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to pesticide compounds and formulations that include terpenes or terpenoids having chemical formula of (C5H8)n, and its derivatives and analogs thereof, as active insecticidal ingredients; certain botanical essential oils as synergists, and other select ingredients as additives.
US08945587B2	Synthetic lipid biology for combinatorial engineering of endotoxin The present disclosure generally relates to genetic engineering of bacteria. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to genetic engineering of Gram-negative bacteria expressing different species of lipid A on their surface. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for an engineered strain of E. coli according to Table 1. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a lipopolysaccharide purified from an engineered strain of E. coli according to Table 1.
US08945585B2	Multi-Target recombination gene and the application of its protein to prevent and cure Helicobacter pylori The present invention discloses a multi-target recombination gene and the application of its protein to prevent and cure Helicobacter pylori. It includes a multi-target fusion polypeptide having amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, a multi-target recombination gene of encoding multi-target fusion polypeptide having nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1, and the application of the multi-target recombination gene or the multi-target fusion polypeptide or specific antibody of the multi-target fusion polypeptide as biological products for preventing and curing Helicobacter pylori. The present invention effectively combines the key target protein UreI for Hp gastric colonization, and antigen target of UreB to create the best drug target.
US08945583B2	GLUT-1 as a receptor for HTLV envelopes and its uses The invention relates to the use of the ubiquitous vertebrate glucose transporter GLUT1, or of fragments or sequences derived thereof, for the in vitro diagnosis of cancers, when used as a tumor marker, or for the screening of compounds useful for the preparation of drugs for the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV, or pathologies linked to an overexpression of GLUT1 on cell surfaces, or the in vitro detection of GLUT1 on cell surfaces. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing GLUT1, or fragments or sequences derived thereof, and to their uses such as in the frame of the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV.
US08945581B2	Process for producing poxviruses and poxvirus compositions The present invention relates to compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising poxviruses and more particularly extracellular enveloped viruses. The present invention also relates to a process for producing poxviruses and poxviruses obtained thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of said poxvirus and said composition for the preparation of a medicament.
US08945576B2	Vaccine for treatment of tautopathy This invention relates to a vaccine for preventing or treating tautopathy, comprising a vector, as an active ingredient, comprising a nucleic acid encoding a mutant tau protein linked to a secretion signal sequence, wherein the vaccine is capable of inducing an antibody against an (optionally phosphorylated) tau protein in a subject in a more sustained manner compared with a case where the mutant tau protein is administered directly.
US08945567B2	Monovalent, bivalent and trivalent anti human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) nanobody constructs for the prevention and/or treatment of respiratory tract infections Amino acid sequences are provided that are directed against and/or that can specifically bind protein F of hRSV, as well as to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequences, polypeptides and therapeutic compounds and compositions provided by the invention show an improved stability, less immunogenicity and/or improved affinity and/or avidity for protein F of hRSV. The invention also relates to the uses of such amino acid sequences, polypeptides, compounds or constructs for prophylactic and/or therapeutic purposes.
US08945560B1	Method of treating rheumatoid arthritis using antibody to IL6R The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US08945559B2	Stabilized formulations containing anti-interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) antibodies The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a human antibody that specifically binds to human interleukin-4 receptor (hIL-4R). The formulations may contain, in addition to an anti-hIL-4R antibody, at least one amino acid, at least one sugar, or at least one non-ionic surfactant. The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention exhibit a substantial degree of antibody stability after storage for several months.
US08945558B2	Methods for treating myocardial infarction comprising administering an IL-6 inhibitor The present inventors investigated the effects of anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies on improving the condition of infarcted areas in myocardial infarction, and on suppressing left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. As a result, the administration of anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies significantly suppressed the increase of MPO activity in the infarcted area and suppressed myocardial MCP-1 expression in both the infarcted area and the non-infarcted area. Furthermore, echocardiography and histological examinations revealed that cardiac hypertrophy is also suppressed.
US08945549B2	Methods of treating antinociceptive tolerance The invention relates to methods for treating pain disorders including neuropathic and inflammatory pain and to methods to reduce or eliminate nociceptive tolerance induced by opiate analgesic use by administering an agent that suppresses or blocks S1P biological activity.
US08945547B2	Notch1 receptor antibodies and methods of treatment The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor and inhibits tumor growth. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor protein and inhibits tumor growth.
US08945535B2	Implant for the repair of a cartilage defect and method for manufacturing the implant For the repair of a cartilage defect in a human or animal patient use is made of an implant comprising an implant body including a natural cartilage matrix and being coated with cells having a chondrogenic potential. These cells are produced by in vitro cell proliferation starting from chondrocytes isolated from a cartilage biopsy. The chondrocytes which are de-differentiated during cell proliferation are re-differentiated during tissue culturing and are in particular suitable for producing and maintaining the cartilage matrix of the implant body. The cells adhering to the surface of the implant body are preferably also chondrocytes being de-differentiated by cell proliferation, but not re-differentiated, and are therefore particularly suitable for integrating the implant in the defect. Due to the cells adhering to the surface of the implant body, the implant is successfully integrated in the viable tissue surrounding the defect.
US08945532B2	Anti-aging formulations A dietary supplement based on fucoidan, blue-green algae, phycocyanin and phenylethylamine is fortified with one or more of curcumin, silymarin, resveratrol, astragalus root extract, astragoloside IV, vitamin D3, vitamin C, anhydrous trimethylglycine and brewers yeast to stimulate stem cell production and reduce the rate of telomere reduction or shortening. This can result in the repair of existing body cells and enhance longevity by stimulating the production of new stem cells and maintaining the telomeres on new stem cells as well as existing cells. The dietary supplement supports an increased life span by enhancing metabolic function, activating SIRT-1 anti-aging genes, and encouraging the production of new cells with longer telomeres.
US08945522B2	Silyl polymeric benzoic acid ester compounds, uses, and compositions thereof The present invention relates to organosilicon polymers containing benzoic acid esters in form of particles, process for their preparation, cosmetic or dermatological composition comprising them, as well as their use for protecting a human or animal living body from UV radiation.
US08945515B2	Methods and compositions for altering photophysical properties of fluorophores via proximal quenching The invention is directed to fluorophore-containing compositions and configurations wherein proximity between the fluorophore and one or more protective agents (PAs) modifies the lifetime of fluorescent and/or dark states, their frequency of occurrence, and the total lifetime of fluorescence in order to appropriately modify the photophysical characteristics of the fluorophore. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions and configurations.
US08945508B2	Dendrimer compositions and methods of synthesis The present invention relates to novel dendrimer compounds and methods of synthesizing the same. In particular, the present invention is directed to novel polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, novel dendrimer branching units, methods for synthesizing such novel PAMAM dendrimers and functionalized dendrimers, as well as systems and methods utilizing the dendrimers (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease diagnosis and/or therapy, etc.))).
US08945499B2	Process for producing ammonium nitrate A process for producing ammonium nitrate is disclosed, which process comprises exposing a gaseous oxidiser feed composed at least substantially of ammonia, steam and an oxidising gas to conditions whereby the ammonia is oxidised to produce a reaction mixture including nitrogen monoxide and water vapour. The reaction mixture is cooled in a heat exchanger whereby the nitrogen monoxide is oxidised, the water vapour is condensed and the products of the nitrogen monoxide oxidation react with and are absorbed by the condensed water to form a nitric acid stream, with substantially all of the nitrogen monoxide in the reaction mixture being converted to nitric acid. The nitric acid stream is reacted with a stream of ammonia to form the ammonium nitrate.
US08945496B2	Carbon capture systems and methods with selective sulfur removal Disclosed herein are systems and methods for treating carbon dioxide in an environmentally effective manner. Systems and methods include providing a carbon dioxide enriched stream having CO2 and at least one oxidizable sulfur compound and passing at least some of the carbon dioxide enriched stream to carbon dioxide storage, wherein the method further comprises passing at least some of the carbon dioxide enriched stream to selective sulfur removal during a period of system upset. Selective sulfur removal may comprise treatment with an solid or liquid capable of oxidizing the oxidizable sulfur compound.
US08945490B2	Methods of metal extraction using oximes Provided are methods method of recovering metal from an aqueous solution, the method comprising contacting an aqueous solution containing at least two metals selected from molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, zinc and iron with an organic solvent and an oxime-containing reagent composition at a predetermined pH, the predetermined pH selected to provide a high first metal extraction and a low second metal extraction; and separating the first metal from the solution.
US08945482B2	System, method and device for tissue-based diagnosis The current invention provides devices, methods and systems involving application of energy and/or a liquefaction promoting medium to a tissue of interest to generate a liquefied sample comprising tissue constituents so as to provide for rapid tissue sampling, tissue decontamination as well as qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes that may be part of tissue constituents (e.g., several types of biomolecules, drugs, and microbes). In addition, the current invention provides specific compositions of the said liquefaction promoting medium so as to facilitate liquefaction, preserve liquefied tissue constituents, and enable delivery of molecules into tissues. Determination of tissue composition in the liquefied tissue sample can be used in a variety of applications, including diagnosis or prognosis of local as well as systemic diseases, evaluating bioavailability of therapeutics in different tissues following drug administration, forensic detection of drugs-of-abuse, evaluating changes in the tissue microenvironment following exposure to a harmful agent, and various other applications. The methods, devices and systems are used to deliver one or more drugs through or into the site of the tissue to be liquefied.
US08945480B2	Apparatus and methodology to carry out biochemical testing on a centrifugal platform using flow splitting technique The invention provides an apparatus and methodology to carry out biochemical testing on a centrifugal platform using flow splitting technique. In conventional biochemical testing, reagents need to be loaded individually into each reservoir. By using the flow splitting technique in this invention, one reagent only need to be loaded once, then, it can be evenly distributed into each reaction chambers in single or multiple layers format. The invention greatly reduces the required manpower when large numbers of assays are integrated on one platform. Because of the invention, many medical examinations can be performed efficiently, thus reduce the waste of manpower, time and cost.
US08945478B2	Microfabricated devices with coated or modified surface and method of making same A microfabricated device or component thereof, such as microfluidics or nanofluidics device having a uniform non-wetting or non-absorbing polymeric coating or surface modification formed on a surface thereof by ionization or activation technology such as plasma processing, to produce a surface energy of less than 15 mNm−1. The treatment enhances the free-flowing properties of a liquid through the device during use.
US08945477B2	Apparatus and method for sterilizing container closures An apparatus (1) for sterilizing container closures comprises a conduit (2) defining a passage for the closure and having a wall (3) surrounding the passage, spraying means (4) for injecting inside the conduit (2) a sterilization fluid heated and vaporized, drying means for introducing hot air in the conduit (2) and means for heating the wall (3) of the conduit (2) operatively coupled thereto. A method for sterilizing container closures transported inside a conduit (2) having a wall (3) defining internally a passage for the closures comprises the steps of injecting inside the conduit (2) a sterilization fluid heated and vaporized, introducing hot air in the conduit (2) for drying the closures and heating the wall (3) of the conduit (2) by transferring heat directly to the conduit wall (3).
US08945476B2	Controlled dissolution solid product dispenser A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.
US08945469B2	Magnetic immunoassay system A magnetic immunoassay system with a mechanism for compensating the direct current residual magnetic field in the vicinity of the specimen measurement position, in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic marker direction of magnetization for the measurement target. This invention reduces the effects of the magnetic field emitted from the unbound magnetic marker due to the residual magnetic field in the specimen solution and detects with high sensitivity the signal of the bound target magnetic marker. The magnetic field at the measurement position is regulated so as to intersect the direction of magnetization of the magnetic marker for the measurement target, in order to make the magnetization direction of the magnetic marker that is unbound due to residual magnetism or remanence in the sample solution, intersect the magnetization direction of the magnetic marker for the measurement target. The signal of the bound target magnetic marker can be therefore measured with high sensitivity since it is isolated from the unbound magnetic marker signal.
US08945464B2	Heating method and system for controlling air ingress into enclosed spaces An apparatus for heating vessels, the vessels having enclosed spaces therein and controlling air ingress into the enclosed spaces through gaps. The method includes providing a lid structure for the vessel having the enclosed space, the lid structure having a burner assembly mounted therein. The burner is configured to provide a predetermined flame diameter. The vessel and lid structure are mated such that the gap is formed between the vessel and the lid structure. Fuel and oxidant are discharged from the burner assembly under conditions to provide the predetermined flame diameter and impart a flame velocity sufficiently large to create an outward gas flow from the enclosed space through the gap and control air ingress.
US08945463B2	Tuyere stock arrangement for a blast furnace and method for feeding hot blast into a blast furnace Tuyere stock arrangement (10) of a blast furnace comprising a tuyere (14) having a tuyere body (20) configured for installation in a blast furnace wall (12); the tuyere body (20) having an outer wall (22), a front face (24) and a rear face (26), the tuyere body (20) further having a tuyere channel (28) extending from the rear face (26) to the front face (24), the tuyere channel (28) forming an inner wall (30) in the tuyere body (20). The tuyere stock arrangement (10) further comprises a blowpipe (34) connected between the rear face (26) of the tuyere body (20) and a gas feeding device (38), the blowpipe (34) being configured and arranged so as to feed hot gas, generally hot blast air, from the gas feeding device (38) to the tuyere channel (28) for injection into the blast furnace. The tuyere stock arrangement (10) also comprises an injection lance (40) for feeding a combustible, generally pulverized or granular coal, into the blast furnace at the tuyere level, the injection lance (40) being an coaxial lance comprising an outer pipe and an inner pipe, coaxially arranged within the outer pipe, the outer and inner pipes being arranged for separately conveying oxidizing gas and said combustible, the inner pipe forming a separation wall for separating said combustible from the oxidizing gas. According to an important aspect of the invention, the injection lance (40) is removably arranged in a lance passage (42) formed in the tuyere body (20), the lance passage (42) being arranged between the inner wall (30) and the outer wall (22) of the tuyere body (20) and extending from the rear face (26) to the front face (24), the lance passage (42) opening into a front lace (24) of the tuyere body (20).
US08945461B2	Method for producing β-sialon phosphor Provided is a production method of a β-sialon phosphor that europium ions are solid-solved in β-sialon, including a mixing process for mixing raw materials of the β-sialon phosphor; a burning process for burning the raw materials after the mixing process to form the β-sialon phosphor; a HIP treatment process in which the β-sialon phosphor after the burning process is subjected to a HIP treatment; an annealing process in which the β-sialon phosphor after the HIP treatment process is subjected to an annealing treatment; and an acid treatment process in which the β-sialon phosphor after the annealing process is subjected to an acid treatment. According to the production method of a β-sialon phosphor, a β-sialon phosphor excellent in luminescence intensity is obtained.
US08945460B2	Extrusion blown molded bottles with high stiffness and transparency A polypropylene composition comprising a random propylene copolymer, a high melt strength polypropylene having a branching index g′ of 0.9 or less, a polypropylene having a MFR2 (230° C.) of at least 400.0 g/10 min and a clarifier, wherein the polypropylene composition has a MFR2 (230° C.) of at least 2.0 g/10 min.
US08945457B2	Method and system for creating an apertured web-shaped material A method for creating apertures with melted edges in a web shaped material including feeding a web-shaped material through a nip between a rotational ultrasonic horn and a rotational anvil roller, so as to create melted regions in the web-shaped material, while the web is residing on the anvil roller having a rotational speed. The method further includes controlling the rotational speed of the ultrasonic horn to a speed other than that of the anvil roller, such that a speed difference is created between the horn and the anvil roller. The speed difference is selected such that a stress created in the web acts to rupture the centers of the melted regions in the web-shaped material, whereby the apertures with melted edges are created.
US08945452B2	Method for producing flexible sheet A method for producing a flexible sheet includes a stretching step in which a base sheet (10) is fed from between a pair of first drive rollers (42, 43) into the bite of a pair of intermeshing corrugated rollers (2, 3) and stretched in the machine direction between the corrugated rollers (2, 3). In the method, the peripheral velocity V1 of the first drive rollers (42, 43) and the peripheral velocity V2 of the corrugated rollers (2, 3) have a relation of V1>V2.
US08945450B2	Apparatus and method for manufacturing fiber reinforced plastic structure In an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber reinforced plastic structure, a cavity is formed by a first mold and a film second mold covering the first mold, and plastic is impregnated to a fiber laminate provided in the cavity in a depressurized state. The apparatus includes: a mesh plastic flow medium that is disposed on the side of the second mold and increases the volume of the plastic to be impregnated to the fiber laminate; and a plastic flow suppressing member that is disposed on the side of the first mold of the plastic flow medium, and suppresses advance of a flow front of fluid plastic injected from a main plastic supplying unit (a first plastic supplying unit).
US08945444B2	High throughput imprint based on contact line motion tracking control Systems and methods for controlling velocity of a contact line and height profile between a template and a substrate during imprinting of polymerizable material are described.
US08945439B2	Method for manufacturing lens, apparatus for manufacturing lens, and method for manufacturing optical apparatus A method for manufacturing a lens having a refractive index distribution includes: a step of contacting a monomer with a structural member of a polymer, the monomer and a material obtained by polymerization of the monomer showing refractive indices which are different from the refractive index of the polymer; a step of diffusing the contacted monomer in the structural member; and a step of polymerizing the monomer. In the step of diffusing the contacted monomer in the structural member, the method further includes the steps of: irradiating light on at least 50% of one of the surfaces of the structural member which is parallel to the diffusion direction of the monomer, and measuring the intensity of the light passing through the structural member in a predetermined region, and when the measured intensity of the light reaches a predetermined value, the step of polymerizing the monomer is started.
US08945437B2	Biodegradable suspension forming compositions A fire suppression composition includes starch, a pseudo-plastic, high yield, suspending agent, and hydrophobic agglomerating material.
US08945435B2	Compositions of matter: system II The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.
US08945420B2	Liquid crystal display and liquid crystalline medium The invention relates to an electro-optical liquid-crystal display which contains, as dielectric, a liquid-crystalline medium having negative dielectric anisotropy and includes a backlight which essentially only emits light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more or has, between the liquid-crystal layer and the backlight, a cut-off filter which essentially only allows light having a wavelength of 420 nm or more to pass through.In particular, the liquid-crystalline medium comprises a) a (first) dielectrically negative component (component A) which consists of one or more dielectrically negative compounds of the formula I in which the parameters have the meanings indicated in claim 2, and a further (second) dielectrically negative component (component B). Very particular preference is given to the use of the liquid-crystalline media in an electro-optical display, particularly in an active-matrix display based on the VA, ECB, PSVA, FFS or IPS effect and very particularly in displays which use an LED backlight.
US08945417B2	Heat carrier medium for magnetocaloric materials What is described is the use of alcohols, alcoholamines, diols, polyols or mixtures thereof in heat carrier media or as heat carrier media which are in contact with magnetocaloric materials.
US08945402B2	Apparatus and method for the treatment of oil, water, cuttings, sand, soil and clay mixtures One embodiment of the invention disclosed is an apparatus for separating a solid material from a mixture containing oil, water, clay, sand, soil and drill cuttings. The apparatus comprise a series of processing cells and wash tanks. Hydrocyclonic devices are also used to further purify the solid mixture for disposal.
US08945395B2	Settling vessel and method of use A vessel for use in settling particulate matter from a fluid stream is provided. Fluid is introduced to the vessel through an angled inlet, with flow into the vessel both disrupted and deflected by an inlet baffle, to redirect the fluid stream parallel to a horizontal axis of the vessel. The velocity of the fluid stream is reduced within the vessel, allowing the particulate matter to settle along the bottom of the vessel.
US08945390B2	Carbon membrane and method for pervaporation separation A carbon membrane formed by carbonizing a phenol resin having at least one kind of atomic groups among a methylene bond, a dimethylene ether bond, and a methylol group, wherein the total mole content of the atomic groups is 100 to 180% with respect to the phenolic nuclei. A pervaporation separation method using the carbon membrane is also disclosed.
US08945389B2	Method for substance separation using a cellulose hydrate membrane in size exclusion chromatography There is proposed a separation method for mixtures of materials, using a cellulose hydrate membrane having a porous double structure which consists of micropores having a diameter in the range from >100 nm to 20 μm and ultrapores which have a diameter of <100 nm and which are not accessible to Blue Dextran having an average molecular weight Mw of 2 000 000, wherein the fraction of the volume of the ultrapores is more than 15% of the entire pore volume accessible to water, and wherein, in a preferred embodiment, sulfonic acid ligands are bonded to the membrane.
US08945381B2	Apparatus for removing impurities from aqueous fluids using magnetic extractants A water treatment composition capable of effectively adsorbing pollutants from water is described. The composition includes magnetic extractants, which comprise magnetite nanoparticles containing functional groups. The composition is used to remove from water and aqueous streams oils and other contaminants. A process for removing contaminants from water and apparatus used in the process are also described.
US08945371B2	Device and methods of using a piezoelectric microbalance sensor Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized.
US08945369B2	Biosensor measurement system and measurement method There is provided a biosensor measurement system which can output a highly-precise measurement result even when an impact such as falling of the sensor occurs or the biosensor is an exposed sensor. An abnormal waveform detection electrode is provided in addition to electrodes for quantitative determination of a target substance. Therefore, when an impact is caused by such as falling of the sensor in a halt period where no voltage is applied in a voltage application algorithm, the abnormal waveform detection electrode can detect the impact. Further, also an exposed sensor can be detected by the abnormal waveform which is detected by the abnormal waveform detection electrode.
US08945363B2	Method of making metal implants A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodizing, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.
US08945352B2	Processing biomass Methods are provided for changing a molecular structure of a biomass feedstock. The methods include a screw extrusion process.
US08945350B2	Induction heated screw A method of separating a high boiling component from a mixture containing organic and/or inorganic boiling components which method involves providing an induction heated screw conveyor having an auger and passing the mixture through the induction heated screw conveyor while inductively heating the auger so as to heat the mixture in the induction heated screw conveyor. The mixture is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to cause the boiling component(s) to separate from the mixture as a vapor and the boiling component is removed from the induction heated screw conveyor.
US08945348B2	Carbonization method and device The invention relates to a method of manufacturing charcoal. It is characterized in that: first hot gases are generated by at least one heating means; its first gases are mixed with second gases in order to form a gas mixture; this mixture is sent into a charge of wood in order to generate therein a pyrolysis front; an overpressure is created between the upstream end and the downstream end of the charge so as to force this front to pass through it in one direction, namely from the upstream end to the downstream end; and third gases are recovered downstream of the charge, at least a first portion of said third gases, in the form of a stream of said second gases, is conveyed by a conveying means. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.
US08945345B2	Method for producing furnish, furnish and paper A method for preparing aqueous furnish to be used in paper or paper board manufacturing. Filler and/or fibers are treated with cationic polyelectrolyte and nanofibrillated cellulose. A furnish and a paper or a paper board.
US08945341B2	Method and device for wet treatment of plate-like articles A method and device for wet treatment of a plate-like article comprises a spin chuck for holding and rotating the plate-like article. Gas supply nozzles open on a surface of the spin chuck facing a first side of the plate-like article. The spin chuck is configured to direct gas discharged from the gas supply nozzles radially outwardly through a gap defined between an upper surface of the spin chuck and a downwardly facing surface of a plate-like article positioned on the spin chuck. Liquid supply nozzles open on the surface of the spin chuck facing a first side of the plate-like article and positioned radially outwardly of the gas supply nozzles. The liquid supply nozzles are positioned beneath a peripheral region of a plate-like article positioned on the spin chuck.
US08945333B2	Method for applying edge strips onto narrow surfaces of in particular plate-shaped work pieces and work pieces obtained in said manner The invention relates to a method for applying edge strips (edge tape) onto narrow surfaces (narrow sides) of plate-shaped work pieces (material parts) by joining, wherein the edge strip is applied with a glue that can be activated by heat and is heated by plasma radiation. The invention further relates to the materials to which edge strips have been applied obtained in said way and to a device for carrying out said method.
US08945327B2	Sandwich component and method for the production thereof The present invention relates to a sandwich component, which comprises a honeycomb core (1) having a plurality of webs (1′) and at least one cover layer (2, 3), wherein the honeycomb core (1) is made of a cellulose-based material, in particular paper. The cover layer (2, 3) is formed from a fiber-reinforced semifinished product having a thermoplastic material matrix, wherein the webs (1′) of the honeycomb core (1) are partially received into the thermoplastic material matrix of the cover layer (2, 3) at connection points (A) to the cover layer (2, 3) so that the sandwich component is bonded. The invention further relates to production methods for the sandwich component.
US08945326B2	Method of making prefastened refastenable disposable absorbent articles The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing absorbent articles, and in particular, methods for making pre-fastened refastenable pant diapers. Aspects of the methods according to the present disclosure relate to the fabrication of refastenable pant diapers wherein discrete chassis are advanced in a machine direction such that the lateral axis is parallel with the machine direction. First side panels are then refastenably connected with the first waist region, and second side panels are permanently connected the second waist regions of the discrete chassis. The chassis are connected with discrete lengths of side panel material and/or connection zone material. The chassis are then folded, and the first and second side panels are subsequently bonded together. The article is then subjected to knife cut at or adjacent the bonded regions to create discrete, pre-fastened refastenable pant diapers.
US08945325B2	Methods and systems for forming integral composite parts with a SMP apparatus A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part, such as a fuselage or internal stiffener, with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as a rigid lay-up tool. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. The composite material and/or nested components may be heated and compressed against the SMP apparatus. The SMP apparatus may be configured to remain rigid during the composite cure cycle. Once the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be triggered to a malleable state and urged away from the cured composite material.
US08945304B2	Ultrahigh vacuum process for the deposition of nanotubes and nanowires A system and method A method of growing an elongate nanoelement from a growth surface includes: a) cleaning a growth surface on a base element; b) providing an ultrahigh vacuum reaction environment over the cleaned growth surface; c) generating a reactive gas of an atomic material to be used in forming the nanoelement; d) projecting a stream of the reactive gas at the growth surface within the reactive environment while maintaining a vacuum of at most 1×10−4 Pascal; e) growing the elongate nanoelement from the growth surface within the environment while maintaining the pressure of step c); f) after a desired length of nanoelement is attained within the environment, stopping direction of reactive gas into the environment; and g) returning the environment to an ultrahigh vacuum condition.
US08945300B2	Utilization of heavy oil ash to produce high quality concrete A concrete mixture that includes aggregates, water and cement can include heavy oil ash instead of or in addition to a portion of the cement. In one embodiment, the heavy oil ash originates from heavy fuel oil burned in a power generation plant. The weight of the heavy oil ash used in the concrete mixture can be from greater than 0 to about 10% of the weight of the cement.
US08945295B2	Building materials and methods of manufacture An article of manufacture comprising a building panel such as ceiling tile for example includes, in addition to any by-product perlite fines, additional perlite fines in an amount sufficient to improve the fire resistance of the building panel over the fire resistance of the building panel without the additional perlite fines. In one aspect, the additional perlite fines can comprise at least approximately 3.5% perlite fines by weight. In another aspect, the additional perlite fines can have an average diameter of approximately 23 microns or less. Methods of manufacture related to the building panel also are disclosed.
US08945292B2	System for recovering acid gases from a gas stream In one embodiment, a gas purification system is provided. The system includes a first section having a first solvent path and a first gas path. The first gas path is configured to flow a stripping gas to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the first solvent path in a first vessel to produce a first gas mixture. The system also includes a second section having a second solvent path. The second solvent path is configured to flow a second solvent mixture to remove H2S from the first gas mixture and CO2 from the second solvent mixture within a second vessel. The second solvent mixture has a solvent saturated in CO2 at a first pressure, the second vessel is operated at a second pressure, and the first and second pressures are within approximately 20% of one another.
US08945289B2	Separator with a helix assembly A separator with a helix assembly that includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
US08945286B2	Device and method for treating a hot gas flow containing slag The invention relates to a device and method for treating a hot gas flow containing slag and to an entrained-bed gasifier system that comprises the device. The device comprises, in a housing, an inlet arranged at the top for the hot gas flow, an immersion pipe, which is arranged vertically and concentrically in the housing and into which the inlet opens, a coolant bath, into which a lower section of the immersion pipe is immersed, and at least one raw gas outlet opening for cooled raw gas that has been freed of slag. The lower section of the immersion pipe is designed as a radially expanded gas distributor bell in the coolant bath. Said gas distributor bell is formed by a substantially conical jacket surface having a cross-section that expands downward, wherein the jacket surface has a plurality of gas passage openings, which are distributed over the circumference of the gas distributor bell. The dimensions of the gas passage openings increase with the immersion depth in the coolant bath.
US08945285B2	Water separator having a gutter A water separator reduces a water content of an air stream, which is used in an HVAC unit for a vehicle. The water separator includes a diverter wall and an adjacent wall spaced from the diverter wall to define an air passage. The diverter wall has a terminal end extending into the air passage for changing a direction of the air stream flowing through the air passage to separate water droplets from the air stream to reduce the water content of the air stream. A gutter is coupled to the terminal end of the diverter wall and extends into the air passage. The gutter defines a drainage channel configured to receive the water droplets that form on the diverter wall for preventing the water droplets from reentering the air stream flowing through the air stream passage.
US08945279B2	Polymer-encapsulated carbon capture liquids that tolerate precipitation of solids for increased capacity A system for carbon dioxide capture from flue gas and other industrial gas sources utilizes microcapsules with very thin polymer shells. The contents of the microcapsules can be liquids or mixtures of liquids and solids. The microcapsules are exposed to the flue gas and other industrial gas and take up carbon dioxide from the flue gas and other industrial gas and eventual precipitate solids in the capsule.
US08945265B2	Compressor A compressor compressing a fluid including lubricating oil includes, on the discharge side thereof, a first separation chamber for separating the lubricating oil by generating a swirling flow in the fluid. The first separation chamber includes: a circumferential wall; an inflow port that is formed in the circumferential wall and causes the fluid to flow into the first separation chamber; and a guiding plate extending from the circumferential wall. The guiding plate extends so as to face the inflow port in a direction where the fluid flows from the inflow port into the first separation chamber, and so as to deflect the fluid flow from the inflow port to guide it along an inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall.
US08945263B2	Filter and method for grease filtration A filter unit and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air, for example, in a kitchen environment. The filter unit includes a housing having an upstream side, an downstream side, and a cavity therebetween, a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity and comprising at least two parallel tubes, at least one entrance aperture disposed on the upstream side of the housing and defined by at least one fin, at least one baffle disposed on the downstream side of the housing so as to be oppositely disposed from the at least one entrance aperture, and at least one exit aperture disposed on the downstream side of the housing adjacent the at least one baffle. The baffle and fin define at least one S-shaped flow path through the housing, and the flow path routes air around a downstream side of a first of the at least two tubes and then around an upstream side of a second of the at least two tubes.
US08945261B2	Apparatus for centrifugal separation of solid and/or liquid particles from a flow of gas Apparatus for centrifugal separation of solid and/or liquid particles from a flow of gas, wherein two or more rotors (12) provided with conical separation surface elements (16) are located in a surrounding stationary casing (14), which delimits a common chamber (15) for collecting particles separated in the rotors. Each rotor has a fan (26) rotating together therewith. The fans (26) of the rotors are located in a common fan housing (30) that is separate from and adjacent to the casing (14) defining the collection chamber (15).
US08945255B2	Jet engine with deflector A deflector for a jet engine. The deflector may prevent the jet engine from ingesting birds during a bird strike scenario. The deflector may include a series of ribs, spokes, or vanes that may vary in width and/or thickness from fore to aft, and/or may be curvilinear in one or more planes of view, and/or may serve double duty as inlet vanes for redirecting inlet air.
US08945252B2	Coated abrasive laminate disc and methods of making the same A coated abrasive laminate disc (100) has a backing (120) with glass (125) and woven fabrics (124) laminated with a thermoplastic adhesive (122) having a melting onset temperature in a range of from about 140° C. to 190° C. and comprising polyamide and/or polyurethane. Methods of making are the coated abrasive laminate discs (100) are also disclosed.
US08945250B2	Coated cutting tool insert for turning of steels A cutting tool insert for turning of hardened steels and tool steels includes a textured CVD α-Al2O3 coated cemented carbide body. The cemented carbide body has 4.0-7.0 wt-% Co and 0.25-0.50 wt-% Cr and an S-value of 0.68-0.88 and a coercivity (Hc) of 28-38 kA/m. The α-Al2O3 layer has a thickness ranging from 7 to 12 μm, is composed of columnar grains having a length/width ratio from 2 to 12 and is deposited on an MTCVD Ti(C,N) layer having a thickness from 4 to 12 μm. The alumina layer is characterised by a pronounced (006) growth texture.
US08945247B1	Methods and apparatus for the improved treatment of carbonaceous fuel and/or feedstocks The inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for the generation and application of segregated catalytic additives for the pre-combustion treatment of carbonaceous fuel and/or feedstocks. The application of such segregated additives results in the reduction of environmentally harmful emissions during combustion as well as gasification processes. Specifically, pre-combustion treatment of carbonaceous materials with the inventive additives results in the reduction of NOx and/or mercury emissions by least 20% and 40% respectively.
US08945243B2	Systems capable of adding cellulosic biomass to a digestion unit operating at high pressures and associated methods for cellulosic biomass processing When processing cellulosic biomass, it may be desirable for a digestion unit to operate without being fully depressurized for process efficiency purposes. Methods for processing cellulosic biomass may comprise providing a biomass conversion system comprising a pressurization zone and a digestion unit that are operatively connected to one another; providing cellulosic biomass at a first pressure; introducing at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass into the pressurization zone and pressurizing the pressurization zone to a second pressure higher than the first pressure; after pressurizing the pressurization zone, transferring at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass from the pressurization zone to the digestion unit, which is at a third pressure that is less than or equal to the second pressure but higher than the first pressure; and digesting at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass in the digestion unit to produce a hydrolysate comprising soluble carbohydrates.
US08945233B2	Hip joint method The present invention relates to a method of treating a hip joint of a human patient by providing at least one hip joint surface, said hip joint comprising a caput femur and an acetabulum, said method comprising the steps of: cutting the skin of said human patient, dissecting an area of the pelvic bone on the opposite side from said acetabulum, creating a hole in said dissected area, said hole passing through said pelvic bone and into said hip joint of said human patient, and providing at least one hip joint surface to said hip joint, through said hole in said pelvic bone of said human patient. The method further relates to a laparoscopic/arthroscopic method of treating a hip joint of a human patient by providing at least one hip joint surface, said hip joint comprising a caput femur and an acetabulum, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle or a tube like instrument into the patient's body, using the needle or tube like instrument to fill a part of the patient's body with gas and thereby expanding a cavity within said body, placing at least two laparoscopic/arthroscopic trocars in said cavity, inserting a camera through one of the laparoscopic/arthroscopic trocars into said cavity, inserting at least one dissecting tool through one of said at least two laparoscopic/arthroscopic trocars, dissecting an area of the pelvic bone on the opposite side from said acetabulum, creating a hole in said dissected area, said hole passing through said pelvic bone and into said hip joint of said human patient, and providing at least one hip joint surface to said hip joint, through said hole in said pelvic bone of said human patient.
US08945232B2	Ball and socket implants for correction of hammer toes and claw toes A toe bone implant for correction of toe bone deformities is provided. The toe bone implant includes a first portion having a socket portion. The toe bone implant also includes a second portion having a ball portion operatively connected to the socket portion. The toe bone implant is implanted in a joint such that the ball portion is configured to rotate a predetermined amount respective to the socket portion.
US08945228B2	Endplate for a vertebral implant An endplate for a vertebral implant comprises a base portion connectable to one end of a support body and a bone contact portion. The bone contact portion including a plurality of bone contact sections, each of which has a bone contact surface and extends from the base portion in such a way that each of the bone contact sections is deflectable relative to the base portion independently of an adjacent one of the bone contact sections when a compressive load is applied to the bone contact surfaces of the bone contact sections.
US08945227B2	Spinal implant co-insertion system and method A system and method for substantially simultaneous co-insertion of an implant, such as a cage and plate. An inserter is secured to the cage and plate and is used to hold the components while implanting the components during a surgical procedure.
US08945220B2	Soft tissue spacer An orthopedic tissue spacer comprising a body portion having first and second ends, an outer surface and a longitudinal axis, at least one of the ends configured to engage a first bone segment, wherein at least a portion of the body portion is flexible and the outer surface is configured to resist tissue adhesion thereto.
US08945219B1	System for and method of introducing additives to biological materials using supercritical fluids A method of introducing an additive to a biological material using a supercritical fluid is disclosed. The method comprises placing the biological material in a processing chamber, adding an additive to the supercritical fluid to form a supercritical fluid-additive mixture, adding the supercritical fluid-additive mixture to the processing chamber, and pulsing the mixture in the processing chamber. A processing system for introducing an additive to a biological material using a supercritical fluid in accordance with the present invention comprises a processing chamber for housing the biological material, a vat for storing a processing fluid, a pump, a heating element, an inlet port, and a flow path.
US08945215B2	Accommodating intraocular lens with a compressible inner structure An accommodating intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision contains an optic and a haptic. The haptic includes a plurality of arms coupled to a compressible inner structure. The compressible inner structure of the haptic is configured to exert a compressive force on the optic in response to an ocular force to provide accommodation. The compressible inner structure can include a plurality of arcuate segments that join to form a ring in the fully compressed state or a sinusoidal ring having a varying radial dimension.
US08945213B2	Device for use in eye surgery A sealing device for use inside a capsular bag after the natural lens has been removed has a plug part adapted to seal a rhexis in a capsular bag, thus preventing displacement through the rhexis of a lens-forming liquid material injected through the rhexis and adapted to replace the natural lens and form an intraocular lens implant. The plug part has a slightly larger area than the capsulorhexis and is made of a deformable polymer. The sealing device further has a removable adjuster connected to the plug part, the adjuster protruding anteriorly from an outer surface of the plug part and being capable of positioning the plug part to a desired location.
US08945207B2	Removable stent and method of production A method and apparatus for a removable porous stent to be placed in tubular structures that is unsuitable for permanent stents. The walls of the stent are freely permeable to allow the blood flow. The stent can be used as a carrier of chemotherapy or radiation to be placed in tubular structures for local treatment of cancer. The stent is formed by at least one continuous thread arranged in interconnected loops and having a reversible bind-off at one end of the tubular body, mechanically securing each loop at said end of the tubular body apart from a single releasable loop. This loop is preferably extended beyond the tubular structure of the stent enabling an initiation of the removal at a distance from the treatment site.
US08945204B2	Fenestrated stent grafts A stent graft (1) including a tubular wall (3) with at least one fenestration (40) including a peripheral (37) reinforcement around at least part of the fenestration. There can also be a tubular extension (15). The side arm includes a stent (19) and a cover (17) and extends from and is in fluid communication with the fenestration and the stent graft. The stent may be a self expanding stent. The ring and/or tubular extension provides better support and sealing for an extension arm. The fenestration (40) can be circular or if towards the ends of the stent graft may be in the form of a U-shape (50) with an open end.
US08945203B2	Multi-component stent-graft system for implantation in a blood vessel with multiple branches A multi-component stent-graft system (10) comprises first, second, and third generally tubular stent-grafts (20, 22, 24), which are configured to assume radially-expanded states. The first (20) is shaped so as to define a first lateral opening (34) when radially-expanded. The second (22) is shaped so as to define a second lateral opening (44) when radially-expanded. The first and second (20, 22) are configured such that the second (22) forms a blood-impervious seal with the first (20) around the first lateral opening (34) when the second stent-graft (22) is disposed therethrough, and the first and the second (20, 22) are radially-expanded. The second and the third (22, 24) are configured such that the third (24) forms a blood-impervious seal with the second (22) around the second lateral opening (44) when the third (24) is disposed therethrough, and the second and third (22, 24) are radially-expanded. Other embodiments also described.
US08945197B1	Sight-restoring visual prosthetic and method using infrared nerve-stimulation light An improved prosthesis and method for stimulating vision nerves to obtain a vision sensation that is useful for the patient that has lost vision due to AMD, RP, and other diseases. The invention utilizes infrared light to cause action potentials in the retinal nerves similar to those which result from rods and cones stimulated by visible light in healthy retinas. In some embodiments, the invention provides a prosthesis that generates a stimulation pattern of infrared light from an external stimulator array through the eye and focusing the stimulation pattern of infrared light on the retina, especially the fovea. Some embodiments the invention provides improved resolution down to a group of nerves, or even the individual nerve level, with sufficient energy density so as to cause a desired action potential.
US08945194B2	Bone screw A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.
US08945191B2	Minimal profile anterior bracket for spinal fixation A spinal fixation device for securing to a spine includes a body having one or more longitudinal members extending between a pair of wedge members. Each wedge member defines one or more openings therethrough for the reception of a bone screw. The wedge members are disposed on opposite ends of the one or more longitudinal members. One of the wedge members is positionable within a first intervertebral space and the other wedge member is positionable within a second intervertebral space. The one or more longitudinal members define a length that spans one or more vertebrae. The one or more longitudinal members are positionable within the one or more vertebrae when the wedge members are positioned within the respective first and second intervertebral spaces to maintain the body in a minimal profile orientation relative to the spine.
US08945190B2	Method and apparatus for spinal fixation Disclosed is a fixation device for spinal fixation. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through a first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into positioned within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebra. In other embodiments, the device is used to secure stabilization devices across two or more vertebra.
US08945174B2	Medical instrument with flexible jaw mechanism A medical instrument includes a unitary jaw structure having: a connector portion, a first jaw portion flexibly integral with the connector portion, a first arm portion integral with the first jaw portion, and an actuator portion flexibly integral with the first arm portion for causing rotating motion of the first jaw portion upon linear motion of the actuator portion.
US08945172B2	Devices for restoring blood flow and clot removal during acute ischemic stroke Devices for restoring blood flow to facilitate lysis of clots and/or enable capture of clots are disclosed. The devices can be configured to be disposed within a lumen of a microcatheter that is inserted within neurovasculature above a carotid siphon to a location of a clot. The devices can include an elongate pusher member and a self-expandable capturing member coupled to a distal end of the elongate pusher member. The capturing member can comprise a generally cylindrical body having an cell structure that is configured to compress the clot against an inner wall of the neurovasculature and capture the clot at least partially on a surface of the generally cylindrical body upon deployment of the capturing member from the microcatheter, thereby restoring blood flow to the neurovasculature downstream of the clot.
US08945170B2	Occluding device An occluding device is provided for occluding fluid flow through a lumen of a body vessel. The occluding device includes an expandable tubular body having a tubular wall defining a lumen formed therethrough. The tubular wall has a proximal end extending to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. A plurality of longitudinal slits is formed through the tubular wall to define a plurality of flexible strips bound by a proximal non-slit portion and a distal non-slit portion. A plurality of barbs is disposed on the flexible strips. The tubular body is configured to open radially to engage the barbs with the vessel wall defining an expanded state and to collapse along the longitudinal axis to draw the vessel wall radially inward defining a collapsed state. Occluding material is housed within the lumen of the tubular body and the occluding material is configured to move between a collapsed state and an expanded state with the tubular body.
US08945166B2	Apparatus and method for forming incisions in ocular tissue A surgical tool includes a rocker assembly configured to cause rotation of a surgical blade to form an incision. The rocker assembly includes a gear. The surgical tool also includes a ratchet configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The surgical tool further includes a linkage arm connecting the rocker assembly and the ratchet so that rotation of the ratchet causes rotation of the rocker assembly. In addition, the surgical tool includes a spring configured to be extended by the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated in the first direction. The spring is also configured to retract and cause the ratchet to rotate in the second direction.
US08945153B2	Endoscopic apparatus having a clip device A hemostatic clip delivery system cooperable with an elevator of an endoscope and a method of treating a target with the system are disclosed. The system comprises a delivery apparatus comprising an operating wire, an outer sheath and a handle. The operating wire is cooperable with the elevator of the endoscope and slidably disposed within the outer sheath. The system further comprises a hemostatic clip cooperable with the delivery apparatus. The clip comprises a first retainer, a plurality of arms extending distally from the first retainer, and a sliding ring disposed about the plurality of arms. The arms are shaped so that the arms tend to be spaced apart from each other. The sliding ring is configured to close the arms together as the elevator engages and moves the sliding ring toward the arms by retraction of the operating wire.
US08945152B2	Multi-actuating trigger anchor delivery system A single trigger system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
US08945150B2	Systems and methods for selecting a desired quantity of follicular units Systems and methods for selecting follicular units in a distribution of follicular units are provided. A selection parameter, such as a distance-related parameter separating the follicular units to be selected, may be used to determine a desired quantity of follicular units to be selected, such as a desired percentage of follicular units to be selected, and to help provide a substantially uniform distribution of selected follicular units. In addition, a characteristic parameter, such as a characteristic distance or characteristic density, may be determined. The characteristic parameter may be used in determining the desired quantity of follicular units to be selected and or may be used for treatment purposes.
US08945137B1	Bone graft delivery system and method for using same A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube, a handle having a trigger, and a tip. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location.
US08945126B2	Single action tissue sealer An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.
US08945125B2	Compressible jaw configuration with bipolar RF output electrodes for soft tissue fusion The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical instruments for use in sealing various tissues. The instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly attached to a distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members attached thereto. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position for approximating tissue to at least one additional position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members have an elastomeric material disposed on an inner facing tissue contacting surface thereof with the elastomeric materials including an electrode disposed therein. The electrodes are offset a distance X relative to one another such that when the jaw members are closed about the tissue and when the electrodes are activated, electrosurgical energy flows through the tissue in a generally coplanar manner relative to the tissue contacting surfaces.
US08945124B2	Thermal penetration and arc length controllable electrosurgical pencil An electrosurgical pencil is provided, which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery electrode supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery electrode is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing and electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling intensity, frequency, and/or mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrocautery electrode.
US08945121B2	Methods and devices for use of degassed fluids with fluid enhanced ablation devices Devices, systems, and methods for degassing fluid prior to applying fluid to a treatment site during ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation system can include an elongate body, an ablation element, a heating assembly, and a fluid source. Fluid in the fluid source can be at least partially degassed prior to being provided as part of the system, or, in some embodiments, a degassing apparatus can be provided that can be configured to degas fluid within the system prior to applying the fluid to the treatment site. The degassing apparatus can include one or more gas-permeable and fluid-impermeable tubes disposed therein, which can allow gas to be removed from fluid passing through the apparatus. Other exemplary devices, systems, and methods are also provided.
US08945120B2	Catheter for circumferential ablation at or near a pulmonary vein A catheter has a three-dimensional, hollow ablation assembly that carries at least one ribbon electrode for circumferential ablation. In one embodiment, the assembly has a free-form framework that is constructed of multiple tensile members or wires that are interwoven such that the length of the framework increases while the circumference of the framework decreases, and vice versa. The assembly can also have a self-expanding stent-type framework which is mounted on the expander. In another alternative embodiment, the framework is a tubular or cylindrical structure whose side wall has longitudinal slots between longitudinal slats for radial expansion to a greater circumference when the length is decreased. The flexible ribbon electrode on the assembly is elastic, or is pleated so that it folds when the framework is collapsed and unfolds when the framework is deployed.
US08945113B2	Electrosurgical tissue ablation systems capable of detecting excessive bending of a probe and alerting a user An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device, one or more temperature sensors associated with the electrosurgical device, a fluid-flow path leading to the electrosurgical device, and a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path. The electrosurgical device includes a probe for directing energy to tissue. The electrosurgical system includes circuitry for detecting bending of the probe. The circuitry alerts the user of excessive bending by activating an alarm, such as an audible alarm, lighting one or more LEDs or other light sources, tactile feedback, or any other means. The electrosurgical system further includes a processor unit communicatively-coupled to the one or more temperature sensors and communicatively-coupled to the flow-control device. The processor unit is configured to control the flow-control device based on determination of a desired fluid-flow rate using one or more electrical signals outputted from the one or more temperature sensors.
US08945101B2	Method and apparatus for treatment of ocular tissue using combine modalities An apparatus and a method are provided for treating a targeted area of ocular tissue in a tissue-sparing manner comprising use of two or more therapeutic modalities, including thermal radiation source (such as an CW infrared fiber laser), operative in a wavelength range that has a high absorption in water, and photochemical collagen cross-linking (CXL), together with one or more specific system improvements, such as peri-operative feedback measurements for tailoring of the therapeutic modalities, an ocular tissue surface thermal control/cooling mechanism and a source of deuterated water/riboflavin solution in a delivery system targeting ocular tissue in the presence of the ultraviolet radiation. Additional methods of rapid cross-linking (RXL), are provided that further enables cross-linking (CXL) therapy to be combined with thermal therapy.
US08945094B2	Apparatus and method for medication delivery using single input-single output (SISO) model predictive control A method includes receiving measurements from a sensor associated with a patient at a portable medication delivery device. The method also includes controlling delivery of medication to the patient at the portable medication delivery device using a single input, single output (SISO) model predictive control technique. The SISO model predictive control technique includes predicting a characteristic of the patient using the measurements and a model associated with the patient. The SISO model predictive control technique also includes determining whether the characteristic of the patient is predicted to fall outside of a desired range. In addition, the SISO model predictive control technique includes, if the characteristic of the patient is predicted to fall outside of the desired range, determining an amount of medication to deliver to the patient and delivering the determined amount of medication to the patient.
US08945093B2	Suction device An embodiment includes a suction device handle for use with a vacuum supply conduit to suction a fluid or tissue, the handle comprising: a hand-grippable body defining a chamber; the hand-grippable body comprising a distal end configured to support a suction tip; the suction tip including a distal end of a vacuum supply conduit extending within an outer cannula, the vacuum supply conduit being offset from a distal end of the outer cannula by a predetermined distance; wherein the distal end of the hand grippable body is connected to a proximal end of the outer cannula and the chamber is connected in fluid communication with the suction pressure or vacuum generated at the distal end of the vacuum supply conduit. Additional embodiments are described herein.
US08945084B2	Pressure-regulating vial adaptors and methods In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a housing and a bag. In some embodiments, an initial volume of a regulating fluid can be contained within the bag. In some embodiments, the regulating fluid flows into the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts.
US08945080B2	Disposable diaper Each of first fastening tapes and second fastening tapes provided on both left and right sides of a disposable diaper has a first fastening part and a second fastening part which are away from each other. When putting the disposable diaper on a slender wearer, the second fastening tape is fastened on an attachment part of main body part so as to be laid over the first fastening tape. In the second fastening tape, since an intermediate area is provided between the first fastening part and the second fastening part, a total area of fastening parts can be reduced. Since a distance between an outer edge of the first fastening part and an inner edge of the second fastening part is made larger than a width of a tape base at the intermediate area in the first fastening tape, the second fastening tape can be easily fastened.
US08945069B2	Injection device An injection device (1) for administering a fixed dose of a medication is provided. The injection device (1) comprises a housing (2) wherein a drive mechanism comprising a drive member (3) is at least partially enclosed and a dosing element (34) which is fixed relative to the drive member (3). Here, a dose can be set by rotating the dosing element (34) relative to the housing (2) in a dose setting direction (s) and the dose can be dispensed by pushing the dosing element (34) towards the housing (2). Moreover, a method is provided for operating an injection device (1) for the administration of a fixed dose of a medication: A dose can be set by rotating a dosing element (34), a dose can be dispensed by pushing the dosing element (34) towards the housing (2) and a dose can be cancelled by rotating the dosing element (34) in a direction opposite to the dose setting direction (s).
US08945067B2	Systems for administering medication The autoinjector systems disclosed herein provide in part devices for allowing patients with reduced joint strength to more easily administer medicine. Certain exemplary syringe embodiments include a housing, a syringe assembly slidably mounted on the housing, and a needle cap releasably engaged to the housing, where the cap includes a protruding pocket for receiving a needle cap remover.
US08945061B2	Otic formulations, methods and devices The present invention relates to a formulation and method for treating an ear infection, especially otomycosis and otitis externa, by administering a one-time only treatment comprising an antibiotic, and antifungal, and an anti-inflammatory in a thick, otic carrier. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises a therapeutically effective amount of active ingredients including a fluoroquinolone, a triazole antifungal, a thiocarbamate antifungal, a corticosteroid and a polyene antifungal, as well as a thickener such that the formulation, upon applying to the infected ear canal, gels and remains in the ear canal, continuously releasing the active ingredients for several days, achieving consistent complete (98-100%) clinical resolution of otomycosis and otitis externa in a single application.
US08945053B2	Injection device with pricking protection and/or overload protection for a product container An injection device having a distal end, and including a needle located inside the injection device in an initial position, wherein the needle is moveable to a puncturing position in which the needle projects from the distal end, an open region located distally relative to the needle in the initial position of the needle and having a dimension, and a reduction piece moveable relative to the opening region whereby the dimension may be reduced.
US08945048B2	Retractable syringe with improved delivery efficiency and locking system A plunger, a needle assembly and a retractable syringe comprising same are provided. The plunger comprises a plunger member and a plunger outer having a lock spring that prevents or impedes movement of the plunger member after needle retraction. The plunger further comprises another locking member for engaging the barrel to prevent or impede further movement of the plunger outer after delivery of fluid contents. The plunger member has a plunger seal which engages a retractable needle of the needle assembly for retraction. The retractable needle comprises a cannula and needle body with a plurality of fluid channels that co-operate with a fluid conduit of the plunger seal to efficiently direct fluid to the cannula. A needle retainer comprises a plurality of barbed arms releasably coupled to the needle body, whereby an ejector with tabs facilitates release of the retractable needle from the needle retainer to allow compressed spring-driven retraction.
US08945046B2	Hands-free breast pump system A hands-free breast pump system is disclosed. A breast shield having an adhesive inner surface for adhering to a woman's breast is disclosed. The breast shield may be connected to an adapter for transferring a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast. The adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the adapter to a container. In the alternative, the breast shield may form part of a breast shield adapter system which is connected to a conventional breast shield by a drain line so that a conventional breast pump system is used to supply a vacuum and to collect the milk.
US08945045B2	Needleless injection device components, systems, and methods A needleless fluid injection system include a working shaft (14) with a proximal end and a distal end, an injection shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue tensioning mechanism (40) positioned at the distal end of at least one of the working shaft and the injection shaft. Embodiments of the tissue tensioning mechanism can include one or more of multiple radially expanding arcuate members (44), a linearly compressible element (60) with first and second plates at opposite ends of the linearly compressible element, an arcuate member (70) having a first end engaged within the lumen of the injection shaft and a second end moveable relative to the first end, first and second wedges (90a, b) that are slideable relative to each other, an inflatable bladder (110) with a foam material within a body opening of the bladder, at least two electromagnetic coils (146,148), or an electroactive polymer portion (166).
US08945034B2	Orthopedic device for treatment of the back In an embodiment, an orthopedic device in the form of a lumbar support includes first and second elongate belt members, an anatomically shaped plate, and a closure system connecting the belt members to the plate. The closure system is arranged to move the belt members relative to the plate, and connects to the belt members via a flexible belt attachment which removably secures to the belt members. The closure system includes tensioning elements corresponding to the belt members, and a pulley system connecting to the tensioning elements. The closure system is slidably mounted to the plate and arranged to the belt members relative to the plate between opposed linear directions. The plate has various contours which provide pressure distribution over a lumbar region of a back. Anatomically shaped and resiliently formed handles secure to the tensioning elements and the belt members.
US08945027B2	Heated compression therapy system and method A calf garment assembly having, a calf garment having an internal chamber and being substantially airtight and being in fluid communication with a pressurized air source, and a heating element working in conjunction with the calf garment to provide heated DVT therapy.
US08945026B2	Device and method for ascertaining the force-displacement characteristic curve of one or more ligaments An appliance (1) for tensioning ligaments, especially articular ligaments, of a human or animal body, having at least one handle (2), the or each handle (2) being in operative engagement with, in each case, a tensioning element (3) associated therewith, and with the or each handle (2) in each case a force indicator (4), which indicates a force exerted on a or each tensioning element (3) associated with the or each handle (2) on tensioning of one or more ligaments, and a displacement indicator (5), which indicates the excursion of the tensioning element (3) in question from a reference position, and with the or each force indicator (4) and/or with the or each displacement indicator (5) there is/are associated at least one marker (7A-7H), which is arranged to be detected without contact by a measurement value ascertainment system (20) associated with the appliance (1), and also a device (20), comprising the appliance (1), for ascertaining force-displacement characteristic curves of ligaments, and also a method of ascertaining them.
US08945017B2	Wearable heart rate monitor A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.
US08945012B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and computer program product A region-of-interest setting unit sets a region of interest to be included in an ultrasound image. A first movement-amount calculating unit sequentially calculates a movement amount of the set region of interest between reception data along the time sequence as a first movement amount. A transmitting-receiving delay-amount computing unit computes a delay amount for sequentially shifting a scan region of an ultrasonic beam based on the sequentially calculated first movement amount. A computation/control circuit performs control so as to generate a high voltage pulse based on the computed delay amount. A second movement-amount calculating unit sequentially calculates a movement amount of the region of interest between image data along the time sequence as a second movement amount. A display-position correcting unit performs a correction such that the region of interest included in the image data is to be displayed at the same display position, based on the second movement amount.
US08945010B2	Method of evaluating constipation using an ingestible capsule A method for diagnosing constipation comprising the steps of providing an ingestible capsule (20) having a given density and a pH sensor (22) and a temperature sensor (24), having a subject ingest the capsule, recording pH measurements from the pH sensor as a function of time as the capsule moves through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, transmitting the pH measurements to a processor (19) outside of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, recording temperature measurements from the temperature sensor as a function of time as the capsule moves through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, transmitting the temperature measurements to a processor (19) outside of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, determining transit time of the capsule between a first location in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject and a second location in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject as a function of the pH measurements and the temperature measurements, providing a reference transit time that is a function of the density of the capsule, and comparing the determined transit time to the reference transit time to evaluate the subject for constipation.
US08945009B2	Remote health monitoring system The invention relates generally to remote health monitoring systems, as applied to the field of public health surveillance. In particular, it relates to a multi-user remote health monitoring system that is capable of reliably identifying and collecting data from frontline healthcare providers, laboratory and hospital information systems, patients and healthy individuals in a number of ways, with a view to aid in the field of public health. The system can also be used to query and collect additional information regarding specifics pertaining to the health of the individuals, and for patient tracking, monitoring, and the collection of individual data.
US08945008B2	Recording apparatus, reproducing apparatus, recording and reproducing apparatus, recording method, reproducing method, recording and reproducing method, and record medium Changes of a user's emotion that occurs when content is reproduced and a user's surrounding environment that occurs when the content is reproduced are recorded as sensing meta data and content is reproduced in a reproducing mode corresponding to the recorded sensing meta data. Content supplied from a content providing section 11 is normally reproduced. A human body sensor 24 measures biological information of a user of content. An environmental sensor 25 measures a user's surrounding environment. A sensing meta data generating section 19 generates sensing meta data using information detected by at least one of the human body sensor 24 and the environmental sensor 25. A recording processing section 20 records the generated sensing meta data to a record medium 21. A reproducing processing section 23 reproduces sensing meta data. A reproducing control section 12 reproduces content in a reproducing mode that changes corresponding to the reproduced sensing meta data.
US08945004B2	Surgical access system and related methods A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08945003B2	Surgical retractor with curved rotating blades Various embodiments of the present invention provide a surgical retractor having two blade-supporting arms, which are mounted to be laterally slideable towards and apart from each other by a toothed rack. Each arm supports a respective retractor blade. In some embodiments, the retractor blades are curved in the same direction as each other so that the first blade is concave in the first direction, and a second blade is also concave in the same direction. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, a cushioned material or cushioned sleeve is present on the blades where the blades contact the anatomy. The cushioned material or sleeve may be made of a soft silicone. Further, the cushioned material or sleeve may be coated or molded onto the blade structure, or may be a removable sleeve that is manually slid onto or off of the blade structure. Also, alternatively or in addition in some embodiments, blade-mounted lighting may be provided.
US08944993B2	Apparatus, system and operation method for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction An apparatus and a system for treating a sexual dysfunctional male patient comprise an implanted at least one vibrator adapted to stimulate at least a part of the sexually responsive tissue of the penis of the patient by vibration of said vibrator and contact between said vibrator and at least one area of the sexually responsive tissue. There is also provided a surgical method comprising the apparatus and the system.
US08944992B2	Implantable support with dilator attached to arm A pelvic organ prolapse treatment device includes an implantable support configured to treat a prolapsed area of a patient such as urethrocele prolapse, cystocele prolapse, vault prolapse, uterine prolapse, enterocele prolapse, or rectocele prolapse. The support includes a body portion and an arm connected to the body portion, a knot connecting a suture to an end portion of the arm, and a tubular dilator disposed over and connected to the knot.
US08944991B2	Inter-organ spacer for use in endoscopic surgery The invention provides a surgical device for endoscopic surgery having the function of temporarily storing liquid (a first function), the function of keeping a physical space for surgery and a sufficient endoscopic field (a second function), and the function of protecting organs (a third function), and an insertion device for inserting the surgical device into a body.[Solving Means]The surgical device for endoscopic surgery is an inter-organ spacer (10) including liquid holding means (1) formed of a porous soft material having the ability to temporarily store liquid and the ability to retain its shape. The insertion device for inserting the inter-organ spacer into a body includes a tubular holder capable of holding the inter-organ spacer for endoscopic surgery.
US08944987B2	Cardiac assistance device and method for the control thereof A cardiac assistance, device has a supporting component, which surrounds the heart and on the inside of which a plurality of adjacent inflatable and deflatable chambers are provided, via which an inside wall can be displaced inward. The chambers have a fluidic connection to at least one pump via lines. A plurality of supply valves on the supply side are arranged between the pump and the chambers. Some individual chambers or groups of chambers are assigned dedicated supply valves, in order to drive the chambers individually or in groups.
US08944963B2	Apparatus and method for temporary mounting of a hangboard According to one embodiment a removable assembly provides for mounting of a hangboard including a first unit and at least a first bracket for connecting the hangboard to the first unit. The first unit may include a first member configured to be placed over a door opening on a fist side of a wall and a second member which can be positioned across the opening and against a second side of the wall. A third member is configured for attachment to the second member such that when the first member is placed over the opening and the second member is positioned against the second side of the wall, at least a portion of the third member is positioned above the second member. A related method provides a removable assembly for mounting of a hangboard. Numerous other embodiments are disclosed.
US08944962B2	Gymnastic tool, apparatus and method to carry out it A gymnastic tool (1) is formed by at least two impermeable external walls (2, 3) which are each concave shaped and provided with respective edges (4,5). The at least two impermeable walls (2, 3) are mutually fixed together by a connector (6), the gymnastic tool having at least one inner cavity.
US08944959B2	Athleticism rating and performance measuring system A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.
US08944954B2	Gearing The gearing has an input element (8) which is connected in terms of drive to an output element (9) via gearing elements. One of the gearing elements is a regulating element (12) with which the rotational speed of the input element (8) can be changed for passing on to the output element (9). The rotational speed of the output element (9) is increased when the rotational speed of the regulating element (12) decreases. The torque present at the input element (8) is conducted on via the regulating element (12) to the output element (9) such that the input torque is present at the latter.
US08944953B2	Multistep gear mechanism The transmission has four planetary gear sets and shafts and shift elements. Sun gear of the planetary gearset (P1) couples shaft (5) which couples ring gear of gearset (P3) and is connectable, via clutch (58), to shaft (8), which couples carrier of gearset (P2) and is connectable, via clutch (89), to shaft (9), which couples sun gears of gearsets (P3, P4). Carrier of gearset (P1) couples drive shaft (1), which is connectable, via clutch (16), to shaft (6), which couples ring gear of gearset (P2). Sun gear of gearset (P2) couples shaft (3), which couples carrier of gearset (P3) and is connectable to the housing via brake (03). Ring gear of gearset (P4) couples shaft (4) which is connectable to the housing via brake (04). Output shaft (2) couples carrier of gearset (P4) and is connectable, via clutch (27), to shaft (7) which couples ring gear of gearset (P1).
US08944951B2	Dual-drive electric machine having controllable planetary gear set (1) The present invention relates to a clutch device structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an planetary gear set (DG101) and a controllable brake device, and through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of connecting transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the planetary gear set (DG101) are enabled to be controlled, thereby to control the interactive operations between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends.
US08944933B2	Golf training device A device that makes an imprint in a sand trap, providing a practicing golfer with visual indications of proper swing path, club face angle, club impact position, when making a basic sand shot.
US08944928B2	Virtual reality system for viewing current and previously stored or calculated motion data Virtual reality system for viewing current and previously stored or calculated motion data. System obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and stores data in database for use in virtual reality applications and/or data mining, which may be charged for. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings, compliance, ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed, for example on a map or timeline or both. Enables performance related equipment fitting and purchase. Includes active and passive identifier capabilities.
US08944922B2	System and method for transferring gaming elements between peer devices A portable communication device is equipped to transfer gaming elements stored on the portable communication device to a target electronic device. The portable communication device transfers user-defined gaming element transfer query to an electronic device via a near-field communications (NFC) module. The target electronic device receives one or more gaming elements from the portable communication device via the NFC module or a data object via the NFC module that enables the target electronic device to acquire the one or more gaming elements from a remote storage (e.g., a gaming server).
US08944918B2	System gaming A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
US08944912B2	Combination game controller and information input device for a tablet computer An apparatus generally directed to a combination game controller and information input device. The combination preferably includes a tablet computer providing a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tablet computer. The combination further preferably includes an input device in electronic communication with the tablet computer, the input device providing side structures adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably providing input module apertures, each input module aperture selectively accepts either a game control module or a removable keyboard module. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and a camera communicating with each the input device and the tablet computer, the camera selectively capturing either still or video images.
US08944901B2	Multi-stage card select Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described.
US08944898B2	Grain bin extension deployment apparatus for agricultural harvesting machine A grain bin located atop a harvester includes upstanding walls having a substantially continuous upper edge defining an opening. A grain bin extension is deployable between extended and retracted positions to expand the capacity of the grain bin. The extension includes extension panels and a cap overlaying the opening. The cap is supported by a cap frame that is also deployable between extended and retracted positions. An extension deployment apparatus raises and lowers the extension panels. Extension deployment mechanisms located at opposing corners of the grain bin control the deployment of adjacent extension panels. Each extension deployment mechanism has a first rack and a trunnion to drive extension panels in a vertical direction and pivot the panels in an outward direction and a second rack mounted to the trunnion to drive the cap frame in a vertical direction, and a drive gear between the first and second racks.
US08944895B2	Method for filling sausages with a paste-like substance and filling machine for performing this method A method for filling sausages with a paste-like substance by means of a filling machine and to a filling machine for performing this method, including a sensor unit capable of determining at least one parameter that varies differently for different paste-like substances as a function of time. Depending on the at least one determined parameter, a controller determines whether a measure to be implemented on one or more wearing parts is necessary, the wearing parts wearing out at different times depending on the different paste-like substances.
US08944891B2	Centreless cylindrical grinding machine for grinding workpieces in rod form and method for the centreless cylindrical grinding of workpieces in rod form In a machine for centerless cylindrical grinding, the workpiece is located in a grinding gap, which is formed by the regulating wheel, the grinding wheel and the support blade. The regulating wheel rotates about its axis of rotation with the direction of rotation, and thereby drives the workpiece to rotate in the direction of rotation. The grinding wheel is driven to rotate about its axis of rotation with the direction of rotation. The workpiece passes in the direction of its longitudinal axis through a number of sets of regulating wheels and grinding wheels, which are each themselves arranged coaxially one behind the other. The regulating wheels and grinding wheels have axial interspaces on their axes; the regulating wheels thereby engage in the interspaces between the grinding wheels, and vice versa, so as to form lateral regions of overlap between the wheels.
US08944889B2	Reciprocating skate blade sharpener In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sharpener for sharpening a snowice travel member such as a skate blade, a ski or a snowboard, which includes a sharpening surface that is movable lengthwise along an edge face of the item to be sharpened. The sharpening surface may be movable lengthwise by means of a motor and a reciprocating mechanism, or may be manually moved by a user.
US08944885B2	Device for phasing threaded grinding wheel A device for phasing a threaded grinding stone is phased with respect to a workpiece or a disk dresser prior to the engagement of the threaded grinding stone with the workpiece or with the disk dresser during grinding or dressing. In performing this phasing, it is detected, by means of an AE fluid sensor provided to a grinding stone head which rotatably supports the threaded grinding stone, whether the threaded grinding stone has had contact with the workpiece or the disk dresser. Subsequently, on the basis of the phase of the threaded grinding stone at the time when contact was detected, the threaded grinding stone is positioned in a phase where the aforementioned engagement is feasible.
US08944879B1	Game call device and method A game call device includes a game caller having a game caller box with a sound chamber, a petrified wood strike plate carried by the game caller box and a striker adapted for scraping against the strike plate of the game caller to produce simulated game sounds.
US08944872B2	Surfboard fin for generating surfboard lift and method of use The present invention relates to a lifted fin apparatus comprising one or more lifted fin elements with foiled tin components for a reduction of pressure and drag and an increase in surfboard lift as well as a method of achieving surfboard lift through, the use of said apparatus. Generally, the lifted fin apparatus comprises two or more lifted fin elements exhibiting a foil design on one or more of the fin surfaces. The individual fin elements may comprise a substantially vertical fin attached to a first edge of a base member and oriented at a substantially 90° angle in relation to the bottom surface of the surfboard or to the first edge of the base member. The fin elements may further comprise an angular fin mounted to a second edge of the base member at one end and the lower portion of the first, fin at the other end. In said embodiment, a bend or elbow is formed between a first fin component of angular fin and base member proximate the point of attachment at second edge of base member. Alternatively, the base member may not have a defined second edge representing the intersection between base member and a first fin component of angular fin, but rather the base member and the angular fin may be manufactured as a unitary structure with a bend or elbow between base member and a first fin component as described below.
US08944871B2	System for handling a transfer device A system for handling a transfer device (10) for transferring load from a storage facility, sub sea or integrated in the production facility (1) to a vessel on the sea surface (2) comprising: a pickup line (11) comprising a first end (11a) connected to the transfer device (10) and a second end (11b & 11c) available at the sea surface (2); a connection device (13) for connection of the transfer device (10) to the tension buoy (14); a swiveling device (20) for rotation of the connection device (13) in relation to the tension buoy (14); and a position limiting device (21) fixed to the connection device (13), for limiting the position of the pickup line (11) in relation to the tension buoy (14).
US08944858B2	Electrical power terminal fastened to a wire connection member The present invention relates to an electrical 90° power terminal, comprising an elongated wire connection member, and a terminal element. The wire connection member is provided with a wire fastening portion and a fastening portion for the terminal element comprising a circular opening, and the terminal element has an essentially cylindrical shape and comprises a terminal end and a connecting end adapted to be received in the circular opening of the fastening portion. When connected with each other, the terminal element and the elongated wire connection member are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other.
US08944856B2	Managed electrical connectivity systems A receptacle block defines one or more sockets at which plugs may be received. Each socket contains a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts. Each socket also includes a sensing contact that interacts with the second set of contacts to close an electrical switch. For example, the sensing contact can interact with an arm extending from one of the contacts of the second set. Closure of the switch can be detected and interpreted to indicate that a plug has been received at the respective socket.
US08944852B2	Electrical connector In one aspect, provided is an electrical connector that can improve reliability of signal connection by ensuring insulation between adjacent terminals. In one aspect, connector housing 2 has front housing 3 and rear housing 4 that are combined together during assembly and that have respective partition walls 10 and 11 to define terminal accommodation chambers 8 and 9, respectively, and wherein movable wall 15 is provided to extend from partition wall 11 of rear housing 4 to displace and connect to partition wall 10 of front housing 3 when both housings 3 and 4 are combined together.
US08944838B2	Connector with locking ring A connector is provided for mating with a mating connector. The connector includes a housing having an internal compartment and a locking segment. A contact is held within the internal compartment of the housing. A locking ring extends around the housing. The locking ring has a latch that is configured to cooperate with a latch member of the mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector together. The connector includes a first actuator configured to compress the locking ring radially inward or expand the locking ring radially outward to release the latch of the locking ring from the latch member of the mating connector. The locking segment of the housing includes a second actuator that is configured to compress the locking ring radially inward or expand the locking ring radially outward to release the latch of the locking ring from the latch member of the mating connector.
US08944833B2	Card connector and electronic apparatus A card connector includes: a housing to receive a card; a sliding member to slide together with the card in a range including a first position, a second position and a third position, the sliding member being locked to the housing at the first position, the sliding member is unlocked from the housing at the second position, the card being removable at the third position; a rotary member, rotatably supported by the sliding member, to press the card in a card ejection direction; a lock mechanism to lock the sliding member in the first position to the housing and unlock the sliding member from the housing by sliding of the sliding member from the first position to the second position; a first biasing member to bias the sliding member in the card ejection direction; a second biasing member to bias the rotary member in the card ejection direction.
US08944830B2	Connector with differently arranged contact mounting portions and connector assembly have two such connectors belly-to-belly mounted to a circuit board A high speed card edge connector (20, 30) includes an insulative housing (21, 31), and a number of first, second, third, and fourth contacts (221-224) received in the insulative housing and arranged in a number of first columns (25) and a number of second columns (26). Each of the first columns includes one first, one second, and one third contacts. Each of the second columns includes one first, one fourth, and one third contacts. Each of the first to the fourth contacts includes a mounting portion (22b). The mounting portions of the second and the fourth contacts are designed as penetration type termination, and the mounting portions of the first and the third contacts are designed as surface mounted type termination. The mounting portions of the second and the fourth contacts are arranged in different rows.
US08944822B2	Synchronized video and synthetic visualization system and method The present invention presents a flight training and synthetic visualization system, which comprises a fully mobile, self-contained data recording unit including a desktop graphics software engine for creating a virtual model of the flight capable of playing back the recorded trip, synchronized with a real-time video or imagery recording of the actual flight with a view from the cockpit of the aircraft as a pilot would actually view the flight, along with ambient audio of the cockpit. This allows for the user of the simulation to view both modeled data of the flight, as well as actual time-sequenced still images or video of the flight. The two sources of data are synched in time so that real video images of the aircraft as it is flying at a specific point in time is displayed in the simulation at the same moment as the rendered visualization of the flight.
US08944794B2	Blowing machine with demountable blowing stations A device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers with a mobile carrier on which is arranged a plurality of blowing stations, each comprising blow mold carrier parts to hold blow mold parts, wherein at least one of these blow mold carrier parts is mobile in relation to the other blow mold carrier part, and wherein the blowing stations each comprise a carrier element to carry at least one blow mold carrier part. The device includes a clean room within which the plastic preforms can be expanded into plastic containers. The blow mold carrier parts together with the carrier element form a unit which can be demounted as a whole from the carrier.
US08944793B2	Flow and pressure ripple reduction with advance dual gear and bearing face cut An aircraft turbine engine Fuel Metering Unit (FMU) is provided including a main gear pump having a main drive gear and a main driven gear and a servo gear pump having a servo drive gear and a servo driven gear. The main drive gear and the servo drive gear are received on an input shaft. The main driven gear is mounted to a first shaft oriented parallel to and adjacent a first side of the input shaft. The main driven gear is in meshing engagement with the main drive gear. The servo drive gear is mounted to a second shaft arranged parallel to and adjacent a second, opposite side of the input shaft. The servo driven gear is in meshing engagement with the servo drive gear.
US08944780B2	Pumping devices, systems including multiple pistons and methods for use with medical fluids A system for delivery of medical fluid to a patient which includes a pump system and a drive system. The pump system has at least three chambers, where each chamber includes an inlet for fluid intake and an outlet for fluid expulsion, a common outlet channel in fluid communication with the outlet of each chamber, and at least three pistons, where each piston is slidably disposed within one of the chambers. The drive system includes a cam shaft having at least three cam lobes, each having a profile, and at least three cam lobe followers, each in operative connection with one of the cam lobes and adapted to be placed in operative connection with a respective piston. The profile of each of the cam lobes is adapted to provide a transient increase or spike in calculated theoretical output of the pump system to reduce periodic variation in measured output thereof.
US08944768B2	Composite turbine blade and method of manufacture A composite turbine blade and a method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. The composite turbine blade comprises a turbine blade portion comprising a first material and a first tip plate comprising a second material. The turbine blade portion has an exterior wall and an interior wall surrounding a hollow interior cavity, and a top surface extending from the exterior wall to the interior wall bounding an orifice that is fluidly connected to the hollow interior cavity. The first tip plate may be attached to the turbine blade along the top surface and extending from proximate the exterior wall of the turbine blade across the orifice to cover the orifice.
US08944765B2	Bellows type sealing device for partition penetration by a connecting rod of a turboprop fan blade orientation control system The invention relates to a sealing device for the partition penetration of a connecting rod of a turboprop fan blade orientation control system. The device includes a bellows (60) of trunconical shape designed to allow passage of the connecting rod (50a) and having, at its wider end, means (62, 64) of attachment to the partition (58) to be sealed and, at its narrower end, an O-ring through which the connecting rod is free to slide.
US08944762B2	Spoked spacer for a gas turbine engine A spacer for a gas turbine engine includes a rotor ring defined along an axis of rotation and a plurality of core gas path seals which extend from the rotor ring, each of the plurality of core gas path seals extend from the rotor ring at an interface, the interface defined along a spoke.
US08944756B2	Blade outer air seal assembly An example blade outer air seal assembly includes a blade outer air seal that is biased toward a second part. The blade outer air seal and the second part move together radially during operation. Radial inward movement of the blade outer air seal is limited exclusively by the second part during operation.
US08944752B2	Compressor rectifier architecture The present invention relates to a turbomachine rectifier comprising a plurality of stator vanes (5) connecting an inner collar (4) to an outer collar (3), each of said vanes (5) comprising a blade (11) and a blade-head platform (10), comprising an intermediate piece (6) arranged between the inner collar (4) and the outer collar (3) and fastened to the outer collar (3), said intermediate piece (6) comprising openings (14) for the passage of the vane blades (11) and said vane platforms (10) resting, on one side, on the outer collar (3) and, on the other side, on the intermediate piece (6).
US08944748B2	Fluid pump changeable in diameter, in particular for medical application A fluid pump device, in particular for a medical application, is described having a compressible pump housing and rotor, as well as with a drive shaft which runs in a sleeve and on whose end the fluid pump is arranged. In order to utilize all possibilities of a space-saving arrangement of the respective pump housing of the rotor, which is compressible per se, and as the case a bearing arrangement, the mentioned elements are displaceable to one another in the axial direction compared to an operation position. In particular these elements may be end-configured by way of an axial movement of the drive shaft after the assembly.
US08944741B2	Container utility system A transport system for moving containers comprises a plurality of elevated supports having powered rollers and a transport having rails engaging the powered rollers. The transport has a member(s) for supporting the containers and means for moving the transport over the elevated supports.
US08944739B2	Loadport bridge for semiconductor fabrication tools A wafer handling system with apparatus for transporting wafers between semiconductor fabrication tools. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a loadport bridge mechanism including an enclosure having first and second mounting ends, a docking port at each end configured and dimensioned to interface with a loadport of a semiconductor tool, and at least one wafer transport robot operable to transport a wafer between the docking ports. The wafer transport robot hands off or receives a wafer to/from a tool robot at the loadports of a first and second tool. The bridge mechanism allows one or more wafers to be transferred between loadports of different tools on an individual basis without reliance on the FAB's automated material handling system (AMHS) for bulk wafer transport inside a wafer carrier such as a FOUP or others.
US08944736B2	Fastening element with a tolerance-compensation function The present invention relates to a fastening element with a tolerance-compensation function for fastening add-on elements, in particular roof rails. To this end, a threaded bolt is provided which has a threaded region, a fastening region and a projection. A positioning and assistance element is supported on the protection, and an adjustment element is arranged in the threaded region. An add-on element is arranged on the fastening region. A space between a first and a second component can be compensated for with the aid of the positioning and assistance element in cooperation with the adjustment element. Furthermore, a fastening means is arranged on the threaded region, with the result that the second component is arranged between the adjustment element and the fastening means. The add-on element is fixedly connected to the second component by means of the fastening element in this way.
US08944721B2	Apparatus and method for insertion of gaskets A gasket insertion apparatus and method for inserting a gasket between the adjoining faces of a flange assembly are provided. The gasket insertion apparatus includes a frame, a member and a wire. The frame has a first end, a second end and an inner gripping surface. The first and second ends have guides. The member has a first end portion attached to the frame and a second portion extending away from the frame. The wire is anchored to at least one of the frame and the member such that it movably adjusts within the guides and secures the gasket within the inner gripping surface.
US08944719B2	Tracking of machine system movements in paving machine Methods and apparatus for tracking manual operations during automatic control of a surface-engaging operation, such as laying a mat on a paving surface, include automatically operating a plurality of components to perform the surface-engaging operation without the actuation of corresponding operator controls. Actuation of the operator controls and actuation of the corresponding components to perform a manual operation can occur during the automatic operation. Information corresponding to the manual operation is recorded in response to detecting actuation of the operator controls and determining that the automatic operation of the machine is occurring.
US08944710B2	Container for a plurality of disposable applicators comprising a reservoir for a substance to be applied A container for disposable applicators is described. The container has a main body section and a coupling portion for coupling a reservoir with the container. The reservoir can contain a substance suitable for the disposable applicators.
US08944706B2	Printer, printing system and printing method The first image which is a continuous image divided into pages is printed on the first surface of web by the first printer, and the start mark is printed at the head of each page. The second image which is a continuous image is printed on the second surface by the second printer in synchronization with recording synchronization pulses. In printing of the second image, obtained is a difference between the number of pulses inputted to the second printing mechanism between detections of preceding and succeeding start marks, and the number of pulses estimated to be inputted thereto in the case where expansion or shrinkage of web doesn't occur, to adjust the frequency of pulses on the basis of the difference. Therefore, the second image is printed in accordance with the first image on the web without being affected by expansion or shrinkage of web.
US08944701B2	Connector part for an optical plug-in connection A connector part for an optical plug-in connection includes a connector pin, in which an optical waveguide stub extending over a longitudinal center axis is held, and a sleeve-like pin holder. The pin holder includes a pin accommodating section, in which the connector pin is held, and an optical waveguide accommodating section, to which the end of an optical waveguide cable can be fixed in a tension-resistant manner. The optical waveguide accommodating section includes at least two jacket parts that can be connected to each other, wherein at least one jacket part can be fastened to the pin accommodating section using a joint so that the jacket part can be swiveled about a certain swivel angle between an open position and a closed position. The optical waveguide stub can be welded to an optical waveguide end on the cable side.
US08944698B2	Compact, tunable, submersible dry mate n-pin optical connector A multi-pin connector with a small envelop and low insertion loss capable of operating while submerged is described within. This configuration avoids the tolerance stack up troubles that has plagued other similar designs thereby allowing it to achieve a low insertion loss without the typical cost drivers of tighter tolerances. In addition this invention incorporates as relatively simple method of tuning each pair of connectors thereby further reducing the insertion loss for each matched pair.
US08944695B2	Bearing cartridge A bearing cartridge for a rotatable shaft of a wind turbine comprising a shaft and a back-to-back tapered roller bearing arrangement coupled to the shaft. The bearing arrangement comprising a first bearing having a first outer ring, a first inner ring and a plurality of tapered rollers; and a second bearing having a second outer ring, a second inner ring and a plurality of tapered rollers. The bearing cartridge further comprising a gear located on the shaft between the first bearing and second bearing and a sleeve for supporting an axial load between the first and second bearings and having one or more apertures that expose the gear for coupling to an external gear.
US08944692B2	Slewing bearing and rotating section support device for wind turbine A slewing bearing assembly effective to suppress additional expenses such as a mold cost and to resolve the problem associated with insufficient strength brought about by voids and, also, a rotation section support apparatus for a wind powered turbine are provided. The slewing bearing assembly includes inner and outer rings having raceway grooves, and a plurality of balls interposed between the raceway grooves, and a spacer interposed between the neighboring balls. This slewing bearing assembly is a four point contact ball bearing, in which respective sectional shapes of the raceway grooves are so shaped as to represent shapes in which each balls contacts inner surfaces of the raceway grooves in the inner and outer rings at four points. The spacer is made of a resinous material having a melt viscosity within the range of 1000 to 2000 Pa·s at a temperature of 270° C.
US08944685B2	Movement unit for a machine tool and machine tool with such a movement unit A movement unit for a machine tool comprises a supporting structure movable in a first direction for supporting a functional unit of the machine tool, with two longitudinal guides extending in the first direction which are offset relative to one another in a transverse second direction. A guide unit is mounted on each longitudinal guide to be relatively movable in the first direction and not the second direction. A bearing structure connects the supporting structure to one of the guide units to be not relatively movable in the first direction and movable in the second direction. The bearing structure comprises a bearing receptacle having a receptacle wall extending in the second direction, and a bearing projection which engages the bearing receptacle. The bearing projection and the receptacle wall are supported against one another to prevent their relative motion in the first direction and are movable in the second direction.
US08944677B2	Device for testing a sensor of train undercarriage temperatures A test apparatus for testing an IR sensor of train undercarriage temperatures is disclosed. The IR sensor may be used to obtain infrared IR emission data by sensing a wheel or a wheel bearing of a rail vehicle. The test apparatus may comprise a heat emitter for supplying IR emissions at a reference temperature to the IR sensor. A support may support the heat emitter at a position spaced from the passage of the rail vehicle and in an orientation for directing the IR emissions at the IR sensor.
US08944665B2	Back frame, method for manufacturing back frame, and backlight system The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device. The back frame includes at least two primary assembling pieces and the at least two primary assembling pieces are connected through joining; the at least two primary assembling pieces having lengths that are adjustable in order to form a main frame structures of the back frame that is of various sizes, in which lengths of two parallel sides of the main frame structure are both subjected to adjustment. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a back frame of flat panel display device and a backlight system. Through above arrangement, the back frame mold is made simple in structure and the expenditure of the back frame mold is reduced, and the material used for back frame is saved so as to lower down the manufacturing cost of flat panel display device.
US08944651B2	Vehicle light The invention relates to a motor vehicle lighting fixture which comprises at least: a light source comprising at least one LED; a light-transmitting part that is arranged such that it receives light from the light source; and a reflector that is arranged such that it reflects that portion of the light from the light source that passes through the light-transmitting part and couples it out to the front of the lighting fixture, a reflection portion and a refraction portion being provided within the light-transmitting part, wherein said reflection portion deflects the light issuing from the light source through total reflection in one direction that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the reflector, whereas the refraction portion couples out the light in the direction of the reflector.
US08944650B2	Vehicle lamp, a method of adjusting a vehicle lamp, and a vehicle with a vehicle lamp The invention provides a lamp with adjustable beam cut-off, useful for e.g. vehicle headlamps. The lamp comprises a solid-state light source 1 and a reflector 2, as well as a movable beam limiter 3. To adjust the cut-off, the beam limiter 3 may be moved by an actuator 4. An advantage is that the beam limiter 3 reflects incident light into the emitted beam instead of absorbing it, which increases efficiency. Furthermore, because the reflector 2 and also the beam limiter 3 may be positioned very close to the light source, which may be a LED or a laser diode, they may be flat and very small. Both circumstances ensure that the beam cut-off may be adjusted very quickly.
US08944648B1	Fixture accessory retaining assembly A fixture accessory assembly includes a fixture having an accessory retaining member, the accessory retaining member receiving an accessory cartridge, the accessory cartridge releasably positioned within the fixture by a magnetic force.
US08944647B2	Illumination source with variable divergence The illumination source has a LED light source (2) generating a first divergent light field (6). The light from the LED light source (2) is processed by a first optical element (10), in particular a first lens element, to generate a second divergent light field (19). The first divergent light field (19) is processed by a second optical element (20) having a variable lens variable focus in order to generate a third light field (35) whose divergence can be varied.
US08944645B2	Light fixture A light fixture includes a light guide member, a light bar, and two conductive pins. A cavity is formed on a bottom portion of the light guide member, and two engaging groove are respectively at two sides of the bottom portion. The light bar is arranged under the bottom portion of the light guide member, and a plurality of light emitting units are disposed on a surface of the light bar. Two sides of the light bar are respectively fixed in the two engaging grooves, such that the emitting units are located in the cavity. The two conductive pins protrude from each end of the light guide member, and are electrically connected to the light emitting units.
US08944632B2	LED lighting system and method for external surfaces A lighting system includes a substrate having openings therein, and a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned within at least some of the openings in the substrate. A power supply is electrically coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes positioned within the openings. An opaque layer of material substantially covers the substrate and the plurality of openings placed on a first side of the substrate, and the light emitting diodes in the openings. The opaque layer allows light from the plurality of light emitting diodes to pass through the layer when powered. When not powered, the opaque layer substantially hides the plurality of light emitting diodes.
US08944631B2	LED mixed lighting for tissue culture of orchids This invention discloses a LED mixed lighting for tissue culture of orchids. Due to limitation of technology, currently it lacks of LED lighting directly used for orchids, especially for tissue culture of dendrobium candidum, ornamental dendrobium and phalaenopsis. This inventions adopts a technical proposal as follows: a LED fixed lighting for tissue culture of orchids is characterized in that said many red and blue LEDs will constitute several units; each unit has 3 blue LEDs and there are 8 red LEDs in elliptical or rounded patterns surrounding said 3 blue LEDs, and said 3 blue LEDs are gathered in triangular pattern, and said 8 red LEDs are separated at interval. This invention makes special arrangement of lamps and realizes adjustment of light quality and light period by turning on or turning off red LEDs and blue LEDs, and by this way, a LED mixed light which is distributed evenly and suitable for tissue culture of orchids.
US08944626B2	Lighting device with switchable light sources Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a lighting device includes a main member including a central axis. The lighting device also includes a bezel surrounding at least a portion of the main member and adapted to be concentrically rotated about the central axis. The lighting device also includes a lens asymmetrically disposed in the bezel and adapted to rotate with the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet offset from the central axis. The lighting device also includes a plurality of light sources fixed relative to the main member. Rotation of the bezel relative to the main member causes the light inlet to rotate through an arc about the central axis to selectively align different ones of the light sources with the light inlet.
US08944625B2	Underwater light for swimming pool An underwater light includes a hollow aluminum outer casing, a hollow sealing cover, and a screw bolt. The sealing cover is coupled with a head connector of a water inlet pipe via the screw bolt. A light base is provided between the sealing cover and the screw bolt. An annular transparent light cover is installed inside the aluminum outer casing. A circuit board with diode embedded is mounted within the transparent light cover. In addition, a fastener is coupled at the internal top portion of the hollow sealing cover, and the screw end of said fastener is coupled with a nut defined as a nut so as to affix a water outlet. A waterproof connector head is coupled with the internal bottom portion of the hollow sealing cover and a wire hole is provided within the hollow sealing cover.
US08944622B2	Lighting system having reflector support and display device Disclosed herein are a backlight unit and a lighting system including the same. The backlight unit includes a first reflector and a bottom cover, a plurality of reflector support parts disposed on the bottom cover, each of the reflector support parts including at least two first and second slanted surfaces adjacent to each other about at least one inflection point, a second reflector disposed on the plural reflector support parts, and a light source module disposed between the first reflector and each of the second reflector.
US08944619B2	Nanoparticle complex, light conversion member and display device having the same, and method for fabricating the same Disclosed are a light conversion member, a display device including the same, and a method for fabricating the same. The light conversion member includes a host, a plurality of light conversion particles in the host, and a ferroelectric material in the host.
US08944604B2	Three dimensional image projector with dual light modulators A method is provided for projecting a three-dimensional image. The system includes a first light source, the first light source emitting light in a first direction and a second light source emitting light in a second direction. A beam splitter device is disposed adjacent each light source and an imaging device is disposed adjacent the beam splitter device. Light from the first light source and the second light source travel a common optical path to a projector lens assembly.
US08944596B2	Digital-based medical devices A hand held ophthalmic examination instrument uses an illumination system that provides amber colored light from a first light source and white light from a second light source to illuminate a target of interest. An imaging system in cooperation with the illumination system captures digital images of the target of interest as illuminated by the light sources.
US08944594B2	Systems and methods for creating aberration-corrected gradient index lenses Embodiments include methods, systems, and/or devices that may be used to create aberration-corrected gradient index lenses. In some embodiments, data related to aberration measurements is received. This data is processed and an inverse map is generated to compensate for the aberration measurements. An intensity pattern corresponding to the inverse map is then projected onto a blank lens (e.g., to locally polymerize a mobile monomer) to create an exposed lens with a gradient index to correct for the aberration measurement. For example, in some embodiments, the lens may be an intraocular lens and the data can be generated by using a wavefront sensor to measure aberrations (e.g., an optical phase profile to correct defocus or astigmatism) in a patient's eye.
US08944591B2	Eyeglasses assembly structure An eyeglasses assembly structure is provided, in which assembly slots for joint members are mainly formed on both sides of the eyeglasses frame, and the joint members are pivotally connected therein. Locating members are respectively interposed between upper and lower elastic elements for holding the pivotal connection status of the joint members and the assembly slots. When the joint members are to be detached from the assembly slots, the locating members are pushed into sliding grooves of the joint members, and the upper and the lower elastic elements are pressed to be deflected inward so as to allow the upper and the lower pivots detached from the pivotal connection with the assembly slots. Therefore, temples or strap can be assembled on the rear ends of the joint members and then the eyeglasses patterns can be conveniently transformed according to users' needs.
US08944581B2	Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge, ink-jet recording apparatus, and ink-jet recording method There is provided a water-based ink for ink-jet recording, including: a self-dispersible pigment modified by sulfonic acid group; glycerol; diethylene glycol; a penetrant; and water, wherein the glycerol and the diethylene glycol satisfy the following condition (i): 0.01≦DEG/(Gly+DEG)≦0.11 (i) in the condition (i), Gly represents an amount of the glycerol in the water-based ink (% by weight); and DEG represents an amount of the diethylene glycol in the water-based ink (% by weight).
US08944573B2	Inkjet head and method of manufacturing the same According to an embodiment, an inkjet head includes a nozzle from which ink is ejected, an ink pressure chamber, an oscillating plate, a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, a second electrode, and a passivation layer. The ink pressure chamber is provided in the inkjet head to supply ink to the nozzle. The oscillating plate is formed to surround the nozzle. The first electrode is formed to surround the nozzle and to be in contact with the first oscillating plate. The piezoelectric layer is configured to surround the nozzle and to be in contact with the first electrode. The second electrode is formed to surround the nozzle and to be in contact with the piezoelectric layer. The passivation layer is formed to surround the nozzle and to be in contact with the first electrode, the second electrode, or the first oscillating plate.
US08944563B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes an ejecting head that ejects fluid onto a recording medium, and a head moving portion that makes the ejecting head reciprocate in a first direction. In the recording apparatus, the head moving portion includes a guide shaft which is arranged along the first direction, a first carriage which is supported on the guide shaft, and moves in the first direction along the guide shaft, and a second carriage which is provided integrally with the ejecting head, is provided so as to be movable in a second direction in which a distance between the ejecting head and the recording medium is changed between the first carriage and the second carriage, and is positioned in a state where a part of the second carriage is abutted against the guide shaft such that inclination of the ejecting head with respect to the first direction is restricted.
US08944562B2	Printing apparatus and control method therefor The invention has been made to prevent ink adhesion or an ink discharge failure caused by ink adhesion due to evaporation of volatile components of ink which occurs when the ink receptor of a printhead is exposed to air for a long time. If an inkjet printhead and an ink tank containing ink to be supplied to the printhead are attached to a carriage, the ink supply port of the ink tank is pressed to the ink receptor of the printhead. In this arrangement, the presence/absence of attachment of the ink tank to the carriage is detected. If it is detected that the ink tank is not attached to the carriage, a suction operation for the printhead is performed and controlled to suck out ink from the nozzles of the printhead.
US08944555B2	Printer and printer control method A printer capable of preventing clogging the printhead nozzles due to paper dust produced from sprocket holes in continuous paper, and preventing the printhead from ejecting ink droplets except on the continuous paper, has a printhead that ejects ink droplets toward continuous paper having sprocket holes formed along both sides of the paper width; a cover member that covers the edge part of the width of the continuous paper where sprocket holes are formed in the range of the printhead in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper, and can move in the paper width direction; and a detection mechanism that detects the position of the cover member in the paper width direction.
US08944550B2	Element substrate, printhead, and printing apparatus A recent inkjet printing apparatus includes a large-capacitance capacitor to stabilize a heater power supply. The presence of this capacitor requires a long time to drop the heater voltage at the time of power shutdown or the like. For this reason, an unwanted heater current may flow during the drop. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, a high voltage logic circuit is provided near a printing element, and a terminal is provided so that a signal can directly be input to this circuit. Heater driving control is performed via the terminal. This makes it possible to reliably control the heater regardless of the logic power supply state even if the logic voltage abruptly drops at the time of power shutdown or the like.
US08944549B2	Nozzle layouts for printheads Nozzle layouts for printheads are described. In an example, a printhead includes a first set of drop ejectors having orifices with circular bores, and a second set of drop ejectors having orifices with non-circular bores. A processor receives printing data representing an image to be printed to media, and provides firing data to the printhead for activating the drop ejectors. The firing data selects the drop ejectors with the circular bores to print graphic elements of the image and selecting the drop ejectors with the non-circular bores to print textual elements or line elements of the image.
US08944543B2	Process for the manufacturing of surface elements A process for the manufacturing of surface elements is provided herein. The surface elements can include a decorative upper layer and a supporting core. A supporting core with a desired format is manufactured and provided with an upper side and a lower side. The upper side of the supporting core is provided with a décor, by for example printing, which décor is positioned after a predetermined fixed point on the supporting core. The upper side of the supporting core is provided with a protecting, at least partly translucent, wear layer by for example spray coating, roller coating, curtain coating and immersion coating or by being provided with one or more sheets of α-cellulose impregnated with thermosetting resin or lacquer.
US08944542B2	Printer for edible sheets The present inventions relates to An ink-jet printer for printing on an edible substrate, the printer comprising a guide roller for guiding the substrate through the printer and a print head for printing on the substrate, the print head being mounted adjacent the guide roller so as to be movable in a reciprocating manner substantially parallel to the guide roller characterized in that the print head mounts a roller cleaning apparatus which engages the guide roller as the print head reciprocates. This prevents a build-up of residue from the edible substrate on the guide rollers, thus providing improved performance and reliability. A method of operating the printer in conjunction with a user terminal is also disclosed.
US08944536B2	Oven appliance with dual opening and closing doors An oven appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chamber. A pair of doors is rotatably mounted to provide selective access to the chamber of the cabinet, The pair of doors is connected with a linkage assembly such that the doors rotate open and closed simultaneously. The linkage assembly includes a spur gear that engages another gear of the linkage assembly. The spur gear can hinder unwanted rotation of the pair of doors or compress the pair of doors against a seal.
US08944531B2	Container assembly mountable to a door A container assembly may include a container having a side wall defining and circumscribing a container interior, a first frame extending from and about the side wall and defining an outer terminal portion sized and configured to abut a door about an opening formed therein, a second frame defining an outer terminal portion sized and configured to abut the door about the opening and an inner terminal portion sized and configured to extend over at least a portion of the opening about a periphery of the opening, and at least a first fixation member to secure the first frame to the second frame with the container extending into the opening and with a portion of the door adjacent to the opening positioned between the outer terminal portions of the first and second frames to clamp the container assembly to the door about the opening.
US08944530B2	Door balancing system for an appliance A door balancing system includes an adjustment block, a single adjustment screw, a first pulley system, and a second pulley system. The adjustment block includes a threaded orifice and mounts within a bearing housing that includes a bearing surface. The single adjustment screw threads into the threaded orifice and abuts the bearing surface. The first pulley system includes a first pulley, a first cable, and a first spring. The second pulley system includes a second pulley, a second cable, and a second spring. The first cable mounts between a first hinge and the adjustment block using the first pulley and the first spring. The second cable mounts between a second hinge and the adjustment block using the second pulley and the second spring. The first spring and the second spring exert a force on the door to control a rate of movement of the door relative to the body.
US08944529B2	Electronic device enclosure An electronic device enclosure includes a chassis, a mounting tray attached to the chassis, a handle rotatably attached to the mounting tray, and a resilient member. The handle includes a securing post. The resilient member includes a first portion, a second portion, and a curling portion connected to the first portion and the second portion. The curling portion is engaged with the securing post. The first portion is engaged with the handle, and the second portion extends out of the handle and abuts the mounting tray. The handle is rotated away from the mounting tray to deform the resilient member, and the resilient member is released to rotate the handle towards the mounting tray.
US08944528B2	Method and system for brake control Methods and systems are provided to reduce a hard brake pedal feel. A brake control variable is adjusted in anticipation of a hard pedal condition to increase hydraulic brake line pressure and maintain a normal pedal feel. A pedal force is inferred from brake line pressure relative to brake booster vacuum.
US08944524B1	Wheel with locking center bore A locking wheel useful for wheels on small vehicles. The locking wheel fits over a shaft and has a bore for receiving the end of the shaft. An outer member is connected to and spaced from the hub. A finger is adjacent to the bore and has a protrusion that extends into the bore. The finger is resilient and movable between a first and second position. The first position has the protrusion protruding into the bore and the second position has the protrusion outside of the bore with the finger being bent radially outward. The shaft has a notch or hole that receives the finger's protrusion. A locking device may selectively be placed between the outer member and the hub to prevent the finger from moving into its second position, thereby locking the hub onto the shaft.
US08944523B2	Flanged bearing ring for a bearing unit of a motor vehicle wheel A flanged bearing ring (10) for the wheel of a motor vehicle includes two different materials joined as a single piece: a tubular core (15) and an outer body (16) around the core. The outer body forms a radial flange (17) and is made of a lighter material than that of the core. At the axially outer end of the ring, at the side where the flange (17) is provided, the interface surfaces between the outer body (16) and the core (15) terminate in a groove (21) formed partly in the outer body and partly in the core. The groove (21) accommodates a sealing ring (22) made of rubber-like or elastomeric material which presses against both the outer body (16) and the core (15) so as to seal continuously, along an entire circumference around the axis (x), a separation line (23) between the core (15) and the outer body (16).
US08944510B2	Chair with sliding pillow A folding chair is disclosed including a folding chair frame, support material, and a pillow that can move between raised and lowered positions relative to the folding chair frame.
US08944508B2	Seat reclining device In an eccentric-drive equipped seat reclining device including a cover having internal teeth, a base member, an external gear having fewer external teeth than a number of the internal teeth, a pair of wedge-shaped members and a guide plate located in an eccentric space between the cover and the external gear, a spring biasing the pair of wedge-shaped members apart from each other, and a driving member for circumferentially pushing the pair of wedge-shaped members, the external gear has a cylindrical protrusion. The base member has a first axially-recessed portion for press-fitting the external gear to the base member, a second axially-recessed portion accommodating the cylindrical protrusion, and a third axially-recessed portion accommodating the spring. Protrusions, formed integral with an annular outer peripheral portion of a backface of the second axially-recessed portion, are fitted to respective recessed portions of a seat-cushion side arm.
US08944503B2	Child safety seat harness tensioning device A harness retractor (62) for a harness system (60) of a child safety harness, which has a tensioning web (80) and buckle connectors (70) coupled to straps of the safety harness. The tensioning device has a rotatable retractor mechanism (90) connected to the tensioning web (80) and biased to wind up the tensioning web in a wind up rotation direction. The tensioning device has a locking device (110) biased to a first position preventing rotation of the retractor mechanism in the wind up direction. The tensioning device has a buckle housing (64) coupled to the retractor mechanism. The buckle connectors (70) are releasably connectable to the buckle housing (64). A release mechanism is connected between the locking device (110) and the buckle housing (64) and can switch the locking device from the first position to a second position permitting rotation of the retractor mechanism in the wind up direction.
US08944500B2	Armrest for vehicle The present invention relates to an armrest that includes a rotating shaft, an intake port, an exhaust port, an internal duct and a cup holder. The rotating shaft is disposed in the rear end of the armrest body and configured to pivotally connect the armrest body to a seat so that the armrest body may alternate between a retracted position in which the armrest functions as a seatback and an unfolded position in which the armrest functions as an armrest. The intake port, exhaust port, and internal duct are configured to provide heating and cooling of the cup holder.
US08944481B2	Gripping device for manipulating flexible elements A gripping device for manipulating flexible elements includes a main rack and a plurality of gripping elements coupled in the main rack by respective operating mechanisms for gripping a flexible element. The gripping device includes at least four gripping elements for gripping the flexible element. At least one gripping element is a multiposition gripping element independently displaceable by a displacement system assembled in the main rack and a vertical operating mechanism. At least two of the other gripping elements are independently displaceable in any direction by respective two-way additional displacement systems assembled in the main rack. The gripping elements are automatically adjustable in their respective positions such that they are arranged in one and the same plane for capturing the flexible element in a flat two-dimensional configuration and movable to generate a three-dimensional configuration in the flexible element without generating stretching forces on the flexible element.
US08944473B2	Quick connector with a sensor housing A quick connector assembly (20) includes a coupling housing (22) having a fluid quick connector (34) disposed about an end (24) and a sensor quick connector (40) axially aligned with an auxiliary axis (A2). A sensor housing (42) is insertable along the auxiliary axis (A2) to couple a sensor with the coupling housing (22). The sensor quick connector (40) includes at least one leg (48) and the sensor housing (42) includes a locking barb (44) extending radially outwardly to flex the leg (48) during axial movement of the sensor housing (42). The leg (48) includes a mechanical stop (54) and the locking barb (44) includes a shoulder (70) for engaging the mechanical stop (54) to establish an interlocked position of the housings (22, 42) and prevent rotational movement of the sensor housing (42) about the auxiliary axis (A2).
US08944471B2	Electrically conductive hydraulic hose An electrically conductive hose apparatus includes a hose having a wire reinforcer therein that is electrically conductive, an end section with some hose material being cut away to expose ends of the wire reinforcer; a hose end stem engaging the hose but not the wire reinforcer; a conductive ferrule sleeve clamped onto the exposed ends of the wire reinforcer; an insulated wire in electrical contact with the exposed ends of the wire reinforcer and the sleeve to form an electrically conductive circuit; and a rotatable coupling nut for rotatably connecting the hose and stem to a high pressure hydraulic system but that is insulated from the electrically conductive circuit. The apparatus can be used in an existing pre-approved high pressure hydraulic hose.
US08944463B2	Airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle An airbag for a motor vehicle includes a support structure moveable from a storage position into a restraint position and a covering by means of which a restraint volume of the airbag formed by the support structure in its restraint position is surrounded. The covering is formed as an element separate from the support structure and having passage regions in which the covering is at least substantially permeable to air in at least one direction of flow, and connecting regions that are reinforced relative thereto, in which the covering is connected to the support structure.
US08944460B2	Air bag chute topper system An automobile air bag module is provided that includes a housing chute at least partially surrounding an air bag, wherein the housing chute comprises a front wall, a rear wall, at least one sidewall, and a female pocket located adjacent a housing chute sidewall. Also included is a topper cover having a reinforcement protrusion that comprises a male locking tab that matably engages the female pocket.
US08944459B1	Collapsible wagon A collapsible wagon comprises integral bench seats and a folding construction that can be used to transport children or large household objects. The wagon folds in half to provide a suitcase-sized configuration for purposes of storage and transportation. The wagon further includes a pull handle, large wheels, seat belts, and drink holders.
US08944458B1	Adjustable walker with sitting assembly A walker having four substantially straight elongate members each having upper and lower ends and a spacer assembly for keeping two elongate members at a parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The other two elongate members are each mounted to a handle member defining two spaced apart U-shaped assemblies. A removable seat assembly adjustably positioned at predetermined heights so that a user can walk while seated to relieve his body from the weight stress. Optionally, a reinforcement base assembly is used to provide greater structural support for the walker. The walker can include arm rests and an adjustable frame to cooperate with users of different dimensions. The walker can also be collapsed for storage or transportation purposes using hingedly mounted elongate members and a pivoting U-shape base assembly.
US08944457B2	Lightweight collapsible stroller A stroller is provided which includes a right frame and a left frame. Each frame has a front support rotatably connected to a rear support at a frame joint. The front support of each frame is a telescoping tube assembly. The stroller further includes a linkage comprising at least two substantially rigid members connected between the right frame and the left frame, the rigid members being connected to the front supports at a right slideable joint and a left slidable joint. The joints are received within the slot of the outer tube. A drive mechanism coupled to the right or left frame is also provided. The front support and the rear support of the right frame and the left frame are movable from an open position to a closed position by the drive mechanism.
US08944453B1	Real-time retractable training wheels system and method A training wheel apparatus for learning to ride a bicycle includes a lift activation assembly. The training wheel apparatus further includes a wheel mount assembly configured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheel apparatus further includes a cable configured to operatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly. When activated, the lift activation assembly is configured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel between a first position and a second position while the wheel is in motion.
US08944436B2	Radial shaft seal A radial shaft seal has a support body and at least one sealing element that is a part produced separate from the support body and is connected to the support body by an adhesive connection. A static seal part that is a part separate from the sealing element and is arranged on a wall of the support body is provided. Alternatively, the sealing element comprises an integral static seal part and the static seal part is formed by a radially projecting edge of the holding part of the sealing element that projects radially past the wall of the support body.
US08944435B2	Table/parlour football A football game and football game apparatus that consists of sliding football shaped playing pieces down a rectangular planar playing surface towards scoring targets. The scoring targets represent certain yardages that can be gained or lost, or other events that may occur in an American football game, and by which a player can advance or move back their game piece on a simulated football field. The football field is secured perpendicularly across and above the planar playing surface and includes yardage markers, down markers, score trackers, and a line of scrimmage indicator in order to track the game play.
US08944423B2	Support assemblies for a flexible fixture A system and method for supporting a workpiece includes a plurality of support assemblies with movable heads. Positional errors are ascertained for the heads based on different positions thereof and used to properly position the heads to support the workpiece. Other inventive aspects are directed to features of the support assemblies and heads thereof.
US08944421B2	Device for aerating a suspension held in a treatment tank The invention relates to a device for aerating a suspension held in a treatment tank, in particular wastewater, activated sludge and the like, with a frame having longitudinal spars (1) and a compressed-air diffuser (3), the housing (G) of which has a multiplicity of first connecting pieces (4) for the connection of air diffuser lines (5) and a second connecting piece (6) for the connection of an air feed line, wherein the housing (G) is fastened to the frame such that first axes of the first connecting pieces (4) run approximately parallel to a plane containing the longitudinal spars (1). To simplify assembly, it is proposed that a second axis of the second connecting piece (6) forms an angle of 30 to 60° with the plane.
US08944418B2	Use of downcomer beam to support adjacent cross flow trays within a mass transfer column and process involving same Cross flow trays in a mass transfer column are provided with downcomers having one or more walls that extend from a tray deck of one the cross flow trays to an elevation below a tray deck of an underlying one of the cross flow trays. The downcomer walls are connected to and provide structural support for the tray decks of the cross flow trays.
US08944412B2	Cable routing apparatus This invention is a machine designed to route the preliminary rope or small gauge cables in cable tray while creating a safer and easier work environment. The machine will be placed on top of the cable tray and be used to route desired cables. It will utilize a wireless remote switch that will be controlled by an operator from a safe location; it will use two motors to move the machine which be attached to four hinged wheels with an inner shaft and wheel shaft. The wheels will be set on top of the flanges of the cable tray and will guide themselves along the desired path.
US08944409B2	Tunable fluid end Tunable fluid ends reduce valve-generated vibration to increase fluid-end reliability. Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a fluid end housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. Each tunable component, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources.
US08944408B2	Plug head assemblies In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.
US08944407B2	Exhaust gas recirculation valve A rotation axis O2 of a shaft 3 is attached thereto with double-offset in the X and Y directions with respect to a center line O1 of a valve seat 2. A bevel process is implemented on the outer peripheral surface of a valve 1 such that the valve 1 and the valve seat 2 is line-sealed, and the sign of the angles of inclination is switched between plus and minus at two places of the outer peripheral surface of the valve 1 deviated from the center of the axis. Further, a section where the angle of inclination is constant is prepared in each of the sections connecting the two places, while the other sections are smoothly connected to each other.
US08944400B2	Device for installing and removing an aircraft engine pre-cooler The present invention relates to a device (20) for installing and/or removing a pre-cooler (16) of an aircraft engine (10). Said device comprises, in a position of use, a mounting flange (22) supported in use by a pylon of an aircraft, at least a floor (68) supporting a pair of guiding arms (24), a ramp (26), a basket (32) for receiving said cooler (16) and adjustable support means (30) of said cooler for removing or mounting said cooler on pylon (16).
US08944394B2	Hardware for mounting glass panels or similar structures In one embodiment, the present invention includes a hinge for movably connecting a first panel to a second panel, the hinge comprising first and second spaced apart hinge members, each hinge member being connectable to the respective first and second panels; and a connector located between the hinge members, the connector having a pin member which connects the hinge members together to permit selective movement of the first panel relative to the second panel about multiple axes.
US08944385B2	Device for reducing the impact on a surface section by positively charged ions, and ion accelelerator arrangement The invention relates to a surface section that is exposed to an ion flow, in particular for a drive arrangement in a spacecraft, comprising an electrostatic ion accelerator arrangement. According to the invention, in order to reduce erosion, an intermediate potential energy surface is provided, the surface being advantageous in that it allows a magnetic field that is essentially parallel to the surface section to be formed.
US08944384B2	Refuelling equipment and method for refuelling an aircraft tank system The aircraft refuelling equipment (20) of an aircraft comprises a pipework (22) in which a fuel supply line (13) is connected to a plurality of tank supply lines, fuel tanks connected to tank supply lines of the pipework, first valves (24, 25,26) allowing each fuel tank to be disconnected from the fuel supply line, and at least one captor (30) that provides a signal indicative of a pressure or a flow rate. For each of said first valves, a first valve flow parameter can be estimated, using said captor. The equipment further comprises:—at least one actuator associated with each of said first valves, the actuator allowing adjustment of the opening of the associated first valve; and an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the respective actuator-first valve assemblies and adapted to regulate an opening of the first ECU valves, using respective first valve flow parameter data.
US08944378B2	Method and system for flexible seat arrangement in airplanes The invention provides a method for adapting a seat row arrangement in an airplane in order to set seat row distances, wherein the currently desired pattern of seat row positions is stored in a control device and wherein the seat rows are mounted on seat tracks (4) extending in the longitudinal direction and can be locked therein against longitudinal movements by a locking mechanism (12, 13) associated with each seat row, wherein each seat row whose position is to be changed is, under control of the control device, unlocked by releasing the locking mechanism for the seat row, is moved automatically on its seat tracks to the predetermined position by operating drive means under the control of the control device, and is locked there on the seat tracks by the control device by actuating the locking mechanism, characterized in that at least one cable (6) which is extending in the longitudinal direction along the cabin is driven by a motor to move back and forth in a manner controlled by the control device, each seat row or group of seat rows to be moved is subsequently moved by selectively coupling it to the cable (6) under the control of the control device for controlled time intervals such that the seat row follows the movement of the cable during coupling intervals whereby the movements of the cable integrated over the coupling intervals equal the total movement of the seat row or group of seat rows to the position according to the desired pattern of positions.
US08944365B2	Mission-adaptive rotor blade A rotorcraft may include an airframe and a rotor connected to the airframe. The rotor may include a hub and a rotor blade connected to the hub to extend radially away therefrom. The rotor blade may include biasing fibers, oriented to increase the twist of the rotor blade in response to an increase in the speed of rotation of the rotor corresponding to a mission, task, or maneuver.
US08944362B2	Printer, paper, roll holder therof, and paper end detecting mechanism A paper roll holder, a printer having the same and a paper end detecting mechanism are disclosed. The paper roll holder comprises a turning plate, which upper surface forms a first arc groove close to a rotation center and a second arc groove far away from the rotation center; an elastic element, providing a rotating torque to the turning plate so that the turning plate turns from an initial position to an upturning position during the printing and consuming of a paper roll; and a sensor, arranged in the second arc groove of the turning plate for detecting the paper. Wherein, the turning plate has the initial position suitable for supporting a large paper roll in the second arc groove and the upturning position suitable for supporting a small paper roll in the first arc groove. When the printing paper roll is near end, along with rotation of the turning plate, the small paper roll is limited in the first arc groove so as to prevent the small paper roll from moving in the paper house during printing. When the residual amount of the printing paper is less than the distance between the sensor and the printing mechanism, the sensor can promptly and accurately send out a paper lack signal, thereby improving the reliability of paper detection by the sensor.
US08944357B2	Multifunctional food processing tool for use with a food processing device A food processing device including a base having a motor positioned therein, a removable bowl coupled to the base, and a removable lid coupled to the bowl so as to define a processing chamber. The food processing device includes a multifunctional food processing tool that is positioned in the processing chamber and driven by the motor. The food processing tool includes a pair of adjustable blades. The food processing device includes an adjustment assembly operable to change the pitch of the adjustable blades while the food processing tool is driven by the motor.
US08944349B2	Shower apparatus The present invention provides a shower apparatus that allows the user to have a shower stream with a voluminous feel, even when a small volume of water is discharged, and also with a stimulus sensation arising from water being discharged in a pulsating manner. A shower apparatus F1 periodically changes the volume of air taken into an aeration unit 43 by oscillating a main water stream ejected toward the aeration unit 43 from a throttle unit 42 in a direction crossing the direction of the ejection, so that the bubbly water discharged from a water discharge unit 44 creates a pulsating shower stream.
US08944327B2	Using a user's application to configure user scanner A method of operating an indicia reader adapted to read information bearing indicia (IBI) is accomplished by putting the indicia reader in a set up mode to enable the indicia reader to read N types of user usage IBIs; reading at least one user usage IBI with the indicia reader that is one of the N types of IBI the indicia reader is enabled to read; configuring the indicia reader in accordance with the at least one IBI read while the indicia reader is in the set up mode; putting the indicia reader into a use mode and reading user usage IBIs of the type read while the indicia was in the set up mode.
US08944311B2	Display bin A display bin includes a tubular body and a multi-part bottom assembly. The tubular body includes an open base end and an open top end. The multi-part bottom assembly includes an annular structure having an inner edge, an outer edge and a plurality of evenly spaced wings projecting outwardly from the outer edge and terminating at distal ends. The annular structure is capable of being inserted through the open base end of the tubular body. A plurality of fasteners couple each of the plurality of wings of the annular structure to the base end of the tubular body.
US08944308B2	Method and apparatus for producing multiple-pane insulating glass having a high-vacuum insulation An apparatus and method for producing an insulating structural element from substrates is provided. The substrates may be connected to one another at a periphery by applied pieces and may be insulated from one another by a vacuum. The apparatus may include a washing device, a cleaning device, a heating device for pre-heating the substrates, a positioning device for positioning the applied pieces on the substrates, an ultrasonic soldering device for soldering the applied pieces to the substrates, an automatic spacer and getter element setting unit, a plasma sputtering device in a vacuum, a substrate displacing device for transporting the substrates, a mechanical substrate placing device for joining the substrates, and a connecting device for welding or soldering the applied pieces of the substrates to each other.
US08944295B2	Rotary valve with product relief grooves A rotary valve meters the flow of particulate material from a supply source into a pneumatic conveying system and includes a central rotor rotatable within a cylindrical housing. The interior surface of the cylindrical housing is formed with grooves extending from pinch points at the inlet opening to facilitate the passage of particulate material past the pinch points without being trapped between the rotor vanes and the housing. The grooves are preferably formed in a configuration that has an increasing depth from the proximal wall to the distal wall, and preferably is configured with a spiraled surface shaped to increase the depth of the groove channel to a rounded end chamber at the distal wall. The groove channels can be oriented in alignment with a triangular ridge, in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the rotor, or perpendicular to the angle of the triangular ridge.
US08944286B2	Mass-based dispensing using optical displacement measurement A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.
US08944282B2	Combination container and integral attachment device An apparatus for storing and dispensing small objects comprises a housing, an interior volume formed in the housing adapted to hold at least one of the small objects, an access port in the housing providing access to the interior volume, and a dispenser closure operatively connected to the housing and movable from a first position closing access to the access port to a second position adapted to provide dispensing of one of the objects from the interior volume through the access port. An openable and closeable attachment loop is integrally formed as part of the housing, the attachment loop adapted to be selectively attached to a holding device to secure the housing to the holding device.
US08944281B2	Upright vial discharge unit The medicine packing machine is equipped with a loading unit that is capable of receiving and delivering vials retrieved from a stocker, and a supplying unit that is capable of delivering the vials from the loading unit in an upright position. A control unit is also disposed between the loading unit and the supplying unit. As a result of the presence of the control unit, the transfer of vials received by the loading unit is controlled by the control unit in such a manner that the vials are not ejected towards the supplying unit. The vials are also controlled so as to be in an upright position once loaded into the loading unit. As a result of these actions, the vials received by the loading unit are reliably delivered to the supplying unit without being ejected or jamming at unanticipated locations.
US08944277B2	Food processing vat with a clean-in-place vent A food processing vat is provided with a vent that can be automatically cleaned in place, without requiring manual cleaning by a technician or removal of the vent from the vat. A nozzle is mounted to at least one of the vent and the vat and has an opening(s) that is posited with respect to the vent to direct cleaning fluid into the vent. The vent may include a canister that concentrically surrounds at least a portion of a vent tube that is fluidly connected to the vat, which collects cleaning fluid and/or condensate from gas that enters or exits the vat.
US08944275B2	Apparatus and method for installing a fluid storage tank In one aspect, a fluid storage apparatus includes a fluid storage tank having a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a channel disposed on an outer surface of the fluid storage tank, the channel configured to receive an anchor strap used to secure the fluid storage tank to a ground surface of an underground installation site.
US08944271B2	Tube head equipped with a lid, associated with an improved perforating cap which ensures protection of the lid prior to first use thereof A tube head assembly includes a tube head that includes a solid insert forming a lid closing the neck, a cap that includes a punch, and a removable spacing ring disposed against the shoulder around the neck. The ring and the cap are formed integrally in one piece and are joined by material bridges and configured in such a way as to allow sliding of the cap through the ring after breakage of the material bridges, characterised in that the ring includes internal stops adapted to limit the movement of the cap through the ring in such a way as to keep the punch spaced from the lid when the cap is screwed onto the neck and butts against the ring.
US08944264B2	Medical vial cap A crown, for a medical vial opening, has a top portion and a skirt surrounding the top portion. The skirt terminates at a lower edge defined in a first horizontal plane. An opener assembly is mounted to a portion of the top. A first scoring line extends from the portion of the top to which the opener assembly is mounted to the lower edge of the skirt in a continuous radial direction, and a second scoring line provides an upper radial segment extending from the opener assembly to the skirt along a radial axis, and a lower annular segment that extends circumferentially along the skirt in an annular direction and extending from a terminus of the upper radial segment, the lower annular segment defined in a second horizontal plane equidistant to the first horizontal plane associated with the lower edge of the skirt.
US08944258B2	Bicycle parking apparatus An improved bicycle parking structure is disclosed, including a parking base having a third tubular shaft and a pair of second tubular shafts, a pair of tubular shaft jackets; featuring a first tubular shaft having a tubular space adapted for extensible and collapsible movement of a second tubular shaft, a tubular shaft jacket disposed underneath a tubular shaft opening of the first tubular shaft, wherein outer diameter of an end of the jacket is slightly larger than outer diameter of first tubular shaft, outer diameter of a connector of another end occurs to match inner diameter of tubular shaft opening. Said connector is coupled to the inner wall of the tubular shaft opening, so the second tubular shaft can be locked into an expanded portion of an end of the second tubular shaft when inserted into tubular shaft opening, to therefore effectively reduce second tubular shaft length for space conservation.
US08944254B2	Sheets processing apparatus and sheets processing method A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the kind thereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the kink thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group.
US08944246B2	Detecting device packing tray A detecting device packing tray is provided which prevents a detecting device from being contaminated and damaged. The detecting device packing tray includes a tray main body configured to support a detecting device including a detection region to detect a reaction result. The tray main body includes a non-contact groove provided at a position corresponding to the detection region of the detecting device when the detecting device is supported by the tray main body so that the detection region does not contact the tray main body.
US08944241B2	Conveyor chain A conveyor chain that enables magnet pieces for attracting and retaining articles conveyed on the chain. The magnet pieces are incorporated into synthetic resin link modules without changing a predetermined chain width and dimensioning of other device components. A large number of link rows consisting of a number of synthetic resin link modules are connected together so as to have a predetermined chain width W. At least some of the synthetic resin link modules have magnet storing blind holes which open in the chain width direction from link side surfaces such that a magnet piece can be insertably stored in the magnet storing blind hole and securely enclosed by the link side surface of an adjacent synthetic resin link module in the chain width direction.
US08944240B2	Phase and axial adjustable transport drive system A transport drive system for a carton transport conveyor includes a shaft, a first pair of drive members, a second pair of drive members, and a phase adjustment hub connected to the shaft. A first set of drive members includes a drive member of the first pair and a drive member of the second pair, and the first set of drive members is rotationally fixed with respect to the shaft. A second set of drive members includes another drive member of the first pair and another drive member of the second pair, and the second set of drive members is rotationally fixed with respect to the phase adjustment hub. The phase adjustment hub is angularly adjustable with respect to the shaft to adjust the angular phase of the sets, while the pairs are adjustably spaced one from the other.
US08944236B2	Method and conveyor for registering articles on a conveyor belt Method and a conveyor for registering articles on a conveyor belt. The conveyor includes a registration belt having retractable flights regularly spaced along the length of the belt and article-propelling rollers between consecutive flights. The flights are raised in an upstream portion of the conveyor, and the rollers rotated to propel articles forward against the raised flights. In a downstream portion of the conveyor, a flat-top belt under the conveyor belt runs faster than the conveyor belt and causes the flights to lower and the rollers behind the lowering flights to rotate in reverse to urge the articles away from interfering with the lowering flights.
US08944234B1	Apparatus and system for imaging currency bills and financial documents and method for using the same An input receptacle receives currency bills and checks. A transport mechanism transports the bills and checks along a transport path to an output receptacle. An image scanner, adjacent the transport path, is configured to generate one or more electrical signals from which image data can be derived. The image data is reproducible as a visually readable image of at least a portion of each of the plurality of documents. A controller is configured to determine a denomination of each of the currency bills. In response to the controller not determining a denomination of one of the currency bills, the controller flags the currency bill as a no-call document by causing at least a portion of the image data to be displayed as a visually readable image of the flagged currency bill on the display.
US08944231B2	Device for changing an operational status of a shifting element with two shifting element halves A mechanism for changing the operating condition of a shifting element having two shifting element halves, which can either be functionally connected to connect two components or disengaged to break the connection between the components. The mechanism includes a drive machine and a drive converter unit in the area of which rotary drive motion of the drive machine can be converted into a translational actuation movement of the shifting element. A spring device is associated with the drive converter unit, whose spring force assists with actuating the shifting element in the engaging direction. The spring device includes an approximately circular flat spring element which, in at least one area of the drive converter unit, is in contact with at least one cam, whose stress condition varies as a function of an operating condition of the drive converter unit and is designed to be rotationally fixed.
US08944223B2	Hydraulic brake handle assembly A hydraulic brake handle assembly, wherein the response time of the hydraulic brake caliper can be much improved, and the brake action can be carried out immediately. When the brake lever is pressed, the volume of the oil pushed by the piston is doubled due to the hydraulic brake handle assembly is provided with two piston portions inserted in two oil chambers. Since the response time of the hydraulic caliper of the present invention is improved, it allows the brake pads of the hydraulic caliper to be assembled at a relatively large distance from the brake disc, so that sand won't get struck between the brake pads and the brake disc, and the brake disc remains useful when they are bent out of plain rubbing after using.
US08944207B2	Mid-engine chassis A chassis for a vehicle is suitable for mounting the engine of the vehicle between the forward and rear axle assemblies of the vehicle. A first forward rail is positioned opposite a second forward rail, and an engine cradle is positioned between the forward and rear axle assemblies. The engine cradle has first and second upper rails. A forward portion of the first upper rail is angled toward the second upper rail, and a rear portion of the first upper rail is angled toward the second upper rail. A middle portion of the first upper rail is parallel to a middle portion of the second upper rail. The engine cradle further includes first and second lower rails disposed below the first and second upper rails. A plurality of support members coupled the lower first and second lower rails to the first and second upper rails, respectively.
US08944205B2	Bicycle motor hub A hub electric motor unit for a motor-driven or motor-assisted vehicle, the vehicle comprising a frame, a wheel having a hub and a wheel rim connected to the hub by a plurality of spokes; the hub electric motor unit comprising a shaft connectable to the frame of the vehicle, a stator unit mounted on the hub shaft, a rotor disposed around and coaxially with the hub shaft; a hub shell rotatably mounted on the hub shaft, wherein the hub shell comprises two cap members axially disposed on respective sides of the rotor; wherein each cap member comprises a connecting part for connecting a respective subset of the spokes.
US08944199B2	Working vehicle The present invention provides a working vehicle, including a power source unit, an air intake passage, and an air exhaust passage all of which are arranged inside a roof portion, wherein the power source unit is disposed in a portion close to a center in a vehicle body width direction, the air intake passage guides air taken from an air intake port that is provided in a center portion in the vehicle body width direction, to the power source unit, and the air exhaust passage is bent in a planar view such that air supplied to the power source unit flows in a bent manner toward an air exhaust port that is provided in one end portion in the vehicle body width direction.
US08944188B2	Retaining arrangement, sub adaptor and/or drill spindle A retaining arrangement suitable for use with a drill string assembly having a sub adaptor and a drill spindle in use connected together, the retaining arrangement including: one or more retaining bodies, the or each retaining body comprising a connection region for removably connecting the or each retaining body to one of the sub adaptor and the drill spindle; and a first retaining or catch region adapted to catch the other of the sub adaptor and drill spindle.
US08944185B2	Systems and methods to reduce oscillations in magnetic couplings A drilling system includes a magnetic coupling and an oscillation absorber. The magnetic coupling has a rotor that rotates about an axis of rotation. The oscillation absorber is in operable communication with the magnetic coupling and includes an outer layer coupled to a separator layer of the magnetic coupling to form an enclosed area. An absorber shaft of the oscillation absorber is at least partially within the enclosed area and is coupled to the rotor. The absorber further includes an outer mover arranged such that rotation of the absorber shaft causes the outer mover to rotate due to interaction of inner absorber shaft magnets and outer mover magnets.
US08944183B2	Low frequency formation shear slowness from drilling noise derived quadrupole array data The present disclosure is related to apparatuses and methods measuring and processing a characteristic of subsurface earth formations penetrated by a borehole. More specifically this present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for measuring and processing an acoustic characteristic such as formation shear wave velocity of subsurface sonic waves after these waves traverse earth formations adjoining a borehole or passing through a portion of the subsurface. The apparatus may include: a bottomhole assembly, a drill bit configured to generate an acoustic signal, at least two acoustic detectors, and a processor. The acoustic signal may include a specific multipole signal that may propagate through an earth formation along the borehole. The method may include use of the apparatus, including steps for estimating a shear velocity of the acoustic signal using signals from the at least two acoustic detectors.
US08944181B2	Power tool with a torque clutch A driving section generates rotational driving force and has an output shaft that outputs the rotational driving force. An end-bit mounting section holds an end bit and is rotatable about a rotational axis. A friction clutch is provided between the end-bit mounting section and the driving section. The friction clutch includes a drive member and a follow member. The drive member rotates together with the driving section and has a drive-side contact surface. The follow member rotates together with the end-bit mounting section and has a follow-side contact surface contactable with the drive-side contact surface. The friction clutch is movable between a transmission position where frictional force is produced between the drive-side contact surface and the follow-side contact surface so that the output shaft and the end-bit mounting section can rotate together, and a cutoff position where the output shaft and the end-bit mounting section are non-rotatable together.
US08944176B2	Implement and method for preparing and maintaining dirt arena footing An implement is disclosed for smoothing grounds that include at least a compact base having a top surface and a lesser compact footing on top of the base. The implement includes a frame having a front portion, a central portion, a rear portion, and a width. Wheels are mounted for rotation directly to the frame, and tools are carried by the frame for engagement with the ground. The tools include a specially shaped cleaving blade connected to the rear portion of the frame by a tool support, which securely connects the cleaving blade at predetermined heights. The blade has a front shaving edge and a rear compressing edge. The blade extends straight across the width of the frame so as to maximize the drag displaced on the frame during use of the blade. Arrangement of the wheels directly on the frame provides optimal stabilization of the frame during operation of the blade.
US08944167B2	Multi-zone fracturing completion A wellbore completion is disclosed. The wellbore completion comprises a casing assembly comprising a plurality of casing lengths. At least one collar is positioned so as to couple the casing lengths. The at least one collar comprises a tubular body having an inner flow path and at least one fracture port configured to provide fluid communication between an outer surface of the collar and the inner flow path. A length of coiled tubing can be positioned in the casing assembly. The coiled tubing comprises an inner flow path, wherein an annulus is formed between the coiled tubing and the casing assembly. A bottom hole assembly is coupled to the coiled tubing. The bottom hole assembly comprises a fracturing aperture configured to provide fluid communication between the inner flow path of the coiled tubing and the annulus. A packer can be positioned to allow contact with the at least one collar when the packer is expanded. The packer is capable of isolating the annulus above the packer from the annulus below the packer so that fluid flowing down the coiled tubing can cause a pressure differential across the packer to thereby open the fracture port.
US08944161B2	Gripper assembly for downhole tools A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.
US08944158B2	Pipe clamp mechanism and method A pipe clamp mechanism and method for use with a pipe arm retracts beneath two laterally positioned pipe guide surfaces in a retracted position to allow a pipe to roll laterally into a pipe receptacle on the pipe arm along either of the two pipe guide surfaces. After at least one pipe is positioned within the pipe receptacle, then the pipe clamp utilizes one or more pipe clamps which extend outwardly of the pipe guide surfaces to clamp the pipe into the pipe receptacle.
US08944151B2	Method and apparatus for chip cooling In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for chip cooling. One embodiment of an apparatus for cooling a heat-generating device includes an inlet for receiving a fluid, a manifold comprising a plurality of apertures formed therein for decreasing the pressure of the fluid from a first pressure by adiabatic expansion for impinging the fluid on the heat-generating device once the pressure of the fluid is decreased from the first pressure.
US08944134B2	Apparatus and method for making a window covering having operable vanes An apparatus and associated method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening. The apparatus includes a support structure handling assembly, an operating element handling assembly, and a vane handling assembly. The handling assemblies process the respective materials to an assembly station to attach one portion of a vane to the operating elements, and another portion of the vane to the support structure, allowing movement of one portion of the vane relative to other portion of the vane.
US08944132B1	Retractable privacy screen and mounting fixture A mounting fixture that can be mounted horizontally, with a retractable privacy screen on a spring mounted roller, wherein the fixture comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are movingly engaged to open and close, wherein the roller is attached to the first surface, wherein the screen has an extended upward position and a retracted downward position wherein an extension member is attached to the shade and the first surface so that when the member is extended the screen is moved vertically to the extended upward position, and when the member is retracted, the screen is moved to the retracted downward position. The spring loaded roller keeps tension on the screen which prevents the extended screen from being unstable or floppy.
US08944131B1	Adhesive tape dispenser with automatic winding of releasable backing The invention is directed to an adhesive tape dispenser adapted for use with adhesive tape having a releasable backing such as wax paper, foil or vinyl often used in HVAC applications. The adhesive tape dispenser includes a handgrip for holding the tape dispenser in one hand during use, a finger switch provided on the handgrip and activated to operate a motorized gearing system for automatically removing and storing the releasable backing simultaneously while applying the adhesive tape to a surface, and a light source for illuminating dark or low lit surface areas.
US08944129B2	Apparatus for manufacturing a disposable wearing article A diaper manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: an oscillating mechanism disposed on a top-sheet continuous body while oscillating leg gathers; an outer holding mechanism holding the leg gathers disposed in a predetermined waveform by the oscillating mechanism; and a cutting mechanism having a blade section cutting the leg gathers held by the outer holding mechanism. The outer holding mechanism holds, out of a region formed in a predetermined waveform, an outer end region OT which includes an outer end of the leg gathers and on which an adhesive is not applied. The blade section is disposed inside, relative to a crossing direction, the outer end region OT held by the outer holding mechanism.
US08944127B1	Portable impulse welder A portable impulse welding assembly operable by an operator with a main air regulator receiving pressurized air for decreasing or maintaining air pressure to a first preset limit. A splitter simultaneously divides a first regulated air into first and second portions and a rod air regulator provides a first valve air to a first air flow conduit and a second air flow conduit. A pair of pneumatic cylinders mounted in the housing, each pneumatic cylinder having a rod, the pneumatic cylinders selectively receive air from the first air flow conduit to extend each rod from each pneumatic cylinder or receive air from the second air flow conduit causing each rod to retract into each pneumatic cylinder and a controller to control seal times and cool times and a laser pointer to ensure sealing accuracy.
US08944123B2	Pneumatic tire A pneumatic tire including a closed sipe in a land portion 3 formed in a tread surface, provided with at least three cuts extending in a radiation direction from an imaginary axis that extends in a depth direction of the land portion, and that terminate in the land portion. The cuts are provided with a spiral-like twist in the depth direction, centered on the imaginary axis, and a twist angle thereof is not less than 10° and not more than 135°. Additionally, a length in the radiation direction of the cuts or a width of the cuts is formed larger at a tread surface side than at a bottom surface side.
US08944121B2	Filling machine provided with a cleaning in place device with individual collecting elements A machine for filling containers, including a plurality of filling spouts, and a cleaning device comprising a plurality of individual tubular collecting elements rigidly mounted on a collection tube, and a device for moving the collection tube between a retracted position and a service position in which the collecting elements are in contact, via the upstream ends thereof, with the filling spouts. The collection tube laterally supports the collecting elements, such that, in the retracted position, the collecting elements are arranged between the filling spouts. The moving device capable of moving the collection tube from the retracted position thereof to the service position thereof by at least one downward vertical translational movement, followed by a horizontal movement.
US08944119B2	Method and system of gas refilling management for gas storage canister utilizing identification accessing control A method and system of gas refilling management for gas storage canister utilizing identification accessing control includes an identification information transmission device, a control device, and a gas refilling equipment, which are applicable for management of refilling of at least one storage canister. The storage canister is provided with an information identification label, which contains at least one record of canister information. By using the identification information transmission device to first read the information contained in the label of a storage canister, the control device may then set a refilling condition based on which the gas refilling equipment carries out a refilling operation to the storage canister, so as to suit for management of refilling various types of gas storage canisters to provide the best performance in a practical application.
US08944106B2	Slide lock gas delivery system A gas supply system that is easily assembled and/or installed and includes an initially flexible clamping system that allows for the gas supply system to adapt to the gas components. As the assembly of the gas components is complete, the clamping system becomes rigid thereby securing the gas components to a support rail. The slide lock gas delivery system allows a gas system component bottom surface to establish the sealing plane for the inlet and outlet seals independently. The lateral spacing for the gas component mounting holes float during assembly to reduce the opportunity for misalignment.
US08944102B1	Gas burst injection valve Valve assemblies are described that provide bursts of gas between fluids to furnish separation between the fluids. A valve assembly includes a first valve member having ports configured to connect to an external loop, an output, and a vent, and ports configured to receive a first fluid, a second fluid, and a pressurized gas. The valve assembly further includes a second valve member coupled adjacent the first valve member having channels configured to connect the external loop to the second fluid for charging the external loop with the second fluid, and to connect the external loop to the output for supplying the second fluid from the external loop to the output. The second valve member also has one or more channels for receiving a burst of the pressurized gas via a port of the first valve member and supplying the pressurized gas to the output and/or to the external loop.
US08944097B2	Decompression valve In a decompression valve, a valve mechanism housed in a body has a valve body that can be seated on a valve seat facing a valve chamber into which high pressure fluid is introduced, and a valve shaft that has one end linked to a pressure receiving member operable in association with pressure of a decompression chamber communicating with a valve hole surrounded by the valve seat and that extends through the valve hole while having the other end facing a back pressure chamber communicating with the decompression chamber, and the valve body is fitted around the outer periphery of the valve shaft. The valve body (36) is fitted around the outer periphery of the valve shaft (35) while allowing circulation of fluid between the valve chamber (32) and the back pressure chamber (65) via a space between the valve body (36) and the valve shaft (35), and an annular seal member (46) present between the valve chamber (32) and the back pressure chamber (65) is disposed between the outer periphery of the valve body (36) and a guide member (30) fixed to the body (16) so as to guide axial movement of the valve shaft (35). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a number of seal members for providing sealing between a valve chamber and a decompression chamber and thus to reduce the cost.
US08944096B2	Method and device for controlling the pressure and/or flow rate of fluid A method for controlling the pressure and/or the flow rate of a fluid includes withdrawing flow energy from a fluid flowing through a pipeline (15). This energy is converted at least partially into electrical energy and used for the electrical control (65) of the flow rate and/or the pressure of a fluid. The device for controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid in a pipeline (20) has at least one electric generator (35), which is developed for the withdrawal of flow energy from a flowing fluid and for converting this energy at least partially into electrical energy. The device has a control mechanism (65) for controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid in a pipeline (20) with an electric driving mechanism supplied by the generator (35).
US08944095B2	Gas supply apparatus for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus There is provided a gas supply apparatus 10 which does not necessitate installation of a pressure type flow controller for each processing reactor and which enables a compact construction of the flow controller. The gas supply apparatus 10 includes gas supply sources 11a, 11b, gas introduction pipes 13a, 13b, a main gas pipe 15, and branch pipes 21a, 21b. A pressure type flow controller 30 is provided for the main gas pipe 15 and the branch pipes 21a, 21b. The pressure type flow controller 30 includes a pressure detector 17 provided in the main gas pipe 15, and control valves 23a, 23b and orifices 22a, 22b, both provided in the branch pipes 21a, 21b. An arithmetic circuit 40 determines a flow rate Qc based on a detected pressure P1 from the pressure detector 17, and an arithmetic control circuit 58 controls the control valves 23a, 23b based on a set flow rate signal Qs from a flow rate setting circuit 52 and on the flow rate Qc from the arithmetic circuit 40.
US08944094B2	Adaptor for use with a valve fitment for dispensing fluids This invention relates to an adaptor that is used with a valve fitment assembly used to dispense fluids or flowable materials from a container. The adaptor is utilized in conjunction with the valve fitment assembly to allow the fitment assembly to be used with a spout and valve assembly attached to a container holding fluid. This invention also relates to a process for dispensing fluid using the adapter described herein.
US08944087B2	Emergency drainage device for enclosed compartments A drainage device for placement on a housing includes an external plug component and a liquid expandable component. The external plug component has a first cap section and a second attachment section. The first cap section is positionable over an exterior side of a housing wall. The first attachment section is adapted to attach the drainage device to an opening in the housing wall. The liquid expandable component contacts the external plug component and is adapted to contact a structure within the housing when the drainage device is placed on the housing. Characteristically, the liquid expandable component has a higher volume when contacted with liquid than when dry. The liquid expandable component pushes the internal plug component away from the structure within the housing when the liquid expandable component transitions from a non-liquid-containing state to a liquid containing state thereby providing a path for liquid to escape.
US08944078B2	Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method and storage medium Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus capable of drying a substrate to be processed while suppressing a pattern collapse or occurrence of contamination. In a processing vessel, a substrate is immersed in a liquid in the longitudinal direction, and the liquid is pushed out by a substitution fluid of a supercritical state to be discharged from the processing vessel. Thereafter, the substitution fluid subjected to the substitution with the liquid is discharged from the processing vessel to depressurize the processing vessel, and the substitution fluid is changed from the supercritical state to a gaseous state to dry the substrate.
US08944070B2	Non-force reflecting method for providing tool force information to a user of a telesurgical system Tool force information is provided to a user of a telesurgical system using an alternative modality other than force reflection on a master manipulator, such as providing the information on user-visible, user-audible, or haptic “buzz” or “viscosity” indicators, so as to allow expanded processing, including amplification, of the information, while not significantly affecting the stability of the telesurgical system or any closed-loop control systems in the telesurgical system.
US08944067B2	Targeted delivery of magnetically tagged active agents in combination with negative pressure wound therapy Methods and systems for treating a wound using targeted delivery of magnetically-tagged active agents in combination with negative pressure wound therapy are presented. In particular, a magnetically-active wound insert may be used to attract magnetically-tagged stem cells to a wound site to treat the wound.
US08944056B2	Humidification arrangement for a respiratory apparatus A humidifying apparatus utilizing a semi-permeable membrane portion within a gas conduit where the direction of gas flow within a central lumen is given by an arrow. The humidification apparatus has a helical configuration for the semi-permeable membrane portion, a structural reinforcing member or members, a water channel and a heating element. The helical configuration of an outer wall may be similar to conventional conduits that are in common use in respiratory apparatus. Thus the humidification apparatus may be readily substituted into existing respiratory device by exchanging the gas conduit.
US08944055B2	Inhaler An inhaler is disclosed. It comprises a housing to receive a strip having a surface and a plurality of blister pockets depending from said surface. Each blister pocket contains a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user. The inhaler has a blister strip drive mechanism including a blister strip drive member shaped to contact the strip along a line defined by the crease between a blister pocket and said surface, to drive said strip.
US08944053B2	Meter for fluid or powdery product dispensing device A counter including a body (460), and first and second rotary counter elements (410, 420) assembled in the body (460). The first counter element (410) co-operating with an actuator member (1430) on each actuation and including an interconnection for interconnecting with the second counter element (420). The interconnection is actuated on every tenth actuation. The first counter element (410) is provided with a first peripheral edge portion (412) including counter indices and a first set of teeth. The second counter element (420) is provided with a second peripheral edge portion (422) including counter indices and with a third set of teeth. The peripheral edge portions (412, 422) are radially coplanar and have a different axis. The counter elements (410, 420) have offset and parallel axes of rotation offset and are urged into contact with each other at a point that is situated at a common counter and/or display zone.
US08944048B2	Apparatus and methods of providing diatomic oxygen (O2) using ferrate(VI)-containing compositions Methods of generating oxygen (O2) are described in which ferrate(VI) is combined with an acid.
US08944047B2	Device for converting solar energy The invention relates to a device (10) for converting solar energy, comprising a solar radiation capturing unit (11) comprising at least one lens having a entry surface (11a) for the incident solar radiation and an exit surface (11b) for emitting the solar radiation in refracted form to a solar radiation concentrating unit (12) comprising a reflector surface (12a) for reflecting the solar radiation incident on the reflector surface (12a) from the exit surface of the lens (11b) to at least one target area (13) of the solar radiation concentrating unit (12). The device (10) comprises positioning means (14) for orienting the solar radiation capturing unit (11) and the solar radiation concentrating unit (12) with respect to each other through rotation about at least one axis (11′) perpendicular to a plane formed by the lens.
US08944046B2	Apparatus and method for solar energy collection and conversion The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).
US08944045B2	Self-heatable container A self-heating container and a method of manufacturing the container. The container has a simple structure in which the metallic outer body holds the consumable product, and a metallic inner body and plastic housing contain the two components which react to produce the heat for the self-heating function. A lower lid is crimped over flanges on the lower ends of the inner body and the outer body, forming a double seal. When a flexible portion of the housing is pressed, a seal is punctured, causing the two components to mix and generate heat through an exothermic chemical reaction which heats the contents of the container.
US08944044B2	One-piece fastening element for a cooking hob and a cooking hob with one-piece fastening elements The present invention relates to a one-piece fastening element (10) with a cooking hob (24). The fastening element (10) comprises an upper portion (12) being permanently connectable to an upper part (26) of the cooking hob (24) and a lower portion (14) being detachably connectable to a lower part (28) of the cooking hob (24), so that the upper part (26) and the lower part (28) form the cooking hob (10). The lower portion (14) of the fastening element (10) comprises at least one lug element (18) engageable with a recess (30) in the lower part (28) of the cooking hob (24) and at least one spring element (22) for clamping the cooking hob (24) within a cutout (38) enclosing circumferentially said cooking hob (24). Further, the present invention relates to a cooking hob with such one-piece fastening elements.
US08944041B2	Firearm firing system A firearm firing mechanism is so configured that a hammer is retained by a front retaining block before pressing a trigger; pressing the trigger slightly at a first stage causes a main bar to bias a rear retaining block and the front retaining block backwardly at a relatively smaller angle to release the hammer in performing a single-shot action; pressing the trigger heavily at a second stage causes the main bar at a relatively longer distance so that the hammer is kept away from the front retaining block when it is returned, and the hammer is secured by the rear retaining block upon a backward displacement of a bolt and backward biasing of the hammer, and a linkage is forced to move the rear retaining block in releasing the hammer for firing when the bolt is forward again, and a continuous multi-shot firing action is performed by means of repeating this operation.
US08944036B2	Exhaust gas recirculation in a reciprocating engine with continuously regenerating particulate trap An engine and a method of operating an engine. One method includes: routing air to both a donor and a non-donor cylinder of an engine; combusting an air fuel mixture in the cylinders; routing exhaust gas from the non-donor cylinder through an exhaust manifold; and recirculating exhaust gas from the donor cylinder through an aftertreatment system and a cooler back to the intake manifold. Another method includes: recirculating exhaust gas from a first cylinder of an engine to an intake stream or air-fuel mixture of the engine, whereby: the recirculated exhaust gas from the first cylinder flows through an after treatment system; and the recirculated exhaust gas is cooled to a lower temperature after the after treatment system; and routing exhaust gas from the second cylinder through an exhaust manifold.
US08944033B2	Limp home capable dual fuel engine and machine using same A dual fuel engine powers a machine by burning natural gas and liquid diesel fuel. When operating in a low load mode, some of the engine cylinders are fueled with a high ratio of diesel/gas, and the remaining cylinders are unfueled. When operating in a high load mode, all of the engine cylinders are fueled with a low ratio of diesel/gas. When operating in a limp home mode, the fuel injectors are configured to inject only diesel fuel into all of the plurality of engine cylinders.
US08944030B2	Fuel supply apparatus The fuel supply apparatus optimizes the timing of performing the fuel pressure change indication and the fuel injection timing to suppress the real fuel injection amount from being differentiated from the target fuel injection amount even at the time of the fuel pressure being changed, thereby improving fuel consumption. The ECU judges that the fuel pressure change request is generated (“YES” in Step S11), and calculates the change retarding time t1 (Step S12) when the fuel pressure is at the low pressure side, and the ECU determines that the vehicle is in the warming-up state, or that the fuel is at the high temperature. The ECU sets the change timing to avoid the timing of injecting the fuel from overlapping the changing timing of the fuel pressure with reference to the injection timing of the fuel injection control (Step S13).
US08944022B2	Pump assembly for internal combustion engine In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a drive mechanism coupled to the crankshaft and an oil pump actuated by the drive mechanism. The engine also includes a vacuum pump actuated by the drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism, oil pump and vacuum pump are disposed in an oil pan and a housing disposed between the oil pump and vacuum pump configured to enclose at least a portion the drive mechanism and restrict a flow of oil from the oil pan into the housing to reduce aeration of the oil during operation of the internal combustion engine.
US08944019B2	Variable valve mechanism The present invention provides a variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine which includes a rotary cam, an output arm, an input member, and a switching device that switches between a coupled state and a non-coupled state. The variable valve mechanism changes a drive state of the valve by the switching operation. The input member includes an annular input roller that contacts the rotary cam, and a swing pin that is inserted into the input roller so as to rotatably support the input roller and that swings relative to the output arm when in the non-coupled state. A center of the relative swinging movement is located at a position different from a rotation center of the input roller which is located inward of the input roller.
US08944018B2	Cooling strategy for engine head with integrated exhaust manifold A cooling apparatus for an integrated exhaust manifold includes: a first cooling jacket configured to surround a portion of an exhaust manifold; and a second cooling jacket configured to surround another portion of the exhaust manifold. The first cooling jacket includes a first portion sitting atop the second cooling jacket and a second portion adjacent the second cooling jacket and positioned lower than the first portion.
US08944001B2	Automated position locator for a height sensor in a dispensing system Apparatus and methods of determining a position of a height sensor in a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a dispenser, height sensor, camera, and a calibration device configured to receive a signal from the height sensor. The calibration device may include an optical sensor that generates an alignment signal in response to receiving light from the height sensor and/or a fiducial that causes the height sensor to generate the alignment signal in response to a detected height change. The alignment signal is used to automatically determine the position at which the height sensor is aligned with the calibration device. The position of the height sensor relative to a camera is determined by aligning the camera with the calibration device and recording its position. The recorded coordinates of the camera are compared to the coordinates of the height sensor when the height sensor is automatically aligned with the calibration device.
US08943997B2	Hot melt glue applicator An apparatus for transferring adhesive material to portions of filter elements that are displaced relative to the apparatus includes a dispenser from which heated adhesive material is discharged, a transfer arrangement that receives discharged adhesive material and transfers the discharged adhesive material to the portions of the elements as they are displaced, and a cooling arrangement. The cooling arrangement cooperates with the transfer arrangement to cool the discharged adhesive material while the adhesive material is carried by the transfer arrangement to the adhesive material receiving portions of the elements. A process by which adhesive material is transferred to adhesive material receiving portions of the filter elements, as well as an air line panel filter produced by that process, are also discussed.
US08943992B1	Remote autonomous replenishment buoy for sea surface craft An apparatus for servicing one or more water vessels, in particular, the invention is directed towards an autonomous replenishment buoy for fueling one or more water vessels. The autonomous replenishment buoy has a first configuration when not servicing water vessels, and a second configuration when performing fueling or other servicing functions. The autonomous replenishment buoy may float at the surface of the water, or may be moored beneath the surface of the water in the first configuration when not servicing water vessels. The autonomous replenishment buoy may transform from the first configuration to the second configuration to perform fueling and other services on water vessels.
US08943981B2	Reinforced plastic pallet A pallet including top and bottom decks supported in spaced apart relationship by a plurality of post assemblies. A reinforcement assembly is encapsulated within at least one of the top or bottom deck. The reinforcement assembly includes at least one reinforcement rod having opposed ends and a plurality of reinforcement caps. Each reinforcement cap has an outer member defining a closed end and an open end and an inner compensation structure within the outer member and defining a stop surface spaced from the outer member open end such that an initial open area is defined within the outer cap member. A respective rod end is received in the initial open area. The inner compensation structure is configured to deform to accommodate a relative position change between the cap member and the reinforcement rod end.
US08943975B2	Roller coaster ride element with movement in a second driving direction A roller coaster ride system comprising a first track section which is adapted to guide a passenger car and a second track section which extends in a first plane. The roller coaster ride system is characterized in that the second track section is attached to a platform which is moveably guided on a frame in a second plane that is inclined in relation to the first plane, in particular perpendicular thereto, and that the second track section can be coupled in a first position to the first track section in order to transfer a passenger car from the first track section to the second track section, and can be in a second position is spatially offset along the second plane relative to the first position.
US08943974B1	Wall breaching fragmentation projectile A wall breaching explosive fragmentation ammunition having a tungsten alloy nose cap with ceramic cone nose which make possible penetration into a hardened target with survivability of the warhead. The ammunition employs a unitary construction with fuze completely within the projectile's shell case. The ammunition has an external plastic rotating band which also encloses an induction antenna. The antenna may signal the fuze on a wire, through a hole in the shell case. The fuze signals may be fed through a gun barrel, then picked up on the antenna. The ammunition also employs a controlled pattern fragmentation mechanism incorporating a patterned plastic liner.
US08943971B1	Compounded high explosive composites for impact mitigation Compounded High Explosive Composites provide a novel family of low-cost explosives that exhibit anisotropic (directionally dependent, non-symmetric) sensitivity properties to replace current homogenous plastic bonded high explosives that are vulnerable to unwanted detonation from a variety of hazards and operating conditions. Anisotropic sensitivity behavior is largely achieved by manipulating the bulk property of critical diameter to fine-tune the compounded geometry of the explosive composite. As such, Compounded High Explosive Composites represent structural arrangements of small, spatially distributed, highly consolidated explosive units (pellets) arranged in a prescribed (but versatile) fashion in a motion and energy-dampening rubbery matrix. The compounded geometry and structural arrangement allows the explosive pellets to function cooperatively and detonate in an exemplary orientation, while ensuring the pellets do not cooperate in other directions to mitigate against known vulnerabilities and threats.
US08943962B2	Printing device, printing method and computer-readable storage medium storing program for executing the printing method A printing device includes: a transfer roller and a supporting unit for supporting a target substrate to be printed in which a printing pattern formed on the transfer roller is printed onto the target substrate by rotating the transfer roller on the target substrate. The printing device further includes: an adjusting mechanism which is configured to extend/contract the printing pattern formed on the transfer roller along a rotational direction of the transfer roller by adjusting a pressing amount of the target substrate against the transfer roller based on position information on a pattern printed on the target substrate when the transfer roller is rotated on the target substrate.
US08943960B2	Unique process for printing multiple color indicia upon web substrates A process for printing a web substrate in contacting engagement with an external surface of a central roll of a contact printing system is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: a) providing the central roll with a plurality of cells disposed upon an outer surface thereof; b) providing a first fluid satisfying a first system of equations to a first of the cells from a position internal to the central roll; c) providing a second fluid satisfying a second system of equations to a second of the cells from a position internal to the central roll; d) contactingly engaging the web substrate with the external surface of said central roll and, e) fluidically displacing the first and second fluids from the first and second cells onto the web substrate.
US08943958B2	Apparatus for applying indicia having a large color gamut on web substrates A contact printing system is disclosed. The contact printing system has a central roll having a plurality of discrete cells disposed upon an outer surface thereof. Adjacent cells of the plurality of discrete cells each have a fluid disposed therein from a respective location internal to the central roll. Each fluid is disposable from each of the cells to a web substrate and provides a resultant color upon the web substrate having a 2-D gamut boundary represented by a defined system of CIELab equations.
US08943943B2	Explosive carrier end plates for charge-carriers used in perforating guns Explosive carrier end plates for charge-carriers utilized in guns for the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun is mounted coupled vertically with similar guns inside the casing of the well, and each gun is a hollow cylinder in the interior of which there is a corresponding tubular carrier that has multiple peripheral mountings for a radial placement of the shaped-charges. The carrier is mounted in the gun by means of a top insulating end plate that has a retractable electrical spring contact capable of pushing upwards, and a bottom insulating end plate. The end plates have a centering clip for anchoring in a respective window of the cylindrical wall of the carrier. Both end plates have a single removable insert axially fitted between two tubular inserts, which present reciprocal guiding and positioning means for a pin-keyway slot to enable mounting with the end plate. A pin and groove are provided between the peripheral cylindrical walls of end plates and the gun's wall, for anchoring in and positioning the end plate to guide the exit of each jet of the shaped charges.
US08943942B1	Anti-fratricide responsive ordnance system An anti-fratricide responsive ordnance system that uses the power of a friendly radio frequency signal to detect and identify a friendly force. Upon identification, an electronic safe and arm device disarms the munition when it enters a kill radius of the friendly force emitting the friendly radio signal.
US08943923B2	Steering system In a steering system including a lock mechanism, at a time of locking, a first cam that is rotated together with a lock shaft generates a pressing force for pushing up an inner tube in an upward tilt direction. A second cam that is rotated together with the lock shaft presses an abutting portion of an urging member in a downward tilt direction. The abutting portion of the urging member applies a pressing reaction force in the upward tilt direction, to the second cam. The pressing reaction force serves as a force for pushing up the first cam in the upward tilt direction, through the second cam and the lock shaft.
US08943915B2	Attachment structure for output sprocket wheel An output sprocket wheel attachment structure includes a coned disk spring fitted with an output power shaft is abutted with and positioned by a stepped portion. An output sprocket wheel spline-fitted with spline grooves formed at an outer side portion of the output power shaft with respect to the stepped portion is pressed by the coned disk spring. A cap nut which engages with male threads formed at an end portion of the output power shaft is restricted and fixed at a bottom face thereof by and to an axial end of the output power shaft. Movement in an axial direction of the output sprocket wheel pressed by the coned disk spring is restricted by an opening end portion of the cap nut.
US08943910B2	Enhanced surface sampler and process for collection and release of analytes An enhanced swipe sampler and method of making are described. The swipe sampler is made of a fabric containing selected glass, metal oxide, and/or oxide-coated glass or metal fibers. Fibers are modified with silane ligands that are directly attached to the surface of the fibers to functionalize the sampling surface of the fabric. The swipe sampler collects various target analytes including explosives and other threat agents on the surface of the sampler.
US08943904B2	Load cell for screw piling power head A system to measure the installation torque of a screw pile comprises machinery suitable to drive the screw pile into the ground, said machinery further comprising a rotary drive suspended by means of a universal joint-type coupler. A load pin, having at least one sensor, is mounted through the universal joint-type coupler as a pivot pin and is oriented within the universal joint-type coupler so that at least some of the installation torque is transmitted through said load pin and is measurable by said at least one sensor. Preferably, the load pin further comprises a pair of bores and a plurality of sensors are provided and mounted within the bores. More preferably, a differential bridge network is used to obtain a measurable signal from the plurality of sensors.
US08943903B1	Line spacing in mesh designs for touch sensors In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a touch sensor that includes a mesh of conductive material configured to extend across a display that includes multiple pixels that each include sub-pixels. The mesh includes multiple first and second lines of conductive material. The first lines are substantially parallel to each other, and the second lines are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the pixels has a first pixel pitch (PPx) along a first axis and a second pixel pitch (PPy) along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first pixel pitch is a distance between corresponding features of two adjacent pixels along the first axis, and the second pixel pitch is a distance between corresponding features of two adjacent pixels along the second axis. Each of the sub-pixels has a first sub-pixel pitch (SPPx) along the first axis.
US08943901B2	Fluid flow meter Systems and methods for determining a flow rate or volume of fluid. The system includes a positive displacement meter including a plurality of non-contact sensors and gears configured to rotate in response to fluid flow through the meter. The gears may include detectable areas that may be sensed by the plurality of non-contact sensors to determine a rotational direction of the gears. The plurality of non-contact sensors may also be configured to generate respective detection signals indicative of a rotation state of the gears. The controller may be configured to receive the detection signals, determine a current rotation state, and increment a rotational count based on the changes in the current rotation state. The controller may use the rotational count to determine a flow rate or volume of fluid.
US08943898B2	Display bender and method of testing flexible display Some embodiments include an apparatus for testing flexible displays. The apparatus can include: (a) a first clamp configured to receive a first end of the flexible display; (b) a second clamp configured to receive a second end of the flexible display, wherein the second end of the flexible display is opposite the first end of the flexible display; and (c) a test column. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed herein.
US08943890B2	Inertial sensor One inertial sensor detects an acceleration in a driving direction as well as an angular rate about one axis and an acceleration in a detecting direction at the same time. A driving-direction acceleration detecting unit is provided to members vibrating in mass members on the left and right via an elastic body. In this manner, when an acceleration is applied in the driving direction, the mass members on the left and right normally vibrated with a same amplitude and in opposite phases have displacement amounts in a same phase, and the driving-direction acceleration detecting unit detects the displacement amounts in the same phase as a capacitance change, thereby detecting the acceleration in the driving direction.
US08943879B2	Apparatus for detecting steering torque and steering angle and steering system having the same Disclosed herein are a steering torque and steering angle measurement apparatus, the present invention including a stator fixed to an output shaft, a magnet disposed at the inner part of the stator and being fixed to an input shaft, a torque sensor measuring a steering torque by sensing a magnetic field produced between the stator and the magnet, and a steering angle signal generation part measuring the steering angle by outputting an ON signal ordinary times and outputting an OFF signal at each preset rotation duration of the output shaft when the output shaft rotates, thereby reducing a component number, simplifying a manufacturing process and saving a cost price.
US08943869B2	Multiple clamp type stretching and forming machine A multiple clamp type stretching and forming machine is composed of multiple material clamping mechanisms (1), multiple material stretching mechanisms (2) and a frame (3). The material clamping mechanism (1) is composed of a material clamping frame (7), material clamping blocks (8, 9) and a hydraulic cylinder (6) for clamping material. The two sides of the frame (3) are arranged with a row of multiple material clamping mechanisms (1), respectively. The material clamping frame (7) of each material clamping mechanism (1) is provided with one or two connecting holes (5), which connect with one or more material stretching mechanisms (2) through a universal push-pull mechanism (4). The stretching and forming machine can improve the utilization ratio of the material, and reduce the manufacturing cost.
US08943859B2	Detergent case and washing machine having the same A detergent case which includes a liquid detergent accommodation space, a siphon pipe protruded upwardly from a bottom surface of the liquid detergent accommodation space, and a siphon cap surrounding the siphon pipe. The detergent case also includes a remaining water discharge hole formed on a bottom surface of the liquid detergent accommodation space, and an opening and closing unit to open and close the remaining water discharge hole due to buoyancy of a liquid accommodated within the liquid detergent accommodation space.
US08943852B2	Refrigerator including ice making device A refrigerator, which includes an ice making compartment, an ice making device arranged in the ice making compartment, and an ice making tray provided at the ice making device and configured to receive and retain water to be frozen to make ice. The refrigerator also includes a cold air inlet provided at the ice making compartment and configured to allow cold air to be introduced into the cold air compartment, and a cold air guide configured to guide cold air from the cold air inlet toward the ice making tray.
US08943845B2	Window air conditioner demand supply management response An appliance for conditioning air of an associated room and an associated method for controlling an air conditioner are disclosed, the controller selectively adjusting operation of the air conditioning appliance based on historical operating data. The controller adjusts a set-point of the appliance for a preselected period of time in response to the historical operating data of the appliance when the appliance operates in an energy savings mode. The controller is configured to receive and process data relating to the rate of change in the temperature. Further, an override feature may be included to maintain operation of the appliance in a normal operation mode if ambient temperature reaches a predetermined threshold value. Another feature is that the controller determines whether the compressor has been operational less than a preselected period of time and, if so, the compressor is operated until such time period has elapsed.
US08943840B2	Mounting assembly A mounting assembly 2 for mounting a gearbox 10 to a gas turbine engine, comprising a mount ring 4 and a spigot pin 8 having a flange 22 at one end. The spigot pin 8 extends radially outwardly through a bore 14 in the mount ring 4 for engagement with a gearbox 10 and the flange 22 locates against a radially inner surface of the mount ring 4. The bore 14 supports the spigot pin 8 and dissipates forces exerted on the spigot pin 8, for example forces generated during a fan blade-off event.
US08943835B2	Gas turbine engine combustor with CMC heat shield and methods therefor A combustor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The combustor is described as comprising a dome plate coupled to a liner thereof, with at least one heat shield comprised of a ceramic matrix composite coupled at the aft end of the dome plate. Also described is a method for assembling a combustor for a gas turbine engine, including releasing a metal alloy heat shield from a dome plate and providing a ceramic matrix composite heat shield as replacement.
US08943833B2	Fuel flexible fuel injector A disclosed fuel injector provides mixing of fuel with airflow by surrounding a swirled fuel flow with first and second swirled airflows that ensures mixing prior to or upon entering the combustion chamber. Fuel tubes produce a central fuel flow along with a central airflow through a plurality of openings to generate the high velocity fuel/air mixture along the axis of the fuel injector in addition to the swirled fuel/air mixture.
US08943826B2	Engine A combustor of a gas turbine engine is fed with liquid ammonia and that liquid ammonia is burned to drive a turbine. Inside the exhaust passage of the gas turbine engine, an NOX selective reduction catalyst is arranged. Inside the intake air which flows into the compressor, liquid ammonia is fed. This liquid ammonia is used to cool the intake air. The NOX which is contained in the exhaust gas is reduced by the unburned ammonia which is exhausted into the exhaust passage by the NOX selective reduction catalyst.
US08943824B2	Water turbine having blades containing inflatable elements A water turbine for producing energy in flowing water systems, which can be easily adapted to different usage conditions and enables comparatively high efficiency. The turbine has blades that are pivotably disposed between turbine wheels by joints on the outside circumference of the turbine wheels. An inflatable element is disposed on at least one of the blades and extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheels.
US08943819B2	Hydraulic system A hydraulic system includes a variable displacement first pump, a first linear actuator fluidly connected to the first pump via a first closed-loop circuit, a variable displacement second pump, and second and third linear actuators fluidly connected to the second pump in parallel via a second closed-loop circuit. The system also includes a variable displacement third pump, a fourth linear actuator fluidly connected to the third pump via a third closed-loop circuit, a variable displacement fourth pump, and a first rotary actuator fluidly connected to the fourth pump via a fourth closed-loop circuit. The system further includes a second rotary actuator fluidly connected to the second pump in parallel with the second and third linear actuators. The system also includes a third rotary actuator fluidly connected to the third pump in parallel with the fourth linear actuator.
US08943810B2	Exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine The present invention is intended to suppress, in an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine capable of mixing and combusting liquid fuel and compressed natural gas, an excessive rise in temperature of an exhaust gas purification device at the time when the exhaust gas purification device is caused to regenerate. In the exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention, when the liquid fuel and the compressed natural gas are caused to mix and combust in the internal combustion engine at the time of regenerating the exhaust gas purification device, an amount of HC to be supplied to the exhaust gas purification device from an HC supply device is decreased in comparison with the time when only the liquid fuel is caused to combust in the internal combustion engine.
US08943806B2	Working gas circulation engine In a working gas circulation engine, water vapor contained in exhaust gas after combustion is separated and removed at higher efficiency as compared with the conventional technology, the influence of remaining water vapor is prevented from reducing the ratio of specific heats of working gas and deteriorating the thermal efficiency of the engine.A working gas circulation engine which comprises a circulation passage part which connects an inlet port communicated to a combustion chamber and an exhaust port communicated to the combustion chamber in the exterior of the combustion chamber, supplies fuel, oxygen, and working gas to the combustion chamber to burn the fuel in the combustion chamber, and supplies the working gas contained in the exhaust gas discharged through the exhaust port from the combustion chamber to the combustion chamber through the circulation passage part and the inlet port. The working gas circulation engine comprises a water vapor condensing means which interposes in said circulation passage part and has an entrance part and an exit part, the water vapor condensing means removes water vapor from gas flowing thereinto through the entrance part from said circulation passage part by condensing water vapor contained in the gas and discharges the gas from the exit part to said circulation passage part, a gas pressure detecting means to detect the pressure of the gas flowing into said water vapor condensing means, and a gas pressure adjusting means to adjust the pressure detected by said gas pressure detecting means.
US08943801B2	Multi-port valve A valve (10) may be used with an internal combustion engine exhaust breathing system (12) and may include a body (60), a partition (62), and a plate (66). The body (60) may define a first port (70) that has a first interior surface (76), and may also define a second port (82) that has a second interior surface (84). The partition (62) may be located within the body (60), may at least partially separate the first port (70) and the second port (82) from each other, and may define an opening (104). The plate (66) may be dimensioned to seat and seal against the opening (104) and against the first and second interior surfaces (76, 84). The plate (66) may rotate, depending on predetermined factors, between a first position and a second position.
US08943800B2	Air-fuel ratio control apparatus When an internal combustion engine (1) is determined to be in a low-temperature start state (an affirmative determination is made in S120), an air-fuel ratio control apparatus (10) controls the temperature of a downstream detection element (17) of a downstream gas sensor (15) to a downstream target temperature by driving a downstream heater (16) of the downstream gas sensor (15) (S170), and feedback-controls the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas based on the output of the downstream gas sensor (15) (S190). When the engine (1) is determined not to be in the low-temperature start state (a negative determination is made in S120), the air-fuel ratio control apparatus (10) drives an upstream heater (25) of an upstream gas sensor (22) and feedback-controls the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas based on the output of the upstream gas sensor (22) (S270).
US08943793B2	Rear section of aircraft nacelle and nacelle equipped with such rear section The invention relates to a rear section (11) of an aircraft nacelle, that comprises two halves (13a, 13b) defining: a central portion (C) for receiving a turbojet engine (7), a cool-air annular passage (31) provided around said central portion (C), and at least one six-hour cavity (15) provided under said central portion (C). The rear section is characterized in that it comprises at least one duct (29a, 29b) for the fluidic communication between said annular passage (31) and said six-hour cavity (15) for maintaining the temperature inside the six-hour cavity (15) within a relatively low range.
US08943789B2	Hybrid core rope The present invention is to provide a hybrid core rope which does not require maintenance or a hybrid core rope capable of reducing a maintenance task. The hybrid core rope includes a resin solid core in which a plurality of spiral grooves is formed in the longitudinal direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a plurality of fiber bundles respectively spirally wound around the outer peripheral surface of the resin solid core along the plurality of spiral grooves, the fiber bundles having thickness to fill the spiral grooves, and a plurality of steel strands spirally wound around the outer peripheral surface of the resin solid core around which the fiber bundles are wound. The fiber bundles and the strands are respectively wound so as to have angles which are not parallel to each other.
US08943785B2	Automated high-throughput seed processing apparatus An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.
US08943778B2	Drywall backing apparatus and method of installing same A drywall backing apparatus for metal studding consists of a two-limb backing member, with one limb extending orthogonal to the other to present a generally L-shaped form. The metal studding comprises a plurality of U-shaped studs, the flanges of which have overturned edges for engagement and registration with grooves in the backing member which bridges and is secured by fasteners to successive studs to provide suitable fixing for wall furniture.
US08943772B2	Grooved panel covering for providing a varying pattern of shading To obtain a covering on a supporting structure that has a visual appearance that varies with the angle of light from a light source impinging on the covering, there are provided parquet blocks having reference edges and top surfaces with geometric forms in parallel relationship extending to a higher elevation than the block's adjacent surface portions and extending at angles relative to the reference edges that varies from that of other blocks. The parquet blocks in plan view 5 be of varying shapes such as rectangular, triangular, etc. while the geometric forms may be, for example, any one of parallel ridges, lands between parallel slots, rows of selected shapes in linearly spaced, linear alignment, etc. Indicia may be provided on the blocks together with a chart having markings facilitating selecting and adhering the blocks to the supporting structure to obtain the desired pattern.
US08943767B2	Cover device and cover device kit A cover device kit includes: a plurality of heat insulation components comprising a lightweight construction material such as synthetic resin foam capable of being transported in a disassembled state and then quickly assembled into a box-shaped heat barrier structure having six sides including an opening on an open side for covering an opening in a floor or wall of a building. Four of the plurality of heat insulation components 14, 16, 18, 20 each includes two complimentary connections for uniting with two corresponding adjacent heat insulation components of the plurality of heat insulation components when assembled into four side walls of the box-shaped heat barrier structure 10. The cover 12 serves as a fifth heat insulation component and unites with the four components 14, 16, 18, 20 that constitute side walls of the box-shaped structure and is situated opposite the opening on the open side.
US08943765B2	Brace for solar module array A brace for connecting the frames of adjacent solar modules can include one or more lower lips and one or more upper lips configured to capture an outer edge of a solar module frame. The brace can include a removable top so as to facilitate connection and disconnection of the couplers and solar modules. Additionally, the brace can be configured to allow a solar module to be engaged and disengaged by hooking the frame onto the brace then tilting the frame relative to the brace. The brace can include features for achieving a snap fit with solar module frames.
US08943758B2	Shelter A shelter including a wall unit having walls. Each wall has a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposite side edges extending between the top and bottom edges. Each side edge is joined to a corresponding side edge of an adjacent wall to form a corner of the wall unit. The wall unit includes an access port in at least one wall. The shelter includes an upper rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the top edges of walls of the wall unit so the upper shell forms a roof of the shelter. The shelter includes a lower rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the bottom edges of walls of the wall unit so the lower shell forms a floor of the shelter.
US08943755B2	Insulating cover for A/C unit Embodiments disclose an apparatus for enclosing and insulating an opening in a structure such as for an air conditioning unit or a sleeve. The apparatus includes a cover having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is designed to be adjustable in relation to the second section; one or more insulating members positioned along an interior of the cover; two or more fasteners designed to secure the cover to an A/C unit sleeve or a structure. In another embodiment the apparatus cover is a single section and not adjustable. A method of installing the same is provided, as are other aspects.
US08943752B2	Door handle system for an automotive vehicle A door handle system for an automotive vehicle door includes a door handle and a body panel. The body panel is moveable between a flush position and a recessed position. If the body panel is in the flush position, portions of the door handle are concealed. If the body panel is in the recessed position, portions of the door handle are visible.
US08943751B2	Lift assist mechanism A lift assist mechanism is provided for assisting lifting of a movable component that can move between lowered and raised positions relative to a fixed structure. The lift assist mechanism includes a lift assist spring connected to a spring shaft, and an elongated track in which an end of the lift assist spring or an end of the spring shaft are movably engaged. A spring lock restrains movement of the spring shaft when a lift assist is not required, and releases the spring shaft when a lift assist is required.
US08943747B2	Device for guiding growth of scaffold branches Devices are provided for guiding the growth of scaffold branches, and in particular, devices for training scaffold branches to form wide crotch angles with main trunk of a tree.
US08943741B2	Mousetrap The invention provides a trap for capturing and/or killing a mouse, the trap comprising: an enclosure comprising a base connected to at least one movable part and which houses a trigger; the trigger comprising an adhesive section; wherein the at least one movable part is urged against the force of a biasing means from a first position wherein the trap is in a closed state into a second position in which the trap is in a set state; wherein the at least one movable part is maintained in the second position by releasably engaging the trigger; and wherein the trap is triggered upon the mouse contacting the adhesive section and elevating the trigger so as to disengage the trigger from the at least one movable part so that it moves from the second position to the first position under the force of the biasing means.
US08943738B2	Diverter cone device The present invention relates to a fishing rig having a fishing line, a fixture, a conical diverter and a hooking device. The conical diverter has a cylindrical wall portion that is contiguous with and extends from a conically-shaped wall portion having an aperture in the narrow end that allows the fishing line to pass through. The aperture has a diameter that is larger than a thickness of the line and smaller than a width of the fixture, which is attached to the line. The line passes through the aperture so that when the fishing rig is pulled through water, the fixture is positioned inside the conical diverter and prevents the narrow end of the conical diverter from traversing the line toward the hooking device beyond the fixture, thereby allowing the conical diverter to be pulled through the water ahead of and spaced from the hooking device.
US08943736B2	High-lift otter board The invention has a curved board. The curved board is formed into a shape that curves in a curving direction corresponding to an expanding direction of a net opening in a towing state, from a front-side end section that is a front side in a towing direction in the towing state towards a rear-side end section that is a rear side in the towing direction in the towing state. At least one of a projecting structure having a projecting surface, a top board, and a bottom board is formed in the curved board.
US08943735B2	Fish containment device for ice fishing A ice fishing fish containment device for securing a caught fish within a hole for ice fishing. The device including a tubular sidewall extending the depth of the hole. The sidewall having a bracket on its lower end. A flapper having a top side with a grasping member higedly attached to the bracket, wherein the upward movement of a fish into the hole with displace flapper temporarily until the fish enters the hole clearing the height of the flapper. The flapper will then close securing the fish with the hole.
US08943733B2	Ice hole cover An ice fishing hole cover comprising a cover body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge surface surround the cover body, a fishing line access extending through the cover body from the top surface to the bottom surface, a fishing line removal guide extending from the fishing line access to the edge surface of the cover body, and a set of vent holes preventing the ice hole from freezing or closing up.
US08943726B2	Spring enhanced buffer for a firearm A buffer for a firearm having a sleeve member having an open end and a closed end. A set of weights having a combined predefined mass are contained within the sleeve member. A bumper secures and seals the open end of the sleeve. A spring is positioned between two of the weights within the sleeve to maintain the mass at a predetermined location when the buffer is in an at-rest position.
US08943719B1	Method and apparatus for marketing greeting cards Greeting cards can be organized into multiple sender profiles. Greeting cards for each profile are displayed in one or more displays. The display can include one or more tiered display panels. Each tiered display panel can include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards in a full-facing or partial facing manner and captions at one or more of the pockets to display the internal content of the greeting cards. The display also can include a display panel identifying the sender profile associated with the apparatus. Each sender profile can be assigned a unique color which is applied to the display panel associated with the respective sender profile.
US08943713B1	Shoe with concealed heel storage compartment A heeled shoe comprising a lower member (sole) and an upper member. The sole having a foot supporting surface and a ground contacting surface. A concealed storage cavity is formed within a heel portion of the shoe sole, wherein the cavity extends inward from a storage cavity opening edge. A storage access door is pivotally attached to a lower region of the shoe sole and shaped to blend into the heel section of the shoe. The storage access door pivots between an opened configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the opened configuration provides access to the concealed storage cavity and the closed configuration seals the concealed storage cavity. The storage access door is retained in a normally closed position by a door closure retention member until a biasing force is applied to open said storage access door.
US08943706B2	Acoustic wave drying method A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.
US08943701B2	Automated layout and point transfer system A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. An “active target” can be used to more automatically create benchmarks. A laser distance meter can be installed on base units to automatically scan a room or a wall to determine certain key features.
US08943697B2	Stacked noodle for high capacity pull-off for a composite stringer An apparatus comprising a composite elongate member, a channel, and a number of composite structures. The composite elongate member has a side configured for attachment to a surface of a structure. The channel is on the side and extends along a length of the composite elongate member. The number of composite structures is configured for placement in the channel and configured to attach a portion of the side of the composite elongate member to the structure. A composite structure in the number of composite structures comprises layers having different orientations selected to increase a capacity of the composite elongate member to withstand forces that pull the composite elongate member away from the structure.
US08943693B2	Method for producing tooth parts from dental metal powder The invention relates to a method for producing tooth parts from dental-grade metal powder, wherein existing CAD/CAM milling machines can be used. The essential process steps consist of: a) preparing a slurry from dental-grade metal powder, b) casting the slurry into a mold, c) drawing out (drying) suspension liquid (water) until a mechanically stable blank is obtained, d) milling the blank into the desired shape, e) oxygen-free sintering of the tooth parts milled from the blank. Because the blank is still present as a green body, milling does not place great demands on the milling machine in terms of mechanical stability and dust development. As a result, the operating speed and the service lives of customary milling machines are substantially increased.
US08943689B2	Method for mounting an integral inner ring of a turbocompressor stator A method for mounting an integral inner ring (10) of a turbocompressor stator to a guide vane ring (12) comprises the following steps: -Providing the guide vane ring (12) with an inner radius S; -Providing inner ring (10) with an outer radius R, which corresponds to the inner radius S; -Pre-tensioning inner ring (10) to an outer radius r that is smaller than the outer radius R of the untensioned inner ring (10); and -Relaxing inner ring (10) to the outer radius R.
US08943688B2	Method of manufacturing large steel rings A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is disclosed having air or water bearing supports. The VAWT may be configured to float. The VAWT may include a 360° rotor, having a precision machined noncorrosive bearing surface at its perimeter, with a system of wind capturing devices configured to collect kinetic energy of wind. The rotor may be supported by at least three air or water bearing supports positioned substantially at a perimeter of the rotor. Electrical generation components may be located substantially at the perimeter of the rotor.
US08943684B2	Continuous extrusion process for manufacturing a Z-directed component for a printed circuit board A method for manufacturing a Z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example embodiment includes simultaneously extruding a plurality of materials in the cross-sectional shape of the Z-directed component to form an extruded object with the plurality of materials arranged relative to each other in their operative positions for the Z-directed component. The extrusion of a first portion of at least one of the materials in the extruded object is staggered relative to the extrusion of a second portion of the at least one of the materials in the extruded object. At least a segment of the extruded object is fired. The fired segment forms the Z-directed component insertable into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board.
US08943675B2	Method for making a shielded inductor involving an injection-molding technique A method for making a shielded inductor by: winding a metal wire material into a conducting coil and bending two distal ends of the metal wire material into a respective end piece, bonding a magnetic core to the center of the conductive coil, making a metal sheet member into a metal bracket having a frame body, solder points and connection strips, installing the conductive coil in the metal bracket and electrically soldering the end pieces of the conductive coils to respective soldering points at the metal bracket, mixing a magnetic material with a plastic material and processing the mixture into plastic grains, injection-molding the plastic grains onto the conductive coil to form an inductor body, and separating the respective connection strips with the inductor body from the metal bracket and bending the separated connection strips onto the bottom wall of the inductor body.
US08943674B2	Method of making a patch antenna having an insulation material A method of making a patch antenna includes the steps of: stamping a first metal plate to form a first plate body, a first aperture and a first protruding portion to thereby form a radiation metal layer; stamping a second metal plate to form a second plate body, a second aperture and a second protruding portion to thereby form a grounding metal layer; placing the metal layers in a mold to couple together the first and second protruding portions; and introducing an insulation material into the mold to form a dielectric layer between the metal layers.
US08943673B2	Method for manufacturing a drive unit In compact drive, spiroid gear unit, and method for manufacturing a drive unit that includes at least an electric motor, a brake, a gear unit, and a frequency converter, the output shaft of the gear unit and the rotor shaft are positioned in parallel to each other, and the shaft-center distance is determined by at least one gear stage. The first gear stage includes a first toothed member connected to the rotor shaft, and a second toothed member, which engages with the first toothed member and is connected to an intermediate shaft, the brake, including at least a brake-rotor shaft, being integrated in the housing of the compact drive, the brake-rotor shaft being parallel to the rotor shaft, and the brake-rotor shaft being connected to a toothed member, which engages with the second toothed member.
US08943668B2	Hex swaged fluid coupling and method of making same A fluid coupling including a cylindrical stem having a fluid conduit therethrough and a hollow shell provided over a first end of the stem. A tool engaging hexagonal shape on an outer surface of the shell is disposed radially outward from a swage joined portion of the shell to the stem. The tool engaging hexagonal shape includes six non-contiguous flats having rounded portions therebetween. The swage joined portion and the tool engaging hexagonal shape are located at the same axial location along a centerline of the hollow shell, and the swage joined portion has an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline of the tool engaging hexagonal shape.
US08943662B2	Method for gold removal from electronic components In some embodiments, a method removes gold plating on an electronic component. The method includes forming a gold and solder mixture on the electronic component via a first incrementally controlled heating procedure; incrementally cooling the electronic component via a first cooling procedure; wicking part or all of the gold and solder mixture from the electronic component to a metallic screen via a second incrementally controlled heating procedure; and incrementally cooling the electronic component via a second cooling procedure.
US08943660B2	Hub pulling device and method for use A hub pulling device for the removal of a hub from the axel of a vehicle. The device includes a pin and plate. The plate having a central bore having a sidewall supported by a plurality of gussets. The plate containing a plurality of apertures aligned to be received on the lug bolts of the hub. The pin having a head sized for receipt within the hub center and engagement of the axel and a shaft sized for receipt within the central bore. To remove a hub, the pin is placed within the central bore and the plate is mounted to the lug bolts using the lug nuts, the opposed force of the pin pushing on the axel and the plate pulling the hub frees the hub.
US08943658B2	Manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of tampon An apparatus for manufacturing a tampon includes a pushing-member inserting mechanism that inserts a pushing member into an accommodating cylinder through a leading-end opening; and a tampon main body inserting mechanism that inserts a tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder from side including a cord through the leading-end opening; a drive section connecting the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder by moving one of the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder towards other one and thus contacting the guide tube and the leading-end part of the accommodating cylinder; a pressing part pressing the tampon main body inserted into the guide tube so as to insert the tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder connected to the guide tube; and an air suction device sucking air from rear-end side of the accommodating cylinder in a case where the tampon main body is inserted into the accommodating cylinder.
US08943656B2	Safety connector A safety connector (2) comprising: a first member (4) and a second member (6) movably coupled to one another; wherein the first and/or second members (4, 6) comprise a retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16); wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) has a first configuration which prevents relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6) and a second configuration which allows relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6); and wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) changes from the first configuration to the second configuration when a force between the first and second members (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined threshold force.
US08943655B2	Clip A clip 200 includes a locking portion 6 and an operation portion 9. The locking portion 6 of the clip 200 is inserted into the clip insertion hole 7 exposed while the protrusion 1a of the panel 1 is fitted into a protrusion insertion hole 5a of a panel attaching portion 5. An upper surface 12b of a locking main body portion 12 of the clip 200 presses an inner surface of the clip insertion hole 7 to bend the protrusion 1a. A rear side inclined surface 19b of a hook portion 13 of the clip 200 presses a front side horizontal edge 21b on a ceiling surface of the clip insertion hole 7, and both connecting portions 14 of the clip 200 press vertical edges 22 of an inner wall surface of the clip insertion hole 7. The clip can easily and reliably fix a vibration generating member.
US08943653B2	Hinge for mounting in an opening A hinge has at least one hinge part which can be mounted in an opening in a thin wall such as a sheet-metal cabinet door, a head part, such as a flange or hinge leaf, which overlaps the rim of the opening of the thin wall on its (outer) side, and a body part which proceeds from the head part and can be pushed through the opening in the thin wall, and a holding part which is carried by the body part, supported on the other (rear) side of the thin wall, and is separate from the body part. The holding part is formed by holding elements which project in a flexible manner from the body part in the direction of its outer surface and whose free end has an inclined surface for supporting the body part on the rim or edge of the opening without play.
US08943652B2	Hinge for cold rooms, swing gates or the like A hinge for cold rooms, swing gates or the like includes a stationary support structure and at least a door movable between an open door position and a closed door position. The hinge comprises a box-like hinge body and a pin rotatably coupled to rotate about a first axis between the open door position and the closed door position. Closing means are provided for automatically returning the door, as well as a working fluid acting thereon to hydraulically contrast their action. The closing means comprise a cam element unitary with the pin interacting with a plunger element housed in an operating chamber defined within the box-like hinge body. The box-like hinge body has an elongated shape to define a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.
US08943628B2	Washing machine and a method of controlling the same Provided are a washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine, which can effectively wet laundry by varying a spraying pattern for spraying washing water into a washing tub considering water pressure of the washing water supplied to the washing tub even when the water pressure varies.
US08943617B2	Protective temperature helmet, protective temperature helmet liner The invention provides a head cooling/heating device comprising a webbing adapted to encapsulate the human head; and a plurality of cavities defined by said webbing, said cavities adapted to reversibly receive a plurality of substrates, wherein the substrates are capable of being cooled or heated.
US08943614B2	Privacy garment system A privacy garment system comprising a coat having an inner surface defining an inner volume, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and opposing joinable seam ends extending between said first end and said second end and defining a front section. The embodiment further comprises a hat fastenable to the first end of said coat, which hat has a crown with an inner surface defining a head volume, an outer surface, and a pocket formed between said inner surface and said outer surface. The coat may be configured into a compact state having a coat volume that is less than the pocket volume for storage or transport.
US08950005B1	Method and system for protecting content of sensitive web applications A web page running on a client computing device accesses a web application hosted by a remote server. The local application receives data from the web application. The client computing device uses a data loss prevention (DLP) policy to determine whether the web application is a sensitive web application. In response to determining that the web application is a sensitive web application, the client computing device restricts a capability of at least one of the local application or the client computing device to perform one or more operations associated with the data received from the web application.
US08949999B2	Access control at a media server A method, system and apparatus for controlling access to a media server are provided. A browse request is received at a computing device, from a remote computing device to browse a memory structure including content files. Authentication of the remote computing device is initiated. Prior to the remote computing device being authenticated, a response is transmitted to the remote computing device indicative that the memory structure is empty of the content files, regardless of actual content of the memory structure. After the remote computing device is authenticated, a further response is transmitted to the remote computing device indicative of the actual content of the memory structure.
US08949994B2	Detecting persistent vulnerabilities in web applications A method, including storing a test payload to a persistent state of an application and performing a static analysis to identify a first code location in the application that retrieves the test payload, to identify a first path from an entry point to the first code location, and to identify a second path from the first code location to a second code location that executes a security sensitive operation using the retrieved data. A dynamic analysis is then performed to retrieve the test payload via the first path, and to convey the test payload to the second code location via the second path.
US08949991B2	Testing web services that are accessible via service oriented architecture (SOA) interceptors Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for testing web service-related elements, where the instructions of a web service-related element are statically analyzed to identify a characteristic of an output of the web service-related element, and where it is determined from a received response to a web service request that the web service request was processed by the web service-related element if at least a portion of the response matches the characteristic of the output of the web service-related element.
US08949986B2	Network security elements using endpoint resources A method and apparatus for network security elements using endpoint resources. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a request for access to a network at an endpoint server. The method further includes detecting that the request for access to the network includes a request that is unauthorized. The request for access to the network is directed to a network security element.
US08949979B1	Protecting local users from remote applications It is detected whenever the user of the local computer system views online content that provides an entryway to a remote application. When such a detection occurs, data concerning the remote application is collected and transmitted to a central repository. The central repository receives and aggregates such collected data from a plurality of sources. It is detected when the user of the local computer system is being prompted to activate a new remote application, and aggregated data concerning the new remote application is retrieved from the central repository. The aggregated data concerning the new remote application is analyzed, and responsive to the analyzing it is determined whether the new remote application is benign. Responsive to determining that the new remote application is not benign, the new remote application can be blocked, and/or a warning can be output to the user.
US08949977B2	Look ahead of links/alter links A computationally-implemented method comprises obtaining at least a portion of data from a data source, determining a content of the data, determining an acceptability of an effect of content of the data at least in part via at least two virtual machine representations of at least a part of a real machine having at least one end-user specified preference, at least one of the at least two virtual machine representations operating at least in part on an individual core of a multi-core system, and displaying at least one data display option based on the determining an acceptability of a content of the data.
US08949966B2	Method and system for protecting a service access link A method and a system for securing access to data stored in a remote content server (41), and corresponding to personal multimedia data of a user (A) for example, which data is accessible by another user (B) from a terminal (2) by means of an electronic address. In order to avoid direct and extended access by the user (B) to the data of a user (A), the system also includes an application server (5) for creating an electronic masking address having a determined validity period and for sending to an inverse proxy server (6) said electronic masking address assigned to the electronic address of the remote content server (41). In this way, the terminal (2) of the user (B) temporarily accesses data stored in the remote content server (41) via the inverse proxy server (6) by means of the electronic masking address.
US08949959B2	Reduced authentication times for shared-media network migration In one embodiment, a management device in a computer network determines when nodes of the computer network join any one of a plurality of field area routers (FARs), which requires a shared-media mesh security key for that joined FAR. The management device also maintains a database that indicates to which FAR each node in the computer network is currently joined, and to which FARs, if any, each node had previously joined, where the nodes are configured to maintain the mesh security key for one or more previously joined FARs in order to return to those previously joined FARs with the maintained mesh security key. Accordingly, in response to an updated mesh security key for a particular FAR of the plurality of FARs, the management node initiates distribution of the updated mesh security key to nodes having previously joined that particular FAR that are not currently joined to that particular FAR.
US08949954B2	Customer notification program alerting customer-specified network address of unauthorized access attempts to customer account A network security system includes a server configured to receive an access request via a network from a remote computing device, a database storing customer account information accessible by the server, and memory accessible by the server and storing a customer notification program. When executed by the server, the program identifies the remote computing device by a device fingerprint and requesting location, determines whether the device fingerprint matches any authorized device fingerprints stored in the database and sends, responsive to a mismatch between the device fingerprint and the authorized device fingerprints, a notification of the request to a customer-specified address. The notification indicates the request, the identity of the remote computing device, and the requesting location. The program may resolve the request responsive to a reply to the notification from the customer-specified address.
US08949951B2	Generating modular security delegates for applications Embodiments of the present teachings relate to systems and methods for generating modular security delegates for applications. According to embodiments, in a multiple network environment, multiple machines (or clients) can be configured. Each machine can include a plurality of application instances and an authentication delegate. In addition, each network environment can include a communication interface to security services. The applications can include logic that indicates what security delegate to use for a given set of user authentication credentials. The logic can be configured to determine the appropriate authentication delegate using various methods. The authentication delegates can receive a set of user authentication credentials from application instances and determine whether the set of user authentication credentials are valid. Each authentication delegate corresponds to one and only one type of authentication mechanism.
US08949950B2	Selection of successive authentication methods A method of authenticating a user who is a subscriber of a home network, authenticated in a first network, for accessing a service in a second network. This method includes: authenticating the user in the first network with a first authentication method selected in an authentication server; reserving resources for the service towards a rules enforcement device; requesting control rules for the resources towards a control rules server; submitting towards the control rules server information about the first authentication method; determining at the control rules server whether a further authentication of the user with a further authentication method is required; and instructing from the control rules server towards the authentication server to force the further authentication of the user with the further authentication method.
US08949949B1	Network element authentication in communication networks In an embodiment, a method enables authentication of devices connected to a network. The method also enables the devices to digitally sign communication on the network with private keys. When a new device is added to the network, a mobile device may be connected to the new device. The mobile device receives identification from the new device and sends the identification to an authorization server, over a public network. The mobile device also sends a request for a private key to the authorization server. The authorization server contains an inventory of the devices authorized to communicate over the network. If the identification of the new device exists in the inventory, the authorization server sends a private key to the mobile device, over the public network. The mobile device forwards the private key to the new device.

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