US08143514B2
Method and structure for hydrogenation of silicon substrates with shaped covers. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for fabricating a photovoltaic material. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming a crystalline material characterized by a plurality of worm hole structures therein overlying the semiconductor substrate. The worm hole structures are characterized by a density distribution from a surface region of the crystalline material to a defined depth within a z-direction of the surface region to form a thickness of material to be detached. The method further includes providing a glue layer overlying a surface region of the crystalline material. The method includes joining the surface region of the crystalline material via the glue layer to a support substrate.
US08143512B2
The present invention discloses thin film photovoltaic devices comprising Group II-VI semiconductor layers with a substrate configuration having an interface layer between the absorber layer and the window layer to create improved junctions.The present invention also discloses methods for making and surface treatments for thin film photovoltaic devices comprising Group II-VI semiconductor layers with a substrate configuration to create devices with improved junctions.
US08143511B2
A composite structure, e.g., rigid or flexible. The structure has a layer transferred photovoltaic material (e.g., single crystal silicon) having a first region and a second region, and a thickness of material provided between the first region and the second region. The structure has a glue layer overlying the second region. A permeable membrane structure is overlying the glue layer, the permeable membrane structure configured to facilitate outgassing of any volatile species in the glue layer to allow the glue layer to bind the permeable membrane to the layer transferred photovoltaic material.
US08143510B2
Heat transfer to refrigerate or heat uses a thermoelectric semiconductor structure including a P-type composite of dices of semiconductor material alloyed with P-type material forming spaced collector regions at junctions with a P-type conductive material for flux of electrical current and a N-type composite of dices of semiconductor material alloyed with N-type material forming spaced collector regions at junctions with a N-type conductive material for flux of electrical current. The thickness of each the dices is sufficient to form a PN junction. Electrically conductive buss bars form an electrical circuit between the dices of N-type conductivity and the dices of P-type conductivity. An electrically conductive buss bar forms an electrical circuit connection between the dices of N-type conductivity and the dices of P-type conductivity. An electrical potential is applied by terminals between the P-type composite and the N-type composite to induce a flux of heat concurrent with the flux of electrical current.
US08143499B2
The cotton variety FM 840B2F is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 840B2F with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 840B2F and to plants of FM 840B2F reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 840B2F.
US08143497B2
A soybean cultivar designated 99466158 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 99466158, to the plants of soybean 99466158, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 99466158, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 99466158 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 99466158, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 99466158, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 99466158 with another soybean cultivar.
US08143488B2
The invention relates to a novel canola line designated as SCV470336. The invention also relates to the seeds, the plants, and the plant parts of canola line SCV470336 as well as to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola line SCV470336 with itself or with another canola line. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention further relates to canola lines or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola line SCV470336, to methods for producing other canola lines or plant parts derived from canola line SCV470336 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention additionally relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the line SCV470336 with another canola line.
US08143480B2
This invention relates to methods for knock-down of a target gene in plants, particularly efficient and specific methods for knock-down of a target gene in plants. This invention also relates to methods for silencing endogenous plant genes or plant pathogen genes. It further relates to nucleic acid constructs (DNA, RNA) which comprise a nucleic acid sequence that corresponds to a target gene or fragment thereof flanked by two complementary sites to an smRNA, e.g., a miRNA (one complementary site is on either side of the nucleic acid sequence), resulting in, for example the configuration: complementary site—nucleic acid sequence that corresponds to a target gene—complementary site.
US08143476B2
Transgenic soybean seed having increased total fatty acid content of at least 20% and altered fatty acid profiles when compared to the total fatty acid content of non-transgenic, null segregant soybean seed are described. DGAT genes from Yarrowia lipolytica combined with plastidic phosphoglucomutase down regulation are used to achieve the increase in seed storage lipids.
US08143473B2
Transgenic soybean seed having increased total fatty acid content of at least 10% and altered fatty acid profiles when compared to the total fatty acid content of non-transgenic, null segregant soybean seed are described. DGAT genes from Yarrowia lipolytica are used to achieve the increase in seed storage lipids.
US08143469B2
The invention relates to a process for producing saturated C5-C28 hydrocarbons, suitable as diesel fuels, kerosenes and gasolines, comprising the steps where feedstock derived from starting material of biological origin, is subjected to a condensation step and subsequently subjected to a combined hydrodefunctionalization and isomerization step.
US08143466B2
A process for the reduction of benzene in a gasoline stream, the process including: feeding a gasoline fraction including benzene and C6+ hydrocarbons and at least one of an alcohol and an ether to a catalytic distillation column comprising at least one reaction zone containing an alkylation catalyst, wherein the at least one reaction zone is above a gasoline fraction feed location; concurrently in the catalytic distillation column: separating the C6 hydrocarbons from C7+ hydrocarbons, wherein the C6 hydrocarbons and benzene distill upward into the at least one reaction zone; contacting benzene and the at least one of an alcohol and an ether in the at least one reaction zone in the presence of the alkylation catalyst to convert at least a portion of the benzene and alcohol/ether to an alkylate; recovering an overheads fraction including C6 hydrocarbons, any unreacted alcohol and ether, and water; and recovering a bottoms fraction including C7+ hydrocarbons and the alkylate.
US08143458B2
Processes for separating butanediols from glycols are disclosed, as well as products and compositions resulting therefrom.
US08143455B2
What is described is a process for preparing 2-hydroxyacetals of the general formula in which R1 is hydrogen, a branched or unbranched C1-C12-alkyl radical, an electron-deficient, halogen-, NO2—, CN—, CF3—, acyl group- or branched or unbranched alkyl group-substituted or unsubstituted C5-C6-aryl or heteroaryl, and R2 is a branched or unbranched C1-C5-alkyl radical, or both R2 radicals are bonded directly to one another or to one another via a C1-C4 unit, by reacting an enol compound of the general formula (II) in which R3 is the same and R1 is as defined for formula (Ia), with bromine to give the corresponding dibromo adduct and then reacting this dibromo adduct with an alkoxide of the general formula (III) M-O—R2 (III) in which R2 is as defined for formula (Ia) and O is oxygen and M is lithium, sodium or potassium. What is likewise described is the preparation of the corresponding 2-hydroxyalkanals from the 2-hydroxyacetals thus obtained by acidic hydrolysis.
US08143451B2
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of tertiary carbinamine compounds from diastereoselective allylation and crotylation of N-unsubstituted imines derived from ketones.
US08143449B2
Process for the industrial synthesis of the compound of formula (I)
US08143448B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of (2S,3S)-3-amino-N-cyclopropyl-2-hydroxyalkanamides as well as novel compounds prepared or used in the process.
US08143439B2
A process for the production of lactic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-butenoic acid or esters thereof by conversion of glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose and glycolaldehyde dissolved in a solvent in presence of a solid Lewis acidic catalyst.
US08143420B2
Methods and compositions for detecting free radicals, the compositions being spin trapping compounds comprising a nitrone having a detecting moiety and optionally having a targeting moiety for targeting the nitrone to an organ, a cell, an organelle or a molecule of interest for directly detecting free radicals, especially free radicals in biological samples.
US08143400B2
An industrially acceptable process for the preparation and purification of cis-2-methylspiro(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3′)quiniclidine from a cis/trans mixture of isomers. Treatment of the mixture with an organic sulfonic acid generates a less soluble acid addition salt that is enriched in the cis-isomer. Recrystallization or pulping using various organic solvents allows for enrichment of the cis-isomer by filtration. These new sulfonic acid salts of the cis-isomer of 2-methylspiro(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3′)quiniclidine prepared according to the present invention could be further converted into the hydrochloride salt by any known procedures such as treatment with a base and then hydrochloric acid salt formation or exchange of the sulfonic acid salt with hydrochloric acid.
US08143398B1
Bartonella species are facultative intracellular pathogens responsible for a range of diseases in animals and in humans. A selection of N-acyl ciprofloxacin analogues, chemically synthesized from ciprofloxacin, have been tested in vitro for activity against Bartonella species as models for therapeutic development. Nine Bartonella strains, including five of B. henselae, two of B. quintana, and one each of B. elizabethae and B. vinsonii, have been tested for susceptibility to different N-acyl ciprofloxacin derivatives. Several techniques have been used to test the in vitro antibacterial activity of the derivatives. Seven of them, labeled RC4-125, RC4-143, RC4-147, RC5-28, RC5-29, RC5-32 and RC5-69 showed significant intracellular anti-Bartonella activity. These synthetically derived N-acyl ciprofloxacin derivatives may be useful in the therapeutic treatment of infections caused by Bartonella.
US08143385B2
The present application provides human antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R). The antibodies can act as antagonists of IL-21R activity, thereby modulating immune responses in general, and those mediated by IL-21R in particular. The disclosed compositions and methods may be used for example, in diagnosing, treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.
US08143383B2
The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 5 (i.e., “Δ5-desaturase”) and at carbon 6 (i.e., “Δ6-desaturase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, Δ5-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) to arachidonic acid (AA) and in the conversion of 20:4n-3 to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Delta-6 desaturase may be used, for example, in the conversion of linoleic (LA) to γ-linolenic acid (GLA). AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.
US08143381B2
The present invention relates to the use of ionic liquids or of mixtures comprising at least one ionic liquid and at least one further solvent for the extraction of membrane proteins from biological samples, to methods for the extraction of membrane proteins, to a kit for the extraction of these proteins and to the use thereof.
US08143380B2
The invention relates to compounds that exhibit improved bioefficacy in multidose administration. More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides or peptides modified to include an antibody Fc region and one or more water soluble polymers.
US08143377B2
Peptide sequences of human and murine muscle lamin A/C interacting protein and nucleotide sequences encoding same and are provided. Uses of the muscle lamin A/C interacting protein are also provided herein.
US08143374B2
The present invention is related to novel parathyroid hormone polypeptide derivatives, and to pharmaceutical composition containing the polypeptides, as well as synthetic and recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods for treating mammalian conditions characterized by decreases in bone mass using therapeutically effective pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptides of the present invention. The present invention further provides diagnostic and therapeutic methods using the polypeptide derivatives.
US08143367B2
The present invention relates to an improved method for the esterification of terephthalic acid with 1,4-butanediol, an improved method for the manufacture of polybutylene terephthalate as well as reactors and devices that are suited for the application in this method.
US08143365B2
This invention provides articles made by reaction injection molding and spray coatings, and processes for forming such articles and coatings. The coatings and articles are polyureas or polyurea-urethanes. The ingredients used to form the coatings and articles comprise at least (A) an aromatic polyisocyanate and (B) a mixture formed from components comprised of (i) at least one polyol and/or at least one polyetheramine, (ii) an aromatic primary diamine, and (iii) an aliphatic secondary diamine which has about twelve to about forty carbon atoms and in which the having amino hydrocarbyl groups are secondary or tertiary hydrocarbyl groups.
US08143348B2
Disclosed are coating compositions that include a continuous phase that includes water and a dispersed phase that includes a microgel having a mean particle size of greater than 50 nanometers. The microgel is formed from reactants selected so as to provide a copolymer having a certain calculated Tg and includes a cycloaliphatic (meth)acrylate.
US08143344B2
The present invention is further directed to a method of producing a particulate composite of silica and elastomer comprising the steps of dispersing a diene based elastomer in a hydrophobic liquid to form an elastomer dispersion; mixing the elastomer dispersion with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate to form a mixture; adding a precipitating agent to the mixture to precipitate a porous silica onto the dispersed elastomer to form a particulate composite of silica and elastomer comprising a porous silica shell at least partially surrounding a core of diene based elastomer; and optionally adding a separating agent to remove the hydrophobic liquid from the particulate composite.
US08143337B1
A composite material having polymeric resin with disperse phases of reinforcing fibers and nanoparticle materials and its manufacture is disclosed herein. The nanoparticles may be bound together and added to the polymeric resin as microscale aggregations, and then unbound to create a disperse phase of nanoparticles in the resin. In other embodiments, the nanoparticles may be bound to a substrate, such as long fibers, and added to a polymeric resin. The nanoparticles are then unbound from the substrate and dispersed throughout the polymeric resin. The polymeric resin may have multiple components where one component may control the dispersion of the nanoparticles.
US08143332B2
The present invention relates to a dispersant for a hydraulic composition, containing a polymer obtained by copolymerizing a specific monomer 1 such as an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative having a polyoxyalkylene group, a monoester phosphate-based monomer 2, a diester phosphate-based monomer 3, and an unsaturated carboxylic acid-based monomer 4, at pH 7 or less.
US08143327B2
A core-shell fine particle (10) is produced as follows. First of all, a monomer mixture containing 15-99% by mass of a crosslinkable monomer and 1-85% by mass of a monomer having an ATRP initiating group is adsorbed into an organic monodispersed seed particle. Next, the monomer mixture is polymerized by a polymerization initiator, thereby forming a core layer composed of a monodispersed crosslinked fine particle (11) containing an ATRP initiating group (12). A shell layer (13) is then formed by graft polymerizing a monomer onto the thus-obtained core layer.
US08143326B2
The present invention is directed to viscoelastic compositions useful printing processes, and to devices using the compositions.
US08143323B2
A polyurethane foam for vehicles is obtained by reaction, foaming, and curing of a polyurethane-foam raw material comprising polyol, polyisocyanate, a blowing agent, and a catalyst, and is used for vehicle parts. The foam raw material comprises expanded graphite and an inorganic compound hydrate. The polyol preferably comprises polymeric polyol in which a polyether polyol is graft-polymerized with a vinyl monomer, polyether polyol having a mass average molecular weight of from 400 to 1,000, in which a polyhydric alcohol is addition-polymerized with an alkylene oxide, and polyether polyol having a mass average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 4,000 in which a polyhydric alcohol is addition-polymerized with an alkylene oxide.
US08143311B2
Subjects having autism are treated with a composition that includes gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists. Subjects having fragile X syndrome are treated with M1 muscarinic receptor antagonists. The gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist (GABA) can be a GABA(B) agonist, such as baclofen. GABA(B) agonists can be used in combination with Group I mGluR antagonists and M1 muscarinic receptor antagonists in methods of treating humans.
US08143310B2
A process for the removal of sterols, specifically cholesterol, from a triglyceride oil, preferably a marine triglyceride oil, said process comprising contacting an oil with an adsorbent, specifically TRIS YL™, clay or a mixture thereof, heating the mixture to 100° C. to 210° C., preferably 150° C. to 170° C., preferably for a time period of greater than one minute and optionally at a pressure less than 133 Pa, preferably less than 1.33 Pa.
US08143292B2
N-Thio-anthranilamid compounds of formula (I) wherein A is a group selected from A1 and A2 wherein the variables and the indices are as defined per the description, processes for preparing the compounds I, pesticidal compositions comprising compounds I, use of compounds I for the control of insects, acarids or nematodes, and methods for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against infestation or infection by parasites by use of compounds of formula I.
US08143276B2
The present invention relates to 4-thio substituted quinoline and naphthyridine derivatives and processes for their preparation. The invention also related to methods for treating infection of Hepatitis C virus by administering a 4-thio substituted quinoline or naphthyridine derivative.
US08143275B2
Use of compounds of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the description for protecting engineered materials.
US08143273B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula I-A or I-B wherein X, R1, R2 and R3 are defined herein; or to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt, to a racemic mixture, or to its corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer thereof. The compounds of formulas I-A and I-B are good inhibitors of the glycine transporter 1 (GlyT-1), and have a good selectivity to glycine transporter 2 (GlyT-2) inhibitors, suitable in the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
US08143271B2
Compounds active on protein kinases are described, as well as methods of using such compounds to treat diseases and conditions associated with aberrant activity of protein kinases.
US08143270B2
1H-Imidazo ring systems (e.g., imidazopyridines, imidazoquinolines, imidazonaphthyridines, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro imidazoquinolines and imidazonaphthyridines) with an amino substituent at the 2-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, methods of making the compounds, intermediates, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for modulating cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases, are disclosed.
US08143269B2
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which modulate the activity of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. Also described herein are methods of using such SOC channel modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases, disorders or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of SOC channel activity.
US08143267B2
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising two analgesic compounds and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof consisting of nimesulide and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and oxycodone and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, said two analgesic compounds in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient. Also disclosed is a method of effectively treating pain in humans or other mammals, comprising orally administering to the patient an oral dosage form comprising two analgesic compounds consisting of nimesulide and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and oxycodone and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, said two analgesic compounds in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient.
US08143256B2
The present invention provides compounds represented by formula (I): where the structural variables are defined herein. The compound of the present invention are useful as sodium channel blockers.
US08143251B2
The present invention is directed to [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazines, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are inhibitors of kinases such as c-Met and are useful in the treatment of cancer and other diseases related to the dysregulation of kinase pathways.
US08143249B2
Disclosed are prodrugs of A2B adenosine receptor antagonists of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently lower alkyl; R4 is optionally substituted phenyl; X is hydrogen or methyl; and Y is —C(O)R, in which R is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and their use in treating mammals for various disease states.
US08143244B2
The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US08143240B2
17α,21-Dihydroxypregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione and 17α,21-dihydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione 17 and/or 21 esters of having remarkable antiandrogenic activity, and the processes for the preparation thereof.
US08143235B2
A composition nutritional containing dietary fibres is useful for the treatment of muscle wasting, if the dietary fibre comprise at least 30 wt. % of galacto-oligosaccharides or other oligosaccharides having mainly anhydropyranose units, and having a chain length of 3-10 units. The composition may further contain other oligo- or polysaccharides, especially polysaccharides having a majority of anhydrofuranose units.
US08143227B2
Azithromycin has increased efficacy in treating acne and other skin conditions when administered systemically at low doses, below those previously known to produce a clinical antibiotic effect.
US08143225B2
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising 0.5 ng to 20 μg desmopressin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising desmopressin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is effective to establish a steady plasma/serum desmopressin concentration in the range of from about 0.1 picograms desmopressin per mL plasma/serum to about 10.0 picogram desmopressin per mL plasma/serum. Articles of manufacture and methods of using the above invention are also disclosed.
US08143218B2
Compositions and methods for treatment of skin utilizing thymosin β4.
US08143216B2
Modified growth hormone polypeptide and uses thereof are provided.
US08143215B2
Compositions for enhancing satiety and weight loss in an individual, assays for assessing a tastant for enhancing satiety and weight loss, and methods of using the composition to suppress appetite and enhance weight loss are provided.
US08143205B2
A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; (e) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface.
US08143201B2
Morpholine derivatives useful as ashless TBN sources for lubricating oil compositions that are compatible with fluoroelastomeric engine seal materials, and lubricating oil compositions containing such compounds.
US08143188B2
A dehydrogenation catalyst is described that comprises an iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof. A process for preparing a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising preparing a mixture of iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof is also described. Additionally, a dehydrogenation process using the catalyst and a process for preparing polymers are described.
US08143185B2
A photocatalytic metal deposition process and a resulting nanocomposite are described. The nanocomposite includes an electrically conducting carbonaceous material, a photoactive metal oxide and a metal. Metals for deposition include noble metals, metal alloys and other transition metals in which the metal is laid down precisely and in a predetermined fashion on one or more surfaces of a composite. Deposition provides a high performance electrocatalyst for a number of suitable applications.
US08143181B2
A process for producing an optical glass fiber from crystal-glass phase material. In one embodiment, the process includes the step of providing a molten crystal-glass phase material in a container, wherein the temperature of the molten crystal-glass phase material is at or above the melting temperature of the molten crystal-glass phase material, Tm, to allow the molten crystal-glass phase material is in liquid phase. The process further includes the step of cooling the molten crystal-glass phase material such that the temperature of the molten crystal-glass phase material, T1, is reduced to below Tm to cause the molten crystal-glass phase material to be changed from the liquid phase to a viscous melt. Moreover, the process has the step of pulling a glass fiber of the crystal-glass phase material from the viscous melt, wherein T1 satisfies the following relationship: Tv
US08143177B2
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a nonwoven fabric prepared so as to be able to rapidly transfer a predefined liquid. The nonwoven fabric is formed by jetting a fluid, which consists mainly of gaseous matter, to a fiber web 100 supported from beneath by a predefined breathable support member, from an upper surface side in order to move fibers in the fiber web 100. A number of groove portions 1 and a number of convex portions 2 are formed on a jetted area of the nonwoven fabric in the direction in which the area is extended, and the fiber density of the groove portions 1 is less than the fiber density of the convex portions 2.
US08143174B2
A method for providing a dielectric film having enhanced adhesion and stability. The method includes a post deposition treatment that densifies the film in a reducing atmosphere to enhance stability if the film is to be cured ex-situ. The densification generally takes place in a reducing environment while heating the substrate. The densification treatment is particularly suitable for silicon-oxygen-carbon low dielectric constant films that have been deposited at low temperature.
US08143173B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: (a) forming a stress relaxation layer on a first surface having an electrode of a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a wiring line so as to cover the electrode and the stress relaxation layer after step (a); (c) forming a solder resist layer on the wiring line after step (b); and (d) forming a protective layer on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the semiconductor substrate after step (c).
US08143172B2
The present invention relates to a novel printable etching medium having non-Newtonian flow behavior for the etching of surfaces in the production of solar cells, and to the use thereof. The present invention furthermore also relates to etching and doping media which are suitable both for the etching of inorganic layers and also for the doping of underlying layers. In particular, they are corresponding particle-containing compositions by means of which extremely fine structures can be etched very selectively without damaging or attacking adjacent areas.
US08143170B2
A single crystal semiconductor layer is provided over a base substrate with a second insulating film, a first conductive film, and a first insulating film interposed therebetween; an impurity element having one conductivity type is selectively added to the single crystal semiconductor layer, using a first resist mask; the first resist mask is removed; a second conductive film is formed over the single crystal semiconductor layer; a second resist mask having a depression is formed over the second conductive film; a first etching is performed on the first insulating film, the first conductive film, the second insulating film, the single crystal semiconductor layer, and the second conductive film, using the second resist mask; and a second etching with accompanying side-etching is performed on a part of the first conductive film to form a pattern of a gate electrode layer.
US08143162B2
An interconnect structure of an integrated circuit and a method for forming the same are provided. The interconnect structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a low-k dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate, a conductor in the low-k dielectric layer, and a cap layer on the conductor. The cap layer has at least a top portion comprising a metal silicide/germanide.
US08143157B2
A method for fabricating a self-aligned diffusion-barrier cap on a Cu-containing conductive element in an integrated-circuit device comprises:—providing a substrate having a Cu-containing conductive element embedded laterally into a dielectric layer and having an exposed surface;—depositing a metal layer on the exposed surface of conductive element;—inducing diffusion of metal from the metal layer into a top section of the conductive element;—removing the remaining metal layer;—letting diffused metal in the top section of the conductive element and particles of a second constituent react with each other so as to build a compound covering the conductive element. The metal of the metal layer and the second constituent are chosen so that the compound forms a diffusion barrier against Cu diffusion. A reduction the dielectric constant of the dielectric material in an interconnect stack of an integrated-circuit device is achieved.
US08143154B2
A relaxed InGaN template is formed by growing a GaN or InGaN nucleation layer at low temperatures on a conventional base layer (e.g., sapphire). The nucleation layer is typically very rough and multi-crystalline. A single-crystal InGaN buffer layer is then grown at normal temperatures on the nucleation layer. Although not necessary, the buffer layer is typically undoped, and is usually grown at high pressures to encourage planarization and to improve surface smoothness. A subsequent n-doped cap layer can then be grown at low pressures to form the n-contact of a photonic or electronic device. In some cases, a wetting layer—typically low temperature AlN—is grown prior to the nucleation layer. Other templates, such as AlGaN on Si or SiC, are also produced using the method of the present invention.
US08143151B2
The present invention is directed to an electrical device that comprises a first and a second fiber having a core of thermoelectric material embedded in an electrically insulating material, and a conductor. The first fiber is doped with a first type of impurity, while the second fiber is doped with a second type of impurity. A conductor is coupled to the first fiber to induce current flow between the first and second fibers.
US08143129B2
A semiconductor structure and method to form the same. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate having a non-volatile charge trap memory device disposed on a first region and a logic device disposed on a second region. A charge trap dielectric stack may be formed subsequent to forming wells and channels of the logic device. HF pre-cleans and SC1 cleans may be avoided to improve the quality of a blocking layer of the non-volatile charge trap memory device. The blocking layer may be thermally reoxidized or nitridized during a thermal oxidation or nitridation of a logic MOS gate insulator layer to densify the blocking layer. A multi-layered liner may be utilized to first offset a source and drain implant in a high voltage logic device and also block silicidation of the nonvolatile charge trap memory device.
US08143125B2
A method for forming a trench-gate FET includes the following steps. A plurality of trenches is formed extending into a semiconductor region. A gate dielectric is formed extending along opposing sidewalls of each trench and over mesa surfaces of the semiconductor region between adjacent trenches. A gate electrode is formed in each trench isolated from the semiconductor region by the gate dielectric. Well regions of a second conductivity type are formed in the semiconductor region. Source regions of the first conductivity type are formed in upper portions of the well regions. After forming the source regions, a salicide layer is formed over the gate electrode in each trench abutting portions of the gate dielectric. The gate dielectric prevents formation of the salicide layer over the mesa surfaces of the semiconductor region between adjacent trenches.
US08143121B2
A transistor structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a top surface and sidewalls extending downward from the top surface, wherein each of the sidewall comprises a vertical upper sidewall surface and a lower sidewall recess laterally etched into the semiconductor substrate. A trench fill dielectric region is inlaid into the top surface of the semiconductor substrate. Two source/drain regions are formed into the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and are sandwiched about the trench fill region. A buried gate electrode is embedded in the lower sidewall recess. A gate dielectric layer is formed on surface of the lower sidewall recess between the semiconductor substrate and the buried gate electrode.
US08143113B2
A method for forming a nanowire tunnel field effect transistor device includes forming a nanowire connected to a first pad region and a second pad region, the nanowire including a core portion and a dielectric layer, forming a gate structure on the dielectric layer of the nanowire, forming a first protective spacer on portions of the nanowire, implanting ions in a first portion of the exposed nanowire and the first pad region, implanting in the dielectric layer of a second portion of the exposed nanowire and the second pad region, removing the dielectric layer from the second pad region and the second portion, removing the core portion of the second portion of the exposed nanowire to form a cavity, and epitaxially growing a doped semiconductor material in the cavity to connect the exposed cross sections of the nanowire to the second pad region.
US08143111B2
A system and method for configuring an integrated circuit. Embodiments include a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC), comprising associating configuration items of the integrated circuit with at least one fuse of at least one type of fuse, wherein a fuse comprises a bit field and a physical fuse, and configuring the integrated circuit by setting the at least one fuse to a value, comprising logically combining multiple fuse values to determine a particular configuration, wherein at least one of the fuse values is not alterable after manufacture of the IC.
US08143106B2
The thermosetting die-bonding film of the present invention is used in manufacturing a semiconductor device, has at least an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, and an acrylic copolymer, and the ratio X/Y is 0.7 to 5 when X represents a total weight of the epoxy resin and the phenol resin and Y represents a weight of the acrylic copolymer.
US08143099B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package capable of simplifying a process and remarkably reducing a production cost by including the steps of: preparing a different bonded panel including at least one metal layer; forming a pad unit electrically connected to the metal layer; mounting a semiconductor chip over the different bonded panel to be electrically connected to the pad unit; sealing the semiconductor chip; forming a rearrangement wiring layer by etching the metal layer; and forming an external connection unit electrically connected to the rearrangement wiring layer.
US08143093B2
The present invention generally relates to thin film transistors (TFTs) and methods of making TFTs. The active channel of the TFT may comprise one or more metals selected from the group consisting of zinc, gallium, tin, indium, and cadmium. The active channel may also comprise nitrogen and oxygen. To protect the active channel during source-drain electrode patterning, an etch stop layer may be deposited over the active layer. The etch stop layer prevents the active channel from being exposed to the plasma used to define the source and drain electrodes. The etch stop layer and the source and drain electrodes may be used as a mask when wet etching the active material layer that is used for the active channel.
US08143091B2
A method realizes a thin film organic electronic device integrated on a substrate and includes an organic material layer and an organic thin film transistor or OTFT transistor. The method comprises: depositing the organic material layer on the substrate, the organic material layer being a conductive organic polymer; patterning by a soft-lithographic procedure the organic material layer to create a reduced portion in order to make a channel area of the OTFT transistor; masking the organic material layer by covering with a cover mask a source area and a drain area of the OTFT transistor; irradiating by ultraviolet radiation to deactivate exposed portions of the organic material layer defining the source area, the drain area and the channel area; depositing on the organic material layer a semiconductor layer; and creating on the semiconductor layer a gate area of the OTFT transistor.
US08143086B2
Described herein is an optically controlled electrical-switch device which includes a first current-conduction terminal and a second current-conduction terminal, and a carbon nanotube connected between the first and the second current-conduction terminals, the carbon nanotube being designed to be impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation and having an electrical conductivity that can be varied by varying the polarization of the electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. In particular, the carbon nanotube may for example, in given conditions of electrical biasing, present a high electrical conductivity when it is impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation having a given wavelength and a polarization substantially parallel to the axis of the carbon nanotube itself, and a reduced electrical conductivity when it is impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation having a given wavelength and a polarization substantially orthogonal to the axis of the carbon nanotube itself.
US08143084B2
An image sensing device for receiving an incident light having an incident angle and photo signals formed thereby is provided. The image sensing device includes a micro prism and a micro lens for adjusting the incident angle and converging the incident light, respectively, a photo sensor for converting the photo signals into electronic signals, and an IC stacking layer for processing the electronic signals.
US08143082B2
A single integrated wafer package includes a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) wafer, an active device wafer, and a seal ring. The MEMS wafer has a first surface and includes at least one MEMS component on its first surface. The active device wafer has a first surface and includes an active device circuit on its first surface. The seal ring is adjacent the first surface of the MEMS wafer such that a seal is formed about the MEMS component. An external contact is provided on the wafer package. The external contact is accessible externally to the wafer package and is electrically coupled to the active device circuit of the active device wafer.
US08143076B2
A method for producing a defect card for individual dies located on a wafer, comprising: producing first and second defect cards, where the defective individual dies whose adjoining individual dies form an environment having a defect density up to a first value (δ1) are classified as defective on the first defect card, and where the defective individual dies which are not considered upon the production of the first defect card are classified as defective on the second defect card; producing a third defect card by classifying additional individual dies on the second defect card as defective, where adjoining individual dies of the additional defective individual dies form an environment having at least one defect density of a second value (δ2), which second value is less than the first value (δ1); and producing a fourth defect card by unifying the third defect card with the first defect card.
US08143072B2
A method and system for detecting magnetic nanoparticles include measuring a magneto-optical enhancement of the plasmon absorption in the optical response.
US08143065B2
A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.
US08143061B2
The invention relates to an industrial method for producing an interest heterologous RNA and to a system for carrying out said production method consisting (1) in transforming mitochondrions of yeast cells free of mitochondrial RNA with a mitochondrial transcription vector comprising at least one copy of the DNA encoding said interest heterologous RNA which are controlled by regulatory element(s) of the mitochondrial transcription and a reporter gene thereof or a fragment of said reporter gene, 2) identifying yeast transformants by incorporating the interest DNA into the mitochondrions thereof, (3) culturing the yeast mitochondrial transformants selected at the stage (2), (4) isolating the mitochondrions from the yeast mitochondrial transformants obtainable at stages (3) and in extracting and purifying the interest heterologous RNA from said mitochondrions.
US08143059B2
The present invention relates to novel immortalized precursor cell populations derived from embryonic stem cell populations and methods to produce such cell populations. Also disclosed is an assay to identify regulatory compounds capable of controlling cell growth for therapeutic and experimental use.
US08143055B2
Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion. Methods of producing multicellular bodies having characteristics that facilitate assembly of the three-dimensional constructs are also provided.
US08143044B2
Provided are the expression method of influenza virus polymerase PAc-PB1N complex, the co-crystallization method of the complex and the three-dimendional structure of the crystal of PAc-PB1N complex. Also provided are the compounds binding to the influenza virus polymerase PAc and the expression method of influenza virus polymerase PAN. The three-dimensional structure of the crystal of PAc-PB1N complex can be used for screening and designing the drug for the treatment of influenza.
US08143043B2
Positively-charged initiator polymers having a polymerization initiator group and a cationic portion are provided. The initiator polymers can be used with a polymerizable material for the formation of a polymeric matrix on a surface. The initiator polymers are particularly useful for cell encapsulation using macromers.
US08143042B2
The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.
US08143038B2
A thermophilic micro-organism comprising a modification that increases amylase expression and starch hydrolysis compared to wild-type, wherein the modification is insertion of a heterologous amylase gene.
US08143037B2
An isolated clostridia bacterial species (Clostridium coskatii ATCC No. PTA-10522, “PS02”) is provided. Under anaerobic conditions C. coskatii can convert CO and/or H2 and/or CO2 to ethanol or acetate. Thus, this bacterium is capable of transforming waste gases (e.g. syngas and refinery wastes) into useful products.
US08143034B2
A method and process for the preparation of ricinoleic acid analogs and oligomers and polymers containing such ricinoleic acid analogs.
US08143031B2
The present invention claims an isolated polypeptide having L-amino-acid-N-acyl transferase enzymatic activity and a modified microorganism in which this enzyme is overexpressed. Substrates of said enzyme include mainly methionine and their derivatives or analogs. Overexpression in sulphur-containing amino acid producing microorganisms permits the production of large amounts of N-acylated sulphur-containing amino acids. The isolation of the N-acylated sulphur-containing amino acids from the fermentation medium is also claimed.
US08143029B2
The present invention relates to the fields of genetics and oncology and provides methods for detecting cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) or susceptibility to CTCL. Specifically, the present invention relates to a novel method for the diagnosis and follow-up of CTCL or CTCL subtype, the method comprising determination of expression of one or more genes, gene fragments or gene products. The present invention further relates to a novel method of detecting the response to CTCL therapy, the method comprising determining expression of one or more genes or gene fragments or gene products in a biological sample. The present invention further relates to a novel method of developing or improving CTCL therapy or developing anti-CTCL medicament, the method comprising screening agents affecting one or several of the genes or gene products. The present invention further relates to a novel method of treating CTCL patients, the method comprising affecting one or several of the genes or gene products. The present invention further relates to a novel test kit, the kit comprising the necessary means for detecting one or more genes, gene fragments or gene products. The present invention also relates to a use of one or more genes, gene fragments or gene products for determination, diagnosis or follow-up of CTCL or CTCL subtype and for detection of the response to CTCL therapy. The present invention also relates to a use of one or more target molecules for CTCL therapy or for the preparation of a medicament for treating CTCL.
US08143024B2
The subject of the invention is the genomic sequence and the nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides of Chlamydia trachomatis, such as cellular envelope polypeptides, which are secreted or specific, or which are involved in metabolism, in the replication process or in virulence, polypeptides encoded by such sequences, as well as vectors including the said sequences and cells or animals transformed with these vectors. The invention also relates to transcriptional gene products of the Chlamydia trachomatis genome, such as, for example, antisense and ribozyme molecules, which can be used to control growth of the microorganism. The invention also relates to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The invention also relates to a method of selecting compounds capable of modulating bacterial infection and a method for the biosynthesis or biodegradation of molecules of interest using the said nucleotide sequences or the said polypeptides. The invention finally comprises, pharmaceutical, in particular vaccine, compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial, in particular Chlamydia trachomatis, infections.
US08143015B2
Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.
US08143003B2
It is an object to be achieved by the present invention to provide a method for detecting cancer and a cell growth inhibiting agent by the identification of genes exhibiting characteristic behavior in cancers such as oral squamous-cell carcinoma. The present invention provides a method for detecting cancer, which comprises detecting at least one gene alteration existing in chromosomal region 4q35 in a specimen.
US08142996B2
The invention relates to the determination of the nature and strength of enzymatic activity in blood using mass spectrometric measurement of a profile of the reaction products. The determination of the enzymatic activity can be used for medical diagnostics, for example, and also to check the effectiveness of medication. The invention provides a method whereby adding probe substances usually not present in blood offers standardized substrates for measuring the enzymatic activity. The probe substances may be added to whole blood, plasma, or serum. The mass spectrometric measurement of the reaction products, after their reversible immobilization on actively binding surfaces of solids, for example, can deliver biomarker patterns of the reaction products which may be indicators for metabolic anomalies or diseases, since these are often accompanied by the formation or activation of characteristic enzymes.
US08142989B2
A method of fabricating a process chamber component having a textured surface with raised features. The method comprises providing a process chamber component having a surface, and forming a patterned resist layer on the process chamber component, the patterned resist layer having apertures that expose portions of the surface of the process chamber component therethrough. A textured surface having raised features is formed on the process chamber component by propelling grit particles with a gas that is pressurized to a pressure sufficiently high to cause the grit particles to erode and remove material from the surface.
US08142979B2
A resist composition for immersion exposure, including a base component (A) that exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure, and a fluorine-containing compound (C) represented by general formula (c-1) (in formula (c-1), R1 represents an organic group which may contain a polymerizable group; X represents a divalent organic group having an acid dissociable portion; and R2 represents an organic group having a fluorine atom).
US08142978B2
The invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor having at least: a support; and an image recording layer that is provided on the support, the image recording layer comprising: an infrared ray absorbing agent (A); a polymerization initiator (B); a polymerizable compound (C); and a compound (D) represented by the following Formula (I). In Formula (I), at least one of R1 to R3 represents —(CH2CH2O)n—R4, while the remainder of R1 to R3 respectively independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R5—COOH; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n represents an integer of 1 to 20; and R5 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The invention further provides a printing method using the planographic printing plate precursor and performing on-press development.
US08142971B2
An electrostatic charge developer includes a carrier having a core material and a resin coating layer covering the surface of the core material, and a toner having a binder resin that contains a non-crystalline polyester resin and a crystalline polyester resin. The resin coating layer contains a copolymer that contains a nitrogen-containing acrylic ester or nitrogen-containing methacrylic ester and an alicyclic acrylic ester or alicyclic methacrylic ester. The non-crystalline polyester resin contains at least an alkyl succinic acid or an anhydride or lower alkyl ester thereof, or an alkenyl succinic acid or an anhydride or lower alkyl ester thereof. The crystalline polyester resin is an aliphatic polyester resin.
US08142968B2
The disclosed embodiments are directed to an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a release layer. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a release layer which comprises an organosilane compound coated over the substrate surface. Other embodiments include methods for coating layer removal using a specifically configured electrophotographic photoreceptor having a release layer and methods for recovering a charge transport molecule.
US08142967B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrostatographic, including digital, apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member incorporating a carbon nano tube dispersion into a high molecular weight polycarbonate and an anti-static copolymer with polyester, polycarbonate, and polyethylene glycol units in a formulation for the anti-curl back coating layer which provides a conductively suitable and stable dispersion coating solution for making an optically suitable anti-curl back coating layer.
US08142966B2
A method of characterizing a process by selecting the process to characterize, selecting a parameter of the process to characterize, determining values of the parameter to use in a test matrix, specifying an eccentricity for the test matrix, selecting test structures to be created in cells on a substrate, processing the substrate through the process using in each cell the value of the parameter as determined by the eccentric test matrix, measuring a property of the test structures in the cells, and developing a correlation between the parameter and the property.
US08142960B2
An exposure method has irradiating a mask with light based on an exposure performing condition, a first mask pattern and a second mask pattern being formed in the mask, and projecting images of the first mask pattern and second mask pattern onto a wafer through a projection lens, a lower-layer film material and a photoresist being sequentially laminated on the wafer, wherein the exposure performing condition is a condition on which, when exposure is performed on a predetermined exposure condition, the predetermined exposure condition is adjusted such that a difference between a wafer position at which a best focus is obtained for the image of the first mask pattern and a wafer position at which a best focus is obtained for the image of the second mask pattern falls within a predetermined range, the wafer position of the first mask pattern and the wafer position of the second mask pattern being predicted using film thicknesses and optical characteristics of the photoresist and the lower-layer film material.
US08142944B2
A device for producing energy for portable applications including at least one micro fuel cell and a microreactor, having a reaction chamber including a catalyst, for producing hydrogen gas to be fed to the micro fuel cell. The microreactor includes at least one substrate of a composite material for making printed circuits micromachined with printed circuit technology suitable for making the reaction chamber and having a semipermeable membrane on top of it. The substrate and the membrane are connected to the micro fuel cell to make a single body through a single pressure assembly step.
US08142942B2
Disclosed in a vaporizer including a gas-liquid separation film which separates a gas included in a supplied liquid and which allows the separated gas to pass through the gas-liquid separation film and a heating unit which is provided at a downstream side of the gas-liquid separation film and which heats the liquid.
US08142938B2
A catalyst including: a plurality of porous clusters of silver particles, each cluster including: (a) a plurality of primary particles of silver, and (b) crystalline particles of zirconium oxide (ZrO2), wherein at least a portion of the crystalline particles of ZrO2 is located in pores formed by a surface of the plurality of primary particles of silver.
US08142937B2
A fuel cell system is capable of easily determining whether or not supply of gas to a cathode has been cut off after an issuance of a power generation stop command. The fuel cell system includes a cell stack which includes a plurality of fuel cells; a stop valve which is brought to a closed state as the power generation stop command is issued, thereby cutting off an inflow of air into a pipe, and therefore into the cell stack; a power generation sensor which detects a voltage of the cell stack after the issuance of the power generation stop command; and a CPU which controls an operation of the fuel cell system. When a main switch is turned off while the cell stack is in a power generating operation, an operation stop command and the power generation stop command are given to the CPU. After the power generation stop command is issued, the CPU determines whether or not air supply to the cell stack has been cut off, by comparing the voltage of the cell stack to a first threshold value.
US08142935B2
A method where two disk cutter rolls are used to form slits in a staggered pattern in a metal sheet; disk cutters are part of the disk cutter rolls; ridges are arranged in a peripheral edge of the disk cutters; and valleys are arranged between the ridges, where an axis-to-axis distance L (mm) of the rolls satisfies a relationship of 2r−0.3≦L<2r when a radius of a reference circumferential face made with the valleys is r (mm). The method can include a carrying procedure for passing the sheet between the rolls, then carrying the sheet along a peripheral face of one of the rolls, and then pulling out the sheet from the peripheral face.
US08142934B2
A positive electrode for a non-aqueous electrolytic secondary cell and a non-aqueous electrolytic secondary cell are provided, which exhibit a high potential in a 4 V region, and have a high capacity, safety, excellent cycle characteristics, and satisfactory high-temperature characteristics. The positive electrode active material is a mixture of an olivine type lithium manganese phosphate and a spinel type lithium manganate.
US08142933B2
A battery with a carbonaceous anode and a lithium manganese oxide spinel cathode. The carbonaceous anode is manufactured from graphite particles selected from the group consisting of: synthetic graphite particles, carbon-coated graphite particles, carbonized petroleum coke particles, carbon-coated coke particles and mixtures thereof. The lithium manganese oxide spinel cathode has a valence above 3.5. The production of the carbonaceous anode is obtained by: a) determining the initial coulombic efficiency and the specific capacity of the lithium manganese oxide spinel cathode in a cell against lithium metal; b) selecting a desired mixture of the graphite particles; c) comparing the initial coulombic efficiency of the graphite particles to that of the lithium manganese oxide spinel cathode; and d) selecting the appropriate amount and mixture of the graphite particles so that the initial coulombic efficiency of the carbonaceous anode is lower than that of the lithium manganese oxide spinel cathode.
US08142921B2
A rechargeable battery having electrical stability includes an electrode assembly, a case, a cap assembly, and a spacer. The electrode assembly includes an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. The case has an opening in which the electrode assembly is inserted and has a first thickness portion having a first thickness and a second thickness portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. The cap assembly is coupled to the opening of the case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The spacer is fixed to an end of the case, and includes a supporting protrusion that engages with a portion of the case where the first thickness portion and the second thickness portion are connected to each other.
US08142906B2
In Sn-plated copper or a Sn-plated copper alloy according to the present invention, a surface plating layer including a Ni layer, a Cu—Sn alloy layer, and a Sn layer which are deposited in this order is formed on a surface of a base material made of copper or a copper alloy. An average thickness of the Ni layer is 0.1 to 1.0 μm, an average thickness of the Cu—Sn alloy layer is 0.55 to 1.0 μm, and an average thickness of the Sn layer is 0.2 to 1.0 μm. The Cu—Sn alloy layer includes Cu—Sn alloy layers having two compositions, a portion thereof in contact with the Ni layer is formed of an ε-phase having an average thickness of 0.5 to 0.95 μm, and a portion thereof in contact with the Sn layer is formed of a η-phase having an average thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 μm.
US08142902B2
Certain embodiments provide an article comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate is extrusion coated with a composition comprising a multi-branched polypropylene having a g′ of less than 1.00. In certain embodiments, the substrate is extrusion coated with a composition comprising a polypropylene material. Either the composition and/or the polypropylene material are represented by the equation: Vicat B [° C.]>−3.96·Cx [mol %]+86.85; wherein Vicat B is the heat resistance, according to ISO 306 (50 N), of the composition and/or the polypropylene material; and Cx is the comonomer content the composition and/or the polypropylene material.
US08142899B2
To provide a heat-resistant resin composition which has excellent heat resistance, does not show a reduced mechanical strength such as flexural strength even after being passed rough a reflow furnace and heat-treated under high temperature conditions, and also has an excellent flame retardancy; a production method of the heat-resistant resin composition; a heat-resistant resin-molded article; and a surface mount electronic component. The heat-resistant resin composition includes a polyarylene sulfide resin (A) and an aromatic polyamide (B) having terephthalic acid amide as an essential structural unit at a former/latter ratio of 70/30 to 95/5 by mass. In a molded article composed of the heat-resistant resin composition, the average diameter of holes formed by etching a broken-out section of the molded article with an organic solvent is 0.1 to 1.0 μm, where the broken-out section is observed on a scanning electron microscope (2,500 times).
US08142895B2
A curable aryl siloxane composition is disclosed. A heat stable cured aryl polysiloxane composition is further disclosed, along with a method of making that heat stable cured aryl polysiloxane composition from the curable aryl siloxane composition. An encapsulated semiconductor device, and a method of making that encapsulated semiconductor device by coating a semiconductor element of a semiconductor device with the heat stable cured aryl polysiloxane are further disclosed.
US08142893B2
Multi-layer polymeric films having at least one skin layer comprising at least one polyhydroxyether component or a combination of at least one polyhydroxyether component and at least polyester component are provided. The multi-layer films exhibit advantages such as high surface energy contributing to improved printability, barrier properties, and metallization. Additionally, the films exhibit improved adhesion between the skin layer and other layers of multi-layer film structures. In certain embodiments, the at least one skin layer incorporates from about 70 wt. % to about 100 wt. % of the at least one polyhydroxyether component or the combination of the at least one polyhydroxyether component and the at least one polyester component. The combination of the at least one polyhydroxyether component and the at least one polyester component incorporates from about 1 wt. % to about 99.0 wt. % of the at least one polyhydroxyether component and from about 1 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of the at least one polyester component.
US08142883B2
A porous carbon sheet obtained by binding separate carbon short fibers with a carbonization product of a resin, wherein the pore mode diameter of the sheet is 45 to 90 μm and the mean fiber diameter of the carbon short fibers is 5 to 20 μm. The sheet can be produced by thermoforming a precursor fiber sheet comprising carbon short fibers of 15 to 30 g/m2 in basis weight and a thermosetting resin of 30 to 80 g/m2 in basis weight by hot plates having a certain clearance and carbonizing the thermosetting resin contained in thermoformed precursor fiber sheet.
US08142878B2
In one embodiment, a substrate includes a core material formed from a filler including aluminum trihydrate and a secondary filler material. The secondary filler material has a secondary decomposition reaction that occurs at a temperature higher than a reflow temperature reached during processing of the substrate, or the secondary filler traps water released at reflow temperature by aluminum trihydrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08142870B2
Sealing devices are presented. The sealing device includes a first material and a second material. The first material responds to energy inputs differently than the second material. The first and second material are operatively connected and configured to be inserted into an orifice.
US08142858B2
Disclosed are Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol F, Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), and Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE)-free coating compositions for metal substrates including an under-coat composition containing a polyester (co)polymer, and an under-coat cross-linker; and an over-coat composition containing a poly(vinyl chloride) (co)polymer dispersed in a substantially nonaqueous carrier liquid, an over-coat cross-linker, and a functional (meth)acrylic (co)polymer. Also provided is a method of coating a metal substrate using the BPA, BPF, BADGE and BFDGE-free coating system to produce a hardened protective coating useful in fabricating metal storage containers. The coated substrate is particularly useful in fabricating multi-part foodstuffs storage containers with “easy-open” end closures.
US08142855B2
A method of applying a curable composition to a substrate is disclosed. The composition comprises a polyene and a active hydrogen-containing compound that are capable of undergoing a Michael Addition reaction. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a tertiary phosphine catalyst. The components of the composition are sprayed in separate streams whereby the streams overlap prior to contacting the substrate and the composition cures quickly on the substrate.
US08142849B2
To provide an inkjet recording method including: flying ink by application of stimulation to the ink to form an image on a recording media, wherein the recording media has at least one barrier layer of 10 m or less in thickness on at least one surface of a substrate comprising a cellulose pulp, the barrier layer contains 30% by mass or more of an inorganic pigment with a refraction index of 1.5 or less other than alumina, and the content of pigment with a refraction index of less than 1.5 in the barrier layer is 10% by mass or less, wherein the ink contains either a pigment or colored fine particle as coloring material, and a coloring material fixing constituent, and the surface tension of the ink is 25 mN/m or less, and the total amount of the ink on the recording media is 15 g/m2 or less.
US08142847B2
Compositions including an amido-group-containing vapor deposition precursor and a stabilizing additive are provided. Such compositions have improved thermal stability and increased volatility as compared to the amido-group-containing vapor deposition precursor itself. These compositions are useful in the deposition of thin films, such as by atomic layer deposition.
US08142841B2
Methods for deoxidizing metallic surfaces are disclosed. Such a method may include contacting a surface of a metal strip with one or more chemical solutions until a potential drop across a thickness of the metal strip is less than a pre-selected value. To process a metal strip such that it may be suitable for fabrication of a bipolar plate for use in a fuel cell, the metal strip may be processed until the potential drop is less then about 15 mV. A surface of the metal strip may be contacted for a first period of time with a first chemical solution having a pH of between 10 and 14. Thereafter, the surface may be contacted for a second period of time with a second chemical solution having a pH of between 1 and 3. A conductive organic coating may then be applied to the surface. Such methods are particularly suitable for use in connection with a coil coating process.
US08142836B2
Embodiments of the invention include multi-layered coatings for controlling the elution rates of active agents and methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of applying an elution control coating to a substrate. The method can include depositing a coating solution onto the substrate to form a base layer. The method can also include selecting a desired concentration of the solvent based on a desired elution rate. The method can further include removing solvent from the base layer to reach a desired concentration of the solvent and depositing a layer of parylene on the base layer. In an embodiment, the invention can include a medical device including a substrate, a base layer, and a porous layer. The base layer can include a polymeric matrix and an active agent dispersed within the polymeric matrix. The porous layer can include parylene. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US08142828B2
Tumble breading assemblies, systems, and methods for applying breading material to food are described herein. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotary tumbling breading assembly for applying a breading material to a food generally includes a first rotary tumbler having a first channel for accepting the food and breading material and for rotating the food with the breading material, a second rotary tumbler offset beneath the first tumbler and having a second channel arranged to accept the food and the breading material from the first channel of the first rotary tumbler.
US08142818B2
Disclosed is a natural herbal composition for preventing wrinkles, skin roughness, dryness of skin, irregular pigmentation and brown spots due to aging, stress and environmental factors without any side effect. The composition comprises extracts of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Cipadessa baccifera, Woodfordia fruticosa and Camellia sinensis.
US08142813B2
A polymer latex composition has an acrylonitrile component, a polychloroprene component, and a natural latex component. When these components are blended together and formed into a film, the film exhibits a resistance to ozone that is greater than a resistance to ozone of materials in which acrylonitrile is not included. Furthermore, the combination of acrylonitrile and chloroprene imparts a synergistic effect to the composition with regard to ozone resistance. The film can be formed into a glove having a resistance to ozone that is improved over the resistance to ozone of gloves not including acrylonitrile. The glove may include an antimicrobial agent.
US08142811B2
A solid oral controlled-release dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and controlled release material.
US08142808B2
Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.
US08142805B1
Disclosed are implantable tissues including one or more enzyme inhibitors bound in the tissues, bioprostheses including the tissue, and methods for incorporating enzyme inhibitors in implantable tissues. Disclosed tissue can exhibit increased resistance to degradation, and specifically, degradation due to enzyme activity following implantation. Moreover, the disclosed methods can lead to increased levels of beneficial components bound in implantable tissues following a fixation/stabilization protocol. Increased levels of beneficial agents in an implantable tissue can further improve the implantable tissues and bioprostheses incorporating the tissues through improved mechanical characteristics and longer lifespan.
US08142803B2
A composition for administration to a subject, such as oral administration to a subject, for example, has been provided. Such a composition may comprise at least one magnesium-counter ion compound. A magnesium-counter ion composition described herein may be useful for any of a variety of applications provided herein, such as maintaining, enhancing, and/or improving health, nutrition, and/or another condition of a subject, and/or cognitive, learning, and/or memory function. A magnesium-counter ion composition provided herein may be useful for administration to a subject presenting magnesium deficiency, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ALS, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, migraine, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or hypertension. A kit, method, and other associated technology are also provided.
US08142801B2
A pest-combating composition including sodium lauryl sulfate and one or more of C6-12 fatty acids, preferably lauric and/or capric and/or caprylic acid, soy methyl ester, and 2-undecanone, and methods of combating pests utilizing same, are disclosed. The compositions can include a carrier oil such as silicon oil, soy methyl ester, or a vegetable oil, and can be in the form of an emulsion. The composition may be constituted as a spray composition, an aerosol, a lotion, a paste, or another compositional form. Pests that may be usefully combated with such composition include flying insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, ants, including arthropods such as fire ants, ticks, fleas, cockroaches, silver fish, thrips, gnats, aphids, Japanese beetles, and agricultural and horticultural arthropods and insects including beetles (potato and bean), flea beetles, fleahoppers, squash bugs, slugs, leaf hoppers, harlequin bugs, milk weed bugs, spiders, mites, lice, rodents, and deer.
US08142793B2
Immunogenic compositions that elicit immune responses against Norovirus and Sapovirus antigens are described. In particular, the invention relates to polynucleotides encoding one or more capsid proteins or other immunogenic viral polypeptides from one or more strains of Norovirus and/or Sapovirus, coexpression of such immunogenic viral polypeptides with adjuvants, and methods of using the polynucleotides in applications including immunization and production of immunogenic viral polypeptides and viral-like particles (VLPs). Methods for producing Norovirus- or Sapovirus-derived multiple epitope fusion antigens or polyproteins and immunogenic compositions comprising one or more immunogenic polypeptides, polynucleotides, VLPs, and/or adjuvants are also described. The immunogenic compositions of the invention may also contain antigens other than Norovirus or Sapovirus antigens, including antigens that can be used in immunization against pathogens that cause diarrheal diseases, such as antigens derived from rotavirus.
US08142792B2
Topical compositions comprising extracts of Rhizomucor miehei that are substantially devoid of acid-protease activity and their use in treating dermatologic conditions, including reducing the appearance of signs of skin aging.
US08142791B2
The present invention relates to an antibody fusion protein which specifically recognizes the VA, HN or F surface antigen of the New Castle Disease Virus (NDV), a surface molecule of a tumor-unspecific T cell or a surface molecule of a dendritic cell and an immunocytokine. Also encompassed by the present invention are polynucleotides encoding the aforementioned antibody fusion protein as well as tumor-unspecific key cells or dendritic cells bound by the antibody fusion protein. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of treating a tumor in a subject comprising administering to the said subject the antibody fusion protein, the tumor-unspecific T cell, the dendritic cell or the polynucleotide of the invention. Preferably, the said tumor is a solid tumor.
US08142787B2
Recombinant chimeric antigens comprising unmodified and modified reactive polypeptide fragments of expressed product of the recombinant 56 kDa proteins of multiple strain of scrub typhus, such as Karp, Kato (Ktr56), Gilliam (Gmr56), and TA763 (TAr56). The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to a number of strains of scrub typhus, based on the strength of reaction toward the chimeric protein and as a component in vaccine formulations and production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects against heterologous infections.
US08142784B2
The present invention relates to antibody-drug conjugate compounds of Formula I: Ab-(L-D)p I where one or more maytansinoid drug moieties (D) are covalently linked by L to an antibody (Ab) which binds to an ErbB receptor, or which binds to one or more tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors. These compounds may be used in methods of diagnosis or treatment of cancer, and other diseases and disorders.
US08142773B2
The invention relates to methods of isolating and implanting mesenchymal stem cells for tissue repair or formation, without prior culture expansion of the mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, the invention relates to methods of isolating mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, for repairing or inducing formation of bone, without prior culture expansion of the mesenchymal stem cells. The invention further relates to an isolated, non-culturally expanded human adult mesenchymal stem cell population.
US08142771B2
The present invention provides a novel use of coccidian, specifically relates to the use of coccidian as a vaccine live vector. The present invention further provides a live vaccine with coccidian as a vector, which is transgenic coccidian capable of expressing exogenous protein or stably transfected coccidian that contain expression vector and can express exogenous coccidian. The present coccidian vector live vaccine can induce organisms to simultaneously generate protective humoral and cellular immune responses (including the mucosal immune response), as well as generate memory responses, which can be readily carried out and has stable effect and high biological safety without generating immune tolerance.
US08142765B2
The invention relates to a makeup composition comprising a) at least one liquid fatty phase structured with at least one semi-crystalline polymer having an organic structure, whose melting temperature is greater than or equal to 30° C., b) a colorant and c) a volatile oil, the liquid fatty phase, colorant, volatile oil and polymer forming a physiologically acceptable medium.This composition is in the form in particular of a stick which on keratin materials, particularly the lips, lays down a glossy film which does not undergo transfer to objects with which the keratin materials come into contact.
US08142761B2
The present invention provides a skin test method for predicting the formation of spots in the skin. This method is characterized by judging skin to be susceptible to spot formation in the case expression of genes consisting of MLSTD1, MOGAT1, FADS2, FADS1, HSD3B1, ELOVL3, BG1, PECR, FABP7, FA2H, HAO2, ALOX15B, PDE6A, LZTS1, SEC14L4, BAMBI, CIDEA, TERE1, GAL, THRSP, INSIG1 or CUTL2 in the epidermis is accelerated, or the expression of genes consisting of RBBP6, MSMB, WIF1, ANKRD12, FLG, SYNE2, SCEL, NKTR or AMBP in the epidermis is decreased as compared with normal expression in the epidermis.
US08142756B1
A metal substituted hexaaluminate catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuels to synthesis gas of the general formula AByAl12-yO19-δ, A being selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and lanthanide metals or mixtures thereof. A dopant or surface modifier selected from a transitions metal, a spinel of an oxygen-ion conductor is incorporated. The dopant may be Ca, Cs, K, La, Sr, Ba, Li, Mg, Ce, Co, Fe, Ir, Rh, Ni, Ru, Cu, Pe, Os, Pd, Cr, Mn, W, Re, Sn, Gd, V, Ti, Ag, Au, and mixtures thereof. The oxygen-ion conductor may be a perovskite selected from M′RhO3, M′PtO3, M′PdO3, M′IrO3, M′RuO3 wherein M′=Mg, Sr, Ba, La, Ca; a spinel selected from MRh2O4, MPt2O4, MPd2O4, MIr2O4, MRu2O4 wherein M=Mg, Sr, Ba, La, Ca and mixtures thereof; a florite is selected from M″O2.
US08142753B2
A large scale process for preparing fumed silica with consistent product parameters wherein a silica precursor compound is fed to a burner at ≧100 Kg/h along with a combusting gas at ≧300 m3/h and a combustible gas at ≧100 m3/h, with a nozzle gas velocity between 10 and 200 m/s, and a radially symmetrical, homogenous gas velocity and gas temperature.
US08142751B2
In a powder-sintered type silicon monoxide based evaporating material which is used to form an evaporated film of silicon monoxide, the generation of splash is restrained. Material strength that can resist against the use of the material is ensured. In order to realize these, a starting powder made of precipitating SiO is sintered at 700 to 1000° C. to form an evaporating material. The precipitation of Si is restrained in the step of the sintering. In the measurement thereof by XRD, the peak strength P1 at a Si peak point generated near 2θ=28° and the base strength P2 at the peak point expected from the average strength gradient before and after the peak point satisfies the following: P1/P2≦3. The compression fracture strength of the evaporating material after the material is sintered is raised to 5 MPa or more by selective use of precipitating SiO produced by a vacuum condensing machine.
US08142743B2
Provided is a method for forming zinc oxide which includes introducing a zinc vapor and a water vapor to a reactor; providing a zinc particulate to the reactor to promote the reaction between the zinc vapor and water vapor, thereby forming zinc oxide and hydrogen. An apparatus for forming zinc oxide is also provided.
US08142741B2
A channel forming body of a reactor has a base plate, a first sealing member bonded to one surface of the base plate and a second sealing member bonded to the other surface of the base plate. A plurality of first inlet grooves forming first inlet paths and a plurality of reaction grooves forming reaction grooves are formed in parallel and side by side in one surface of the base plate. A plurality of second inlet grooves forming second inlet paths are formed in parallel and side by side in the other surface of the base plate. A plurality of junction holes forming junction channels penetrate the base plate from the one surface to the other surface between corresponding ones of the respective first and second inlet grooves and the reaction grooves corresponding to the inlet grooves to connect downstream ends of the inlet grooves and upstream ends of the reaction grooves.
US08142740B2
A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.
US08142738B2
A bottle top dispenser for handling liquids having a piston-cylinder arrangement in an outside housing. At least one actuating button (49) that can be pressed downwards is arranged on the upper side of the outside housing. The outside housing (2) can be provided with ventilation openings (48) that can be hidden beneath the actuating button (49). The bottle arrangement is also characterized by a specific arrangement of a sensor system (65) in relation to a measuring strip (64) on a piston rod (28). The path measuring signal can be evaluated by means of a magnetoresistive sensor system, especially such a system based on the AMR effect. The arrangement of the measuring strip (64) in relation to the longitudinal central axis of the piston rod (28) is of considerable importance.
US08142734B2
A microplate in which a plurality of wells that are reaction vessels, in a substantially concave shape, to analyze components of a specimen are arranged in matrix, includes a first surface that passes through an opening plane of the wells; and a second surface that is directed to an opposite side to the first surface. The microplate also includes a well-identification information indicator that is arranged on the second surface included in a boundary portion between wells next to each other, and that indicates well identification information to identify each of the wells. The boundary portion between the wells next to each other has a thickness substantially equivalent to a depth of the wells.
US08142727B2
A System for reducing organic contaminates from the condensate discharge of a closed loop industrial drying process. The system includes a dryer, a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) in flow communication with the dryer, and an energy recovery unit in flow communication with the RTO.
US08142721B2
A test strip with a covering layer having a novel slot. The slot divides the inventive covering layer into two parts and provides a vent opening that allows air to escape as fluid enters a cavity or sample receiving chamber formed in the test strip. In preferred embodiments, the covering layer is clear such that the user can see through it and the slot doubles as a “fill line.” The user can thus watch the fluid sample enter the test strip, progress through the capillary cavity, and then stop at the slot or fill-line. This provides positive assurance to the user that the sample size is sufficient and the test strip has been filled properly. The present invention also provides an advantageous method of mass-producing the inventive test strips without having to align the slot or vent opening laterally with respect to the test strips and without having to punch a vent opening. The method is also well suited to mass production by roll processing techniques.
US08142716B2
An improved method of purifying a fluid having fluid-borne contaminants I including the steps of: providing a pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at. a pressure ratio of at least 2.0 so as to sufficiently elevate the temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump, or, alternatively, operating the pump so that the outlet temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing therethrough is at least about 200° C.; and controlling the time during which the temperature of the fluid and contaminants are elevated; thereby to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.
US08142713B2
A germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include an orientation detector to determine the position of the user's hand and the spread of the user's fingers, and a surface detector to determine whether the user's hand is covered by a glove.
US08142707B2
An apparatus and method for controlling the curing process during the manufacture of composite laminates and components. The apparatus including a temperature controlled vessel such as an autoclave in which the material is placed during curing and an infra-red temperature measuring device such as a camera located remotely from the component to measure the temperature of at least part of the material during curing.
US08142704B2
A loading unit, surface scanning module, and an imprint module may be integrated into a single tool. Template may be loaded on loading unit and positioned within imprint module. Substrate may then be loaded on loading unit and scanned defects using surface scanning module. If substrate passes inspection by surface scanning module, substrate may be positioned imprint module where formable material may be dispensed thereon and imprinted. The imprinted substrate may then be unloaded from imprinting module.
US08142702B2
A solid layer is formed by applying a multiplicity of discrete portions of a fluid composition onto a surface of an imprint lithography substrate, and allowing the discrete portions of the composition to spontaneously spread on the surface of the substrate to form a substantially continuous layer. The composition includes a solvent and a solid or a solvent and a polymerizable material. The composition can be a solution or a dispersion. At least some of the solvent is evaporated from the composition, and a solid layer is formed (e.g., polymerized or dried) on the substrate. The solid layer is substantially free of interstitial voids.
US08142700B2
Dry adhesives and methods for forming dry adhesives. A method of forming a dry adhesive structure on a substrate, comprises: forming a template backing layer of energy sensitive material on the substrate; forming a template layer of energy sensitive material on the template backing layer; exposing the template layer to a predetermined pattern of energy; removing a portion of the template layer related to the predetermined pattern of energy, and leaving a template structure formed from energy sensitive material and connected to the substrate via the template backing layer.
US08142698B2
A method of reducing a surface glossiness of an organopolysiloxane-cured article is provided. The method comprises preparing the liquid organopolysiloxane composition for matting comprising: (A) 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting liquid organopolysiloxane composition having a specific gravity larger than the component (B), and (B) 0.1 to 100 parts by weight of a hollow filler having a melting point of at least 150° C., and a particle size of up to 200 μm, casting the liquid organopolysiloxane composition as a potting material or coating material; and curing the liquid organopolysiloxane composition at a temperature of 10 to 160 C for 30 to 180 minutes, whereby the hollow filler floats to the surface of the organopolysiloxane and forms surface irregularities on the surface of the cured article during curing to provide a surface glossiness of up to 40 in a cured article having a matted surface.
US08142696B2
A method for producing back-foamed air-permeable textile products, whereas, instead of providing a film or the like to prevent the penetration of reaction products or foam to the visible face, the pressure created during the reaction is intentionally decreased so that none of the reaction products nor the foam created by the reaction of the reaction products is able to penetrate the textile product. With a product manufactured in this way, the climatic comfort is improved and a better acoustic effect can be achieved. The disclosure also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the method and to a corresponding back-foamed air-permeable textile product.
US08142694B2
A method for forming an imprint pattern includes: contacting a template having a first pattern with a curable material on a substrate to be treated and curing the curable material; releasing the template from the curable material after curing to form a second pattern made of the curable material such that the first pattern is transferred and formed as the second pattern for the substrate; measuring at least one of a load or time requiring for separation of the template when the template is separated from the curable material after transferring and forming; and comparing the load or time measured with a predetermined threshold value and determining whether the load or time measured is beyond the predetermined threshold value or not.
US08142691B2
An optic is produced by the steps of placing a polymer inside a rotateable cylindrical chamber, the rotateable cylindrical chamber having an outside wall, rotating the cylindrical chamber, heating the rotating chamber forcing the polymer to the outside wall of the cylindrical chamber, allowing the rotateable cylindrical chamber to cool while rotating producing an optic substrate with a substrate surface, sizing the optic substrate, and coating the substrate surface of the optic substrate to produce the optic with an optic surface.
US08142686B2
The present invention relates to electrically conductive polymer compositions, and their use in organic electronic devices. The electrically conductive polymer compositions include an intrinsically conductive polymer having at least one monomer unit derived from Formula I: where: Q=N, CR5 X=N, CR6 Z=NH, S, O, Se, Te R1 through R4 can be H, F, Cl, C1-C24 alkyl, C2-C24 alkenyl, aryl, C1-C10 alkoxy, C1-C10 alkylseleno, C1-C10 alkylthio, C1-C10 alkylsilyl, NH2, or C1-C10 dialkylamino, where adjacent R groups can join together to form a 5- or 6-membered aliphatic or aromatic rings, with the proviso that at least one of R1 through R4 is NH2, and at least one of R1 through R6 is H, and. R5 and R6 can be H, C1-C24 alkyl, C2-C24 alkenyl, and aryl. The electrically conducting polymer is doped with a non-fluorinated acid polymer.
US08142675B2
A composition for chemical-mechanical planarization comprises periodic acid and an abrasive present in a combined amount sufficient to planarize a substrate surface having a feature thereon comprising a noble metal, noble metal alloy, noble metal oxide, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the periodic acid is present in an amount in a range of from about 0.05 to about 0.3 moles/kilogram, and the abrasive is present in an amount in a range of from about 0.2 to about 6 weight percent. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a pH-adjusting agent present in an amount sufficient to cause the pH of the composition to be in a range of from about pH 5 to about pH 10, or of from about pH 1 to about pH 4.A method for planarizing a substrate surface having a feature thereon comprising at least one noble metal, noble metal alloy, or noble metal oxide, or a combination thereof, comprises providing a composition or slurry comprising periodic acid and an abrasive in a combined amount sufficient to planarize the substrate surface, and polishing the surface with the slurry. A substrate produced by such a method is also provided.
US08142671B1
A method to fabricate a damped suspension assembly includes providing a suspension assembly including a mounting plate, a bend region, and a load beam. A first thinned area of the load beam is partially-etched. The bend region does not include the first thinned area. A constrained-layer damper is adhered to the first thinned area of the load beam without being adhered to the bend region.
US08142667B2
A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a dairy milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus uses the solids for feeding a digester.
US08142666B1
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using baffle boxes with turbulence deflectors and flow spreaders. Turbulence deflectors are added about the inlet port of a baffle box, and a flow spreader is added centrally beneath an outlet port to increase removal efficiency of pollutants and prevent the conveyance of pollutants down stream. The turbulence deflectors and the flow spreader will increase the removal efficiency of particles, especially fine and ultra fine particles without impeding the water flow. The turbulence deflectors will significantly reduce the turbulence within the sediment chambers which will lead to better settling and less re-suspension. The flow spreader spreads the flow wide sooner within the baffle box to reduce the linear velocity of the water current, and directs water flow away from the area of greatest turbulence adjacent to the inflow, and will increase the settling of particles and minimize re-suspension. By increasing the removal efficiency of the first sediment chamber the shielding will prevent the re-suspension of fine and ultra fine particles.
US08142653B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of a medical liquid comprising a liquid treatment machine and a cassette insertable therein substantially made of a rigid base body of the cassette with fitted chambers and passages and a foil covering them.
US08142652B2
A container for purification of water by a combination of filtering, heating, and UV-radiation of the water is disclosed. The container includes a first section, which at least partly includes a sunlight permeable layer, and a second section, which at least partly is opposite the first section and at least partly includes a sunlight absorbing and infrared radiation emitting (IR-emitting) layer. The first and the second section together enclose a volume, in which the water can be received to be heated by and exposed to sunlight. According to the present invention, the first section is arranged such that the permeable layer is essentially flat, and the second section is arranged such that the volume includes at least a first and a second portion, wherein the first and the second portion, respectively, have a first and a second distance, respectively, between the permeable layer and the sunlight absorbing and IR-emitting layer, where the first and second distances are mutually different. A temperature difference between the water in the first and second portion is created after a period of sun exposure.
US08142651B1
A tank has a side wall bounded by a top and a bottom. An axis extends vertically through the tank. An inlet line for water of a first condition extends through the top with a lower end at a lower extent of the tank. An outlet line for water of a second condition has a lower end within an intermediate extent of the tank. A dispenser at the lower end of the water inlet line has apertured legs extending radially within the tank. An oscillator within the tank above the dispenser is operatively coupled to the inlet line for mixing all of the water of a first condition entering the tank through the inlet line while thereafter forwarding all of the mixed water of a first condition to the dispenser.
US08142649B2
A system and method for automatically adjusting a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy to minimize the potential for excess intra-peritoneal volume. The adjustments are made at the end of the drain, just prior to the next fill. The adjustments short the next fill, if necessary, to limit the intra-peritoneal volume, add a cycle, if necessary, to use all of the available dialysis solution and will average the remaining dwell time to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the therapy in the allotted time. In another embodiment, a tidal therapy using trended patient UF data is provided.
US08142648B2
Controlled RVP C5+ products are produced from feed gas in configurations and methods in which a heavier portion of the feed gas is fractionated into several streams having distinct RVP and in which a C5+ stream is produced from the lighter portion of the feed gas. The so formed streams are then combined to produce C5+ products with controlled RVP. Thus, RVP control is achieved without the need for external products for blending process streams derived from the feed gas.
US08142630B2
Devices are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising a separation chamber and two or more electrodes, for example, an electrode array. A membrane separates the separation chamber and the electrodes. The separation chamber of the device is configured, that is, the separation chamber has a shaped geometry, which serves to induce a gradient in an electric field generated by the electrodes in the electrode chamber. Optionally, molecular sieve is included in the separation chamber that is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the charged analyte to focus the charged analyte in the electric field gradient.
US08142619B2
A constricting chamber having first and second ends, the chamber comprising: an interior surface formed between the first and second ends, disposed circumferentially around and defining an interior space and a longitudinal axis of the chamber; a frusto-conical surface disposed between the first and second ends and narrowing as it extends away from the first end and into the second end; an ejection port disposed at the second end and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; a cover disposed at the first end, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and comprising a center substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis; an injection port disposed on the cover proximate the center, and configured to receive a reactive mixture into the chamber; and an annular supply portion disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and comprising supply port(s) configured to supply conditioning fluid into the chamber in an annular formation along the interior surface.
US08142615B2
The invention relates to a method of producing a laminate paper product comprising at least two layers, said method comprising (i) providing an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibers (ii) adding to the suspension microfibrillar polysaccharide in an amount to yield from about 0.05 to about 50 wt % based on the weight of the cellulosic fibers (iii) dewatering the obtained suspension and forming a first layer having a density from about 150 to about 500 kg/m3 of said laminate paper product. The invention also relates to a method comprising (i) providing an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibers (ii) adding to the suspension microfibrillar polysaccharide in an amount to yield from about 0.05 to about 50 wt % based on the weight of the cellulosic fibers (iii) dewatering the obtained suspension and forming at least a first and a second layer of said laminate whereby at least one of said at least first and second layer is formed from an aqueous suspension obtained in step (ii) containing microfibrillar polysaccharide; and joining said layers in such way that the laminate product obtains a density from about 150 to about 800 kg/m3. The invention also relates to a laminate paper product which can be obtained by the method and the use thereof.
US08142610B2
A film peeling device is provided that can easily peel off a film that has been firmly stuck on a display panel. The film peeling device is configured from a cylindrical motor roller (3) that has an effective length longer than the length of the short side of a face panel (7a) constituting a bulb (7) of a cathode ray tube and has a self-rotating function, a contact plate (4) disposed such that it fits closely with the surface of the motor roller (3), and toggle clamps (5) provided outside of the effective length of the motor roller (3), that press the contact plate (4) against the surface of the motor roller (3).
US08142607B2
An ion source, capable of generating high density wide ribbon ion beam, utilizing one or more helicon plasma sources is disclosed. In addition to the helicon plasma source(s), the ion source also includes a diffusion chamber. The diffusion chamber has an extraction aperture oriented along the same axis as the dielectric cylinder of the helicon plasma source. In one embodiment, dual helicon plasma sources, located on opposing ends of the diffusion chamber are used to create a more uniform extracted ion beam. In a further embodiment, a multicusp magnetic field is used to further improve the uniformity of the extracted ion beam.
US08142604B2
A method useful for applying labels to a container, the labels having an activatable adhesive coating on a surface thereon, the adhesive is activated by contact with a low viscosity activator solution from an apparatus comprising at least a label pallet that receives a low viscosity activator solution by contact with a spinning roller, the spinning roller receives at least one stream of the low viscosity activator solution delivered or sprayed by a fluid manifold.
US08142599B2
Described is a method of making a non-porous composite cover material formed of a pile material and an adhesive layer made from polypropylene or predominantly from polypropylene. A width of the pile material is advanced, and a layer of adhesive is applied thereupon. The adhesive is allowed to set, and the width of material is longitudinally cut into strips of composite cover material. Laminated paint rollers are thereafter made by helically one or two strips of polypropylene or strips made predominantly of polypropylene about a mandrel and applying a layer of adhesive made from polypropylene or predominantly from polypropylene on the strip or strips, and applying a non-porous composite cover material. A compressive force is applied upon the outer surface of the composite cover material to urge the composite cover material, the layer of adhesive and strip or strips of thermoplastic material together against the mandrel, thereby laminating the inner surface of the composite cover material and the strip or strips together and forming a continuous product that can be cut and finished to make paint rollers.
US08142594B2
A method for the multi-track tailoring of transdermal therapeutic patches having at least a one-layer, adhesive reservoir foil containing an active ingredient, which is disposed between an adhesive back foil and a removable protective foil. The reservoir foils are applied per track with their adhesive layers on a transport element moving discontinuously in the longitudinal direction of the reservoir foils. After separating sections of the size of a patch or band aid the same are transferred to a further transport element that is moved continuously for depositing the same thereon in spaced relationship. The present invention provides a method for multi-track tailoring, wherein web-shaped reservoir foils, which can be unwound from rolls, may be utilized without producing any waste containing the active ingredient.
US08142589B2
A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.
US08142583B2
A method for production of fiber composite components, particularly suitable for the production of profiles of complicated shape with varying profile cross-section and/or with at least parts with curved lines, such as used for the production of aircraft, for example. The method (a) produces plural core components, (b) separates application of a first fiber material to each of the core components, (c) assembles the core components provided with the first fiber material to form a sequence of core components, (d) applies a second fiber material common to the core component sequence along at least one side of the core component sequence, provided with the first fiber material, (e) impregnates and hardens the first and second fiber materials to form a fiber-reinforced component body, and (f) separates the component body into plural sections as represented by the fiber composite components.
US08142582B2
An explosive formulation used in blasting operations such as, but not limited to, mining operations and the like. The formulation is composed of a modified form of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) explosives which have been modified by the incorporation of a solid fuel material. The formulation comprising a dry granular solid component, a liquid high-boiling point component of about 4% by weight, and a solid fuel material. The solid fuel material comprising vitrinite macerals, liptinite macerals, and inert macerals fusinite and semifusinite, and is characterized as (1) having a concentrate of liptinite that is higher than normal coals, and (2) having a concentrate of pseudovitrinite that is significantly lower than normal coals.
US08142581B2
The invention provides a chlorine-containing pyrotechnic composition which comprises a binder, an oxidator, a pyrotechnic fuel, and a colorant comprising a metal salt of 5-aminotetrazole. The invention further relates to a firework article comprising such a pyrotechnic composition. In addition, the invention provides a method for preparing said colorant.
US08142567B2
A vacuum processing apparatus includes a member having a gas passage formed in a center between the pressure adjusting valve of an exhaust system and a turbo-molecular pump, and a particle dispersion prevention unit having plural stationary blades formed to be tilted in a direction opposite the direction of the rotary blade of the turbo-molecular pump on the outer circumference of the member.
US08142557B2
Radiation curable phase change ink comprising an ink vehicle that includes at least one curable carrier, at least one gellant, at least one curable wax and at least one photoinitiator. In a method of forming an image with the ink, the radiation curable phase change ink is melted, then jetted onto an image receiving substrate, wherein the radiation curable phase change ink forms a gel state, and exposed to ultraviolet light to cure the curable components of the radiation curable phase change ink. The wax cures into the structure of the ink, thereby generating a robust image of excellent gloss.
US08142545B2
Embodiments of the invention include a dust extraction system including an array of two or more centrifugal dust removal devices, e.g., axial cyclones. The array of axial cyclones is configured to operate in parallel. The array of axial cyclones includes one or more sensor and a controller in communication with the sensor and adapted to receive air flow information from the one or more sensor. Inflow valves are operatively connected to the controller such that air flow through the array of axial cyclones is monitored and maintained at an optimum operating condition for each of the individual cyclones in the array. This is done, in general, by opening inflow valves as the air flow increases above a predetermined air flow value and shutting inflow valves as air flow decreases below the predetermined air flow value threshold.
US08142538B2
A filter element in the form of a nonwoven self-supporting filtration web having rows of folded or corrugated spaced-apart pleats, the web containing continuous thermoplastic fibers a majority of which are aligned at 90°±20° with respect to the row direction. The filter element can be made by forming rows of pleats in such a nonwoven web and cutting the web to a desired size and shape. The filter elements can provide improved mechanical and filtration properties and can exhibit reduced susceptibility to pleat deformation and the loss of space between pleats.
US08142535B2
Provided is a method of forming a self supporting fibrous nonwoven filter media comprising dispersing glass fibers, crimped polymer fibers, and cellulosic fibers in a fluid dispersion. The dispersion is subjected to a moving forming wire to form a fibrous web. Binder is applied to the web. The web is dried and cured/melted and later pleated in a subsequent operation. Inclusion of crimped polymer fibers in filter media improves dust holding characteristics of the filter media.
US08142529B2
A fuel processor having a CO removal unit including an apparatus for warming a CO shifter, is provided. A method of using the fuel processor is also provided. The fuel processor includes a reformer that extracts hydrogen gas from a raw fuel by reacting the raw fuel with water. A burner heats up the reformer to a temperature suitable for extracting the hydrogen gas. A CO shifter removes CO produced during the extraction reaction from the hydrogen gas, and a medium path line in which a heat exchange medium disposed therein absorbs heat from the reformer and passes the heat to the CO shifter. A fuel processor having the above structure can greatly reduce the time required to increases the temperature of the CO shifter to an appropriate operating temperature at an early stage of start up, since a rapid heating of the CO shifter is possible using the heat exchange of steam.
US08142522B2
Capacitive devices are described having electrical interconnects of electrodes which possess efficient electrical contact between current collectors, electrical isolation of electrodes, and/or electrochemical stability, while minimizing the mechanical stress and strain applied to the electrodes. The capacitive devices are adaptable to a wide range of electrode dimensions and electrode stack heights.
US08142516B2
An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.
US08142513B2
A device for modifying an eating behavior of a subject is provided. The device includes a device body which is attachable to GI tract tissue of a subject and functions in altering an eating behavior thereof.
US08142502B2
An apparatus and method of distributing a load to a cartilage defect repair plug is provided. A load is applied to a first articulation layer. The load is distributed to a second layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to the first density of subchondral bone. The load is distributed to a third layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to a second density of subchondral bone. The load is then distributed to a fourth layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to a third density of subchondral bone.
US08142501B2
Prosthetic ligaments and tendons comprising ligament- or tendon-mimicking nanofibers and methods of making such nanofibers and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.
US08142497B2
A prosthetic heart valve having spaced apart anchoring flanges that change shape when the valve is implanted and contact the surrounding annulus to prevent migration of the valve. The heart valve may be non-expandable and the anchoring flanges may provide the primary anchoring structure of the valve. Alternatively, the valve may be expandable wherein the anchoring flanges supplement the inherent anchoring capacity of the valve structure. The anchoring flanges are at least partly made of a material that increases in size, i.e., swells, due to absorption of body fluids. For instance, the anchoring flanges may be formed of an inner material that swells upon contact with body fluids enclosed by a cover. The anchoring flanges may be provided on an anchoring sleeve that changes shape to provide the spaced apart annular flanges for securing the valve around a fibrous annulus. An anchoring sleeve for a prosthetic heart valve having an expandable frame surrounds a majority of the frame and may define an external hourglass configuration.
US08142496B2
A device for narrowing the passage through surrounding vascular wall tissue, such as a ring prosthesis for reducing the size of the passage of a heart valve, includes a ring shaped element which is elastically contractile under influence of a resilient force for contracting the ring shaped element from an expanded, wide condition to a narrow condition to narrow the passage. A method of narrowing the passage through surrounding vascular wall tissue using such a device is also disclosed.
US08142494B2
Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.
US08142485B2
An implantable orthopedic device having a load-bearing element, such as a bone plate, with at least one opening for a fixation element and one insert which can be inserted in an inclined opening in a receptacle in the bore. This insert has an external form that is at least partially complementary to the internal form of the receptacle and a central through-bore for receiving the body of the fixation element such as a bone screw. The insert also provides a locking system for holding the insert in the receptacle, in which the insert exhibits at least one locking mechanism with which conformal locking with the load-bearing element may be achieved.
US08142478B2
An artificial facet joint includes a spinal implant rod and a connector. The connector includes a screw and a rod connecting member having structure for engagement of the rod. The rod connecting member is pivotally engaged to the screw. The rod may also be held slideably within the connector enabling the rod to be moved relative to the connector.
US08142474B2
The invention relates to tubular shaft instruments, which are provided with a handle, a tubular shaft and a tool head. The tool head usually has two mouth parts, which can be displaced in relation to one another for gripping and fixing tissue. The invention discloses a slotted guide system for forming the articulation, said system having a virtual fulcrum outside the tubular shaft instrument.
US08142471B2
A medical apparatus for placing an embolic coil at a preselected position within a vessel comprising a coil assembly having an embolic coil attached to a cylindrical headpiece having at least one bending point formed by a circumferential groove and a deployment catheter having a distal section for retaining the coil assembly such that, when the deployment catheter is pressurized with a fluid the distal section of the catheter expands radially to release the coil assembly at the preselected position.
US08142469B2
A gastric space filler device effective for reducing stomach volume comprises at least one inflatable space filler and a sleeve to prevent leakage out of the gastric space filler device. The gastric space filler device may be inflated with an insufflation fluid and with mineral oil, which further has the effect of reducing leakage. Delivery systems and methods are effective for inserting a gastric space filler device into a patient. The gastric space filler device may be provided with sheaths and methods for covering the gastric space filler device during delivery into a patient.
US08142467B2
A tamponade trocar includes an elongate balloon having a closed distal end and is adapted to expand from a small diameter to a large diameter. A cannula is positioned at a proximal portion within the balloon lumen. A rigid stylet is removably positioned within the balloon and cannula lumens. A distal end of the stylet supported balloon is inserted into a perforation in a body wall and advanced into a body cavity while the balloon is unexpanded. The balloon is expanded and the cannula is advanced to a distal portion of the balloon lumen and across the body wall. At this stage, the perforation is dilated and in compressive tamponade. The proximal portion of the balloon may be removed and a seal housing may be coupled to the proximal end of the cannula. The distal end of the balloon may be punctured and opened, making the trocar ready for use.
US08142466B2
A lancing device including a drive mechanism with a drive spring and a lancet carrier engaged and driven by the drive spring, and further including a lancet with a sharp lancing tip, wherein the lancet floats relative to the carrier and is decoupled from the drive mechanism during at least a portion of a lancing stroke. In one example embodiment the lancet is held in a sled that floats in the carrier, and in another example embodiment the lancet by itself floats in the carrier.
US08142465B2
A patient's skin puncturing device comprises a body (1), inside of which a puncturing needle (4) and at least one turned down arm (5, 6) are guided, and a push button (2). Between body (1) and button (2) activating elements (10, 11, 12, 13) are placed. Activating elements enable push button (2) to be forced into body (1) when a pre-set thrust force is exceeded. Needle (4) is driven by push button (2) by a membrane (9), which is broken after resting the needle (4) upon an abutting surface (16) in body (1). After breaking membrane (9) and the patient's skin puncture by the needle (4), needle (4) is withdrawn inwards the body (1) due to a transfer of a thrust force from push button (2) by turned down arm (5, 6) guided in the body (1).
US08142456B2
Embolic implants, delivery systems and methods of manufacture and delivery are disclosed. The devices can be used for aneurysm treatment and/or parent vessel occlusion. Implant designs offer low profile compressibility for delivery to neurovasculature, while maintaining other necessary features such as density for occlusion purposes and desirable radial strength characteristics.
US08142440B2
A centering tool for transverse centering between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra is disclosed. The centering tool comprises a support portion having a proximal end and a distal end, two handles, and two pin placement guides, each guide having a hollow cylinder shape for the placement of a drill or pin on each of the upper and lower vertebrae. The two handles each have a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each handle is connected to the proximal end of the support portion, and the distal end of each handle ultimately contact the uncular joint of one of the vertebrae when centering is achieved. Preferably, each handle has a spring that biases the handle in a closed position so that the distal portions of both handles abut each other in a resting or closed position.
US08142438B2
This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor and a cutting instrument. In one embodiment the distractor includes a body portion and a pair of flanges extending along opposite sides of the body portion such that a slot is formed between the flanges and the body portion. The cutting instrument is positionable over the body portion and into the slots of the distractor so that the flanges are positioned between the cutting instrument and the adjacent tissue.
US08142429B2
A high-frequency treatment apparatus includes a treatment high-frequency wave output unit configured to output a treatment high-frequency wave to be applied to a treatment target living tissue, a detection unit for detecting an impedance of the treatment target living tissue, and a control unit configured to control the treatment high-frequency wave output unit on the basis of the result of the detection in the detection unit, the control unit configured to set a treatment frequency of the treatment high-frequency wave to a first treatment frequency in order to treat the living tissue primarily by Joule heat when the impedance of the treatment target living tissue is lower than a threshold value and to set the treatment frequency to a second treatment frequency higher than the first treatment frequency in order to treat the living tissue primarily by high-frequency dielectric heating when the impedance of the treatment target living tissue is higher than the threshold value.
US08142415B2
A catheter includes an elongate member having a braided reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of continuous filaments that transform from a braided configuration to short axially oriented segments in a least one location along the catheter. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a braided elongate member including providing a core, forming at least one braided portion with a plurality of filaments and forming at least one short axially oriented segment with at least a portion of the same plurality of filaments.
US08142414B2
Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location.
US08142408B2
An insert containing a scrotal catch and a non-flexible cup, wherein the scrotal catch is configured to support, protect or cover at least a portion of a male's scrotum and the non-flexible cup is configured to support, protect or cover at least a portion of a male's genitalia, is provided.
US08142405B2
An apparatus includes a pressure housing configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a diaphragm sealingly coupled to the pressure housing. The diaphragm is configured to move in response to the vacuum source. A magnet is coupled to the diaphragm. A magnetic switch is disposed opposite the magnet and is configured to be actuated by the magnet when the magnet is a predetermined distance from the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is configured to selectively actuate the vacuum source.
US08142403B2
A syringe assembly is disclosed which includes a syringe body defining a first fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet. A plunger assembly includes a plunger rod and a plunger. The plunger is supported on a distal end of the plunger rod and defines a second fluid reservoir. The plunger is movable within the syringe body from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject fluid from the first fluid reservoir. A piercing member is supported on a distal end of the plunger rod within the second fluid reservoir. The piercing member is movable to pierce the plunger to eject fluid from the second fluid reservoir when a predetermined force is applied to the plunger in the advanced position.
US08142397B2
A pump module is provided for use in a medical fluid dispensing system that includes a pump body made of a non-compliant material and first and second pump chambers formed in the body. Each of the chambers has a first, open end and an opposite, closed end. The pump module further includes first and second pistons in the first and second pump chambers, respectively. At least one fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are selectively in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers. Each of the pistons extends through the open end of a respective one of the pump chambers, with each of the pistons being operably translatable within the pump chamber toward and away from the closed end of the chamber. The pistons are translatable independently of one another.
US08142394B1
A balloon catheter device, for example an enteral feeding catheter, includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and catheter walls defining a catheter lumen. A base is located at the proximal end of the catheter and has an opening to the catheter lumen. An inflatable balloon is located at a distal end of the catheter and is inflated through an inflation valve located on the base. An internal cavity is defined in the base and is in fluid communication with the inflatable balloon such that fluid used to inflate the balloon to an operational fill volume fills the internal cavity as well. A translucent window is disposed over the internal cavity such that an interior volume of the cavity is externally viewable. Introduction of a colored fluid through the inflation valve to inflate the balloon results in the colored fluid also being present in the internal cavity, thereby providing an externally visual indication of the inflation state of the balloon.
US08142390B2
A syringe device (1) with an elongate plunger space (2), a receiving chamber (3) for receiving solid medicaments (4), and a hollow needle (5) arranged in the plunger space (2), and also a plunger (7) which is suitable for movement in the plunger space (2) and bears a ram (8) for pushing out the solid medicament (4). For displacement of the plunger (7) there is a plunger rod (9) which acts thereon and, for its use, can be extended telescopically out of the plunger space (2) and relative to the plunger (7) and can be coupled to the plunger by means of a lock (10). The locking of the plunger (7) to the plunger space (2) is opened or released only by complete withdrawal of the plunger rod (9) in its operative position while at the same time the plunger rod (9) is coupled to the plunger (7) in this position in the pushing direction such that the medicament can then be pushed out.
US08142380B2
A folding cervical vertebra protective band which includes a belt-like protective band body having a length and a width for substantially surrounding an entirety of a cervical portion of a user; and an attachable/detachable fixing means for holding the protective band body, when in use, around the cervical portion, wherein the protective band body has divided components obtained as a result of multiple divisions of the protective band body in a longitudinal direction thereof and also has hinge portions for foldably coupling the multiple divided components to each other when in use and foldably coupling the multiple components together, into a small size when not in use.
US08142374B2
The present invention provides a portable device for enhancing circulation in a limb comprising at least one strap for encircling the limb, a motor and a mechanism driven by said motor for intermittently actuating a first transition from a relaxed state to a strained state of the strap and a second transition from the strained state to the relaxed state. The mechanism includes at least one energy storing element operatively disposed between the motor and the strap and at least one energy releasing mechanism coupling between the energy storing element and the strap. The energy releasing mechanism enables fast release of energy stored in said storing element and the use of the energy so released to effectuate at least one abrupt transition between said relaxed and strained states.
US08142373B1
A system and method that utilizes a massaging apparatus specifically for a person's temples with the expressed purpose of providing relaxation and headache relief, is herein disclosed. The apparatus is configured as a headband with battery-powered massagers at the temples. The apparatus is supported both with minimal elasticity from the headband and with ear supports. Power is supplied to the massagers from a rechargeable battery pack that can be worn about the arm or alternately the waist and is electrically tethered to the headband. Each small disc-shaped temple massager is separately powered by a small motor that produces the massaging effect which is intended to reproduce the sensation of rubbing/massaging the temples.
US08142368B2
A novel method for soft tissue characterization includes obtaining a sequence of surface stress patterns as a function of an increasing compression force when a probe is pressed against the tissue over the location of the lesion of interest. A number of elasticity features are then calculated to characterize the tissue and the lesion located therein including strain hardening, loading curve average slope, lesion peak signal under a predetermined load, tissue heterogeneity, lesion shape and lesion mobility. At least three elasticity features are provided as an input to a statistical Bayesian classifier trained on a clinical database to calculate the probability of the lesion being benign or malignant. Additional patient-related parameters may be further provided as inputs to the classifier to increase the accuracy of differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. These parameters include a family history of cancer disease, a patient-inherited genetic factor, a history of said tissue related diseases, patient's age, patient's weight, and patient's lifestyle and dietary factors. The method of the invention along with other non-invasive examinations of lesions may help in reducing the rate of biopsies, specifically breast tissue biopsies.
US08142363B1
Embodiments include a cardiac rhythm management system having a lead that includes an omni-directional pressure sensor that is configured to resist tissue in-growth and provide reliable and consistent pressure readings from within a patient's vasculature. Embodiments of the cardiac rhythm management lead may also include a variety of pacing and shocking electrodes.
US08142361B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatic optimization of Doppler imaging parameters. The method includes obtaining and storing at least two characteristic spectral lines at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency. The method further includes optimizing at least one of the Doppler imaging parameters based on the stored at least two characteristic spectral lines and a predetermined mean noise power. In one embodiment, the characteristic spectral lines are obtained by collecting in real time the Doppler spectral lines generated at the predetermined pulse repetition frequency within a predetermined time period, and processing the collected Doppler spectral lines in real time without storing them.
US08142358B2
A measurement method of time varying events in a target body, including the steps of (a) providing time dependent measurements signals of parameters of the time varying events in the target body, (b) providing ecographic M-mode image data whose spatial direction is along scan-lines or along a line or curve on a 2D or 3D image of an image sequence, (c) defining a time interval within which the measurement signal has to be displayed and/or evaluated, (d) generating bi-dimensional graph information, (e) generating bi-dimensional M-mode images, (f) determining the time instant of begin of the time interval having a univoquely relation to time varying events, (g) rescaling the time scale of each graph, and (h) displaying the graph of the function corresponding to one or more of the time dependent measurement signal on a background.
US08142355B2
A retractor for use in surgical operations comprises a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis. The retractor further comprises a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In operation, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, thereby stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.) The retractor thus forms an aperture for passage of surgical instruments and viewing of the surgical field by surgical personnel. In some embodiments, the retractor features a pair of removable handles that may be removed from the arms during surgery in order to afford the surgeon improved space management about the incision. In specific embodiments, the invention provides a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed retractor.
US08142353B2
Metal laryngoscope blade including a resiliently elastically deformable metal blade hook-on fitting for removable double snap engagement into an operative intubation position on a metal laryngoscope handle with a correspondingly sized handle hook-on fitting, a metal spatula attached to the blade hook-on fitting and including a leading tip for transversely extending from the laryngoscope handle in the operative intubation position for insertion into a subject's mouth, and an illumination assembly including an electrical light source disposed toward the leading tip for providing illumination thereat for assisting intubation.
US08142352B2
A portable illuminator includes a contained power source and an integrally contained light source that is selectively inserted into the handle portion of a vaginal speculum. The portable illuminator includes at least one feature to protect the illuminator from contamination and to prevent users from pinching or snagging gloves or fingers during operation.
US08142348B2
An endoscope insertion apparatus is provided that has an inner-side unit in which a plurality of inner-side fixing sections having an inner-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction, an outer-side unit in which a plurality of outer-side fixing sections having an outer-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction and in which slit portions that extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction and from which the inner-side arms protrude are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction between the outer-side fixing sections, and an insertion operation portion that changes a front/rear relationship between the inner-side arms and outer-side arms.
US08142345B2
Systems, methods, and devices employing a push tube to deliver an implant are disclosed.
US08142340B2
A method of forming a bag is provided. The method includes providing an elongate tubular member (22) having opposed ends, at least one end (24) of which defines an open mouth (26). The method further includes folding opposed portions (28, 30, 32, 34) of the tubular member (22) to extend at least partially across the mouth (26). The method also includes positioning a panel (36) to extend across the opposed portions (28, 30, 32, 34). The method further includes securing the panel 36 and the opposed portions (28, 30, 32, 34) together thereby to close the mouth (26) at the at least one end (24) of the tubular member (22).
US08142337B2
A device for performing physical exercise includes a substantially rigid elongated pole, an elastic band comprising components for attaching the elastic band to the pole, and an anchor component for securing the elastic band to an external object.
US08142334B2
Provided is an early rehabilitation training system that increase the intensity of patient rehabilitation training to shorten the time it takes for patients to progress to a secondary rehabilitation training stage by allowing patients incapable of self-ambulation to be artificially rehabilitated in a prone, bed-ridden position. The system includes a treatment bed (2) configured with a mattress (2a), a base (2b) disposed below the mattress (2a) and coupled through a hinge to one end of the mattress (2a), and a tilting unit (2c) provided between the mattress (2a) and the base (2b) to adjust an upright angle of the mattress (2a); and a rotating unit (10) provided below the mattress (2a) of the treatment bed (2) to secure a patient's feet and provide artificial exercising of the patient's feet through gravity when the upright angle of the mattress (2a) is changed by the tilting unit (2c).
US08142331B2
A vehicle engine shutdown prevention system with a position determination module and a blocking unit. The module is adapted to be connected to the transmission for determining if it is engaged in a position included in a first or a second group of positions, the second group including at least one position for which the vehicle remains stationary when the engine is shut down, and the first group including the remaining positions. The module emits a block signal when the transmission is engaged in one of the first group of positions. The blocking unit is adapted to define the only path through which a stop engine signal may circulate from the switch to the engine control unit. The blocking unit blocks the path between the switch and the engine control unit when it receives the block signal.
US08142329B2
A method for controlling a powertrain for an automotive vehicle includes determining a desired flywheel torque, determining, with reference to the desired flywheel torque, a desired torque capacity torque of a clutch through which torque is transmitted between the flywheel and wheels of the vehicle, operating the clutch to produce the desired clutch torque capacity, determining a slip error across the clutch, and changing a gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission located in a drive path between the clutch and said wheels to a gear ratio that reduces the slip error.
US08142322B2
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and an intermediate member coaxially aligned with the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes at least one countershaft substantially parallel with the input member, output member and the intermediate member, and at least one gear associated with each of the input member, the output member, intermediate member, at least one countershaft. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set to operatively couple a gear of the at least one gear associated with the intermediate shaft with the output shaft, and a plurality of clutches to selectively define a torque transfer path from the input member to the output member via one or more of the intermediate member, first countershaft, second countershaft, and the at least one associated gears therewith. The plurality of clutches include a direct drive clutch to selectively couple the input member directly to the intermediate member.
US08142318B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to adjust input to output ratios with a planetary gear system. The apparatus comprises a sun gear that receives rotational force from a first input. A plurality of planet gears encircle the sun gear and operably connect with the sun gear. A planet gear carrier connects to the planet gears and transfers rotational energy to an output. A ring gear encircles the planet gears. The ring gear is a stator of an electric motor and rotational motion of the stator is a second input. The ring gear contains permanent magnets that align with the coils of the stator. The interaction of the permanent magnets and the coils provide the second input which adjusts rotational input to output torque and speed ratios.
US08142300B2
According to the present invention, a torque applied from a golf player to a golf club during a swing is analyzed in a time-series manner. A DLT method is suitable as a determination procedure. Preferably, a link model is used in this analysis. Preferably, the three-dimensional coordinate of the mark provided at a position that corresponds to the link model is determined by a DLT method. Preferable analysis method includes: modeling using a golf club, and at least a part of a golf player who grips a grip member of the golf club to provide a link model in which the golf club is connected with the golf player via a joint; and analyzing the torque that acts on the joint is analyzed during the swing in a time-series manner. This joint is positioned in the vicinity of the grip member. This analysis can be applied to a method of diagnosing a swing, a method of selecting a golf club, and a method of designing a golf club.
US08142296B2
A gravity sports system including a shell that can be rotated and tilted to provide a rider within the shell a variety of challenges. The shell can be formed by rotating a curve, a simple curve, a complex curve, or even a complete curve about an axis of revolution. The internal surface of the shell is sufficiently smooth and large enough to permit a rider to use a variety of wheeled or surface-bearing equipment within the shell. The shell can be rotationally attached to a moveable frame. The frame can be driven to tilt the shell's axis of revolution. The shell can include one or more light transmissive panels and an airflow system to control the temperature within the shell.
US08142292B2
A universal joint that includes a spider, which has a trunnion, a bearing cup, a bearing, which is disposed between the trunnion and the bearing cup, and a seal assembly. The seal assembly has a first portion, which is engaged to the spider, and a second portion that sealingly engages the bearing cup and the first portion. The first portion can include features that limit axial movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.
US08142291B2
A gaming machine that permits wagering on games includes an input/output module associated with a microprocessing unit and is adapted to download schedules from a server of gaming actions to be taken by the gaming machine. Memory in the gaming machine stores the schedules. The memory also stores a backup schedule of gaming actions to be taken. A microprocessing unit determines whether one of the schedules or the backup schedule will be implemented. The microprocessing unit controls the performance of the gaming actions defined by the schedule being implemented.
US08142290B2
A gaming machine includes an electronic gaming module which includes a game controller, and also includes a separate security interface module which monitors door switches and various devices. The security interface module has a separate unswitched power supply and also has a separate communication connection with a backend system so that it can continue to communicate with a backend system even when the electronic gaming module is powered down.
US08142287B2
A method, apparatus and system for interfacing with multiple gaming devices are disclosed. A universal controller includes a communication channel designed to selectively establish one or more bidirectional communication links between the controller and the gaming devices. A data collection unit communicatively coupled to the communication channel is designed to collect data related to a gaming experience of the first gaming device and a gaming experience of the second gaming device. The data collection unit is also designed to transfer to the second gaming device the gaming experience of the first gaming device to affect the gaming experience of the second gaming device. A storage unit communicatively coupled to the data collection unit is designed to store the collected data. Further, an input assembly that includes multiple input elements is included. Each input element is designed to be selectively mapped to one or more functions of the gaming devices.
US08142284B2
A method and apparatus for selecting game elements in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes presenting a bonus event setting that includes a plurality of game elements and receiving a plurality of game element selections. In the method, each game element selection indicates that one of the game elements has been selected. Additionally, the method also includes presenting an animation sequence for each of the game element selections, wherein portions of the animation sequences are presented simultaneously.
US08142279B2
The present invention is directed to a method of wagering on live horse and dog races or jai alai games, or similar games or races or similar games or races that allow for pari-mutuel wagering on multiple players or runners in real time. The method of wagering includes the steps of an input wager placed by a user, where at least part of the wagering base is at least one real time horse/dog race or jai alai game or similar game or race, specifically a horse/dog race or jai alai game or similar game or race that in real time has yet to start and possesses a start time that falls within a predetermined period of time from the time in which the input wager was placed by the user; the at least one real time horse/dog race or jai alai game is randomly selected from any real time horse/dog races or jai alai games, or similar games or races that fall within the predetermined period of time; a type of wager and then runner (s) for said randomly selected real time horse/dog race or jai alai game are randomly selected which are then correlated to the input wager, the outcome of the randomly selected real time horse/dog races or jai alai games, or similar games or races is identified and a return for the user's wager is identified.
US08142269B2
A gaming machine displays on a display a horse racing game in which racehorses race against each other, and receives, via a gaming terminal, a bet made by a player regarding an order of arrival of the racehorses in the horse racing game. Thereafter, the gaming machine periodically calculates odds for the horse racing game. While remaining time to reception deadline for bets is a certain length of time or more, a value obtained by reducing the calculated actual value of odds by a predetermined proportion is displayed on the display as an effect value of the odds at that point. The longer the remaining time to the bet reception deadline, the larger the predetermined proportion reduced from the actual value of the odds to obtain the effect value. Moreover, the gaming machine displays on the display the calculated actual value of the odds as the effect value when a certain length of time or less remains before the bet reception deadline.
US08142234B2
A terminal block (10) has a housing (20), a busbar mounting portion (23) formed in the housing (20), nut accommodating recesses (27) formed in the busbar mounting portion (23) for holding nuts (N) mounted in a first direction (D1), a busbar (30) mounted into the busbar mounting portion (23) in a second direction (D2) intersecting the first direction (D1) and holding the nuts (N) in the nut accommodating recesses (27), busbar pressers (23B) provided in the busbar mounting portion (23) for restricting a movement of the busbar (30) in the busbar mounting portion (23) in a direction opposite to the first direction (D1), and locks (28) provided in the busbar mounting portion (23) for restricting movement of the busbar (30) in the busbar mounting portion (23) in a direction opposite to the second direction (D2).
US08142232B1
The present invention relates to a combination connector for a vehicle that facilitates a connector assembling process in an in-line assembly line by integrating a connector which is a coupling part for wires extending to various electrical parts. Specifically, several connectors are coupled to one connector so as to be electrically connected to it, thereby concentrating the connector assembling processes in an in-line assembly line at one place and enhancing production yield and/or production rate.
US08142225B2
An electrical connector is soldered on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a containing gap opened at one side thereof. A top surface of the printed circuit board defines a plurality of first soldering points arranged around the containing gap. Each of two opposite inner sidewalls of the containing gap defines a second soldering point. The electrical connector is located in the containing gap. The electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals and a shielding shell. The terminals are received in the insulating housing. The shielding shell defines an inserting space enclosing the insulating housing and the terminals. Each side plate has a first soldering portion extended outward and a second soldering portion extended downward therefrom. The second soldering portions are soldered on the second soldering points. The first soldering portions are soldered on the corresponding first soldering points.
US08142203B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulative housing defines a mating face, a mounting face opposite to the mating face and a plurality of receiving passageways running through the mating face and the mounting face. The contacts are assembled in the receiving passageways and each contact include a base portion, a pair of retaining portions extending from two opposite ends of the base portion, a pair of elastic arms extending from the retaining portions, a soldering portion extending out of the receiving passageways and a connecting portion connecting the soldering portion and the base portion. Each receiving passageway protrudes a tuber from a first inner face thereof. Free ends of the retaining portions are located at two sides of the tuber and engage with the first inner face of the receiving passageway. The tuber is spaced from the two retaining portions at two sides of the tuber. A pair of tabs defined at a free end of the tuber press against the pair of retaining portions to form a pair of receiving grooves between the two sides of the tuber and the retaining portions.
US08142201B2
A pick-up cap includes a main portion having a planar top surface with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. Four latches are positioned at the two ends of the main portion and extend from the main portion, respectively. Each latch has a hook extending downwardly. And a supporting portion extending downwardly and being adjacent to the hook. The supporting portion is lower than the hook in a vertical direction to engage with an insulative housing to protect the hook during the pick-up cap is disassembled from the insulative housing.
US08142195B2
A system of materials facilitates teaching Chinese characters to a child in progressive stages, whether or not the teacher is fluent in Chinese. Each stage associates a multi-colored object with a correspondingly multi-colored Chinese character that represents the object. For a child from birth to two years, a first stage material animates the object and morphs the object into the corresponding Chinese character. For a child two to four years, a second stage material to be read to the child by the teacher displays the object adjacent to the character, and material provides interactive means for the child to associate the object with the character. For a child four to seven years, a third stage story book displays text containing a sentence made of multiple characters and a scene corresponding to the meaning of the sentence, and for a child seven to nine years, a fourth stage group book presents multiple Chinese characters that share a common group element, whether meaning or sound. The materials may include explanatory Chinese and non-Chinese text with Pin Yin and teaching tips for kinesthetic learning. The materials may each comprise separately executable programs in a common software module, for example, in DVD format.
US08142171B2
An electric pump unit includes an outer rotor, an inner rotor which meshes with the outer rotor in such a state that the inner rotor and the outer rotor are placed eccentrically to each other and which is driven by being supported by a rotation shaft of an electric motor, a pump housing which defines a cavity portion which accommodates therein the outer rotor and the inner rotor, inlet and outlet ports which are provided on inlet and outlet sides, respectively, so as to suck and discharge a fluid and which communicate with each other via the cavity portion, and a fluid circulating unit for circulating the fluid from the outlet side to the inlet side when a fluid pressure at the outlet side reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure.
US08142170B2
A radial piston pump having external loading. The radial piston pump has an inner eccentric which is attached to a rotatable driveshaft, a cylinder block which has positionally fixed cylinder bores aligned radially with respect to the driveshaft, and displacement pistons which are mounted in a longitudinally movable manner in the cylinder bores. The displacement pistons have a piston head with a short casing height, and are mounted with their piston base on the eccentric, in such a way that the piston head, during its longitudinal movement, pivots in a predetermined angle range (Δα) about the longitudinal central axis of the associated cylinder bore.
US08142166B2
To provide a lightweight hub of a horizontal axis wind turbine with a balanced strength, the hub 1 related to the present invention comprises a reinforcement plate 4 coupled to the spherical shell 2 on the peripheral edge in the round region G inside the circular flange 3 used to secure a blade. In addition to being off-center at the point C side, an off-center opening 5, that contains the center B of the region G, is formed in the region G. The reinforcement plate 4 is formed at the remainder portion of the region G after removing the off-center opening 5. By means of an unequal arrangement of the reinforcement plate 4 and the opening 5 on the inside of the circular flange 3, severe imbalances due to the casting of the hub 1 are cancelled and a balanced strength is obtained, making it also easier to reduce the weight.
US08142157B2
To provide a light and economical separable blade for a wind turbine that is also equipped with a lightning rod function. A separable blade for a wind turbine wherein the blade as a whole is assembled by connecting two electrically non-conductive part blades 1T and 1R in the lateral direction, comprising metal fasteners 4, 5, 6, and 7 for fastening together the two adjacent part blades, and lightning discharge conductive wires 8 and 9, provided in an inner blade portion. The fastener 4 is exposed on the blade surface of the part blade 1T, and is connected to the lightning discharge conductive wire 9 through the other fasteners 5, 6, and 7, or a lightning discharge conductive wire 8. The lightning discharge conductive wire 9 extends to the blade root.
US08142156B2
An overhead fan system of a building comprises a ceiling fan underneath a nearby fire sprinkler head. The ceiling fan has particularly low fan solidity to minimize the fan obstructing the spray of water from the sprinkler head. To further reduce the obstruction, some example fans include fan blades that automatically retract in the event of a fire.
US08142154B2
Two or more pivots are mounted vertically or horizontally onto a rotary or stationary support structure or platform, and between these pivots, a flexible sheet of material is suspended. The mechanism operates via oscillation of the pivots that results from the upwind or upstream pivot determining the side of the flexible sheet the low-pressure (lift) area favors. The downwind or downstream pivot captures the energy from the lift generated. The mechanism makes use of adjustable pivot arm lengths and pivot spacing to tension or relax the flexible sheet, enabling control in various wind and water speeds. Alternate embodiments make use of cord attachments instead of rigid pivots, a double pivot that engages two flexible sheets in opposing action, circular/partial hemispherical sheets than enable omni-directional operation from a fixed embodiment, and shallow water body capability.
US08142149B2
A fan device for easily being attached to a fixing plate includes a pair of sliding slots symmetrically defined in two opposite sides thereof, and at least one positioning block extending from at least one of the bottom and the top of the fan device and located close to one same side of the fan device.
US08142148B2
A diffuser-nozzle assembly mounted at the outlet from a centrifugal compressor is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of vanes carried by a radially inner wall forming a surface of revolution and surrounded by an outer casing, elastically deformable devices interposed between the radially outer ends of the vanes of the nozzle and the outer casing. The elastically deformable devices prevent air from passing between the outer casing and the radially outer ends of the vanes.
US08142147B2
A centrifugal blower having at least one radial plane dividing its scroll into sub-sections which may vary as to cut-off points and axial and radial dimensions as well as axial displacement to meet requirements of individual application system flow paths.
US08142146B2
A steam turbine has a stationary section, a turbine rotor, nozzle diaphragms, and a nozzle box. The stationary section includes a casing. The turbine rotor includes moving blade stages arranged in an axial direction. Each of the moving blade stages is provided with moving blades arranged in a circumferential direction, and rotatably provided in the casing. Each of the nozzle diaphragms has turbine nozzles arranged in the circumferential direction provided substantially coaxially with the turbine rotor by being secured to the stationary section. The nozzle box is supported on the stationary section and arranged at an upstream part of the moving blade stages substantially coaxially with the turbine rotor so as to lead steam flowing toward the turbine moving blades. The nozzle box holds at least two stages of the nozzle diaphragms.
US08142143B2
A stator blade for a gas turbine includes a blade airfoil extending in a longitudinal direction of the blade and is delimited by leading and trailing edges. The stator blade includes a shroud, whose inner side is exposed to hot gas which flows through the gas turbine. A hook-like fastening element for fastening the stator blade on a casing of the gas turbine projects outwards in the region of the trailing edge. The fastening element has a locating slot above the trailing edge for fixing a heat shield, which is connected to the shroud in the flow direction of the hot gas. A cavity is provided on the shroud between the locating slot for the heat shield and the trailing edge of the blade airfoil for reducing the thermal and mechanical stresses in the region of transition between the trailing edge and shroud.
US08142142B2
A gas turbine transition duct apparatus is provided comprising first and second turbine transition ducts and a strip seal. The strip seal may comprise a sealing element and a spring structure.
US08142138B2
In one embodiment, a turbine system may include a turbine casing, a shroud block coupled to the turbine casing, a fluid passage in the shroud block; and a pin configured to interface with the fluid passage. The pin may include a hollow shaft; a rod inserted into the hollow shaft; and a valve disposed on a distal end of the rod, wherein the valve is configured to open and close the fluid passage when the rod is actuated remotely through the hollow shaft.
US08142133B2
A method and system for converting mail between trays in a multiple pass mail sorting system using a plurality of different tray types. Mail from a first type of tray is unloaded and stacked along with mail from other trays to form a large stack. The large stack of mail is then broken down into smaller stacks which are transferred to one of several outputs where the mail is loaded into different types of trays.
US08142130B2
Automatic placement of safety cones from a moving vehicle is provided. The preferred safety cone would have a flexible cone part. A receptacle holds a plurality of safety cones either with the flexible cone part in non-compressed position or in spring-loaded position. The receptacle is removably attached to the vehicle. A releasing means that is attached to the receptacle is controlled and advances the safety cones in an automatic and controlled fashion, one-by-one, to different locations on a ground surface from a moving vehicle. The advantage is that it automatically handles the placement of a plurality of safety cones while driving. There would be no more need for a person to manually place the safety cones. It provides for increased road safety since it decreases or even eliminates the number of fatal or non-fatal accidents as well as chronic injuries of road-workers that are involved in placing safety cones.
US08142129B2
Items of laundry have to be stretched out by a spreading device (14) before they are inserted into a mangle or any other laundry treatment device. To this end, the spreading device (14) has spreading clips (15) which can be moved away from one another. In the case of relatively large items of laundry, the spreading clips (15) have to cover a relatively large distance in order to spread out the item of laundry. This reduces the insertion rate. The invention provides for the items of laundry to be preliminarily spread out before being passed to the spreading clips (15), so that the spreading clips (15) receive the item of laundry in a state in which it is already virtually spread out. The spreading clips (15) only have to cover a small residual distance in order to spread out the item of laundry completely. As a result, the spreading device (14) can spread out the item of laundry very quickly. It is particularly advantageous to measure the width of the item of laundry and to then preliminarily spread out the item of laundry as far as possible as a function of the measured width.
US08142127B1
A torque nut assembly includes a multiple-piece nut body and a ring-shaped compression assembly. The compression assembly circumferentially engages the nut body to capture its multiple pieces therein. The compression assembly can position the nut body to define a threaded axial passage or to allow radial expansion of the multiple pieces such that the threaded axial passage is segmented in correspondence with the nut body's multiple pieces. At least one structure is provided to lock the compression assembly when the threaded axial passage is defined.
US08142125B2
A self-attaching nut for attachment to a panel including a central pilot portion having a generally cylindrical outer surface, a flange portion surrounding the outer surface of the pilot portion including an annular groove surrounding the pilot portion having a substantially V-shaped bottom wall and a generally planar panel support surface surrounding the annular groove. The panel support surface includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs extending into the annular groove, but spaced from the outer surface of the pilot portion. The grooves may be convex or concave or a combination of convex and concave grooves. In one embodiment, the nuts are rectangular and the back face include two pair of transverse linear grooves for interconnection by frangible wires in side to side relation.
US08142123B2
A nut-type element (30) which is to be fixed in an interior (16) of a profiled workpiece (10) or similar and is provided with a longitudinal extension (a) that exceeds the width (n) of an insertion cross-section (14), particularly a joining device for connecting a first workpiece encompassing the interior to another workpiece by a screw or similar member whose shaft penetrates a hole of the workpiece and can be inserted into a recess of the metallic nut-type element located in the interior of the workpiece. The nut-type element (30) is embodied as a rectangularly expanded member which is penetrated approximately in the center by a threaded bore (42) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (Q). The threaded bore (42) extends into an annular molded edge (44) on the surface (40) of the element. The annular molded edge (44) protrudes from the surface. At least one molded-on piece (52) that protrudes from the surface and forms an engagement gap (58) along with the molded edge is allocated to the annular molded edge (44) at a specific radial distance (f).
US08142115B2
A twist drill for drilling with a countersink cutting arrangement, and a cutting tool with a countersink cutting arrangement, and a cutting-chamfering tool. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08142093B2
A wiper device for containers of cosmetic products comprises a wiper element (10) to be mounted in a casing (2) of a container (1) for cosmetic products and designed to come into contact with an applicator (6) housed in the casing (2), at least during pulling out of the applicator (6) from the casing (2). The wiper device further comprises means (11) for engagement of the wiper element (10) with the casing (2) and at least one seal (12) to be installed close to an opening (3) of the casing (2) and adapted for abutment against a closing cap (4) of the container (1), to ensure hermetic tightness of the container (1) and avoid escape of the cosmetic product.
US08142084B2
A dome cover (6) is manufactured by injection molding by steps of: forming a cavity (14) having the shape of the dome cover (6) between an upper mold (12) and a lower mold (13) for an injection molding die (11), providing a gate port (16) for injecting melt resin at a position (of the upper mold (12)) corresponding to the zenithal portion (15) of the dome cover (6), and injecting the melt resin into the cavity (14) through the gate port (16). The resin injected from the center portion (the portion corresponding to the zenithal portion (15) of the dome cover (6)) of the cavity (14) flows uniformly toward the circumference of the cavity (14). Therefore, variations in pressure and temperature of the resin in the cavity (14) are restrained and, consequently, molding irregularity of the manufactured dome cover (6) is restrained. According to the method of manufacturing the dome cover as described above, generation of the partial molding irregularity on the manufactured dome cover is restrained.
US08142083B2
A support system used to orient and utilize equipment remotely positioned from an operator and supported in a stabilized manner. The support system includes a balance pole with a master end and a slave end attached to a master sled and slave sled, respectively. The system includes a mechanism to replicate the motion at the master sled at the slave sled. A gimbal and handle assembly with a motion dampening capabilities is also included.
US08142082B2
An optical receptacle which couples a connector ferrule in which an optical fiber is inserted and an optical semiconductor package. The optical receptacle comprises: a precise sleeve which holds the connector ferrule; a receptacle body including a connection portion connected to the optical semiconductor package, a cylindrical portion in which the precise sleeve is inserted; a partition portion located between the connection portion and the cylindrical portion; and a transparent member confined in a region between an inner end portion of the precise sleeve and the partition portion, without being fixed.
US08142077B2
A bag structure includes, in an example embodiment, a bag body including side walls having inner and outer surfaces, and the bag body further includes a top end and a bottom end. A closure member is coupled to the top end for opening and closing the bag body. A sealing material is applied to an area proximate at least one of a top edge of the side walls and a bottom edge of a portion of the closure member. An adhesive member is secured to the bag body. The adhesive member includes a reinforced section and an adhesive section. The adhesive member is configured to retain the top end of the bag body in a folded over relationship until the adhesive member is severed along the reinforced section.
US08142069B2
The invention includes a device for securing a back cover on a middle part of a watchcase, characterized in that it includes an intermediate element to which the back cover is connected, the intermediate element being screwed onto the middle part of the watch, an element arranged to allow the back cover to drive the intermediate element in rotation until the latter reaches a locked position on the middle part, the back cover also being pivotable relative to the intermediate element without the latter being unscrewed for alignment with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch.
US08142065B2
A backlight assembly includes at least one light-generating board, a light source driving board and a coupling board. The light-generating board generates light. The light source driving board provides control signals to the light-generating board. The coupling board is coupled via slot connectors to the light-generating board and the light source driving board to electrically connect the light-generating board and the light source driving board to each other. Thus, manufacturing efficiency may be improved in comparison with electrically connecting the light-generating board and the light source driving board through wires.
US08142062B2
A luminaire includes a waveguide having first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides between the first and second ends. The waveguide is configured to totally internally reflect light propagating through the waveguide in a first direction and direct light propagating through the waveguide in a second direction through at least one of the first and second sides. A reflective body is coupled to the second end of the waveguide and configured to reflect light propagating towards the second end of the waveguide such that the light propagates towards the first end of the waveguide.
US08142058B2
A tri-dimming push handle switch lamp holder is disclosed, which enables a user to press the push handle for a selection among three dimming levels: full brightness, middle luminance and complete darkness, where the lamp holder is made up of a body, a first conducting member, a first contact plate, a conducting plate, a second conducting member, a second contact plate, a rectifying diode, a flap, a push handle, an insulating plate and a threaded tube shell, which are integrated together to form an advanced lamp holder that features not only the basic switching function but an extra tri-level dimming function, substantially boosting its usage for all kinds of occasions. Moreover, an extra arrangement of the conducting plate and the rectifying diode enables the structural combination and the function of this invention to present great creativeness.
US08142047B2
An LED light fixture includes a housing, a lens and a flexible gasket there between. Each of the housing and the lens has an elongate main body and two ends sealingly fixed to the main body. The assembly of components in the housing defines a sealing channel rectangular in plan and the lens similarly defines a sealing ridge. A mounting plate with light emitting diodes distributed on the mounting plate further includes a manifold plate positioned on the mounting plate which includes holes therethrough with reflectors about the holes to receive the light emitting diodes. Mounts supporting the elongate housing define longitudinally adjustable engagements with the housing. The mounts further include tracks arranged in arcs of circles located in planes perpendicular to the extension of the elongate housing. Munting brackets engage these tracks using retainers.
US08142046B2
A combined device for power generation and illumination mounted on the wheel axle of a bicycle, particularly a power generator of a bicycle combined with a lamp provides two or three other functions in addition to supplying a power source. The device is a standalone device hung on or installed at an external end of the bicycle wheel axle. Unlike a traditional way of rubbing with a tire, or a traditional hub type power generator, the combined power generation and light device has the features and advantages of an easily installation, a high efficiency, a low resistance, a low cost, a low failure rate, an integrated structure, a hidden electric wire and an adjustable angle.
US08142044B2
A glove box with a sealed containment area delimited at least partially by a wall having a an inner partition facing the sealed containment area, an outer partition spaced from the inner partition and located outside of the containment area, and a lighting means with a light source housed between the inner partition and the outer partition.
US08142042B2
A light-emitting-diode backlight device includes a light source substrate to which many light-emitting diodes are mounted, and a bottom chassis having the light source substrate mounted to a principal surface side of the bottom chassis. Illumination light from the light-emitting diodes is supplied to a display panel unit. A back-surface side of the bottom chassis is provided with a heat-dissipating unit making uniform a temperature distribution over the entire bottom chassis. The heat-dissipating unit includes a mounting plate, a heat pipe, and a radiating fin. The mounting plate is mounted to at least a high-temperature area of the bottom chassis. The heat pipe is disposed on both the high-temperature area and a low-temperature area, and is mounted to the mounting plate. The radiating fin is mounted to the low-temperature area, and connected to an end of the heat pipe.
US08142023B2
A system and method are disclosed for generating an optimized projection pattern and for using the optimized projection pattern for depth reconstruction. The system includes a De Bruijn graph generation module, a non-recurring De Bruijn sequence generation module and projection pattern generation module. The De Bruijn graph generation module is configured to generate a classical De Bruijn graph. The non-recurring De Bruijn sequence generation module is configured to generate a non-recurring De Bruijn sequence by eliminating nodes with recurring alphabets from the classical De Bruijn sequence and calculating a Hamiltonian cycle of the modified De Bruijn graph. The projection pattern generation module is configured to generate the optimized projection pattern form the non-recurring De Bruijn sequence. The system further comprises a projector to project the non-recurring De Bruijn sequence to a plurality of images and a depth reconstruction module to reconstruct depth images from the plurality of the images.
US08142022B2
An image display apparatus includes an illumination optical system that includes first and second beam splitting units, a first polarization conversion element, third and fourth beam splitting units, a second polarization conversion element, a first beam combining unit configured to combine a plurality of first polarized light beams with a plurality of second polarized light beams, a third polarization conversion element configured to convert a plurality of combined light beams into a plurality of polarized light beams, and a condensing unit configured to superimpose the plurality of polarized light beams onto the image display element, wherein each of the first and third beam splitting units includes a cylinder lens array.
US08142020B2
The invention relates to an autostereoscopic projection arrangement, comprising at least one projector (4) and at least one filter array (F1, F2), which has a multitude of filter elements arranged in columns and rows, in which arrangement bits of partial information from views of a scene or object are projected by the projector/the projectors (4) onto a projection screen (3), where these bits of partial information are rendered on image rendering elements and, having passed one or several of the filter arrays (F1, F2), are made visible to at least one observer (5), and in which, as regards the propagation direction of the bits of partial information, the image rendering elements correspond with correlated filter elements in such a way that an observer (5) will see predominantly bits of partial information from a first selection of views with one eye and predominantly bits of partial information from a second selection of views with the other eye, and thus will have a spatial impression.
US08142019B2
A dolly and track system is provided that includes a dolly assembly configured to enable tripod-mounted camera angles as well as low profile camera mountings. The camera plate can be positioned at prescribed locations on the dolly assembly to enable optimum view angles without concern for capturing the track or dolly in the field of view, particularly when shooting from a low profile. In this manner, the system provides users with multiple filming options, to include tripod use and low-profile filming, in a compact system.
US08142004B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a treatment liquid application device which applies a treatment liquid to a recording medium; a treatment liquid supplying device which abuts against the treatment liquid application device so as to form a liquid holding space, fills the treatment liquid into the liquid holding space by use of a liquid delivery device which delivers the treatment liquid to the liquid holding space via a first flow channel from a treatment liquid reservoir storing the treatment liquid, and restores the treatment liquid to the treatment liquid reservoir via a second flow channel from the liquid holding space; a controller which controls at least one of a treatment liquid filling operation and a treatment liquid restoring operation with respect to the liquid holding space; an ink ejecting device which ejects a droplet of an ink onto the recording medium to which the treatment liquid application device has applied the treatment liquid; and an air bubble mixing avoidance device which is provided in the second flow channel and prevents air from discharging in the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid reservoir.
US08142001B2
An ink jet print head manufacturing method and an ink jet print head are provided in which a shape of an adhesive that bonds a support member and a print element substrate together is controlled to maintain a high level of ink ejection performance even if the print element substrate is reduced in size. The adhesive, after being disposed between the support member and the print element substrate, is elongated and then hardened. This process allows the shape of the adhesive to be controlled, securing a sufficient ink path between an ink supply port on the support member side and an ink introducing port on the print element substrate side.
US08141998B2
A liquid container includes: a container body that is detachably mounted to a container mounting portion of a liquid consuming apparatus and includes a liquid containing portion storing a liquid; a connection port that is provided in the liquid containing portion and delivers the liquid; a liquid delivery portion that is provided in one surface of the container body to supply the liquid to the liquid consuming apparatus; and a plurality of positioning means into which, when the container body is mounted to the liquid consuming apparatus, a plurality of positioning members that are provided on the container mounting portion at positions facing the one surface are fitted, thereby positioning the container body, wherein the liquid delivery portion is provided close to any one of the plurality of positioning means.
US08141994B2
An ink cartridge includes a cartridge main body, an ink-outputting section, and at least two first light-shielding parts. The cartridge main body has an ink accommodating chamber accommodating ink therein. The ink-outputting section that outputs the ink in the ink accommodating chamber. The at least two first light-shielding parts are juxtaposed in the prescribed mounting direction at a prescribed interval and that are incapable of moving relative to the cartridge main body. Lengths in the prescribed mounting direction of the at least two first light-shielding parts are different from one another.
US08141985B2
A liquid ejecting head is provided which ejects liquid from nozzle openings by driving pressure generating elements, and includes: at least two rows of lead electrodes that supply an electrical signal to the pressure generating elements; and at least two wiring boards for supplying the electrical signal to the lead electrodes, wherein: the wiring boards respectively have individual wires which are electrically connected to the pressure generating elements, respectively, via the lead electrodes, and common wires which are electrically connected in common to a plurality of pressure generating elements via the lead electrodes; and, the wiring boards are formed such that a spacing between the respective common wires of the two opposing wiring boards is narrower than a spacing between the respective individual wires of the two opposing wiring boards.
US08141981B2
The invention relates to an ink jet printing device (1) for printing multicolored images, with an essentially horizontally extending conveyor mechanism (2) for moving items to be printed (3) lying on it in a forward feed direction (4), and with a print head arrangement (5) disposed above the conveyor mechanism (2) which is disposed stationary relative to the conveyor mechanism (2) during the printing process. The print head arrangement (5) is made up of several print heads (6) each with several nozzles disposed in a nozzle row (26), and the nozzle rows (22) have a printing range width (24) as measured perpendicular to the forward feed direction (4) which forms a total printing range width (27) of the print head arrangement (5) corresponding to the number of print heads (6). The print head arrangement (5) is disposed so that it can be displaced vertically on a guide (10) and a nozzle rinsing device (14) is provided which can be positioned underneath the print head arrangement (5) as and when necessary.
US08141977B2
An inkjet head module and a method of aligning inkjet heads using the inkjet head module are disclosed. The inkjet head module can include a frame, which can be attached to and detached from an inkjet apparatus; a multiple number of heads, which may be coupled to the frame, and which may each have at least one nozzle formed for ejecting ink; a multiple number of support racks, each of which may be interposed between the frame and a head, and which may support the head such that the head is movable in relation to the frame; and a multiple number of piezoelectric motors, which may move the heads to align the heads in relation to one another. Certain embodiments of the invention make it possible to reduce the size of the overall inkjet apparatus, as well as to align a multiple number of inkjet heads with higher precision.
US08141975B2
A temperature monitoring system for a media heater of an imaging device comprises a temperature indicator overlying a surface of a media heater of an imaging device. The temperature indicator is configured to vary an optical property in response to changes in temperature at the surface of the media heater. The system includes an optical scanner for scanning the temperature indicator to detect the optical quality. The optical scanner is configured to generate a signal corresponding to the detected optical property.
US08141968B2
A cabinet drawer support beam is provided, and may include on an upper part of such beam, a rail or longitudinal sliding mechanism. An alignment mechanism may be fastened to the rail or longitudinal mechanism. The alignment mechanism may include a pinion that runs in the rack of the lower part of the support beam, and the support beam may be fastened to the cabinet wall by way of barrels and/or fasteners. At least two beams per cabinet may be included.
US08141966B2
A telescopic pull-out arrangement for a refrigerator is provided that includes two telescopic pull-out mechanisms each provided with a stationary rail on a common frame and a movable rail, and a storage part retained on the movable rails by a pair of identical adapters. The storage part has a first engagement contour cooperating with a first adapter of the couple and a second engagement contour cooperating with the second adapter of the couple. Each adapter is provided with a third and a fourth engagement contour. The first engagement contour of the storage part and the third engagement contour of the first adapter engage into one another with less tolerance transverse to the pull-out direction than the engagement of the second engagement contour of the storage part and the fourth engagement contour of the second adapter engage into one another.
US08141965B2
A water-resistant and electromagnetic interference shielded enclosure configured to enclose a plurality of electronic components is provided. The enclosure comprises a base having a channel, a first L-shaped door rotatably attached to a first side edge of the base, a second L-shaped door rotatably attached to a second side edge of the base, a door-to-door seal abutted to a flange on the first L-shaped door, and a compressible base-seal inserted into the channel. The compressible base-seal and the door-to-door seal form a three-surface seal when the first L-shaped door and the second L-shaped door are closed.
US08141963B2
A computer enclosure includes a rear panel and shielding cover. The rear panel defines a through opening therein. The through opening includes a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The shielding cover is capable of covering the through opening, and includes a base body, a resilient portion, and first and second flanges located on opposite edges. A clip is located on the first flange. The resilient portion connects the second flange and the base body. A positioning tab is located on the resilient portion. The first edge of the through opening is engageable between the clip and the first flange. The second edge of the through opening is engageable between the tab and the second flange; the resilient portion is resiliently deformable to disengage the second edge of the through opening from between the second flange and the tab.
US08141961B2
A vehicle-use brake device for miniaturization of a base body and the simplification of brake liquid pressure passages formed in the base body. First electromagnetic open/close valves changing over communication/interruption between master cylinders which output liquid pressures due to the operation of brake operators and wheel brakes, and second electromagnetic open/close valves changing over communication/interruption between a liquid-pressure generation member which are configured to generate liquid pressures due to operations of electrically-operated actuators and the wheel brakes are arranged in the base body. An output port which is connected to a wheel brake is formed in one flat side surface of a base body, first and second electromagnetic open/close valves which arrange operational axes thereof on a first plane orthogonal to one side surface are mounted on one surface of the base body which orthogonally intersects with one side surface from the same direction.
US08141960B2
A vehicle braking assembly comprising a master cylinder (10) with no central valves, a brake fluid reservoir (62) mounted separately from the master cylinder (10), pumps (50) for pressurizing the brake fluid and first solenoid valves (68) in pipes (66) connecting the brake fluid reservoir (62) to the inlets of the pumps (50). According to the invention, a calibrated orifice (76) and a nonreturn valve (78) which are connected in parallel are mounted in these pipes (66).
US08141958B2
The device for fixedly holding the head of a toothbrush in a processing machine comprises holding parts with a support surface that is formed on a holding flange. The holding flange is inserted between the bristle carrier and the holding plate of the head of the toothbrush and supports the bristle carrier with the support surface thereof.
US08141954B2
A switching mechanism of a vehicle seat includes a base element, an output arm pivotally connected to the base element via a first pivot shaft, an input arm having a force input point and pivotally connected to the output arm via a second pivot shaft as a rotational center, and an input arm biasing member. When a force is applied to the input arm, the input arm can be rotated around the first pivot shaft in the normal rotational direction while contacting the first pivot shaft, so that the second pivot shaft can pivot about the first pivot shaft, thereby rotating the output arm about the first pivot shaft with the input arm to rotate the seat back from a seating position into one of a walk in position and a folded position. The input arm may also be configured to rotate the seat back to the seating position.
US08141951B2
A child safety seat includes a seat body, an engaging board, a backrest, and an engaging mechanism. The engaging board is connected to the seat body. A tooth-shaped structure is formed on the engaging board. The backrest is movably disposed on the engaging board. The engaging mechanism is disposed between the engaging board and the backrest. The engaging mechanism includes an engaging member and a driving device. The engaging member is pivotally connected to the backrest for engaging with the tooth-shaped structure. The driving device is pivotally connected to the engaging member and movably connected to the backrest. When the driving device moves between a locking position and a releasing position relative to the backrest, the driving device drives the engaging member to rotate relative to the backrest.
US08141950B2
A lower anchor connection system for securing the child seat to vehicle anchor bites. A single retractor includes a web extendable therefrom connected to a strap having at its opposite ends couplings for lockingly engaging the anchor bights. A release button on the retractor when depressed allows the retractor web to be withdrawn holding the couplings adjacent the child seat in a stored position.
US08141942B2
A motor vehicle body is proposed with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adapter carrier is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also proposed for a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame.
US08141931B1
A moveable roof for a transportable tank for fish includes a roof platform attached to spaced roof joists secured at opposing ends to parallel headers laterally spaced and traversing a length of the roof platform. At least two pair of support arms is included, with each pair mounted on opposite sides of the tank. Further, each support arm has an upper support arm portion and a lower support arm portion. The upper and lower support arm portions are attached at a support arm pivot point. The lower support arm portion is pivotally attached to the corresponding sidewall of the tank and the upper support arm portion is pivotally attached to the header above said corresponding sidewall. Still further, a crank is positioned between the support arms of each pair of support arms. The crank has crank cables attached to each support arm of the corresponding pair of support arms, so that winding the crank pulls the upper and lower support arm portions to a vertical position to unfold the support arms and elevate the roof above the transportable tank. Stabilizing shafts can be included to further support the roof.
US08141930B2
There is provided a vehicle seat having an increased number of kinds of seat arrangements. A vehicle seat includes a seat support part for rotatably supporting the rear side of a seat cushion, a seat back that is foldable over the seat cushion via a reclining mechanism, a stowage recess provided on the vehicle body floor side, a front leg provided in the front part of the seat cushion, a leg locking mechanism that engages and disengages the front leg with and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to both the reclining mechanism and the leg locking mechanism, and a strap that operates the reclining mechanism and the leg locking mechanism via the link mechanism, and further includes a seat arrangement selective mechanism for enabling or disabling the operation of the reclining mechanism.
US08141923B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for lifting a single joint of pipe. The single joint elevator of the present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a pair of deployable jaws cooperating with a pair of static jaws to secure a pipe within the slot of a generally horseshoe-shaped body. The deployable jaws of the single joint elevator of the present invention may be rotatably deployable or translatably deployable, or both. In one embodiment, each jaw, including the static jaws and the deployable jaws, comprises a pipe slip movably disposed within the jaw to secure a pipe segment within the slot and to self-tighten as the weight of the pipe segment secured within the single joint elevator is transferred to the slips and the jaws.
US08141921B2
Several embodiments of plastic dumpsters with improved strength and durability are disclosed. In one embodiment, gussets connect pockets to bevel walls, connecting the side walls to front and rear walls of the dumpster. The bevel walls are stronger than the side walls of the dumpster. Other embodiments disclose gussets integral with front and rear walls of the dumpster for improved strength. Other embodiments disclose removable, separately formed sleeves that are secured to the sides of the dumpster to form pockets for receiving the forks of a truck.
US08141906B2
A saddle-type vehicle has an engine compartment protected from mud and water splash by wheel well shields and a centrally located underbody splash guard member, arranged to substantially block mud and water from splashing back toward an engine during operation of the vehicle. These splash guards are also configured to ensure a space for maintenance. The vehicle includes inner wheel well shields located respectively laterally inside of the front wheels, and an underbody splash guard member including first and second guard portions. The first guard portion provided on the underbody splash guard member is located laterally inside of the wheel well shields, and the second guard portion is located laterally inside of the first guard portion for covering a front portion of the engine.
US08141899B2
A curtain air bag device which allows a bag main body to expansively spread more quickly and reliably. A curtain air bag device comprises a bag main body received inside a head lining disposed on the window upper edge of a vehicle and designed to expansively spread from the lower end of the head lining toward the interior of the vehicle at the time of actuation; and a gas supply device for supplying expansion gas to the bag main body. The bag main body has a plurality of chambers which expand during operation; and a duct extending above the chambers along the window upper edge to distribute the gas to respective chambers. Further, the duct has an expansion region where the lower end is disposed lower than the lower end of the head lining during spreading.
US08141886B1
A selectively deployable extender is provided on the rear of a platform assembly of a stand-on lawnmower so as to permit an operator to position his or her feet further from the rear wheels than would otherwise be possible in order to increase operator comfort and/or to improve traction and/or maneuverability. By making the platform selectively deployable as opposed to simply providing a longer platform, the length of the machine can be reduced for storage and transport, and the risk of making damaging contact with an obstruction or with the ground while traveling up a hill is reduced. The extender may, for instance, be a plate or similar device pivotally attached to a rear end of a main platform and the main platform can be resiliently mounted to or at least partially isolated from a frame of the stand-on lawnmower.
US08141873B2
A device for diverting printed products is provided. The device includes a first rotating support having a first pad mounted thereon, a second rotating support having a second pad mounted thereon, a third rotating support having a third pad mounted thereon and a fourth rotating support having a fourth pad mounted thereon. The first pad has a different thickness than the second pad and the first and second rotating supports rotate together. The third pad has a different thickness than the fourth pad and the third and fourth rotating supports rotate together. A method for diverting printed products is also provided.
US08141869B2
The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for conveying of sheets (2a, b), comprising upper and lower receiving rolls (3, 4), an upper belt element (5) and a receiving surface (6). The belt element (5) extends in a region above the receiving surface (6). The sheets (2a, b) are conveyed in a substantially horizontal direction of movement (7) towards the receiving rolls (3, 4), which receiving rolls (3, 4) during rotation move the sheets (2a, b) one after another between and past the receiving rolls (3, 4), during which the respective sheet (2a, b), after passing between and past the receiving rolls (3, 4), are situated between said receiving surface (6) and upper belt element (5). The sheets (2a, b) between the upper belt element (5) and the receiving surface (6) are placed on one another such that a rear edge (8) of a sheet (2a) passing through and between the receiving rolls (3, 4) is overlapped by a front edge (9) of a following sheet (2b). A lifting means (10) situated in the sheet movement direction (7) after the receiving rolls (3, 4) is adapted to acting upon sheets (2a, b) passing through the receiving rolls (3, 4) and over the lifting means such that the front edge (9) of a sheet (2b) which has passed over and past the lifting means (10) assumes a shape which strengthens the sheet (2a, b) in the sheet movement direction (7).
US08141866B2
A paper feeding device having a paper cassette configured to support a plurality of the papers in a stacked manner, a separating bevel having an inclined plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a supporting surface of the paper cassette and configured to separate the paper coming into abutment with the inclined plane, a pickup roller configured to feed the paper toward the separating bevel by coming into contact with the topmost paper from among the papers supported by the paper cassette and being rotated thereon, and a space forming unit configured to form a space S for letting part of the paper to escape in the feeding direction on part of the inclined plane in the area opposing the pickup roller in the feeding direction is employed.
US08141863B2
The sheet processing apparatus is provided with: a sheet aligning part that accumulates and aligns sheets so as to generate a bundle of sheets; an edge stitching processor that performs an edge stitching process by which the generated bundle of sheets is stitched together at one edge of the bundle of sheets; an apparatus housing that includes an opening portion through which the bundle of sheets is discharged to an outside of the apparatus housing; a saddle stitching processor that performs, outside of the apparatus housing, a saddle stitching process by which the discharged bundle of sheets is stitched together at a center portion of the bundle of sheets in a transporting direction of the bundle of sheets; and a stacking tray that is provided below the opening portion and outside the apparatus housing, and on which the bundles of sheets subjected to the edge stitching process and the saddle stitching process are capable of being stacked.
US08141861B2
The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus including: a conveying portion which conveys a sheet; a stacking portion which stacks the sheet conveyed by the conveying portion; a first processing unit which performs a process to the sheet at a first process position on the stacking portion; a second processing unit which performs a process to the sheet at a second process position on the stacking portion, the second process position being at the downstream side in the conveying direction of the first process position; and a controlling portion which performs positioning of the sheet at the first process position when the first processing unit performs the process to the sheet and positioning of the sheet at the second process position when the second processing unit performs the process to the sheet which is passed through the first process position without being positioned.
US08141853B2
A connector for an insulator to be connected to a support member is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connector includes a plurality of divergent arms. This connector may include a main body, and at least two side wings extending from the main body where each the side wing is configured to engage with at least one of the divergent arms of the support member. The connector may further include at least one strap engagement element configured to engage at least one strap to secure the connector to the support member.
US08141845B2
The present invention is directed to a fuel cell supply for a fuel cell having an outer casing, a liner member containing methanol, and a valve component comprising a valve body member and a slidable body member disposed inside the valve body member. The slidable body member is normally biased toward a valve seat surface to seal the valve component and the slidable body member can be moved away from the valve seat surface to open the valve component. The liner member, the valve body member and the slidable body member are made from at least two different materials and wherein at least one of the members compatible with methanol. Hence, each component can be selected from material(s) that is substantially optimal for its function in the fuel supply.
US08141842B2
A solenoid valve includes a valve housing in which a spool valve element is fitted to be reciprocably slidable along an axis; a magnet coil that moves the spool valve element in a first direction along the axis by an action of an electromagnetic force; a return spring that biases the spool valve element in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, and moves the spool valve element in the second direction when the magnet coil is not excited; and first and second attraction members that are respectively fixed to the spool valve element and the valve housing such that they are spaced from each other along the axis by a distance no less than a maximum moving amount of the spool valve element and attract each other by an attraction force smaller than a bias force of the return spring when the magnet coil is not excited.
US08141836B2
An adjustable system for mounting a computer component to a surface, including an adjustable horizontal assembly with swiveling mounting structure and an adjustable vertical assembly featuring two sliding extrusions and a stopper wedge engaged with a long screw for efficient mounting of computer components within workplaces.
US08141831B2
A connector for attaching a piece of flexible tubing to a pair of parallel brackets includes an arcuate bend support, front and rear clamping members, and at least one fastener interconnecting the front and rear clamping members. The clamping members are positioned on opposite sides of the brackets. The bend support includes a head rotatably received in a receiver in the rear clamping member. The head includes a collet sized to receive the tubing. A wedge is formed on the front clamping member in a position to engage the collet. As the fastener is tightened, the clamping members are drawn against the brackets and the wedge engages the collet to constrict the collet inwardly against the tubing.
US08141830B1
A corner bracket having a base member and a first wall attachment portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the top side of the base member and a second wall attachment portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the top side of the base member, such that a first wall attachment surface of the first wall attachment portion is perpendicular to a second wall attachment surface of the second wall attachment portion. A central bracket member, an inner bracket member, and an outer bracket member each extend from the top side of the base member. The central bracket member is positioned substantially between at least a portion of the inner bracket member and the outer bracket member and a base member edge, two opposing central bracket member edges, an inner bracket member edge, and an outer bracket member edge are each aligned.
US08141828B2
An assembly comprises a support table including a support table orifice; a insert plate within the support table orifice; and at least one mounting and leveling apparatus. The mounting and leveling apparatus comprises a clamp screw; at least two leveling screws; at least one mounting screw; and a mounting bracket that defines a first threaded hole that threadably engages the clamp screw, a second hole that receives the at least one mounting screw and a third set of threaded holes that each threadably engages one of the at least two leveling screws. The clamp screw pulls the insert plate towards the mounting bracket when tightened. The at least one mounting screw couples the mounting bracket to the support table. The at least two leveling screws are independently adjustable to allow a top surface of the insert plate to be precisely aligned with a top surface of the support table.
US08141826B1
A mounting bracket is provided for mounting pipes between studs of a building. An elongated support member has two elongated sides generally perpendicular to each other and has opposing ends adapted to fasten the support member to studs of a building. A locking bracket encircles the support bracket. The locking bracket has four segments comprising a first base segment, a second flange segment, a third intermediate segment and a fourth distal segment. A flexible hinge line is formed at least between the flange and intermediate segment. The base segment and flange either abutting or are close to adjacent sides of the elongated support member during use with the intermediate segment spanning the distal edges of the sides of the support member. The fourth distal segment overlaps and nests with the first base segment to restrain motion in the plane of the base segment. A latch mechanism restrains the projection from disengaging. The projection is preferably forced against the support member by the latch mechanism.
US08141822B2
A vehicle including at least one bladder for containing a two-phase liquid-gas fuel at a predetermined pressure, with a bladder outlet arranged to releasing vapor fuel from the bladder. The fuel provides energy for propulsion of the vehicle, and the vapor pressure of the fuel provides initial structural integrity of the vehicle, by rigidizing and stiffening the beam assembly to resist inward buckling until the liquid fuel is expended. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is an unmanned aerial vehicle. A combustion chamber and thermoelectric conversion module can generate electricity for a propeller and battery.
US08141815B1
Apparatus and methods provide for a wing strut having a trailing edge device that is selectively deployable to create aerodynamic lift. Aspects of the disclosure provide a wing strut that is attached to an aircraft fuselage at one end and the aircraft wing at the opposite end. A trailing edge device is attached to the trailing edge of the wing strut. According to various embodiments, the trailing edge device may taper from a maximum chord length at the fuselage, to a minimum chord length near the wing attachment location in order to minimize the effect of the strut on the airflow around the wing. For the same reason, one aspect provides for a change in camber of the wing strut and trailing edge device from a substantially symmetric airfoil at the fuselage to a negatively cambered airfoil near the wing.
US08141812B2
A transmission for a rotary-wing aircraft has a differential torque-splitting mechanism associated with an input shaft. The differential has a drive disk coaxial with the shaft and integral in rotation with the shaft, a first driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk, and a second driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk. At least one pin engages each of the drive disk, the first driven member, and the second driven member. The first driven member is configured to drive a first transfer gear, and the second driven member is configured to drive a second transfer gear for supplying torque to a bull gear associated with a rotor mast.
US08141803B2
A roller mill (1) for grinding particulate material such as cement raw materials, cement clinker, coal and similar materials, said roller mill (1) comprising a substantially horizontal grinding table (3) and a set of rollers revolving about a vertical shaft (5); said set of rollers comprising a number of rollers (4) rotatable about respective roller axes and being connected via a roller bearing (16) and a roller shaft (6) to the vertical shaft (5), and said set of rollers (4) being configured for interactive operation with the grinding table (3) for application of pressure to the particulate material; characterized in that each roller bearing (16) across its entire axial extent is axially located radially towards the vertical shaft (5) inwardly of the location of the resulting force from the grinding zone imposed upon the respective roller, in use.
US08141802B2
A control mechanism for the feed of a brush chipper is disclosed. A lower feed stop bar, located under a feed table, pivots on a pivot axis located below and toward the brush chipper from the control bar of the lower feed stop bar. The center of gravity of the lower feed stop bar, then, tends to pivot the lower feed stop bar away from the feed disengage position. Hence, nuisance trips due to vibration, impact of brush on the table, etc., are reduced.
US08141789B2
A method of controlling the temperature of a food preparation or sanitation appliance includes sensing the actual temperature of the appliance. When the temperature of the appliance is greater than a maximum threshold temperature, a compressor which supplies pressurized air to a burner is shut-off and a flame sensor, which senses the presence or absence of a flame, is overridden so the appliance acts as if a flame is present. When the actual temperature is less than a minimum threshold temperature, the compressor is started.
US08141786B2
A Smart Card module with flip-assembled chip (101) on a metallic strap (112) adhering to an insulating substrate (111). Chip (101) is in the gap (122) of a metal carrier (120), strap (112) conductively attached to the carrier. Carrier (120) is designed to practically surround the chip, and has a thickness about equal to the chip thickness. Overall module thickness is less than 250 μm without dangerously thinning the chip. Additional strength may be acquired by filling any space of gap (122) not occupied by chip (101) with encapsulation compound (150). Metal carrier (120) further provides contact areas (120a, 120b) for higher level system interconnection (stacking of modules).
US08141774B2
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from user cards to accept checks and dispense cash to authorized machine users. The machine can compare image data and magnetic data obtained from a check to determine the genuineness of the check. The machine can also determine whether a machine user is authorized to exchange a check for cash. A cash dispenser can be operated to dispense cash to a machine user in exchange for a deposited check. The machine dispenses the cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.
US08141760B2
Hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks, are set forth herein. One carrier includes a height member, an insert arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations, and at least one support arm coupled to height member for movement between storage and use configurations. Means for coupling insert arm to a tow hitch, for locking insert arm at storage and use configurations, and for locking support arm(s) at storage and use configurations are included. Insert arm is configured for insertion in tow hitch and has a wedge aperture. An attaching element is coupled to support arm(s) for removably attaching a device to support arm(s). A wedge is adjacent wedge aperture, and means are included for moving wedge between a first position generally flush with or inside insert arm and a second position extending outside insert arm to dampen wobble between insert arm and tow hitch.
US08141759B2
A container assembly for a motor vehicle passenger compartment includes a housing, a door, an arm, a helical spring and a cam. The door is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a first pivot between a closed position wherein the door covers an opening in the housing and an open position wherein the door is pivoted about the first pivot to allow access through the opening to a storage space in the housing. The arm is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement about a second pivot. The arm has a cam surface. The helical spring continuously biases the arm toward the first pivot. The cam is coupled to the door and movable with the door about the first pivot between the closed position and the open position. The cam has a center portion and a lobe extending outwardly from the center portion. The lobe remains in contact with the cam surface of the arm. The cam surface applies a torque on one side of the lobe to bias the door toward the closed position and on an opposite side of the lobe to bias the door toward the open position.
US08141747B2
A food storage apparatus enables dispensation of contents (e.g., ice and/or water) stored in the food storage apparatus and collects residual contents after the dispensation of the contents.
US08141737B1
A mesh container includes a bottom meshwork, a side meshwork and a frame. The side meshwork is arranged around a periphery edge of the bottom meshwork. The side meshwork has a bottom edge which is connected with the periphery edge. The side meshwork has a top edge which stretches outwardly along a direction parallel to the bottom meshwork. The frame is arranged around the side meshwork. The frame clamps the top edge of the side meshwork. The frame has two reverse edgings and a crease so as to increase strength of the frame. As such, the container has a stable frame.
US08141736B2
A filler cap tether includes attachment portions on both ends of a string-like member, of which one end-side attachment portion is connected to a filler cap to be removably mounted on an oil feeding port whereas the other end-side attachment portion is connected to the vehicle body-side corresponding portion. The filler cap tether includes a disengagement portion for permitting the filler cap and the vehicle body-side corresponding portion to enter into a disconnected state when a load with a predetermined value or above is applied.
US08141731B2
The present dispensing closure system includes a closure base, which can be configured for securement to an associated container, and a lid hingedly connected to the closure base for movement between closed and open positions, wherein in the closed position of the lid, the lid coacts to close and seal a dispensing orifice defined by the closure base. Convenient manipulation of the lid between its closed and open positions is facilitated by the provision of a sliding element mounted on the closure base for sliding, reciprocable movement generally laterally of the closure base. Notably, the sliding element includes a latch portion which coacts with the lid to positively retain the lid in its closed position until manipulation of the sliding element by a user to unlatch the lid. The sliding element includes one or more camming surfaces which coact with the lid to urge it from its closed position to its open position.
US08141727B2
A solid dosage preparation is provided with a bottle of water. The solid dosage preparation is housed in a compartment of a closure applied to the bottle of water. The solid dosage preparation is capable of being dispensed in a single-handed manipulation of a roller-like chamber. The roller-like chamber is provided with a means for indicating any tampering of the enclosed solid dosage preparation, which is maintained in a protective environment between the chamber and the compartment.
US08141723B2
A shelf panel for support of items made of an array of honeycomb-shaped cells, alternatively closed at opposite ends to create an array. The thickness of the honeycomb cells may be varied along an arch distribution with the shape of contemplated deformations. The array of honeycomb cells may be surrounded by a ring of alternatively configured cells to create regularly shaped shelf panels. The surrounding cells of a second thickness allow for possible stacking between two shelf panels including a cylindrical corner cell with a top cylinder able to accommodate a bottom cylinder from a second shelf panel. The surrounding cells may also include a wedge of the same geometry as the selected cell where part of the wedge is inserted in the cell and the other part of the wedge is a mechanical fixation means. Some circumferential cells may be adapted to be either a male or female interlocks allowing for two or more shelf panels to be interlocked if they are disposed adjacent each other on a same plane.
US08141722B2
A garment hanging device includes an elongated bar, having a plurality of receptacles defined in the bar, each of which can receive a garment hanger. Each receptacle has a receiving portion open at the top edge of the bar, and a retaining portion between the top and bottom edges being connected with the receiving portion. At least one hook is provided, having a coupling end pivotably coupled to the bar, a hooking portion extending from the coupling end through an apex portion opposite the coupling end to a terminal end. A distance between the hook's pivot point on the bar and a corresponding receptacle corresponds to a distance between the coupling end and the apex portion such that the hook is flexed and pivoted into a stowed position wherein the apex portion is disposed within the corresponding receptacle, and into a deployed position wherein the apex portion is removed from the corresponding receptacle.
US08141718B2
A separation device for the separation of constituents of different density, in particular of a fluid fed from a well hole, exhibits a container in which the fluid at least partially after entry via a feed line is separated into its constituents using centrifugal force in the radial direction and/or using gravitational force in the vertical direction. To improve this type of separation device such that it can be constructed more compact and in a constructively more simple manner and also that it simultaneously can reliably enable separation of all constituents and their removal from the separation device, a classifier device is arranged in a lower section of the container interior, which at least exhibits one discharge line, extending radially outwards, for the discharge of the fluid into the container interior and delivery lines, joined to the container interior at different levels in the vertical direction, for the separated fluid constituents.
US08141716B2
A polymer alloy has been developed comprising a polysulfone and a vinyl lactam polymer. The resulting alloy has excellent thermal characteristics and even in the presence of substantial quantities in vinyl lactam polymers, has solvent resistance to both organic and aqueous solvent materials. The materials, when dissolved in solvents, can be spun from a variety of solvents into a variety of useful fiber materials. The resulting fine fiber, microfiber and nanofiber materials have excellent thermal and chemical resistance for a variety of fiber applications. The polymer alloys of the invention can be spun into nanofiber mats that can act as a filtration media and can also be combined into conventional substrate materials for fabrication into filter structures.
US08141711B2
A personal hygiene assembly including a personal hygiene article such as a tampon and a towelette. The tampon is individually packaged in a wrapper and the towelette is also individually packaged in a wrapper. The assembly attaches the towelette package to the tampon package for convenient co-location of the articles. The towelette package can be attached to the outside surface of the tampon package either after sealing of the tampon package or during the sealing of the tampon package. As both the tampon package and the towelette package have a generally linear axial orientation, the articles can be axially aligned for attachment and convenient storage.
US08141708B2
A container for transporting a plurality of curved glass sheets lined up side by side. The container includes a bottom structure, such as a pallet, a back wall extending upward from the bottom structure, a first side wall connected to a first end of the back wall and extending upward from the bottom structure, and a second side wall connected to a second end of the back wall and extending upward from the bottom structure. The container includes a cradle portion proximate the back wall extending into an interior portion of the container. The cradle portion including a glass sheet supporting surface for contacting a backmost one of the plurality of glass sheets. The supporting surface has a radius of curvature to correspond with the curvature of the backmost one of the plurality of glass sheets. The container can have two or more cradle portions. The container also includes two back corner support structures, each configured to support a portion of the respective side walls and a portion of the back wall. A banding system and method are also provided for securing a plurality of glass sheets in a container for transporting the glass sheets. The system includes a central support member having a plurality of openings for adjustably positioning a band internally in the container to coincide with the frontmost glass sheet. The central support member includes an opening to allow the band to anchor the central support member securely against the back wall of the container.
US08141701B2
A pack for tobacco industry products such as menthol cigarettes, comprises a housing (1) defining an enclosure containing tobacco industry products (4) and a pad (34) disposed in or on the pack, impregnated with the substance for altering characteristics of the tobacco industry products, such as a menthol flavorant, and a removable strip (32), attached to the pad so that when removed, the substance is released into the pack from the carrier to be adsorbed by the cigarettes. Thus, menthol can be released from the pad into the pack after opening by the consumer, by removal of the strip to boost the level of menthol flavorant in the cigarettes.
US08141698B2
A connector, and coupling system, for portions of a belt for a conveyor system. A connector (10),(60) has inter-cooperating releasable coupling portions (11),(12),(61),(62). These can be provided at respective ends of edge portions of a conveyor belt to be coupled. The releasable coupling portion (male/female) of one belt portion is arranged to releasably couple to the corresponding respective coupling portion (female/male) for the end of a second belt portion. The connector system permits discrete sections of conveyor belt to be removed and replaced for maintenance or repair, or one or more belt sections to be removed or inserted to shorten or lengthen the belt as required.
US08141694B2
A method and apparatus for producing and/or machining panels. The apparatus includes a transport device for transporting a panel along a transport path and a machining device for machining the panel as it moves via the transport device. The transport device includes a plurality of positioning devices arranged one behind the other and spaced apart by a distance along the transport path. Each positioning device includes upper and lower abutment mechanisms arranged opposite one another and on opposite sides of a panel plane, and being spaced apart by a distance. An adjusting device is used for setting the distance between the upper and lower abutment mechanisms. An actuating arrangement is structured and arranged to actuate the adjusting device of at least two of the plurality of positioning devices. An arrangement is used for independently adjusting each of the upper and lower abutment mechanisms of at least one of the plurality of positioning devices.
US08141689B2
A magnetorheological (MR) piston ring includes an MR-piston-ring body disposable within a cylinder of an MR damper. The MR-piston-ring body has a radially inner surface defining a boundary of a longitudinally-extending MR passageway. The MR-piston-ring body includes a surface portion which is slidingly engagable with the cylinder and which has first and second longitudinal ends. The surface portion includes at least one surface groove each defining a secondary MR passageway and extending from the first to the second longitudinal end or each defining an MR cavity extending from one of the first and second longitudinal ends toward, but not to, the other of the first and second longitudinal ends. An MR damper including the MR piston ring is also described.
US08141687B2
A system includes a first detector, second detector and processor section. The first detector is provided to a first wheel in a first position in a vehicle. The second detector is provided to a second wheel in a second position in the vehicle. The vehicle includes a brake system configured to brake the first wheel in response to a signal designating the first position. The first detector is assigned with a first identifier and the second detector is assigned with a second identifier. The first detector is configured to output the first identifier to the processor section, in response to a change in rotation of the first wheel. The second detector is configured to output the second identifier to the processor section, in response to a change in rotation of the second wheel. The processor section is configured to output the signal to the brake system, to associate the first identifier and a first position data indicating the first position and to identify a first tire mounted on the first wheel based on the first identifier.
US08141681B2
A climb assist system is disclosed that dynamically adjust the rate and level of assist of a climber as the climber needs may change over the period of traverse of the ladder. A sensor detects the state of a person, such as the load exerted by the climber on a ladder exerts on an assist rope, to provided an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, a sender is provided to transmit the load data to a receiver and a receiver to receive the data from the sender. A controller interprets the received data and thereafter provides control through a controlled motor and drive to provide energy to the assist rope.
US08141679B2
An absorptive muffler assembly includes a first body and a second body surrounding the first body. A resilient mount having at least one resilient portion and at least one support arm supports the first body and isolates the second body from vibrations of the first body.
US08141678B2
A sound-permeable film (11) includes: a porous membrane (13) that contains polytetrafluoroethylene as its main component, allows sound to pass therethrough, and prevents an foreign object such as a water drop from passing therethrough; and a heat-resistant double-sided adhesive sheet (15) that is disposed on a part of at least one of main surfaces of the porous membrane (13).
US08141676B2
The present invention provides a compound membrane and an acoustic device including such a compound membrane. The compound membrane includes a central layer, a first glue layer attached to one side of the central layer, a second glue layer attached to another side of the central layer, an upper layer provided on the first glue layer, and a lower layer provided beneath the second glue layer. The anti-fatigue performance of the compound membrane is desirable.
US08141671B2
A hood lift-up apparatus of the invention is arranged on a lower side of a rear end of a hood panel of a vehicle and includes an actuator of a constitution of fixing a cylinder in a shape of a circular cylinder arranged by making an axial direction thereof substantially in line with a vertical direction to a body member of a vehicle by utilizing an attaching bracket. The attaching bracket is constructed by a constitution of including a holding portion of holding the cylinder by being disposed on a rear portion side constituting a side of the cylinder, and an attaching portion arranged on a front side of the cylinder by being extended to the front side from the holding portion and is fixed to a body member at a portion of the attaching portion.
US08141666B2
A solar powered baggage cart that includes a baggage container portion, an operator platform, front wheels and rear wheels underlying the baggage cart for supporting, and an array of photo-voltaic cells located in an overlying relationship to the container. The cells are in electrical communication with a bank of batteries through a charging control circuit for charging the batteries, which are mounted under the baggage cart and are electrically connected to one or more electric motor/pumps. The electric motor/pumps are in mechanical communication with respective drive motors and brakes for the front and rear wheels. The baggage cart is configured to steer in one of three modes, a front wheel steer mode, a rear wheel assist steer mode or a crab steer mode.
US08141665B2
A bearing element for a rotary, earth boring drag bit effectively reduces an exposure of at least one adjacent cutting element by a readily predictable amount, as well as a depth-of-cut (DOC) of the cutter. The bearing element has a substantially uniform thickness across substantially an entire area thereof. The bearing element also limits the amount of unit force applied to a formation so that the formation does not fail. The bearing element may prevent damage to cutters associated therewith, as well as possibly limit problems associated with bit balling, motor stalling and related drilling difficulties. Bits including the bearing elements, molds for forming the bearing elements and portions of bodies of bits that carry the bearing elements, methods for designing and fabricating the bearing elements and bits including the same, and methods for drilling subterranean formations are also disclosed. The design and drilling methods include selecting a formation to be drilled, calculating a desired DOC and the strength of the formation, and calculating a height or thickness of a bearing element that may limit the DOC and the unit force applied to the formation.
US08141664B2
A hybrid drill bit having at least two rolling cutters, each rotatable around an axis of rotation, at least one of the rolling cutters having a high pin angle, and at least one fixed blade. The pin angle can encompass pin angles above 39 degrees to less than 393 degrees. The drill bit can allow the rolling cutters to engage a shoulder portion and/or gage portion of the bit profile and assist the fixed blade(s) in these areas. The at least two rolling cutters can be disposed at different pin angles.
US08141659B2
A method and apparatus for penetrating a side of a well casing and/or drilling into earth strata surrounding the well casing, utilizing a rotating fluid discharge nozzle, and an abrasive introduced into the fluid downstream of apparatus for rotating the nozzle. Apparatus for rotating the nozzle can include a motor operable by pressurized fluid, or another suitable rotating power source The introduction of the abrasives will not adversely affect or harm the apparatus for rotating the nozzle, yet will provide the enhanced drilling capability. The abrasive stream can be used for drilling or cutting through a metal well casing, as well as cement and the adjacent strata.
US08141655B2
A tool assembly such as a hammer assembly, includes a housing defining a chamber and a reciprocating piston arranged in the chamber for cyclical movement in a work stroke and a return stroke. The housing includes a lower housing member, an upper housing member and an engaging structure which permits the engagement of the upper housing member with the lower housing member by relative rotation of the upper and lower housing members, such that each of the lower and upper housing members defines a portion of the chamber. The upper housing member is a precision component which contains the hydraulic components or other drive components necessary to drive the piston, while the lower housing member can be manufactured separately since it does not need to be manufactured to the high tolerances required by the upper housing member. The resulting tool assembly may be more compact than a conventional tie rod tool assembly.
US08141650B2
A vehicle includes a blade, a lifting mechanism configured to raise and lower the blade, and a pitching mechanism configured to pitch the blade forward and backward. A control system of the vehicle is configured to automatically maintain at least one of a depth of the blade during pitching of the blade and a pitch of the blade during lifting of the blade.
US08141649B2
A fire suppression system and a method for providing fire suppression onboard of an aircraft by rapidly establishing a breathable hypoxic atmosphere onboard of an aircraft, which can be generated by an air separation device utilizing a positive pressure of the bleed air and a negative pressure of the outside atmosphere; breathable hypoxic fire-extinguishing agent, containing 12%-18% of oxygen, can flood protected compartments of an aircraft in case of a fire and/or can be used as propellant for generating water mist or foam.
US08141648B2
A multiple-positioning mechanical shifting system including for used in hydrocarbon wells. The system includes a shifting tool capable of selectively positioning a mechanical sliding sleeve valve in multiple operational positions that varying the flow rate and/or volume of tubing string fluid flowing to the well annulus. The system also includes a multiple position mechanical choke valve. A method of operating the mechanical choke valve using the shifting tool is described.
US08141641B2
A technique is presented for providing a double-barrier to formation fluids during drilling operations with a concentric drill string having an inner bore and an annulus. A primary flow control system is used to provide a first barrier to formation fluids in the inner bore and annulus of the drill string. A backup flow control system is used to provide a second barrier to formation fluids. The backup flow control system comprises a backup inner bore shutoff valve and a backup annulus shutoff valve. The backup inner bore shutoff valve is dropped from the surface through the inner bore of the drill string. The backup inner bore shutoff valve has spring-biased tabs that are configured to extend outward to contact an inner surface profile of the inner bore of the drill string. The backup annulus shutoff valve may be provided with the profile to receive the spring-biased tabs from the backup inner bore shutoff valve. When the tabs of the backup inner bore shutoff valve are disposed opposite the profile, the tabs of the backup inner bore shutoff valve are extended outward into the profile by a spring assembly, securing the backup inner bore shutoff valve within the drill string.
US08141625B2
A submersible well pump assembly in a wellbore; the pump assembly includes a liquid lift pump and a booster pump for pumping a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid. A shroud with an opening at its upper end partially encloses the pump assembly. An annulus is formed between the shroud and the wellbore inner circumference. Two phase fluid from the booster pump exits the shroud through a port and flows up the annulus to the shroud opening. Liquid in the two-phase flow separates from the gas and flows into the shroud opening and onto the liquid lift pump. The gas continues to flow up the wellbore, past the shroud opening, to the wellbore entrance.
US08141623B2
Disclosed is an automatic switching two pipe hydronic system for conditioning a space. In one embodiment the two pipe hydronic system enables automatic switching from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation or vice versa in a reduced span of time. The present invention saves fuel, energy and water, when there are lower load conditions that affect boilers, chillers, and cooling towers. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for simultaneously heating and cooling a first portion and a second portion of a space by utilizing a plurality of boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, condenser pumps and closed loop pumps by using a plurality of sensors indicating the temperatures inside and outside the space and a controlling module controlling the operation of the system. The present invention can be easily achieved by making minor configurational modifications to existing systems thereby increases system versatility.
US08141620B1
Use of an inert gas in a fluid-operated heat exchange system. A cooling loop of a heat exchange system is purged with an inert gas to remove oxygen from the cooling loop. Coolant is added to the cooling loop of the heat exchange system. The coolant flows in the cooling loop of the heat exchange system to mix the inert gas with the coolant to provide a solution having a reduced concentration of oxygen.
US08141617B2
A continuous casting furnace for producing metal ingots includes a molten seal which prevents external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. A startup sealing assembly allows an initial seal to be formed to prevent external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber prior to the formation of the molten seal.
US08141613B2
Awning of the type which is provided with a roll-up shaft (3) on which is wound a cloth (4) which is fixed with one edge to a front lath (5) which is supported by means of two or more articulated arms (6), every articulated arm (6) consisting of at least two arm parts (9-10) which are hinge (12)—mounted to one another so as to be able to fold together the articulated arm (6) around a pivot (16) and to open it. The hinge (12) is a multiple hinge which not only allows for a rotation around the above-mentioned first pivot (16), but which at least also allows for a rotation around a second pivot (17) which is directed crosswise or mainly crosswise to the first pivot (16).
US08141604B2
An improved method for the manufacture of wooden gunstocks comprising the steps of first heat treating the wood and then fashioning the wood into a gunstock, whereby the resulting gunstock is more weather and rot resistant, more stable, and lighter than gunstocks fashioned from untreated wood.
US08141602B2
A rotation system for a felling head mounted to a boom, the rotation system including: an adapter which is pivotally mounted to the boom; a housing fixed to the adapter; a gear system enclosed between the housing and the felling head and operable to allow the felling head to rotate with respect to the housing about an axis of rotation; and a plurality of actuators mounted to the housing and engaging the gear system, the plurality of actuators being operable to drive the rotation of the felling head, the plurality of actuators engaging the gearing system at positions below the axis of rotation so as to provide a vertical support therefor.
US08141599B2
White-pigmented and unpigmented base paints and stains are custom-tinted using an automated colorant dispenser having a minimum fluid dispensing quantity less than 0.01 fluid ounce (<0.3 cm3) and an array of colorants including a green-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 12 wt. % PG7 pigment, a blue-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 7 wt. % PB15:2 pigment, and a red-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 17 wt. % PR209 pigment. The green-hued or blue-hued colorants are dispensed into the base paint or stain whenever a green-hued or blue-hued tint is required. Light pastel tints in small containers and strong colors in large containers may be prepared without requiring the use of additional colorants having the same general hue and lower color strength.
US08141592B2
A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.
US08141589B2
A labyrinth channel for reducing pressure and/or flow rate in a liquid flowing in the channel, the labyrinth channel having a bottom surface and first and second opposing walls and comprising: a first array of spaced apart first baffle teeth that have non-parallel upstream and downstream faces and extend from the first wall towards the second wall to terminate in an end; and a second array of spaced apart second baffle teeth that have non-parallel upstream and downstream faces and extend from the second wall towards the first wall to terminate in an end; wherein baffle teeth in different arrays have a substantially same shape and upstream faces of closest baffle teeth in different arrays are different and/or downstream faces of closest baffle teeth in different arrays are different.
US08141583B2
A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.
US08141578B2
A protective sleeve for gas bottle valve stems is provided comprised of an elongated tubular body configured to fit on a valve stem. A projection extends from an interior surface of the protective sleeve and is adapted to lockingly engage with an orifice in an opposing surface of the valve stem whereby the sleeve is prevented from being easily removed from the valve stem upon being placed thereover due to engagement of the projection with the orifice. A tear strip is provided within a side surface of the protective sleeve, whereby a portion of the protective sleeve may be removed to permit disengagement of the protective sleeve. A housing may be provided in the protective sleeve for storage of a washer which may be used to provide a seal between a regulator and the valve stem of the gas bottle.
US08141576B2
Provided is a float valve device which allows a valve to be quickly opened when, in a state in which a float has been raised as a result of a rise in fuel liquid level to close the valve, the fuel liquid level is lowered again. The float valve device includes a housing, a float accommodated in the housing, a movable valve adapted to abut a valve seat to close an opening, and a retention frame to retain the movable valve so as to allow the movable valve to ascend/descend by a predetermined distance and to incline with respect to the float. Further, a circumferentially uneven protrusion is formed on a portion where the retention frame and the movable valve abut each other. When the float is lowered in a valve-closed state, the protrusion first abuts the movable valve to impart a lowering force thereto.
US08141575B2
A valve includes a silicon substrate having first and second surfaces, a channel having an opening extending between both surfaces of the silicon substrate, and a metal pattern on the first surface of the silicon substrate. The metal pattern surrounds the opening on the first surface of the silicon substrate but does not close the opening. In addition, a low melting point metal member is disposed on the surface of the silicon substrate. The low melting point metal member covers at least a part of the metal pattern and completely closes the opening on the first surface of the silicon substrate.
US08141572B2
An isolation valve system includes a main body (32), an actuator body (34) and a sealing membrane (307) arranged at a high pressure portion (36) of the isolation valve system. The sealing membrane mechanically attaches the actuator body to the main body. The sealing membrane further seals the high pressure portion from a low pressure portion (38). A burst plug (315) is arranged against the main body and supports the actuator body. An activation arrangement (50) is arranged for allowing an at least partial displacement of the burst plug, typically causing a phase transition. The sealing membrane is dimensioned to break when the actuator body is moved due to the displacement of the burst plug. The isolation valve system includes preferably a stack (30) of substrates (301-304) being bonded together. The substrates have micromechanical structures, which form at least the actuator body and the sealing membrane.
US08141558B2
A method for position tracking includes receiving signals from a main position transducer at a distal end of a medical probe via wiring traversing the probe to a connector at a proximal end of the probe, for connection to a processor, which processes the signals to find a first position of the distal end. Calibration data with respect to an interference introduced into the signals at the connector is collected as a function of a position of the proximal end. A second position of an auxiliary position transducer at the proximal end of the probe is measured. The interference in the signals is canceled responsively to the measured second position and the calibration data. The first position is calculated based on the signals, after canceling the interference.
US08141557B2
A method for thermotherapy of a biological tissue by determining the temperature at which to heat a target site to be treated to provide a temperature to the site to effect therapy, the temperature above body temperature but below a protein denaturation temperature, as determined by a patient's experience of a sensation of pain. Thermotherapy is effected in the absence of coagulative effects by providing oscillatory energy at the predetermined temperature.
US08141544B1
A fuel system for a vehicle has a fuel tank, a fuel line in communication with the fuel tank, a carburetor having an inlet side and an outlet side, a return line connected to the outlet side of the carburetor and communicating with the fuel tank, and a nozzle positioned in the return line. The fuel line is connected to the inlet side of said carburetor so as to pass fuel into a fuel bowl of the carburetor. The nozzle has an orifice formed therethrough. The orifice of the nozzle has a diameter of between 0.005 and 0.050 inches. The nozzle is in sealed relationship with an inner wall of the return line.
US08141540B2
In an internal combustion engine, at least one rotation variable characterizing the rotational movement of a crankshaft is ascertained cylinder-specifically. It is provided that, in an operating state in which differences and/or fluctuations of the rotation variable are basically a function of a combustion position, the instant of a fuel injection is adapted cylinder-specifically in order to reduce the differences and or fluctuations.
US08141539B2
An ECU controls an adjusting mechanism adjusting an output of an engine, such as a throttle valve, a swirl control valve, an ignition plug, an intake valve, and an ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) changing the length of an intake manifold, in accordance with a ratio between a maximum value KL(MAX) of load factor and the load factor required of the engine by the driver and by the system mounted on the vehicle at current engine speed NE.
US08141535B2
An exhaust system device is disclosed. The exhaust system device may have a mount supporting a first exhaust treatment device and a second exhaust treatment device. The exhaust system device may also have a mounting bracket coupled to the mount. The exhaust system device may further have an air cleaner attached to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may be configured to substantially occlude the air cleaner from thermal radiation emitted by the first exhaust treatment device and the second exhaust treatment device.
US08141522B2
A molded decorative yard stake having a basin for containing an animal attractant and a cover removeably locking in place over, and sufficiently spaced from, the basin to permit gradual aerosolization of the animal attractant.
US08141511B1
Systems and methods for a stable maritime platform are disclosed. The platform is pivotally supported by a superstructure of a floating vessel, the platform to receive a downward force from an object. A platform trunnion is connected to the platform to convert the downward force on the platform into rotational movement. A counterweight axle is connected to the platform trunnion to transform the rotational movement into angular displacement that moves a counterweight away from the superstructure of the floating vessel. Thus, the downward force of the object may be counteracted to balance the floating vessel.
US08141507B2
An apparatus to facilitate the instruction of quilting techniques includes a background pattern and a stitching pattern printed on a fabric panel. The fabric panel may be a length of fabric configured to receive inks which define the background pattern and the stitching pattern. The background pattern may be a plurality of geometric shape arranged to simulate one or more quilted fabric designs such as those designs found on a typical quilted fabric. The stitching pattern includes at least one quilting stitching design which defines a guideline for stitching the stitching pattern. The apparatus also includes at least one instructional mark printed on the fabric panel. The instructional mark defines a quilting instruction which guides a user in stitching the stitching pattern.
US08141505B2
A yarn color placement system for a tufting machine including a series of different color yarns being fed to the needles of the tufting machine by yarn feed mechanisms. A backing material is fed through the tufting machine at an increased stitch rate as the needles are shifted according to the programmed pattern steps. A series of level cut loop loopers or hooks engage and pick loops of yarns from the needles, with the clips of the level cut loop loopers or hooks being selectively actuated to form cut pile tufts, while the remaining loops of yarns can be back-robbed so as to be hidden from view in the finished patterned tufted article.
US08141503B2
In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.
US08141496B2
A sliding body (25) which includes an electrical contact shoe (32) that moves on a guide rail (5) along the length thereof. The sliding body (25) is mounted to the front of a guiding assembly, in the direction of movement of a vehicle, and articulated with the assembly by a connecting rod (26) that is designed to rupture upon exceeding a pre-determined limit. The sliding body (25) includes a device (43), which is located on at least one of the sides of the body, for lifting and releasing objects or debris. The loss of electrical contact between the shoe and the rail enables a risk of derailment to be detected. The invention is suitable for rail-guided vehicle manufactures.
US08141487B2
A printing press includes an anilox inking unit having an engraved roller and a washing device with a feed device for introducing detergent and a removal device for removing the detergent and printing ink. Further rollers are disposed between the feed device and the engraved roller and between the engraved roller and the removal device, as viewed in a conveying direction of the detergent. An effective length of the further rollers increases from the feed device to the removal device.
US08141484B2
A screen printing plate having at least an opening portion that discharges a printing material for forming a target printing pattern on a matter to be printed is provided in screen printing, and the screen printing plate is characterized in that the size of the opening portion is reduced from the target printing pattern and an opening end portion of the opening portion has a projection and recess pattern shaped differently from the target printing pattern shape. By this arrangement, bleeding of the printing material of the screen printing can be controlled and a high-quality and low-cost screen printing plate is provided which can print a target printing pattern accurately and with high transfer performance even for a fine design.
US08141477B2
A mash/lauter tun and method of converting grains to wort. The mash/lauter tun comprises a container with a double false bottom filter having two perforated plates disposed parallel with a space therebetween for receiving filtration media. The container further comprises thermometers extending to near the center of the tun and a rotating heat exchanger. In use, mash is loaded into the container and heated via the rotating heat exchanger by passing hot fluid through the rotating heat exchanger. The mash is then sparged by increasing pressure in the rotating heat exchanger above a threshold pressure via closure an outlet valve of the heat exchanger. The wort then passes through the double false bottom filter and is subsequently transferred to a brew kettle for boiling.
US08141476B2
A durable piston is applied in a cylinder of an engine to output internal exploding power and has a piston head and a durable ring unit. The piston head is mounted in the cylinder of the engine, is driven for outputting kinetic energy and has a ring unit mount. The durable ring unit is mounted around the ring unit mount and has a distal ring and a proximal ring. The rings are mounted around the ring unit mount. An inner edge of the distal ring and the proximal ring are separated from the piston head of the piston so forming a first airway and a second airway. When the engine operates, high-pressure air fills the airways and presses the rings against the cylinder. Consequently, the airways maintain contact between the durable ring unit and the cylinder tight to prevent air leakage.
US08141473B2
In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.
US08141461B1
A wrench is disclosed comprising a shaft and a wrench head. The wrench head is attached to a first end of the shaft. The wrench head comprises at least two opposing jaws substantially perpendicular to the shaft, and a socket substantially parallel to the shaft. A water main distribution testing system and methods for remotely manipulating threaded components are also disclosed.
US08141458B1
A hammer head includes a centrally located traction surface surrounded by a peripheral striking face. The portion of the hammer head forming the traction surface is comprised of a harder material than the surrounding portion of the hammer head, such that wear to the traction surface is inhibited. The centrally located region may be formed as a separate disk with a knurled outer surface that is press fit into a cavity formed in the hammer head main body. The traction surface is preferably recessed relative to the surrounding portion of the hammer head but may also extend flush therewith.
US08141455B2
A grab bar, which is particularly suitable for attachment to a cart, has open ends that are covered by end caps. The end caps include a retention feature that secures the end cap to the grab bar, and which prevents the grab bar from being detached from the cart. The end cap includes a plug portion that encloses the open end, with the plug portion defining an inner end face, an outer end face, and a peripheral wall surface extending between the inner and outer end faces. The end cap also includes an attachment arm that extends outwardly from the inner end face of the plug portion to a distal end. The retention feature is supported on a looped portion that is formed at the distal end of the attachment arm. The looped portion is resiliently movable to secure the end cap to the grab bar with the retention feature.
US08141448B2
First shoulder portions are formed on the outer periphery of the shaft such that the first spline grooves are interposed between the first shoulder portions adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of the shaft. Second shoulder portions are formed on the inner periphery of the outer tube such that the second spline grooves are interposed between the second shoulder portions adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of the outer tube. Main passages of spline-purpose ball circulation passages are formed with the first and second shoulder portions. Clearance are formed respectively between the first and second shoulder portions and the spline-purpose balls in a rotational direction of the screw shaft and the spline-purpose outer tube. The spline-purpose balls disposed in the main passages bear a clockwise torque and a counterclockwise torque transmitted between the screw shaft and the spline-purpose outer tube.
US08141444B2
A reciprocating shaft assembly in a reciprocating saw moves in a reciprocal motion and drives a saw blade via a blade holder. At least one bore is formed in an end of the reciprocating shaft assembly opposite the blade holder. A pin fixed to the saw passes through the bore and acts as a bearing to support the reciprocating shaft assembly in its reciprocating motion.
US08141428B2
A combined pressure and temperature sensor comprising a tubular member 3 of circular cross section having a closed end and an open end, the open end, in use, connecting to a pressurized environment such that the interior of the tubular member is exposed to the pressure, a flat or preferably a symmetrical distribution of flats 1 being formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the tubular member 3, and a sensor element 2 mounted on at least one said flat 1, which sensor element 2 is sensitive to the strains in the tubular wall of the tubular member 3 resulting the pressure in the interior thereof and the temperature of said tubular member.
US08141425B2
Disclosed is an angular rate detection apparatus which provides a stable output with high detection accuracy regardless of a fluctuation of a reference voltage accompanying a fluctuation of a power supply voltage. The angular rate detection apparatus includes at least a gyro sensor detection circuit connected to an oscillator, an A/D converter, a digital calculation device, and a reference voltage generation circuit. The gyro sensor detection circuit drives the oscillator, and detects an angular rate acting on the oscillator and outputs an analog detection signal. The A/D converter converts the output analog detection signal into a digital signal. The digital calculation device carries out a calculation based on the converted digital signal. The reference voltage generation circuit supplies a common reference voltage generation circuit supplies a common reference voltage to the gyro sensor detection circuit and the A/D converter.
US08141423B2
An electronic device includes a first electronic component having a terminal member and a second electronic component connected with the first electronic component. The terminal member includes a trunk portion, an external terminal portion that extends in a straight direction from the trunk portion to be connected with a lead wire at its connection end and a U-shaped internal terminal portion that has one side extending from the trunk portion and the other side extending in a direction opposite to the straight direction and connected with the second electronic component at its connection end.
US08141421B2
A tank or vessel volume measurement apparatus that includes multiple buoyancy elements. The buoyancy elements can be placed within a perforated tube to reduce any effects from turbulent flow within the tank. The multiple buoyancy load sensors are each made of different density or cross sections to cancel out any accumulation of contamination that may collect on the buoyancy elements placed within the fluid and to determine the density or specific gravity of the fluid within the tank. The buoyancy elements are attached to a load sensor or strain gauge that measures the weight or load from the buoyancy element. Temperature of other sensors can be placed on the buoyancy elements or within the tank to collect other readings or to adjust for temperature variations. The buoyancy elements can be fabricated in pieces and assembled on site or within the tank to accommodate taller tanks or height restrictions.
US08141411B2
A method for determining a low cylinder pressure condition of a gas chromatograph includes providing gas from the cylinder to an inlet of the gas chromatograph. In particular, the gas is provided at a predetermined inlet pressure that is higher than an inlet pressure that is required for a predetermined gas chromatographic analysis routine. The inlet pressure of the gas being supplied to the inlet is increased, in order to attempt to achieve a predetermined check value. It is then determined if the inlet pressure actually increases to at least the predetermined check value. If it is determined that the inlet pressure of the gas does not increase to at least the predetermined check value, then an indication of a low cylinder pressure condition is provided.
US08141409B2
A sensor kit comprising a sensor for detecting an analyte, a sensor housing and a calibration chamber. The calibration chamber comprises a first compartment containing a first calibration solution and a second compartment containing a source of the analyte to be detected. A dividing material is located between the first and second compartments enabling them to be mixed on breakage or removal of the dividing material. Further compartment(s) containing further source(s) of the analyte may optionally be provided. Calibration can carried out by (a) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the first calibration solution, (b) mixing the contents of the first and second compartments by breaking or removing the dividing material, and (c) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the resulting mixture. Steps (b) and (c) can be repeated for further compartment(s) to provide further reading(s) if desired.
US08141404B2
A method for forming a tubular structural member includes the steps of cold forming a tube blank to have a longitudinally variable but circumferentially constant wall thickness (t1, t2, t3) and forming the blank into the desired structural member. Preferably, the forming step involves hydroforming.
US08141396B1
A lock box assembly includes a lock box which includes a first casing and a second casing pivotally coupled to the first casing. The first casing has a combination lock disposed thereon. A protective shell is coveringly and detachably assembled with the first casing. The protective shell includes a cover panel shielding the first casing. A plurality of side panels extend from the cover panel for enclosingly forming a receiving space adapted for accommodating the first casing. At least one buckle is formed on the plurality of side panels. The cover panel has an opening defined therein and corresponds to the combination lock of the first casing. A lid is pivotally hinged to an edge of the opening for selectively shielding the opening. The protective shell and the lid protectively prevents the first casing the combination lock from exposing to weathering.
US08141384B2
A molding operation produces an extractor array by providing a mold having a plurality of cavities therein, each cavity being adapted to form an extractor suitable for coupling to an LED die; filling the mold with a plurality of glass particles; heating the glass particles above glass transition temperatures thereof so that the particles are reshaped to conform to the cavity shapes; and forming a land layer that extends between the cavities. The land layer maintains the extractors in a fixed spatial relationship with each other for subsequent handling or processing, such as a simultaneous polishing operation or in attaching the extractor array to a corresponding LED array.
US08141377B2
An air conditioning system for cooling an environment in an over-the-road vehicle is provided. The air conditioning system includes an electrically driven, variable speed compressor, which enables operation of the system when the engine of the over-the-road vehicle is not running. The system is modular and is adapted to be installed in the side luggage compartment of the vehicle to enable existing vehicles to be retrofitted to provide no-idle air conditioning. The housing of the system defines two flow paths therethrough; one cold air path and one hot air path. The hot air path is configured to intersect the condenser at least two times, and draws and expels the air through the same wall of the housing. An air direction device is used to reduce the amount of air recirculation through the hot air path to increase the efficiency of the system.
US08141372B2
A method for operating a refrigerator includes supplying an evaporator of a second compartment with coolant and flushing the coolant out of the evaporator of the second compartment so that it can be used for an evaporator of a first compartment, closing a coolant circuit to the evaporator of the second compartment, and supplying only the evaporator of the first compartment with coolant.
US08141369B2
The invention relates to a method of regulation of the temperature of a hot gas of a gas turbine, particularly of a stationary gas turbine used for generating electricity, which comprises injecting a liquid into an airflow, which can be drawn into a compressor and with the aid of which a fuel inside a combustion chamber, which is situated downstream, combusts while producing the hot gas that is subsequently expanded when flowing through the turbine part located downstream. A temperature measuring device is provided that measures the temperature of the airflow before the compressor, whereby the temperature of the hot gas is regulated by the quantity of fuel. The aim of the invention is to provide a regulation with which, during wet compression operation, the serviceable life of the components subjected to the action of hot gas is lengthened. To this end, the invention provides that the temperature measuring device is mounted before the injecting device, and that the temperature of the airflow is calculated at the entry of the compressor by using the measured temperature.
US08141365B2
A combustor may include an outer liner having a first row and a second row of circumferentially distributed air admission holes. The second row of the outer liner may be downstream of the first row of the outer liner, and the air admission holes of the first row of the outer liner may be larger than the air admission holes of the second row of the outer liner. An inner liner is circumscribed by the outer liner and has a third and fourth row of circumferentially distributed air admission holes. The air admission holes of the third row of the inner liner may be larger than the air admission holes of the fourth row of the inner liner. The inner and outer liners may form a combustion chamber, and at least a portion of the air admission holes of the first, second, third, or fourth rows may be plunged.
US08141364B2
An assembly including a metal piece, a piece made of ceramic material, and at least one intermediate connection element assembled to each of the pieces by brazing. The intermediate connection element includes a deformable sheet presenting at least two flat zones brazed to respective ones of the pieces, the two flat zones being interconnected by a deformable zone presenting at least two free undulations oriented in alternation towards the metal piece and towards the piece made of ceramic material.
US08141357B2
An engine system with a turbocharger is provided. The system may include an exhaust manifold having plural independent exhaust passages, each of the exhaust passages being connected to an exhaust port of a corresponding engine cylinder. The system may further include a collective part formed by gathering said independent exhaust passages in said exhaust manifold or on a downstream side of said exhaust manifold. The system may further include an exhaust turbocharger connected to a downstream side of said collective part. The system may further include a variable exhaust valve for changing each passage cross-sectional area of said independent exhaust passage at an upstream side of said collective part. The system may further include a controller for controlling said variable exhaust valve, wherein said controller is configured to perform independent exhaust throttle control for reducing a passage cross-sectional area of at least one of said independent exhaust passages.
US08141345B2
A method for regulating the fuel/air ratio of a combustion process which is operated alternatingly with excess air and air deficiency, and having at least one catalyst volume in the exhaust gas of the combustion process which stores oxygen when there is excess oxygen in the exhaust gas and gives it off when there is oxygen deficiency, in which method the oxygen charges into the catalyst volume taking place when there is excess air, and the oxygen discharges from the catalyst volume taking place when there is air deficiency determined, and in which the fuel/air ratio is regulated in a first control loop such that the sum of the oxygen charges and oxygen discharges determined in a predefined interval takes on a predetermined value, wherein the combustion process is operated using oxygen excess or oxygen deficiency, respectively, at least until these appear at an oxygen-sensitive Nernst probe downstream from the catalyst volume.
US08141343B2
An air-fuel ratio control apparatus is basically provided with an exhaust system, a pair of sensors and a controller. The exhaust system includes an exhaust channel having a main catalytic converter, a bypass channel having a bypass catalytic converter, and a valve mechanism disposed in the exhaust channel to switch a pathway for exhaust gas from the exhaust channel to the bypass channel. The sensors output signals indicative of air-fuel ratios of exhaust flowing in their respective channels. The controller has first and second air-fuel ratio control sections that control an engine air-fuel ratio based on outputs of the sensors, respectively. The controller has a control mode switching section that switches control from the first air-fuel ratio control section to the second air-fuel ratio control section after a prescribed interval of time has elapsed from when the valve mechanism is switched from a closed state to an open state.
US08141339B2
There is provided an injector assembly having two or more oxidizer manifolds and/or two or more fuel manifolds for delivery of liquid propellants to a combustion chamber such that combustion instability is reduced or eliminated during throttling. Delivery of the oxidizer to the oxidizer manifolds is controlled by an oxidizer valve, which may comprise an integral valve. The oxidizer passes from the oxidizer manifolds into the oxidizer element and then into the combustion chamber. The multiple oxidizer manifolds allow the oxidizer to be provided through selective openings of the oxidizer element thus reducing the change in pressure drop across the oxidizer element to thereby reduce or eliminate combustion instability and other problems. Additionally, the injector assembly may also include a lift-off seal or a filler fluid source to fill any temporarily unused oxidizer manifolds with an oxidizer or filler fluid.
US08141337B2
A bypass turbine engine includes a precooler having an annular cross-sectional shape about the axis of a pod and arranged inside the rear part of an inner shroud in contact with a cold fluid exiting a fan duct.
US08141324B2
A structural adhesive tape includes a closed cell silicone foam support and a structural adhesive composition on opposing sides of the closed cell silicone foam support. The structural adhesive composition may be a condensation reaction curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition. The structural adhesive tape is useful in structural glazing applications, such as curtain wall applications.
US08141321B2
A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.
US08141319B2
A bracketing system is provided having two brackets joined by a flexible adhesive material that allows bridging or backing members of variable lengths and widths to be mounted between vertical studs to enhance stability of the wall construction. A wall construction assembly according to an embodiment of the invention comprises two vertical studs and a bridge backing member mounted there between by a bracketing system, which includes a left bracket and a right bracket connected by a flexible adhesive material. Because the bridge backing member can be adjustably sized to be secured on the brackets, it can be sized to fit between studs regardless of any variation in the spacing of the studs. This obviates the need to prefabricate bridge backing members to fit between variably spaced studs. The bridge backing member can be mounted flush with the stud to eliminate unevenness in the wall structure. Bridge or backing members of various widths and lengths can be mounted to the bracketing system.
US08141316B2
A pre-fabricated architectural element and method of fabricating that same. A first step involves providing a piece of drywall having a first edge and a second end, the second edge being opposed to the first edge. A second step involves cutting two parallel ninety degree “V” grooves in a face of the piece of drywall. A third step involves folding a portion of the piece of drywall as dictated by the “V” grooves and securing the folded portion, thereby forming a square corner at the fold. A fourth step involves bending the piece of drywall to a desired radius of curvature.
US08141315B1
A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. The top and bottom define respective substantially planar stacking surfaces. A shear lug projects from one of the planar stacking surfaces of the top and bottom. A block-locating jut is formed with at least one of the opposing sides, and projects from the side at a point intermediate the top and bottom towards one of the planar stacking surfaces. The block-locating jut defines a base surface substantially coplaner with the stacking surface, and a lug-engaging shoulder adapted for engaging a shear lug of a wall block located in an adjacent stacked course.
US08141313B2
A roofing system includes a plurality of roofing panel assemblies. Each roofing panel assembly includes a base having a substantially planar surface, a plurality of I-joists having an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein the base is attached to the lower flanges of the plurality of I-joists, and a cap having a substantially planar surface, wherein the cap is attached to the upper flanges of the plurality of I-joists. The plurality of I-joists includes a first edge most I-joist and a second edge most I-joist. A first edge of the cap is attached to the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist such that a portion of the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist is not covered by the cap. A second edge of the cap extends beyond an edge of the second edge most I-joist for a distance less than a width of the upper flange of the second edge most I-joist. Adjacent roofing panel assemblies are attached such that the second edge of the cap engages the portion of the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist not covered by the cap.
US08141310B2
A sheet is provided for placing a brick or tile facing on a support structure that has an arrangement of apertures for the passage of fluids such as water. The sheet has an approximately rectangular conformation that includes a front and a back. The sheet defines channels between longitudinally aligned parallel partitions that are separated by a wall. Each channel receives the thin bricks or tiles. The structure of the partitions varies and can include an upward facing first portion that has an arrangement of apertures and a downward facing second portion. A liquid, such as water, that drains down the front of the sheet passes through the apertures in the first portion to the sloped second portion and is then redirected to the back of the sheet. The apertures also provide for the circulation of air. A method is provided for the drainage of liquid from the front of the sheet to the back of the sheet by providing a partition in the sheet that has at least one aperture that passes liquid from the front to the back of the sheet.
US08141299B2
A casement window with a snubber assembly for maintaining the position of the window sash in the frame. The snubber assembly includes a pair of snubbers. Each snubber has a base portion and a hook-shaped flange extending from the base portion. One of the pair of snubbers is mounted to the frame and the other is mounted to the sash. The snubbers may be disposed such that when the sash is in the closed position, a contact surface of each snubber engages an interface surface of the other snubber. The hook-shaped flanges of the snubbers are adapted for releasable engagement when negative pressure is applied to the window sash.
US08141298B2
A removable draft blocker, for blocking drafts by sealing a gap between a bottom surface of a door and an underlying floor surface, includes first and second elongated draft blocking bodies, a base member extending between a bottom of the first draft blocking body and a bottom of the second draft blocking body to join the first and second draft blocking bodies in a spaced apart parallel relationship, and a retaining member disposed between ends of the first and second draft blocking bodies. The draft blocker is adapted to be positioned at the bottom of a door, with the draft blocking bodies on opposite sides of the door, and with the retaining member engaged behind or against a side edge of the door, such that the draft blocker is prevented from moving out of position as the door is opened and closed.
US08141295B2
An operator for a casement window, the operator comprising a base, at least one arm for securement to the base, an upper securement member extending through an aperture in the base and an end of the arm with the securement member having a threaded recess therein. A lower screw securement member is screw threadedly engaged with the upper one to assist in drawing the arm into the desired position. A monocoque housing surrounds the operator and has sealing members to prevent air infiltration.
US08141283B2
An electronic shelf label has a simple structure to be easily installed or removed and is attached and detached only through a predetermined-shaped key so as to prevent unauthorized personnel from removing the electronic shelf label, thereby protecting the electronic shelf label from theft.
US08141280B2
A calendar comprising a backing member and a plurality of detachable storage trays is disclosed. The calendar further comprises a plurality of backing securing mechanisms, each of which is associated with a calendar position on the backing member. Each of the detachable storage trays includes a plurality of storage compartments and a tray securing mechanism. Each storage compartment has an associated calendar identifier. The tray securing mechanisms are configured for quick-release attachment to and quick-release detachment from the backing securing mechanisms associated with the calendar positions.
US08141273B2
A footwear item including an upper portion; at least one lace passing through eyelets arranged along the edges of an opening on the front the upper portion, and that tightens, thereby drawing the edges of the opening closer to each other, when pulled in a fastening direction; a string locking arrangement, provided in the upper portion having one or more passages in which the at least one lace is inserted and is capable of sliding when the wearer pulls it, while being capable of being retained there by a lock when it is at rest. The lock including an oscillating locking member in contact with the at least one lace to slide when the latter is pulled in the fastening direction, and which gets attached onto the at least one lace and locks it in position when the latter undergoes a tension in a direction opposite to the fastening direction.
US08141265B2
A metrological scale track comprising at least first and second metrological scale track strips. The at least first and second metrological scale track strips are held in a spaced apart relationship by at least one spacer. The at least one spacer is configured to be removed once the at least first and second metrological scale track strips have been secured to a substrate.
US08141256B1
A manually operable ceiling tile cutting tool has a blade slidably retained in one of several pockets or slots in the tool. Each of the pockets formed by complementary grooves and ridges defines a flat blade receiving surface, is a differing predetermined distance from a bottom of the tool which corresponds to a standard dimension in a ceiling tile relief for a suspended ceiling.
US08141253B2
A personal care apparatus includes a handle housing a rechargeable battery and a plurality of operating heads such as a vibrating safety razor head and a hair trimming device exchangeably mountable on the handle for assembling different hand-held appliances for performing respective body treatments. A base is included for storing the components of the apparatus when not in use and forms a battery charging device with a socket into which the handle plugs for recharging the battery. The operating heads include electrical devices, in particular electric motors, powered by the battery.
US08141249B2
An apparatus and method for heat treating the welded area of a repaired gas turbine engine component uses first and second heating elements. The heating elements each include an insulating tube supported by a support rod and wrapped with a conducing wire. One of the heating elements is sized to fit inside a recess in the gas turbine engine component, adjacent to the welded area, while the second heating element is placed outside the recess, but also adjacent to the welded area, thereby heating the welded area from two sides.
US08141248B2
A method of making a pump (10) including a polymeric pump housing (12) and a drive shaft (14) mounted for rotation in a bearing (16), the bearing (16) having on an exterior surface at least one engagement formation (44), —the method including the step of molding the pump housing (12) around the bearing (16) such that the housing (12) co-operates with the engagement formation (44) to restrict movement of the bearing (16) with respect to the housing (12).
US08141246B2
Methods for ultrasonically joining portions of a medical lead are provided. One method includes providing a conductor, a fitting and a coil electrode. The conductor has a distal portion that includes an inner conductive portion and an outer insulative portion. The fitting has a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being sized and configured to receive the distal portion of the conductor and the second cavity being sized and configured to receive a portion of the coil electrode. The conductor is ultrasonically welded within the first opening, providing a mechanical and electrical attachment. The coil electrode is also electrically coupled to the fitting, providing an electrical pathway from the conductor to the coil electrode. Also provided are medical leads including ultrasonic bonds and other methods of ultrasonically joining portions of a medical lead.
US08141244B2
An insulating material, a printed circuit board that utilizes the insulating material, and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board. The method includes perforating at least one through-hole corresponding with the at least one, which is in correspondence with the via, in a first insulator; applying a surface treatment on the first insulator by irradiating an ion beam; forming a first seed layer over an inner wall of the through-hole and over one or either side of the first insulator; forming a first plating resist over one or either side of the first insulator on which the first seed layer is formed; performing electroplating in correspondence with the circuit pattern and the via; removing the first plating resist; and removing a portion of the first seed layer by flash etching. This method can improve adhesion between the insulator and the circuit patterns to allow fine-line circuit patterns.
US08141242B2
A method for fabricating a gold finger of a circuit board is provided. First, a circuit board having a board edge for cutting is provided. Next, a copper conducting wire pattern is formed on the circuit board. The copper conducting wire pattern includes a plurality of gold finger bodies and a plurality of tie bars. Each tie bar is connected to a corresponding gold finger body, and the tie bars are disposed across the board edge. Thereafter, a surface of each gold finger body is plated with gold, and the tie bars on the board edge are removed by etching. Because the tie bars on the board edge are removed, tear resistance of the gold finger is maintained after cutting the board edge.
US08141240B2
A method for fabricating MicroSD devices includes forming a PCB panel having multiple PCBs arranged in parallel rows, with each PCB connected to its neighboring PCBs in each row by relatively narrow connecting bridge pieces, and separated from PCBs of adjacent rows by elongated stamped out blank slots. Passive components are attached by conventional surface mount technology (SMT) techniques. IC chips, including a MicroSD controller chip and a flash memory chip, are attached to the PCB by wire bonding or other chip-on-board (COB) technique. A molded housing is then formed over the IC chips and passive components using a mold that prevents formation of plastic on the upper surface of each PCB. The connecting bridge pieces are then cut using using a rotary saw. A front edge chamfer process is then performed.
US08141235B1
A method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording transducer is described. A metallic underlayer, an insulator on the metallic underlayer, and a metal mask on the insulator are provided. The metal mask has an aperture therein. A trench is formed in the insulator. The trench's bottom is narrower than its top and includes part of the metallic underlayer. The top has a width of not more than 0.28 micron. A nonmagnetic seed layer that substantially covers at least the trench bottom and sides and that has a thickness of at least five hundred Angstroms is provided. A perpendicular magnetic pole material is plated on at least part of the seed layer. A CMP is performed, removing part of the perpendicular magnetic pole material. A remaining portion of the perpendicular magnetic pole material forms a perpendicular magnetic recording pole. The nonmagnetic seed layer is a stop layer for the CMP.
US08141230B2
A press-hardened component and a method for producing press-hardened components, in particular a bodywork component, from a semi-finished product made from unhardened, hot-formable steel sheet. Various process steps are carried out in the process. A component blank is formed from the semi-finished product by a cold-forming process, in particular a drawing process. The component blank is trimmed at the margin side to a margin contour which approximately corresponds to the component to be produced. The trimmed component blank is heated and press-hardened in a hot-forming tool, and then the press-hardened component blank is covered with a corrosion-prevention layer in a coating step.
US08141228B2
A method for manufacturing a purse ring is disclosed. In the method, a heat-treated steel frame interrupted by a gap is fabricated to partially circumscribe a passageway. At the edges of the gap, the frame includes a pivot mount and a push button biased to extend from an aperture are separated by a gap distance. Also, a heat-treated steel pivot arm is connected to the pivot mount. Structurally, the arm forms a key guide that terminates at a stop. In the method, a heat-treated steel sleeve forms a channel to slidably receive the arm. Also, the sleeve includes a key that slides within the guide to limit movement between the sleeve and the arm. Further, the sleeve includes a lateral opening that receives the push button to limit the maximum distance between the pivot member and the lateral opening to be substantially equal to the gap distance.
US08141226B2
A method of sheathing a stent including the steps of providing a stent assembly including a catheter member and a stent member disposed about the catheter member; placing a first sheath film adjacent one side of the stent assembly; placing a second sheath film adjacent an opposite side of the stent assembly, and compressing the stent assembly, whereby the first and second sheath films move toward each other and substantially surround the stent assembly. The first and second sheath films are provided in rolls. Compressing is implemented by a radial compression mechanism. The first and second sheath films pass through the radial compression mechanism. Compressing sheaths the stent assembly and crimps the stent onto the catheter. As an alternative to two sheath films, a single film may be used, whereby compressing surrounds the stent assembly with the single sheath film. Also disclosed in an apparatus for sheathing a stent, including a compressing mechanism; a sheath film supply; a film feeder for moving at least one sheath film from the film supply through the compressing mechanism, and a stent input system for moving a stent assembly into the crimping mechanism.
US08141222B2
Methods of assembling machines for distributing loosefill insulation from packages of compressed loosefill insulation are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a chute having an inlet end, the inlet end configured to receive the package of compressed loosefill insulation, providing a lower unit including a shroud, the lower unit being configured to be attached to the chute to form the machine, the lower unit having an outlet for the discharge of loosefill insulation, installing a plurality of shredders in the lower unit, the shredders being configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation, installing a discharge mechanism in the lower unit, the discharge mechanism being configured to discharge loosefill insulation from the outlet of the lower unit, providing a bottom wall structure, the bottom wall structure having a first bottom wall spaced apart from a second bottom wall and connecting the bottom wall structure to the shroud.
US08141221B2
An environmentally resilient building product of a vinyl laminated formed-sheet metallic substrate wherein the vinyl laminate is adhesively attached to the formed-sheet metallic substrate to provide a durable and attractive surface. Possible decorative and resilient surfaces include, but are not limited to solid colors, metallic finishes, and graphical images or patterns, all available in a variety of textures.
US08141211B2
A button engaging and attachment structure includes a button engaging portion having button engaging tabs, and a button attachment portion adapted to couple to a host carrier.
US08141208B2
An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.
US08141205B2
A hinge mechanism comprises a follower, a cam and a first spring. The first spring is spiral, one end of the first spring is mounted to the follower, another end of the first spring is mounted to the cam. The cam rotates relative to the follower about a rotating axis, the first spring is compressed to accumulate elastic force, until the line connecting two ends of the first spring is parallel to the rotating axis where the first spring is mostly compressed to accumulate maximum of the elastic force and the hinge mechanism is in an intermediate state. Once the cam is rotated over the intermediate state, the first spring is expanded under previously accumulated elastic force, which drive the cam continuously rotated relative to the follower.
US08141204B2
Installed in an auto-eject pull handle that is mounted in a travel bag and ejectable out of the travel bag to a predetermined elevation by an ejecting mechanism subject to the control of a control button, a safety structure includes a holder member that has an opening that accommodates the control button, and a sliding cover coupled to the holder member and slidable to between a closed position to keep the control button from sight and an open position to let the control button be exposed to the outside for operation.
US08141201B2
A side plate of an impeller is formed so that the height thereof is lowered gradually from an edge portion of a central opening portion toward a circumferential portion. When the distance from the edge portion of the central opening portion to the circumferential portion, in a direction perpendicular to the output shaft, is taken as L, the distance from the edge portion of the central opening portion to the circumferential portion, in the direction of the output shaft, is taken as H, a point on the side plate away from the edge portion of the central opening portion by 0.1×L in the direction perpendicular to the output shaft is taken as P, and the distance from the edge portion of the central opening portion to the point P in the direction of the output shaft is taken as ΔH, ΔH/H≧0.4 is satisfied. With this configuration, the formation of a vortex flow in the flow channel inside the impeller from the air inlet to the air outlet is reduced, and, thus, air blowing efficiency is improved.
US08141200B2
A vacuum cleaner 2 having a housing 4 having an inlet 12 and an outlet 54 is disclosed. Actuation of a motor 46 causes a fan to displace air out of outlet 54, and the resulting suction upstream of the fan draws dirty air through inlet 12 and inwardly through walls of filter element 22. In order to clean the filter element 22, the user lifts lid 24 by means of gripping portion 32, and then removes filter element 22 and dirt collection chamber 16. Because the central portion of the dirt collection chamber 16 is raised, dirt trapped on the outer surface of filter element 22 has a tendency to fall into trough regions 40, 42 and avoids falling into outlet 38. If the motor 46 should accidentally be actuated when the filter element 22 is removed, the opening provided by opened lid 24 is nearer to outlet 38 than inlet 12, as a result of which relatively clean air from the atmosphere passes into recess 36 in preference to dirty air from the inlet 12, thus minimizing the risk of the motor 46 being damaged by dirt.
US08141199B1
A coil heater assembly has a housing. The housing has a heated gas inlet and a heated gas outlet. The coil heater assembly has a plurality of coils. The coils are formed of a single tube. The coils are shaped into separate coils with a water inlet and a water outlet. Each of the coils is spiraled around its own unique axis. The axes are parallel with respect to each other. In this manner the heat transfer between the gas and water within the coil heater assembly is maximized.
US08141198B2
The invention relates to a windscreen wiper arm (10) comprising a wiper bar (40), to which a wiper blade (6) can be attached with or without a spoiler. Said bar is composed of a freely projecting, first arc-shaped wiper bar section (1) with a first curvature variation, to which the wiper blade (6) is attached and of at least one second arc-shaped wiper bar section (2) with a second arc-shaped curvature variation, which adjoins the first wiper bar section (1), to form a snap-off point (12).
US08141194B2
A device comprising an absorbent structure and one or more resilient contact elements integrated into the absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure is preferably a sponge or foam structure and the resilient contact elements are squeegees, nodules, or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the resilient contact elements include anchor features that are embedded within the absorbent structure.
US08141184B2
A portable personal hygiene apparatus, includes a water-impermeable user support shaped to support a person in a reclined posture, including a support surface contoured to receive a person's body thereon and a raised side surface extending continuously from the support surface completely around upper and lateral side edges of the support surface such that water discharged onto a person seated on the support surface is contained by the user support and flows downwardly to a front lower edge of the support surface, and a support frame fixed to the user support and having at least one wheel permitting rolling movement of the apparatus. The raised side surface of the user support is narrow in width such that an overall width of the user support substantially corresponds to a width of the support surface. Also, a basin may be provided that is selectively positionable in a retracted position beneath the user support and an operative position extending forwardly of the lower front edge of the support surface such that any water flowing off of the support surface collects in the basin.
US08141180B2
The invention relates to a kit for a counter-current swimming pool, wherein water is pumped inwards on a defining wall of a swimming pool (1) along the entire horizontal extension thereof and is discharged on the opposite boundary wall along the entire horizontal extension thereof. In order to enable retrofitting of the kit into existing swimming pools, an insert (2, 3) is formed or incorporated into the swimming pool (1), comprising a cover plate (4, 5) which defines the swimming area below and from which boundary walls (6, 8) emanate. The boundary walls extend in a parallel or substantially parallel manner as far as the bottom of the swimming pool, wherein, in the region between the boundary walls (6, 8), axial propelling means, i.e. propellers (10) are provided together with a drive device and wherein the cover plates (4, 5), when seen in the direction of flow, terminate both on the front end (14) and rear end (15) with the formation of a gap (16, 17), which is used to pump in or to discharge water, at a distance from the adjacent wall of the swimming pool.
US08141171B2
A bib portion with left and right top ends formed by a split circular opening and a cowl neck split along the back having a left side end with an inside surface and an outside surface and a right side end having an inside surface and an outside surface where a bottom end of the split cowl neck is attached around the split circular opening with the split in the split cowl neck aligned with the split in the split circular opening. Mating strips of a loop and hook connector are attached to left and right sides of the split in the cowl neck to closely position the split cowl neck around a child's neck and a loop of material is attached to a connector strip or a side end of the cowl neck split to function as a finger pull when separating the connector strips.
US08141170B2
A knee protection apparatus has a knee protecting portion affixed atop one or more fixator struts which surround the side of a user's lower leg, and descend behind the leg near the Achilles tendon area of the wearer and continuing into the user's shoe where a heel cup grasps the user's foot at a posterior and plantar portion of the heel. The fixator strut or struts work to minimize or eliminate the vertical, horizontal and rotational movement of the knee pad away from its primary and intended area of protection at the patella.
US08146163B2
Method and system for securing personal computing devices from unauthorized data copying and removal
A method for securing personal computing devices from unauthorized data copying and removal includes detecting an attachment of a device to a client included within a computing network; determining whether the detected attached device is permitted to be attached to the client; prompting a user of the client to remove the attached device therefrom in the event the detected attached device is not permitted to be attached to the client; and loading a replacement device driver onto the client in the event the attached device has not been removed, wherein the replacement device driver prevents the client from copying data to the attached device.
US08146156B2
A facility for storing a text capture data structure for a particular user is described. The data structure comprises a number of entries. Each entry corresponds to a text capture operation performed by the user from a rendered document. Each entry contains information specifying the text captured in the text capture operation.
US08146141B1
A method and system for securely logging onto a banking system authentication server so that a user credential never appears in the clear during interaction with the system in which during a log on process, an encryption applet and the public key of a public/private key pair of a banking application server, the private key for which is known by a hardware security module (HSM) of the banking application, are downloaded by a user's browser. The applet contains code for generating a DES key and performing DES and PKI encryption. A user's credential is DES encrypted, and the DES key is PKI encrypted with the public key of the application server by the applet before being transmitted to the application server. Within the HSM of the application server, the HSM decrypts and re-encrypts the credential under a new DES key known to the authentication server, the re-encrypted credential is forwarded to the authentication server, decrypted with the new DES key known to the authentication server, and verified by the authentication server.
US08146140B2
Techniques for Mobile IP bulk registration revocation are described herein. According to one embodiment, a first mobile agent of a mobile IP network sends a registration revocation message to a second mobile agent of the mobile IP network. The registration revocation message includes information identifying multiple home IP addresses of multiple mobile nodes whose registrations are to be revoked. In response to the registration revocation, the second mobile agent terminates bindings of services associated with multiple mobile nodes identified by the multiple home IP addresses and sends an acknowledgement message to the first mobile agent. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08146138B2
A plurality of access units may be established with varying levels of privilege and access rights, such that the user may perform tasks carrying with them a high risk of viral infection in an access unit with a low level of privilege and access rights. When an authenticated user desires to perform tasks requiring a higher level of privilege and access rights, the user may switch to an access unit having a higher privilege and access rights level by instigating a physical action. The physical action may include selecting a button (included in either a UI or on a peripheral device), or inputting biometric data to switch among running access units. A signal instigated by the physical action is transmitted along a trusted path between the isolation kernel and where the physical action was instigated.
US08146128B2
There is provided a download execution apparatus that can prevent, at least, sudden interruption of the viewing or recording by a user when a program is downloaded. An AM includes a download source determination unit which compares current tuning information and a frequency required for downloading, and determines a download source, a tuning frequency obtainment unit which obtains tuner use situation and the frequency being tuned to by respective tuners that are in use, a download frequency obtainment unit which obtains a frequency required to download an application, a store unit which downloads and stores a program from a determined download source, a notification unit which notifies the downloading of the program to a user, and a tuning request unit which tunes a specified tuner to a frequency required for downloading a program.
US08146127B2
An apparatus and method of providing data for a carousel from which iTV pages may be obtained including defining a plurality of information templates, each information template specifying content for an iTV page, defining a plurality of presentation templates, each presentation template specifying the presentational appearance for an iTV page, assigning a presentation template to an information template, and modifying the information template as required for presentation by the presentation template and outputting, for a carousel, data representing the presentation template and the modified information template, an iTV page being obtained from the carousel by displaying the content specified by the modified information template with the presentational appearance specified by the presentation template.
US08146121B2
Embodiments of the present invention significantly decrease the processing requirements as well as the cost of digital television receivers. In an embodiment, processing requirements of both hardware and software components in digital television receivers are lowered by generating the channel map without regard to channel map information present in a Virtual Channel Table (VCT). In another embodiment, significant recurring portions of an ATSC signal can be neglected with no processing power, cost, and time spent thereon. In another embodiment, processing typically used to process channel map information contained in the VCT portion of the ATSC signal is freed and may instead be used to process other information, thereby enabling further enhancements and features in digital television services.
US08146120B2
A method and apparatus to provide a multi-criteria rating and search system is described. Users can provide ratings along multiple axes, which can then be used for searching.
US08146112B2
An optical disk transport device for an optical disk playing device includes a delivery roll and an optical disk guiding device located at the optical disk insertion inlet, a pair of detection bars provided with detection parts contacting the periphery of the optical disk inserted from the optical disk insertion inlet, and the detection bars being capable of freely rotating around respective rotary pivots. The device further includes a linkage plate for controlling the pair of detection bars to move together, an elastic part making the detection bars rotate according to the direction that makes the detection parts contact the periphery of the optical disk, and an optical disk baffle for stopping the transport of the small diameter optical disk as the center of the small diameter optical disk passes the center of the plummer.
US08146108B2
A method for assisting multi-threaded command execution by a driver in a multi-core computer system, is disclosed. The method includes distinguishing asynchronous commands from synchronous commands, buffering the asynchronous commands in a buffer, processing the synchronous commands directly in a CPU driver thread, processing the asynchronous commands from the buffer by one or more CPU work threads, wherein multiple threads of the multi-core computer system can be utilized at the same time; and managing the buffer after the buffer is processed by the CPU work thread, wherein the command executions appear to be just like single-threaded to application software.
US08146106B2
Methods and apparatuses enable on-demand instruction emulation via user-level exception handling. A non-supported instruction triggers an exception during runtime of a program. In response to the exception, a user-level or application-level exception handler is launched, instead of a kernel-level handler. Then the exception handler can execute at the application layer instead of the kernel level. The handler identifies the instruction and emulates the instruction, where emulation of the instruction is supported by the handler. Emulating the instructions enables the program to continue execution. Repeated instruction emulation is amortized via dynamic binary translation of hot code.
US08146105B2
An image-forming device comprises: a notification unit to notify another device of an event generated in the image-forming device; a registration unit to register a notification destination of the notification unit; a first determination unit to determine, in a case where a request for registering a notification destination is received from a first information-processing device, validity duration of the registration based on the request; and a second determination unit to determine, in a case where a request for registering a notification destination is received from a second information-processing device, validity duration of the registration based on the request, on the basis of the validity duration determined by the first determination unit.
US08146104B2
A method, apparatus, and program product are provided for integrating a calendar todo list with information from other applications. The method comprises the steps of: dynamically extracting data for open application processes, and creating task listings using the data for the open application processes. The apparatus comprises a processor adapted to dynamically extract data for open processes and create task listings using the data for the open application processes, and a memory having stored thereon a calendar application with a list of tasks. The program product comprises a machine readable media having encoded thereon, machine executable instructions for dynamically extracting data for open application processes, and creating task listings using the data for the open application processes.
US08146103B2
A system and method for monitoring activity of heterogeneous systems within a business application landscape are disclosed. An object state change is detected in an object instance of one or more systems of the business application landscape. Each object state change is filtered according to one or more conditions related to the object instance. If the one or more conditions are met for an object state change, a filtered workflow event is generated, and the filtered workflow event is mapped to a common message proxy to generate a monitoring event message. Via the common message proxy, the monitoring event message is sent to a centralized monitoring process in an event resolution center of a portal server.
US08146093B2
A computer multi-OS switching method, in which a data exchange region for storing OS running environment information is provided, wherein the method includes: A. saving running information of computer hardware devices in a random access memory (RAM) by the computer after receiving a command for switching OS; B. obtaining OS running environment information of OS to be switched to from the data exchange region and storing the obtained OS running environment information in the RAM by the computer; C. restoring running state of the computer hardware devices based on its running information stored in the RAM, obtaining a preset OS to be switched to, starting the OS and subsequently executing the OS running environment information in the RAM by the computer. The method reduces the time for switching between multi-OSs in a computer.
US08146092B2
A controller having a plurality of cores extracts, for each logical unit (LU), a pattern showing the relationship between a core having an LU ownership and a candidate core as an LU ownership change destination based on LU ownership management information, measures, for each LU, the usage of a plurality of resources, predicates, for each LU based on the measurement results, a change in the usage of the plurality of resources and overhead to be generated by transfer processing itself, selects, based on the respective prediction results, a pattern that matches the user's setting information, and transfer the LU ownership to the core belonging to the selected pattern.
US08146091B2
A method, apparatus, and program product manage a plurality of resources of at least one logically partitioned computing system of the type that includes a plurality of logical partitions managed by a partition manager with an application level administrative console resident in a logical partition of the computing system. Each logical partition is allocated at least a portion of the plurality of resources. A user request to adjust the allocation of at least a portion of the resources using the administrative console is received. The resources of the logically partitioned computing system to adjust in order to satisfy the user request are determined using the application level administrative console. The application level administrative console accesses the partition manager through a resource allocation interface to adjust the determined resources of the logically partitioned computing system in order to satisfy the user request.
US08146086B2
A method for gathering operational metrics can include the step of identifying a host within a grid environment, wherein the host can be a software object. A ghost agent can be associated with the host. The ghost agent can replicate actions of the host. Operational metrics for at least a portion of the replicated actions can be determined. The operational metrics can be recorded. The host can move within the grid environment. The ghost agent can responsively move in accordance with movement of the host.
US08146079B2
Systems and methods for controlling resource usage by a driver domain on behalf of a virtual machine
A method comprises determining an amount to which resource usage by a driver domain on behalf of a given virtual machine (VM) is to be limited. The method further comprises controlling the resource usage by the driver domain on behalf of the given VM so as not to exceed the determined amount. A system comprises a VM, a driver domain, and a shared resource that is usable by the VM and by the driver domain. The system further comprises a controller for limiting usage of the shared resource by the driver domain on behalf of the VM to prevent the usage of the shared resource by the driver domain on behalf of the VM from exceeding a determined amount.
US08146068B2
A computer implemented method, system and computer program product for managing heuristic properties for controlling an optimization transformation in a compiler or in other heuristically controlled software in a data processing system. A computer implemented method for controlling an optimization transformation in heuristically controlled software includes defining at least one heuristic property for controlling a behavior of an optimization transformation, and creating at least one heuristic property modifier for each desired change in the behavior of the optimization transformation. At least one of the at least one heuristic property is then modified using the at least one heuristic property modifier for achieving each desired change in the behavior of the optimization transformation.
US08146066B2
A runtime system implemented in accordance with the present invention provides an application platform for parallel-processing computer systems. Such a runtime system enables users to leverage the computational power of parallel-processing computer systems to accelerate/optimize numeric and array-intensive computations in their application programs. This enables greatly increased performance of high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
US08146065B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing just-in-time compilation. The process designates a set of compilation threads for exclusively performing compilation functions associated with an application. A set of computation threads is designated for executing the application. Processor cycles are dynamically allocated during runtime between the set of compilation threads and the set of computation threads to maintain a ratio of processor cycles consumed by the set of compilation threads to processor cycles consumed by the set of computation threads.
US08146063B2
A series (20) of original instructions for a single processor is translated into implementing instructions for executions distributed over a plurality of processors (12,16) of different type. The series (20) of original instructions is split into successive sections (22a-c,24a,b) assigned to respective ones of the processors (12,16). Operand transfer instructions are added to the sections (22a-c,24a,b) to support data dependencies between the sections (22a-c,24a,b). The assignment includes selecting a location of a boundary in the series of original instructions between successive ones of the sections (22a-c,24a,b) so as to substantially minimize an aggregate of the execution cost factors of the original instructions as implemented and including costs for the operand transfer instructions. Preferably, the locations of the boundaries are determined from a search among different boundaries positions.
US08146061B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for debugging and analyzing graphics hardware designs. Hardware designs are represented by a software model implemented in a programming language. Graphics operations can be executed in the software model as well as in reference software models to allow a user to analyze the accuracy of a graphics hardware design and/or a device driver implementation.
US08146060B2
In a system or a method for execution of a test routine in connection with a test operating system, the program data for provision of an administration operating system is processed. The test operating system or system configuration specified by a list entry is determined under the provided administration operating system with aid of a list with test operating systems for system configurations to be automatically provided in series. The specified test operating system or system configuration is determined while the administration operating system is provided. Program data for provision of the determined test operating system or system configuration are processed. At least one test routine is executed that is executed automatically by the provided test operating system.
US08146054B2
Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for processing a data object, for example, for searching for, creating or updating a data object. A computer implemented method for processing a data object includes receiving a request for the data object. A static portion and a dynamic portion for the data object are determined, and an instruction for the static portion and an instruction for the dynamic portion are processed separately. To search for a data object, a result from processing an instruction for the static portion and a result from processing the instruction for the dynamic portion are merged to form a hybrid data object. To create or update a data object, a result from processing an instruction for the static portion and a result from processing the instruction for the dynamic portion is saved in a database.
US08146052B2
The present disclosure is directed toward a method for hierarchical hardware mapping in a software design environment. The method comprises the step of providing a software design tool on a graphical interface of a computer system. The method also includes receiving, in the software design tool, graphical representation of at least a portion of software and receiving, in the software design tool, graphical representation of at least a portion of hardware. The method may further include receiving, in the software design tool, one or more bindings between software and hardware, wherein the one or more bindings form a set of bindings, and storing the set of bindings for use in one or more software designs.
US08146050B2
Various embodiments of systems and methods are described in which system simulation techniques are combined with graphical programming techniques in a common environment. For example, various embodiments of the methods comprise displaying a graphical data flow diagram connected to a system diagram, e.g., where the graphical data flow diagram and the system diagram are displayed together in a compound diagram. In the displayed compound diagram, the graphical data flow diagram may be connected to the system diagram, e.g., by a line or wire. In one embodiment the wire may visually indicate that the graphical data flow diagram is executable to produce a value that is provided as an input signal for a simulation performed based on the system diagram. In another embodiment the wire may visually indicate that the graphical data flow diagram receives an output value from the system simulation as input.
