US08143556B2
A ceramic hob for a cooking appliance provided with a control device for controlling and/or adjusting a real temperature value on at least one part of a cooking plate arranged in a container for cooking by means of an associated heating device. The inventive ceramic hob comprises at least one temperature sensor for determining the real temperature value of a heatable part and at least one control element used for setting said temperature to a desired value, wherein a desired temperature value of the heatable part is assigned thereto. According to said invention several desired values can be assigned to one control element.
US08143551B2
An exemplary method for making backlight module frames includes: method includes: providing a first metallic sheet and a second metallic sheet, each of the first and second metallic sheets having at least two L-shaped portions connected side by side and oriented in the same direction; welding the two metallic sheets to form a plurality of connected semi-manufactured frames corresponding to s subsequent backlight module frame; and pressing the connected semi-manufactured frames to form a plurality of backlight module frames. The method costs less welding time and it is convenient for the backlight module frames to be mass-produced.
US08143546B2
An electrical switch including a first section; a second section; and a contact arm rotatably connected to the first section. An end of the contact arm is movable between an open position spaced from the second section and a closed position contacting the second section. The second section includes a cam assembly configured to assist in moving the end of the contact arm between the open and closed positions.
US08143523B2
A cable for transmitting electricity for use with an electric submersible pump has a plurality of conductors for conducting electricity along the length of the cable. A first layer of insulation surrounds each of the conductors. A jacket, or second layer of insulation, surrounds all of the conductors and the first layer of insulation. Both the first layer of insulation and the jacket insulation are comprised of an polymeric compound. At least one of the insulation layers has filler material dispersed therein, the filler material having a higher level of thermal conductivity than the insulation layer it is contained in.
US08143507B2
In combination with a snare drum having snare wires, a drum head and a side wall, slidable bands endwise connected with the wires, first adjustable mechanism connected with the a band end, and supported by the wall, second adjustable mechanism connected with another band end, and supported by said wall, whereby adjustment of either or both of the mechanism tensions at least one band, and said snare wires.
US08143496B2
A soybean cultivar designated 93397033 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 93397033, to the plants of soybean 93397033, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 93397033, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 93397033 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 93397033, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 93397033, 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 93397033 with another soybean cultivar.
US08143493B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety S07-BA045418 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety S07-BA045418 and its progeny, and methods of making S07-BA045418.
US08143484B2
A method for regulating expression of a virulence gene of Agrobacterium is described. The method comprises the steps of stimulating cereal cells, such as sorghum, so as to produce an active, typically phenolic, compound and exposing the Agrobacterium to this compound. The compound induces expression of the virulence gene of the Agrobacterium, effecting T-DNA transfer from the Agrobacterium to the cereal cells, which are thereby transformed.
US08143479B2
This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a plastidic phosphoglucomutase protein. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a substantial portion of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase in a transformed host cell.
US08143465B2
The present invention relates to a novel process of preparing branched polymers by cyclotrimerization and branched organic materials containing triaroylbenzene moieties as base structural unit. The polymerization is a simple one-pot reaction, strictly regioselective and highly functionality-tolerant giving oligomeric and polymeric polymers with high degree of branching (up to 100%) in high yields (up to 99%). The polymers are processible, easily film-forming, transformable (curable) into thermosets by heat or irradiation, and readily crosslinkable by UV irradiation to give patterns with nanometer resolution. The polymers of the present invention can be blend with a variety of macromolecules for general use. The polymers can be metallified utilizing organometallic acetylene as building blocks and ceramization of the patterns of the obtained polymers afford ferromagnetic ceramic patterns with high resolution.
US08143459B2
Oxo-alcohols in the plasticizer range typically contain small amounts of methyl esters having the same alkyl chain as the alcohol itself. These methyl esters are causing product quality problems and environmental problems because of transesterification in the esterification process where the plasticizer ester derivatives are produced. A process using controlled oxonation and hydrogenation conditions is disclosed for the production of alcohols containing low amounts of methyl esters. Plasticizer esters with low amounts of aliphatic di-alkyl esters are also disclosed.
US08143457B2
A process of refining a crude C6-C16 aliphatic diol, preferably, a C6-C16 monocyclic aliphatic diol, more preferably, an isomeric mixture of cis/trans-(1,3)(1,4)-cyclohexanedimethanol, containing in addition to the diol one or more impurities selected from phenols, and aliphatic mono-ols, esters, carboxylic acids, and hemiacetals, and mixtures thereof. The refining process involves distilling the crude C6-C16 aliphatic diol in the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound, preferably, an excess thereof relative to acid equivalents present in the diol.
US08143454B2
The invention provides a technology for producing acrolein from glycerol while maintaining high reagent partial pressures, which leads to higher yield. The invention more particularly relates to a method for producing acrolein from glycerol that comprises the intermediate step of forming glycerol and acrolein cyclic acetals.
US08143447B2
The present invention provides compositions of matter, kits and methods for their use in the treatment of cancer. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a subject by inhibiting a poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, as well as providing formulations and modes of administering such compositions.
US08143443B2
A process for preparing gabapentin of formula 1, which comprises Formula (I) converting 1-allyl-cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde into 1-allyl-cyclohexanecarbonitrile; ozonizing 1-allyl-cyclohexanecarbonitrile to obtain 1-cyano-cyclohexaneacetaldehyde; acetalizing 1-cyano-cyclohexaneacetaldehyde with a suitable acetalizing agent to give the corresponding acetal and converting the latter into gabapentin.
US08143437B2
The present invention provides a method for synthesizing 1-(acyloxy)-alkyl derivatives from 1-acyl-alkyl derivatives, which typically proceeds stereospecifically, in high yield, does not require the use of activated intermediates and/or toxic compounds and is readily amendable to scale-up. The current invention also provides 1-acyl-alkyl derivatives of known drug components and methods for synthesizing these 1-acyl-alkyl derivatives.
US08143436B2
Process for preparing a compound of the formula by contacting, in an organic solvent in the presence of an aqueous solution of a base, hydroxy benzoic acid with a compound of the formula RnX, wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 C-atoms and X is an acid rest group having a valence n, wherein the organic solvent is an alkyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbon and the reaction is carried out at a pH of 8-10.
US08143430B2
The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing novel heterodinuclear metallocene compounds. Methods for making these new dinuclear metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08143428B2
Compounds of Formula I: wherein R1, R2, M, Q and n are as defined herein, are useful as antiproliferative agents including, for example, as anticancer agents.
US08143403B2
The disclosure generally relates to the novel compounds of formula I, including their salts, which are CGRP receptor antagonists. The disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using the compounds in the treatment of CGRP related disorders including migraine and other headaches, neurogenic vasodilation, neurogenic inflammation, thermal injury, circulatory shock, flushing associated with menopause, airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08143396B2
Novel bicyclic tetrahydrofuran compounds and derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, according to the formula: These compounds have utility in the treatment of retroviruses such as HIV, especially reverse transcriptase mutant which allow an obligate chain terminating nucleoside- or nucleotide-phosphate to be excised from the nascent DNA strand by ATP or pyrophosphate-mediated excision.
US08143394B2
2-amino-pyrido(3,2-d)pyrimidine derivatives with a specific substitution pattern on positions 4 and 6 of the core structure are useful in the treatment or prevention of an infection due to a virus from the Flaviviridae family, especially HCV, when administered to a patient in a therapeutically effective amount.
US08143390B2
The present invention relates to an isolated double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of bcl-2, where the antisense strand comprises a sequence that comprises a region of complementarity which is substantially complementary to at least a part of an mRNA encoding bcl-2. The dsRNA, upon contact with a cell expressing the bcl-2, inhibits expression of the bcl-2 gene by at least 20%. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention further relates to a vector for inhibiting expression of bcl-2 in a cell, where the vector comprises a regulatory sequence operably linked to a nucleotide sequence that encodes at least one strand of the dsRNA.
US08143372B2
The present invention provides synthetic regulators of ferritin pores, and compositions comprising the regulators. The regulators function to reduce ferritin demineralization rates. The regulators are useful for treating inflammatory conditions. The present invention also provides methods of treating inflammatory conditions. The present invention further provides synthetic regulators of bacterial mini-ferritins; such regulators are useful as antibacterial agents.
US08143357B2
Phosphorus-containing compounds useful for flame retardant epoxy resins are disclosed. The flame retardant epoxy resins may be used to make electrical laminates. This invention is particularly useful in end use applications in which a low bromine or low halogen content is required or desired.
US08143356B2
A method for producing a polyester resin composition C), which comprises melt-kneading a polyester resin (A) which satisfies the following formulae (1), (2) and (3) and a polyester resin (B) which satisfies the following formula (4): P1≧10 (1) 0.1≦Ge1≦1.5 (2) 0.001≦Ge1/P1≦0.15 (3) 0≦P2/Ti1≦80 (4) provided that in the formulae (1), (2) and (3), P1 is the content (mol) of phosphorus atoms and Ge1 is the content (mol) of germanium atoms, per ton of the polyester resin (A), and in the formula (4), P2 is the content (mol) of phosphorus atoms and Ti1 is the content (mol) of titanium atoms, per ton of the polyester resin (B). A polyester resin composition (C) obtained by the method, and a molded product such as a film made from such a composition are also provided.
US08143355B2
Provided is a polymer compound having a furan ring having a degree of polymerization of 185 or more and 600 or less. This polymer compound has excellent mechanical strength (flexural strength).
US08143351B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluororesin composition which hardly causes molding defects even when high-speed molding is performed in covering extrusion molding within a relatively broad molding temperature range and which can give covered electric wires, in particular foamed electric wires, excellent in surface smoothness.A fluororesin composition comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE] having a standard specific gravity of 2.15 to 2.30 and a tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene-based copolymer [FEP], the content of said PTFE being 0.01 to 3 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of said FEP and the alkali metal content being not higher than 5 ppm on the resin composition solid matter basis, wherein said composition is obtained by a method comprising the step (1) of obtaining a cocoagulated fluororesin powder by mixing an aqueous dispersion containing said FEP and an aqueous dispersion containing said PTFE together, followed by coagulation, the step (2) of melt extruding the cocoagulated powder and the step (3) of subjecting the extrusion product to treatment for stabilizing unstable terminal groups in said PTFE and FEP.
US08143350B2
The invention relates to a polyethylene composition for the production of peroxide crosslinked polyethylene and a method for the production thereof. The invention further relates to the use of such a polymer composition and to a peroxide crosslinked polyethylene pipe made from the polyethylene composition.
US08143349B2
A method for producing an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer comprising the steps of kneading an olefin copolymer rubber (A) obtained by polymerizing ethylene, an α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and a non-conjugated polyene, a volatile organic solvent (B) and, an olefin resin (C) in an extruder, removing the volatile organic solvent (B) while kneading, then adding a crosslinking agent (E) and further removing the volatile organic solvent (B) while kneading in the extruder to obtain the olefinic thermoplastic elastomer.
US08143341B2
An aqueous coating composition containing a colorant, a film-forming polymer and a curing agent. The composition further comprises an adjuvant resin having two or more functional groups reactive with the curing agent and positioned between the functional groups a moiety containing at least 10 contiguous carbon atoms.
US08143336B2
The invention is directed to an activated halo-containing aralkylsilanes possessing at least one hydrolyzable group bonded to a silicon atom and at least one halo functional group bonded to a carbon atom to which both the silicon atom and an aromatic group are covalently bonded. The invention is also directed to a process for making such a silane as well as its use in rubber compositions and articles containing such rubber compositions, such as tires.
US08143331B2
The present invention provides curing agent compositions comprising the reaction product of alkylated polyalkyleneamine compounds and polyalkylene polyether polyol modified polyepoxide resins. Amine-epoxy compositions and articles produced from these amine-epoxy compositions are also disclosed.
US08143325B2
Absorbable polyurethanes, polyamides and polyester urethanes prepared from at least one compound selected from: or the diamines and diisocyanates thereof, wherein each X represents a member independently selected from —CH2COO— (glycolic acid moiety), —CH(CH3)COO— (lactic acid moiety), —CH2CH2OCH2COO— (dioxanone), —CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COO— (caprolactone moiety), —(CH2)yCOO— where y is one of the numbers 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, and —(CH2CH2O)z′CH2COO— where z′ is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; each Y represents a member independently selected from —COCH2O— (glycolic ester moiety), —COCH(CH3)O— (lactic ester moiety), —COCH2OCH2CH2O— (dioxanone ester), —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O— (caprolactone ester), —CO(CH2)mO— where m is an integer between 2, 3, 4 or 6-24 inclusive, —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n— where n is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; R′ is hydrogen, benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched; p is an integer between 1 and 4, inclusive; and Rn represents one or more members selected from H, alkoxy, benzyloxy, aldehyde, halogen, carboxylic acid and —NO2, which is attached directly to an aromatic ring or attached through an aliphatic chain. Absorbable polymers prepared from these compounds are useful for drug delivery, tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, adhesion prevention and other implantable medical devices.
US08143318B2
An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which at least two separate phases can be mixed to prepare an emulsion is disclosed. Specifically, at least one phase is a dispersed phase and one phase in a continuous phase. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the phases flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the phases within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the phases being mixed in the chamber.
US08143314B1
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating ineffective esophageal motility in which bethanechol and pharmaceutically acceptable absorption enhancers comprising bile acids and mixtures thereof are topically introduced to the esophagus. Therapeutically effective amounts of bethanechol are delivered while reducing or eliminating parasympathetic nervous system side effects normally associated with systemic bethanechol delivery.
US08143309B2
A composition and method are described for sanitizing or otherwise treating a material such as a non-living surface, living tissue, soil or atmosphere which may be contaminated by a toxin, chemical warfare agent, insect, prion, microorganism or other infectious agent. The composition generally includes an aqueous composition mixture that includes: (a) lower alkanol; (b) an alkalinating agent, and (c) a fatty acid salt and/or ester. The components are present in an effective amount to sanitize (or treat) a material (or modifying a chemical contained thereon) to which the composition is applied. Also described are methods of making the composition.
US08143308B2
A method for synthesizing a biocompatible, water-soluble oligo/polyflavanoid, includes polymerizing an optionally substituted flavanoid with a polymerization agent in the presence of a biocompatible polymerization solubilizer, thereby producing the biocompatible, soluble oligo/polyflavanoid. Also included is a biocompatible, soluble, oligo/polyflavanoid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or complex thereof. Also included are methods of treating a subject for cancer, cardiac damage, viral infection, and obesity.
US08143303B2
Carbazole derivatives of formula (I), useful in treatment of a CNS disorders related to or affected by the 5-HT6 receptor are described. The pharmacological profile of these compounds includes high affinity binding with 5-HT6 receptor along with good selectivity towards the receptor. Stereoisomers, the salts, methods of preparation and medicines containing the carbazole derivatives are also described.
US08143287B2
The invention relates to compounds and their use in the treatment of thrombocytopenia resulting from diseases or conditions such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, cancer chemotherapy, surgery, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, radiation injury or treatment, chronic viral infection, and pancytopenia. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and compositions of the invention as well as methods for treating such diseases or conditions in a mammal, including a human, by administering to such mammal an effective amount of a selected thrombopoietin receptor agonist.
US08143268B2
The present invention provides a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. Further provided is a method of treatment or prophylaxis of a viral infection in a subject comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. A pharmaceutical composition or medicament comprising a compound of Formula I is also provided.
US08143265B2
A method of treating atherosclerosis in a subject is carried out by administering the subject 2-aminopurine or a pharmaceutically salt thereof in a treatment effective amount. Optionally, the subject may also be administered an additional hypolipidemic agent. Compositions useful for carrying out the present invention are also described.
US08143262B2
The present invention relates to novel {7-(3′,4′-dialkoxyphenyl)-[1,2,4]-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a process for preparing the same, and pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, atopic dermatitis, cancers including leukemia, and degenerative brain diseases including Alzheimer's disease, depression and memory impairment, which comprises the same as an active ingredient.
US08143259B2
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula I as follows: wherein A, B, L, Q, R1, R2, and R3 are defined herein.
US08143258B2
Provided is a fused heterocycle derivative showing a strong Raf inhibitory activity.A compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the present specification, or a salt thereof.
US08143254B2
In one embodiment, the invention provides an ion having the formula: (I) In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for modulating potassium, sodium, and cyclic nucleotide-modulated ion channels in a mammal in need thereof. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for modulating ligand-gated ion channels or transient receptor potential channels in a mammal in need thereof. The methods comprise administering an ion having the formula described above.
US08143246B2
The invention relates to 1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)benzyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivative having the general Formula I wherein R1 is H, (C1-6)alkyl (optionally substituted with oxo, (C1-3)alkyloxy, (C1-3)alkyloxycarbonyl, halogen or CN), (C3-6)cycloalkyl or (C3-6)cycloalkyl(C1-3)alkyl, each cycloalkyl ring optionally comprising a heteroatom selected from O and S; R2 and R3 are independently H or (C1-3)alkyl; or R2 and R3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are bound a (C3-5)cycloalkyl group; R4 is H or 1 to 3 F substituents; R5 is H or 1 to 4 F substituents; R6 and R7 are independently H or F; X represents R8, OR8, NR8R9, R8 is (C5-7)cycloalkyl optionally comprising a heteroatom selected from O, S, SO and SO2; R9 is H or (C1-4)alkyl; R10 represents 1-3 substituents independently selected from H, (C1-3)alkyl, halogen, oxo, CN and CF3; Y is CF2, O, S, SO or SO2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, as well as to the use of said 1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)benzyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives in the treatment of pain such as for example peri-operative pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, cancer pain and pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.
US08143242B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I, The compounds of formula I are valuable pharmacologically active compounds. They exhibit a strong anti-thrombotic effect and are suitable, for example, for the therapy and prophylaxis of cardio-vascular disorders like thromboembolic diseases or restenoses. They are inhibitors of the blood clotting enzymes, especially factor VIIa and can in general be applied in conditions in which an undesired activity of factor VIIa is present or for the cure or prevention of which an inhibition of factor VIIa is intended. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of formula I, their use, in particular as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparations comprising them.
US08143234B2
The present invention provides methods of improving a cognitive function or a neurological function, treating or ameliorating a decline in a cognitive function or a neurological function, increasing cytidine levels, or treating a neurological disorder in a subject, comprising administering a uridine, a uridine precursor, or a derivative or metabolite thereof to the subject. The invention also provides methods of improving neural function, comprising contacting the neuron with a uridine, a uridine precursor, or a derivative or metabolite thereof.
US08143233B2
RNA aptamers and methods for identifying the same are disclosed. The RNA aptamers selectively bind coagulation factors, E2F family members, Ang1 or Ang2, and therapeutic and other uses for the RNA aptamers are also disclosed.
US08143226B2
A method of treatment is disclosed whereby cancer cells are brought into contact with a formulation comprising an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase receptors. The formulation may be comprised of an injectable carrier and two or more tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors which may be nordihydroguaiarectic acid (NDGA) and doxorubicin.
US08143223B2
The present invention relates to a method for protecting biological material from cell damaging factors, a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition for the prophylactic and/or therapy accompanying treatment of radiation therapy patients and/or chemotherapy patients, a cosmetic composition, and a culture medium.
US08143222B2
Pharmaceutical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are disclosed, wherein a compound comprises a targeting moiety which, in free form, binds a cell receptor with a dissociation constant Kd of less than about 10−7 M, and a pharmaceutically active moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is other than an oligopeptide, a polypeptide, a peptidomimetic, a protein or a protein domain, and wherein the targeting moiety and the pharmaceutically active moiety are covalently attached. In some aspects, the targeting moiety binds a sigma-2 receptor with high affinity and high specificity, and the pharmaceutically active moiety is a pro-apoptotic peptide moiety. Methods of cancer treatment are disclosed comprising administering a disclosed pharmaceutical compound to a subject in need of thereof. The treatments selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells. These methods can further comprise co-administration of radiation therapy and/or an additional chemotherapeutic agent.
US08143220B2
Effective dosing regimens for neural stem cell proliferating and differentiating agents, kits comprising effective dosing regimens for neural stem cell proliferating and differentiating agents, and uses thereof are provided herein. Such kits and methods can be utilized acutely or chronically to treat a neurodegenerative disease or condition. Furthermore, the compositions and methods can be used continuously or intermittently in various dosing regimens.
US08143199B2
The present invention relates, in general, to subterranean fluids, and more particularly, to subterranean drilling fluids that may be useful for reducing the production of water from a portion of a subterranean formation and/or stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation while drilling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the flow of water from a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an organoaluminum compound, the organoaluminum compound being capable of forming a reaction product in the presence of water. The present invention also includes methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation, methods of enhancing the stability of an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, methods of stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, and drilling fluids.
US08143187B2
A process for preparing supported catalyst in pellet or coated monolith form is disclosed the method includes the steps of: forming a mixed metal carbonate complex having at least two metals by subjecting a first metal carbonate containing compound to ion exchange with desired metal cations; heat treating the resulting mixed metal carbonate complex to form a mixed oxide which consists of active metal oxides supported on a catalyst support; forming the resulting supported catalysts into pellets or coating the resulting supported catalyst onto a monolithic support. The catalysts may be used for treating effluents containing organic material in the presence of an oxidising agent.
US08143171B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which forms a pattern by performing pattern transformation steps multiple times, comprises setting finished pattern sizes for patterns to be formed in each consecutive two pattern transformation steps among the plurality of pattern transformation steps based on a possible total amount of in-plane size variation of the patterns to be formed in the consecutive two pattern transformation steps.
US08143168B2
The present invention discloses technique of etching selectively a layer containing siloxane. The present invention provides a semiconductor device with reduced operation deterioration due to etching failure. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises steps of forming a conductive layer electrically connecting to a transistor, an insulating layer covering the conductive layer, and a mask formed over the insulating layer; and etching the insulating layer with a processing gas including a hydrogen bromide gas.
US08143165B2
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit on semiconductor substrates, e.g., silicon wafer. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate characterized by a first lattice with a first structure and a first spacing. In a specific embodiment, the semiconductor substrate has an overlying film of material with a second lattice with a second structure and a second spacing, the second spacing placing the film of material in a strain mode characterized by a first tensile and/or compressive mode along a single film surface crystal axis across a first portion of the film of material relative to the semiconductor substrate with the first structure and the first spacing. The method patterns a predetermined region of the first portion of the film of material to cause the first tensile and/or compressive mode in the first portion of the film of material to change to a second tensile and/or compressive mode in a resulting patterned portion of the first portion of the film of material. In a preferred embodiment, the patterns are made using a masking and etching process.
US08143164B2
Embodiments of the current invention describe methods of processing a semiconductor substrate that include applying a zincating solution to the semiconductor substrate to form a zinc passivation layer on the titanium-containing layer, the zincating solution comprising a zinc salt, FeCl3, and a pH adjuster.
US08143160B2
In a method of forming a contact plug of a semiconductor device, a nitride layer is prevented from being broken by forming a passivation layer over the nitride layer when contact holes are formed by etching an insulating layer between select lines formed over a semiconductor substrate. In an etch process of forming the contact plug, the passivation layer formed on sidewalls of the select lines is formed twice to protect the sidewalls of the select lines. Accordingly, the sidewalls of the select lines can be prevented from being damaged. Consequently, a process margin necessary to form a contact plug can be increased and, therefore, a smaller contact plug can be formed.
US08143156B2
High density semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed. Spacer fabrication techniques are utilized to form circuit elements having reduced feature sizes, which may be smaller than the smallest lithographically resolvable element size of the process being used. A first set of spacers may be processed to provide planar and parallel sidewalls. A second set of spacers may be formed on planar and parallel sidewalls of the first set of spacers. The second set of spacers serve as a mask to form one or more circuit elements in a layer beneath the second set of spacers. The steps according to embodiments of the invention allow a recursive spacer technique to be used which results in robust, evenly spaced, spacers to be formed and used as masks for the circuit elements.
US08143153B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including: forming a moisture resistant ring surrounding a multilayer interconnection structure in a layered body formed of stacked layers of a plurality of interlayer insulating films lower in dielectric constant than a SiO2 film and including the multilayer interconnection structure; forming a groove in the layered body between the moisture resistant ring and a scribe line, the groove reaching a surface of a semiconductor substrate; forming a film including Si and C as principal components and covering sidewall surfaces and a bottom surface of the groove; and forming a protection film on the film along the sidewall surfaces and the bottom surface of the groove.
US08143149B2
An efficient and low-cost method is intended for forming a flexible nanostructured material suitable for use as an active element of a photovoltaic panel. The method consists of evaporating a colloidal solution, which contains nanoparticles of various sizes and/or masses, from a flat surface of a rotating body on which the solution forms a thin and easily vaporizable layer, and simultaneously releasing the nanoparticles from the solution for their free flight through a gaseous medium toward the flexible substrate. As a result, the particles of different sizes and/or types of material are deposited onto the flexible substrate in a predetermined sequence that corresponds to the magnitude of resistance experienced by the nanoparticles during their free flight. In this method, the final, flexible nanostructured material is formed as a multilayer nanostructured film in which the nanoparticles of larger size and greater density are deposited onto the flexible substrate first and thus are located under the nanoparticles of smaller size and smaller density.
US08143147B1
A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
US08143145B2
A method of producing, at atmospheric pressure, an n-type semiconductive indium sulfide thin film on a substrate using an indium-containing precursor, hydrogen sulfide as a reactive gaseous precursor, and an inert carrier gas stream includes cyclically repeating first and second steps so as to produce an indium sulfide thin film of a desired thickness. The first method phase includes converting the indium-containing precursor to at least one of a dissolved and a gaseous phase, heating the substrate to a temperature in a range of 100° C. to 275° C., directing the indium containing precursor onto the substrate and supplying hydrogen sulfide to the indium-containing precursor in a mixing zone in an amount so as to provide an absolute concentration of hydrogen sulfide that is greater than zero and no greater than 1% by volume. The indium concentration of the indium-containing precursor is set so as to produce a compact In(OHx,Xy,Sz)3 film, where X=halide and x+y+2z=1 with z≠0. The second step includes setting a temperature of the substrate in a range of 18° C. and 450° C. and directing hydrogen sulfide onto the substrate in an absolute concentration up to 100%.
US08143143B2
A process is provided for etching a silicon-containing substrate to form nanowire arrays. In this process, one deposits nanoparticles and a metal film onto the substrate in such a way that the metal is present and touches silicon where etching is desired and is blocked from touching silicon or not present elsewhere. One submerges the metallized substrate into an etchant aqueous solution comprising HF and an oxidizing agent. In this way arrays of nanowires with controlled diameter and length are produced.
US08143132B2
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, the threshold voltage adjustment of high-k metal gate electrode structures may be accomplished by a work function metal species provided in an early manufacturing stage. For this purpose, a protective sidewall spacer structure is provided, which is, in combination with a dielectric cap material, also used as an efficient implantation mask during the implantation of extension and halo regions, thereby increasing the ion blocking capability of the complex gate electrode structure substantially without affecting the sensitive gate materials.
US08143130B1
The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing a depletion metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) device. The method includes: providing a substrate; forming a first conductive type well and an isolation region in the substrate to define a device area; defining a drift region, a source, a drain, and a threshold voltage adjustment region, and implanting second conductive type impurities to form the drift region, the source, the drain, and the threshold voltage adjustment region, respectively; defining a breakdown protection region between the drain and the threshold voltage adjustment region, and implanting first conductive type impurities to form the breakdown protection region; and forming a gate in the device area; wherein a part of the breakdown protection region is below the gate, and the breakdown protection region covers an edge of the threshold voltage adjustment region.
US08143123B2
A method for forming power semiconductor devices having an inter-electrode dielectric (IPD) layer inside a trench includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a trench, lining the sidewalls and bottom of the trench with a first layer of dielectric material, filling the trench with a first layer of conductive material to form a first electrode, recessing the first layer of dielectric material and the first layer of conductive material to a first depth inside the trench, forming a layer of polysilicon material on a top surface of the dielectric material and conductive material inside the trench, oxidizing the layer of polysilicon material, and forming a second electrode inside the trench atop the oxidized layer and isolated from trench sidewalls by a second dielectric layer. The oxidation step can be enhanced by either chemically or physically altering the top portion polysilicon such as by implanting impurities.
US08143120B2
A process for forming bipolar junction transistors having a plurality of different collector doping densities on a semiconductor substrate and an integrated circuit comprising bipolar junction transistors having a plurality of different collector doping densities. A first group of the transistors are formed during formation of a triple well for use in providing triple well isolation for complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors also formed on the semiconductor substrate. Additional bipolar junction transistors with different collector doping densities are formed during a second doping step after forming a gate stack for the field effect transistors. Implant doping through bipolar transistor emitter windows forms bipolar transistors having different doping densities than the previously formed bipolar transistors. According to one embodiment of the present invention, bipolar junction transistors having six different collector dopant densities (and thus six different breakdown characteristics) are formed.
US08143119B2
A first transistor and a second transistor are formed in a first element formation region, and a third transistor is formed in a second element formation region. The three transistors are of the same conductive type, and the first transistor and the second transistor have the same threshold voltage. A first well is formed in the first element formation region by use of a first mask pattern, and a second well is formed in the second element formation region by use of a second mask pattern. A channel region of the first transistor and a channel region of the second transistor have a shape which is line-symmetrical with respect to a reference line. The first mask pattern has a shape which is line-symmetrical with respect to the reference line.
US08143115B2
A thin film transistor is manufactured by forming a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a first insulating film on the gate electrode, forming an oxide semiconductor layer on the first insulating film with an amorphous oxide, patterning the first insulating film, patterning the oxide semiconductor layer, forming a second insulating film on the oxide semiconductor layer in an oxidative-gas-containing atmosphere, patterning the second insulating film to expose a pair of contact regions, forming an electrode layer on the pair of contact regions, and patterning the electrode layer to for a source electrode and a drain electrode.
US08143110B2
A dam stiffener for a package substrate is presented. In an embodiment, the dam stiffener comprises a thermally curable polymer, and is simultaneously cured with the underfill material to act as stiffener to the substrate. In another embodiment, a curable reservoir material can be dispensed to fill the space between the integrated circuit die and the dam stiffener, forming a thick reservoir layer, acting as an additional stiffener for the package substrate.
US08143107B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a substrate including: patterning a bonding pad on the substrate, patterning a first signal trace coupled to the bonding pad, patterning a second signal trace on the substrate, and connecting a pedestal on the second signal trace; mounting an integrated circuit on the substrate; and coupling an electrical interconnect between the integrated circuit, the bonding pad, the pedestal, or a combination thereof.
US08143102B2
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a substrate; attaching a base die to the substrate, the base die having a relief region with a shaped cross-section; and connecting a bond wire between an active base surface of the base die and the substrate, the bond wire extending through the shaped cross-section of the relief region.
US08143083B2
A circuit board is mounted on a package via an adhesive agent as an elastic member. A sensor element is stacked in fixed relation onto the circuit board. The sensor element, the circuit board, and the package are wired with bonding wires. A magnetic member made of a ferromagnetic material is disposed between the adhesive agent and the circuit board.
US08143077B2
A microchip formed by joining a first substrate having at least one recess on its surface and a second substrate, wherein small projections of 0.5 to 30 μm in height are formed on at least a part of the surface having the recess of the first substrate, and a coating formed of a surface processing agent is provided on at least a part of the surface having the small projections formed thereon, as well as a method of manufacturing the microchip, are provided. A microchip allowing easy inspection of the state of application or state of adhesion of liquid material such as a surface processing agent, and allowing accurate optical measurement without causing disturbance such as fluorescence, can be provided.
US08143073B2
An apparatus is disclosed for carrying out an analysis process, in which probe molecules which are immobilized on a substrate within an analysis area are brought into contact with an analyte solution, which contains target molecules as reaction partners, and reaction events are detected between target molecules and probe molecules with the aid of magnetic marker particles which are coupled to the target molecules or to the probe molecules. An inhomogeneous magnetic field is applied to the analysis area before and/or after detection. In the apparatus, magnetic-field devices are provided at least for the production of an inhomogeneous magnetic field acting in the analysis area, with these magnetic-field devices being part of sequence control for determination of the bonding forces of the reaction events.
US08143071B2
The invention provides columns and methods for the purification and concentration of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution. The columns typically include a bed of extraction medium positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. The invention also provides methods for purifying and concentrating multiple analytes simultaneously.
US08143066B2
A method (100) for analyzing chemicals includes fractionating a complex sample into at least two sample portions that each includes portions of two polypeptides though in different concentration ratios, digesting and performing LC/MS on each of the sample portions (110, and associating precursor ions observed via LC/MS with their corresponding polypeptide in response to LC/MS provided intensity data (170). A set of precursor ions that has substantially similar intensity ratios in both sample portions is determined to be associated with the same polypeptide.
US08143060B2
The invention relates to a method of assessing the viability of a thawed cell wherein the cell is a gamete, an embryo, a karyoplast, a putative stem cell population, a stem cell precursor population or a stem cell population. The method includes incubating the thawed cell in a culture medium including a plurality of amino acids and determining the change in concentration in the medium of at least one amino acid.
US08143049B2
Provided are modified beta-glucosidase enzymes, derived from the Trichoderma reesei Cel3A beta-glucosidase, that exhibit improved stability at low pH, low pH and high aeration, low pH and high agitation, or low pH and elevated temperature. Also provided are genetic constructs comprising nucleotide sequences encoding for modified beta-glucosidase enzymes, methods for the production of modified beta-glucosidase enzymes from host strains and the use of the modified beta-glucosidase enzymes in the hydrolysis of cellulose.
US08143045B2
The present invention relates to enzymes and processes. In particular, there is described an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence corresponding to Citrobacter freundii phytase or a homologue, a modified form, a functional equivalent or an effective fragment thereof. There is also described a host cell transformed or transfected with a nucleic acid encoding a bacterial phytase enzyme or a modified form as well as the use of such a phytase or modified form in food or animal feed.
US08143041B2
A method of stimulating ethanol production and growth of aquatic plants includes the steps of placing aquatic plants in a cell containing water and creating an anoxic condition within the pool to initiate an anaerobic process by the aquatic plants. The aquatic plants increase in size and release ethanol by metabolism of stored carbohydrates during the anaerobic process. An oxygenated condition is then created within the cell to initiate an aerobic process. The aquatic plants create and store carbohydrates during the aerobic process. The steps of creating anoxic and oxygenated conditions are repeated to stimulate increased aquatic plant size and to increase the release of ethanol.
US08143040B2
The present invention describes a process for saccharification of lignocelluloses to sugars using whole microbial cells, which are enriched from cultures inoculated with paper mill waste water, wood processing waste and soil. A three-member bacterial consortium is selected as a potent microbial inocula and immobilized on inedible plant fibers for biomass saccharification. The present invention further relates the design of a dual bioreactor system, with various biocarriers for enzyme immobilization and repeated use. Sugars are continuously removed eliminating end-product inhibition and consumption by cell.
US08143039B2
The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.
US08143032B1
Alleles of the thrA gene from Enterobacteriaceae encoding desensitized aspartokinase I-homoserine dehydrogenase I enzymes and methods for the fermentative production of L-threonine using bacteria containing these alleles.
US08143026B2
The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.
US08143025B2
Monoclonal antibodies that are specific for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-I). This invention also provides nucleotide sequences encoding and amino acid sequences comprising variable heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, including sequences corresponding to the complementarity determining regions of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3. The invention also provides methods for generation and expression of anti-VEGFR-I antibodies and methods of treating angiogenic-related disorders and reducing tumor growth by administering anti-VEGFR-I antibodies.
US08143012B2
The invention is a herd management schema based upon the inventor's analysis of the natural history of bovine infection due to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) and related genomic variants and upon the ability of two distinct Map ELISA tests to sequentially or in parallel determine prior and current Map infection and evidence of active mycobacterium replication. Interpretation of the test results are integrated into sequential directives designed to enhance productive retention of infected animals as well as identify animals not previously infected. The sequential utilization of the data guidelines is developed to minimize the adverse economic impact.
US08143009B2
This invention provides methods and systems for identifying and typing toxicity of chemical compositions, as well as for screening new compositions for toxicity. The invention involves detecting alterations in gene or protein expression and hence establishing molecular profiles in isolated mammalian LSCs contacted with various chemical compositions of known and unknown toxicities, and correlating the molecular profiles with toxicities of the chemical compositions.
US08143002B2
Cellular mRNA-protein (mRNP) complexes are partitioned in vivo by contacting a biological sample with at least one ligand that specifically binds at least one component of a mRNP complex. Suitable biological samples comprise at least one mRNA-protein (mRNP) complex and include cell cultures, cell extracts, and whole tissue, including tumor tissue. Ligands include antibodies that specifically bind RNA-binding or RNA-associated proteins present in the mRNP complex. The mRNP complex is separated by binding the ligand with a binding molecule specific for the ligand, where the binding molecule is attached to a solid support. The mRNP complex is collected by removing the mRNP complex from the solid support. After collecting the mRNP complex, the mRNA bound within the complex may be characterized and identified. Subsets of the total mRNA population of a cell may accordingly be characterized, and a gene expression profile of the cell obtained.
US08142999B2
This invention relates to a method of determining the presence of certain HLA alleles, such as HLA-B*1502 or HLA-B*5801, and a kit for carrying out this method. Also disclosed is a method for assessing whether a patient is at risk for developing adverse drug reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or hypersensitivity syndrome) based on the presence or absence of a genetic marker (e.g., HLA-B*1502, HLA-B*5801, or HLA-B*4601).
US08142992B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state.
US08142988B2
Organic coating composition are provided including antireflective coating compositions that can reduce reflection of exposing radiation from a substrate back into an overcoated photoresist layer and/or function as a planarizing or via-fill layer. Preferred compositions of the invention comprise contain a crosslinker component that is resistant to sublimination or other migration crosslinker from the composition coating layer during lithographic processing.
US08142987B2
The present invention involves a method for making a relief image. A film that includes a carrier sheet and an imageable material is used to form a mask image that is opaque to a curing radiation. In one embodiment, the mask image is formed on the carrier sheet while in another embodiment, the mask image is formed on a receptor sheet. The mask image is then transferred to a photosensitive material, such as a flexographic printing plate precursor. The resulting assembly is exposed to the curing radiation resulting in exposed and unexposed areas of the photosensitive material. The carrier sheet or the receptor sheet may be removed from the mask image either before or after exposure to the curing radiation. Finally, the photosensitive material and mask image assembly is developed with a suitable developer to form a relief image.
US08142982B2
A lithographic printing plate precursor capable of being subjected to on-press development by supplying at least one of printing ink and dampening water and including a support, an image-recording layer and optionally an undercoat layer between the support and the image-recording layer, wherein at least one of the undercoat layer and the image-recording layer contains at least one of a compound represented by the formula (1A) as defined herein and a compound including a structure represented by the formula (1B) as defined herein.
US08142981B2
According to one embodiment, a write-once type information storage medium comprises an organic dye based recording material having sensitivity at a wavelength of 405 nm and at a recording wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 700 nm, wherein, when absorbance of a maximum absorption wavelength in the vicinity of 405 nm is defined as 1, the absorbance is 5% or more at any wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 700 nm.
US08142980B2
It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine-line patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having thereon photoresist patterns and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, further characterized by comprising a water-soluble polymer which contains at least methacrylic acid and/or methyl methacrylate as the constitutive monomer thereof. Also disclosed is a method of forming fine-line patterns using the over-coating agent. The advantages of the invention are that the exposure margin is large, that the dimension control of photoresist patterns can be reflected on the dimension controllability in forming fine-line patterns, that the dimension control and planning of forming fine trace patterns after treatment for thermal shrinkage can be attained with ease in the stage of photoresist patterning, that the original photoresist pattern profile can be kept as such and the top of the photoresist pattern is not rounded after thermal shrinkage, that the degree of thermal shrinkage of the over-coating agent is large and thus the agent is effective in forming fine-line patterns.
US08142977B2
A positive resist composition, includes: (B1) a resin capable of decomposing under an action of an acid to increase a solubility of the resin (B1) in an aqueous alkali solution, the resin (B1) containing a specific hydroxystyrene-based repeating unit and/or (meth)acrylic acid-based repeating unit as defined in the specification; (B2) a resin capable of decomposing under an action of an acid to increase a solubility of the resin (B2) in an aqueous alkali solution, the resin (B2) containing a specific hydroxystyrene-based repeating unit and/or (meth)acrylic acid-based repeating unit as defined in the specification and containing a specific aromatic ring structure-containing repeating unit as defined in the specification; and (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, and a pattern forming method uses the composition.
US08142976B2
A method of manufacturing a double emulsion with narrow dispersed phase particle size distribution comprising: providing an organic phase comprising solid hydrocolloid particles dispersed in an organic solvent; and dispersing the organic phase in an aqueous phase in the presence of a controlled amount of stabilizing agent to form an emulsion of droplets of the organic phase dispersed in the external aqueous phase, wherein the hydrocolloid particles in the organic phase droplets are swelled with water from the external aqueous phase to form internal droplets of an aqueous phase in the organic phase droplets, thereby forming a double emulsion comprising droplets of the organic phase of controlled narrow particle size distribution in the external aqueous phase, where the organic phase droplets contain internal droplets of an aqueous phase. A method for producing porous polymeric particles by such a double emulsion method, wherein the organic phase further comprises a polymer resin, and wherein the organic solvent is removed from the dispersed organic phase droplets to form porous toner particles.
US08142973B2
A liquid developer includes an insulating liquid; toner particles constituted by a material containing a polyester resin; and an alkyl diamine and an amide compound having a hydroxy fatty acid skeleton as dispersants.
US08142961B2
A pattern correcting method for correcting a design pattern to form a desired pattern on a wafer is disclosed, which comprises defining an allowable dimensional change quantity of each of design patterns, defining a pattern correction condition for the each design pattern based on the allowable dimensional change quantity defined for the each design pattern, and correcting the each design pattern based on the pattern correction condition defined for the each design pattern.
US08142959B2
A photomask is provided that includes a transparent substrate, a mask pattern formed on a first area of the substrate, the mask pattern having one or more openings that allow light radiation to pass through and having one or more features formed of a first material, and an inspection structure formed on a second area of the substrate different from the first area, the inspection structure being formed of a second material different from the first material.
US08142953B2
Disclosed is an adjuvant capable of imparting a hydrophilic or superhydrophilic function to various materials or interfaces. The hydrophilic adjuvant comprises: a composite metal oxide containing Si and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) and Al(III); and a hydrophilic group-containing organic compound physically or chemically bonded with the Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Sn(IV) or Al of the composite metal oxide.
US08142952B2
A fuel cell battery (2) has a structure in which a plurality of cells are stacked and in-series connected. The cells include a cell (15), and one or more cells (16) of a cell stack (11). Hydrogen that has entered the fuel cell battery (2) from a channel (12) is supplied to each cell through a supply manifold (13). After the amount of hydrogen needed for power generation is consumed, gas is discharged as a fuel off-gas into a discharge manifold (14), and then flows into the cell (15). This prevents impurities contained in the fuel off-gas from being accumulated in the cells (16), and causes the impurities to be accumulated in the cell (15). Thus, variations in the amount of power generation among the cells can be restrained in a fuel cell battery system that employs a dead-end method.
US08142951B2
The invention concerns a monopolar fuel cell endplate (4) of the type with proton exchanging membrane consisting of a cathode or anode monopolar half-plate (41) attached to a closure plate (42). The monopolar half-plate comprises, in its central part, a cathode or anode active region (411), and, at its periphery, at least two oxidant boxes, if the monopolar half-plate is cathodic, or fuel boxes, if the monopolar half-plate is anodic. Each oxidant or fuel box comprises at least one channel (414) emerging outside the active region (411) to enable oxidant or fuel to be circulated outside the monopolar plate on the monopolar plate side, the oxidant or fuel boxes not comprising an opening emerging into the central region of the closure plate, such that the central part of said closure plate is not swept either with fuel or with oxidant.
US08142949B2
A method includes assembling a top portion of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell based power generator that includes an anode cover, fuel cell, top portion of a valve assembly and fuel container cover. A bottom portion of the power generator that includes a fuel container with fuel, an opening for the top portion of the valve assembly, and a diaphragm portion of the valve assembly is also assembled. The top portion of the power generator is then attached to the bottom portion such that the bottom portion is a cathode of the power generator.
US08142947B2
A start-up method for a fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell that carries out power generation by the electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and the oxygen gas in the air; a fuel gas discharge path and a fuel gas supply path that are connected to the fuel cell; a fuel gas circulation path in which the fuel gas discharge path merges with the fuel gas supply path; and a purge valve provided on the fuel gas circulation path in order to discharge the circulating fuel gas from the fuel gas circulation path. The method includes the steps of opening the purge valve at the same time that the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell and replacing the nitrogen gas that originates in the air and is present in the fuel gas circulation path by fuel gas; and closing the purge valve after the nitrogen gas in the fuel gas circulation path has been replaced by the fuel gas.
US08142946B2
Disclosed is a fuel cell system capable of restraining a temperature change in a fuel cell caused by a refrigerant. The fuel cell system has a refrigerant circulating system for circulating the refrigerant from the fuel cell to the fuel cell. The refrigerant circulating system has flow control means for restraining the inflow of the refrigerant, which has a predetermined difference in temperature from that of the fuel cell, into the fuel cell.
US08142943B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell stack includes a middle portion of fuel cells and at least one end portion of fuel cells. The fuel cells of the end portion is arranged in a cascade configuration with the fuel cells of the middle portion. The system is configured such that in operation, at least partial reformation of hydrocarbon fuel occurs internally within the fuel cells of the middle portion and the fuel cells of the end portion are configured to use fuel exhaust from the middle portion as fuel.
US08142941B2
There is provided a power generation system. A chemical reacting section receives a power generation fuel and reforms the power generation fuel to generate a power generation gas containing hydrogen. A power generating section receives the power generation gas, reacts a part of the power generation gas to generate electrical energy, supplies the electrical energy to a load, and discharges an unreacted component in the power generation gas as an off-gas. A heating section receives the off-gas and generates a thermal energy by using the off-gas to heat the chemical reacting section. An output control section controls the amount of electrical energy output from the power generating section. A control section controls the amount of electrical energy output from the power generating section to change a temperature of the chemical reacting section set based on the thermal energy to a predetermined temperature.
US08142936B2
The present invention relates to a nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing new additives and a lithium secondary battery including the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing a lithium salt, an electrolyte compound, a first additive compound with an oxidation initiation potential of more than 4.2 V, and a second additive compound with an oxidation initiation potential of more than 4.2 V, which is higher in oxidation initiation potential than the first additive, and deposits oxidative products or form a polymer film, in oxidation, as well as a lithium secondary battery including the same. The present invention can provide a lithium secondary battery excellent in both the battery performance and the battery safety in overcharge by the combined use of the first additive and the second battery as additives to the nonaqueous electrolyte solution.
US08142932B2
Disclosed herein is a core-shell spinel cathode active material for lithium secondary batteries. The core portion of the active material is made of a spinel manganese-containing material substituted with fluorine or sulfur, having 4V-grade potential and showing low-cost and high-output characteristics, and the shell portion, which comes into contact with an electrolyte, is made of a spinel transition metal-containing material, having excellent thermal stability and cycle life characteristics and showing low reactivity with the electrolyte. Thus, the cathode active material shows significantly improved cycle life characteristics and excellent thermal stability.
US08142929B2
A positive electrode for non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode active material layer containing at least a positive electrode active material and a binder and a coating layer containing a polymer provided on the positive electrode active material layer, wherein the polymer has a block chain A composed of a random copolymer containing a repeating unit (I) represented by formula (I) and a repeating unit (II) represented by formula (II) and a block chain B containing a repeating unit (III) represented by formula (III) wherein R1-R3, R4a, R4b, R5-R13 are as defined herein.
US08142928B2
Systems and methods for configuring tabs on a rechargeable battery may include a current collector comprising one or more collector foil and one or more tabs connected to the collector foil for conveying generated current from the current collector. The tabs may be configured to extract greater capacity from the battery electrodes so that the resulting battery may exhibit higher performance. The tabs may be configured so that the length of the tab is greater than the height of the collector foil so the tab may cover the height of the collector foil and may protrude from the foil.
US08142927B2
A lithium secondary battery comprising positive and negative electrodes both capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions, and a lithium ion conductive material which contains a compound of formula (1) exhibits improved characteristics including charge/discharge efficiency, low-temperature properties and cycle performance when (a) only one substituent group of R1, R2, R3 and R4 in formula (1) is alkyl, (b) the negative electrode-constituting material partially contains a carboxyl or hydroxyl group-bearing compound, and the lithium ion conductive material contains propylene carbonate, or (c) a positive electrode active material is a lithium-containing transition metal compound, a negative electrode active material is a carbonaceous material, and the lithium ion conductive material contains as a non-aqueous electrolysis solution a solvent mixture of propylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate in combination with a chain-like carbonate as a low-viscosity solvent.
US08142926B2
A battery device includes a containing shell, a first battery set, and a second battery set. The battery device is configured on an electronic device along an assembling plane. The containing shell has a first containing portion and a second containing portion, which are disposed abreast with each other and form an angle with the assembling plane. The first battery set is disposed in the first containing portion, and the second battery set is disposed in the second containing portion.
US08142922B2
An electrode group 4 having a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate arranged with a porous insulating layer interposed therebetween and end portions of the positive and negative electrode plates protruding from the porous insulating layer is prepared, and current collector plates 10 and 11 each of which is provided with a projection 12 having a gap 12a formed therein is prepared. With the end portion 2a of the electrode plate protruding from the porous insulating layer 3 kept in contact with a principle surface of the current collector plates 10 and 11, the projection 12 is locally heated to join the end portion 2a of the electrode plate and the current collector plates 10 and 11. the end portion 2a of the electrode plate is welded to the current collector plates 10 and 11 with a fused material obtained by fusing the projection 12.
US08142920B2
The present invention relates to a flexible ceramic membranes which, depending on embodiment, are useful as separators for batteries, especially lithium batteries and also as a process for their production. Ceramic or hybridic membranes have the advantage that, whatever the level of flexibility already achieved, they tend to crumble of the ceramic coating on bending. this is prevented by the present membranes, which comprise, on and in a polymeric nonwoven, a solidified ceramic coating which is constructed from two fraction which metal oxide particles of different size and which adheres to the polymeric nonwoven through a network constructed by two different adhesion promoters.
US08142918B2
This disclosure relates to methods of making a cathode for a lithium battery. The batteries include: (a) treating a cathode current collector with flame or corona; (b) coating a slurry containing iron disulfide, a first solvent, and a binder onto the cathode current collector obtained from step (a) to form a coated cathode current collector, in which the slurry contains about 73-75% by weight solids and the binder contains a polymer selected from the group consisting of linear di- and tri-block copolymers, linear tri-block copolymers cross-linked with melamine resin, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers, tri-block fluorinated thermoplastics, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, fluoro-ethylene-vinyl ether copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic olefins, and polyvinylidene fluoride homopolymers; and (c) drying the coated cathode current collector obtained from step (b) to provide a cathode, in which the cathode contains no more than 0.5% by volume of the first solvent and is capable of being bent to 180°. This disclosure also relates to methods of making a lithium battery.
US08142904B2
The present invention relates to a copper-based sintered slide member comprising 0.5 to 20% by weight of tin, 0.1 to 35% by weight of manganese, 2 to 25% by weight of a solid lubricant and the balance essentially consisting of copper; and a multilayer copper-based sintered slide member comprising a copper-based alloy sintered layer and a metal backing plate which are formed into an integral multilayer structure, wherein the copper-based alloy sintered layer comprises 0.5 to 20% by weight of tin, 0.1 to 35% by weight of manganese, 2 to 25% by weight of a solid lubricant and the balance essentially consisting of copper. The above slide members are in the form of a lead-free copper-based sintered slide member. The copper-based sintered slide member can exhibit sliding characteristics similar to or higher than those of lead-containing copper-based sintered slide members and can be suitably used as an oil-containing sintered slide member, and can also be suitably used even under conditions in high-temperature ranges and/or under dry frictional conditions in which it may be difficult to use a lubrication oil, and a multilayer sintered slide member capable of exhibiting excellent sliding characteristics even under high-load conditions.
US08142897B2
The invention relates to an aqueous, chromium-free and curable corrosion protection agent for the first coating of metal surfaces, said agent containing at least one organic polymer or copolymer of at least partially acylated vinyl amines, for improving the properties of adhesion of the cured first coating to the metallic surface and to further organic coatings. The invention also relates to a method for producing a first coating comprising the agent according to the invention, and for applying further organic coatings, in particular those based on polyurethane resins and/or based on isocyanates and diols or polyols, and to a metal strip produced in this way or a metal sheet cut off same, which can optionally be shaped.
US08142896B2
The invention relates to an optical article, for example, an ophthalmic lens, comprising at least one multilayer anti-reflective coating on a transparent substrate made from organic or mineral glass. Said coating comprises successively and starting at the substrate, a layer of material with high refractive index (HI), made from a hybrid organic/inorganic matrix within which are dispersed particles of mineral oxide or chalcogenide with a diameter of 2 to 50 nm and a layer of material with low refractive index (BI), obtained by hardening of a composition comprising at least one silane precursor (I) with 4 hydrolysable groups and at least one fluorosilane precursor (II), said second composition comprising at least 10% in mass of fluorine in a theoretical dry extract and with a molar ratio I/I+II greater than 80%.
US08142894B2
A laminated glass (10) has a structure in which seven sheet glasses (20) and six PVB resin layers (30) are laminated alternately. A laminated region from a transparent surface (10a) on one side to 4.0 mm comprises two 0.7 mm-thick glass layers formed of two sheet glasses (20), one 0.8 mm-thick glass layer formed of the portion (20c) of one 1.5 mm-thick sheet glass (20) positioned in the laminated region, and two adhesion layers (30) with thicknesses of 1.3 mm and 0.5 mm. Each of the adhesion layers is interposed between the glass layers and is adhered to the glass layers. The laminated region with a depth of 4.0 mm from a transparent surface (10b) on the other side also has the same laminated structure as that in the above laminated region.
US08142892B2
Bio-functionalized magnetic particles have a non-magnetic material matrix which supports core/shell magnetic elements composed from a ferromagnetic core material and a shell material. The shell material can be chosen either among an antiferromagnetic material, a ferromagnetic material of a kind different from the core ferromagnetic material or a metal material. By a proper choice of materials and dimension tuning of both the core and the shell as well as the amount and the concentration of the magnetic elements within the non-magnetic matrix, the bio-functionalized magnetic particles is tailored to exhibit an enhanced magnetic energy. When subjected to an alternating magnetic field, the magnetic particles exhibit specific rotational dynamics in correspondence with the amplitude and the frequency of the applied magnetic filed. Aggregation structures of the magnetic particles are controlled and manipulated by the alternating magnetic field. The magnetic particles are functionalized by specific ligands for the probing and manipulating of biomolecules and chemical substances.
US08142891B2
Abrasive particles comprising dish-shaped abrasive particles each having a sidewall; each of the shaped abrasive particles comprising alpha alumina and having a first face and a second face separated by a thickness, t; and wherein either the first face or the second face is recessed or concave.
US08142876B2
A nonwoven web having printed thereon a colorant and/or a composition providing a skin health benefit. The nonwoven web can be a three-dimensional, fluid pervious, polymeric web. The nonwoven web can comprise apertures. The apertures are defined in a first surface of the nonwoven web in a first plane of the nonwoven web, and extend in sidewall portions to a second surface in a second plane of the nonwoven web. A colorant or lotion composition can be deposited on at least a portion of the second surface of the nonwoven web.
US08142871B2
The present invention deals with coated pipes having a layer of multimodal polyethylene. The multimodal ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene with one or more alpha-olefin comonomers having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms and has a weight average molecular weight of from 70000 g/mol to 250000 g/mol and a melt index MFR2 of from 0.05 g/10 min to 5 g/10 min, a melt index MFR5 of from 0.5 to 10 g/10 min and a density of from 945 kg/m3 to 958 kg/m3. The coatings have a high stiffness, good properties at elevated temperatures and acceptable stress-cracking properties.
US08142869B2
The present invention provides a coated base fabric for airbags including: a cloth obtained by weaving polyamide (PA) fiber yarns; and a PA elastomer coating film formed on one surface or both surfaces of the cloth, wherein the coated base fabric has predetermined air tightness and flexibility, is easily converted to a PA reproduced material, and is obtained by fusing a coating film (16) made of an airflow suppression PA elastomer on one surface or both surfaces of a cloth (14) obtained by weaving yarns (12) and (12A) made of a polyamide (PA) fiber, as the PA elastomer, soft PA is normally used, which has a melting point (measured by the standard of ASTM D3418) of 135 to 200° C., a difference between the melting points of the PA fiber and PA elastomer being 80 to 120° C.
US08142867B2
A biaxially stretch blow-molded container having a layer of a trimethylene naphthalate type polyester resin, wherein the layer of the trimethylene naphthalate type polyester resin in at least the container body portion satisfies either one or both of: (i) a Tc1 calorific value is not larger than 10 J/g in the DSC measurement; and (ii) tan δ maximum temperature≧90° C. and tan δ maximum value≦0.4 in the dynamic viscoelasticity measurement, the biaxially stretch blow-molded container effectively exhibiting excellent gas-barrier property possessed by the trimethylene naphthalate type polyester resin.
US08142865B2
Disclosed is a recording medium with a lenticular lens for ink jet recording. The recording medium includes: a lenticular lens layer having a convex part surface, on which a plurality of semicylindrical or arcuate and elongated convexes are arranged in parallel, and a backside surface; and an ink absorptive layer provided on the backside surface of the lenticular lens layer. In the recording medium, an ink permeable layer for avoiding the stay of ink droplets on a recorded face after printing, or an adhesive layer for rendering the recording medium easily fixable to a wall, a mount and the like, or a temporarily applicable part is further provided.
US08142863B2
In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an optically anisotropic compensation panel with spectrally controllable dispersion of refractive indices. The compensation panel comprises at least one optically anisotropic layer based on an ordered guest-host system. The guest-host system comprises an anisotropic host matrix including an organic compound transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range, and guest component having guest particles. In another aspect the present invention provides a method of producing an optically anisotropic compensation panel disclosed. And in yet another embodiment the present invention provides a liquid crystal display with the compensation panel disclosed.
US08142861B2
The method of carbo-nitriding alumina surfaces is a process for applying a carbo-nitride coating to an alumina or alumina-based composite surface. The method involves the step of applying a phenolic resin to the alumina surface in a thin, uniform film. The resin-coated alumina surface is maintained in a controlled chamber at about 8 bar pressure at a temperature of about 175° C. for about 2 hours. The surface is then heated at about 400° C. for several hours in an argon atmosphere. This converts the phenolic resin to carbon. The carbon coated alumina surface is then scanned by a laser beam while applying nitrogen under pressure. The end result is the conversion of the alumina at the surface to aluminum carbo-nitride, the oxygen being released in the form of carbon dioxide.
US08142859B2
A method of applying a cement mixture to an exposed matrix of intersecting walls of a honeycomb body is disclosed. The method may include the steps of providing an applicator, feeding the cement mixture into applicator, forcing the cement mixture to exit the applicator with a substantially uniform velocity, while depositing the cement mixture on the exposed matrix of the honeycomb body.
US08142843B2
Aerogel particles having a mean particle size less than 1 micron, products containing the same, processes of making the same, and uses thereof are described. A process of making the particle is also described wherein starting aerogel particles are homogenized or wet milled. The starting aerogel particles can be surface treated during the milling process to prevent agglomeration or aggregation. The aerogel particles can be used in a variety of products and applications.
US08142840B2
An adhesion promotion process and composition for enhancing adhesion between a copper conducting layer and a dielectric material during manufacture of a printed circuit board. The composition contains a corrosion inhibitor, an inorganic acid, and an alcohol which is effective to increase copper-loading in the composition.
US08142833B2
The present invention is related to clear crosslinkable polymeric masses for the registration of fingerprints, allowing to obtain positive reproductions of fingerprints by taking a photograph through a clear cured layer obtained from said polymeric masses.
US08142831B2
A stabilized emulsion is mixed with plasticizable matrix material to produce shelf stable, controlled release, discrete, solid particles or pellets which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component, such as a readily oxidizable component, such as omega-3 fatty acids. An oil encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, dissolved and/or dispersed in an oil is admixed with an aqueous component and a film-forming component, such as a protein, to form an emulsion. The emulsion is admixed with a matrix material for obtaining a formable mixture or dough. An acidic antioxidant for prevention of oxidation of the active, sensitive encapsulant, and a plasticizer which solubilizes the acidic antioxidant are included in the matrix material which encapsulates film-coated oil droplets containing the readily oxidizable component. The plasticizer, such as glycerol, provides mobility for the acidic antioxidant within the matrix material of the pellets for reaction with any ambient oxygen and malodorous amines.
US08142816B2
The present invention relates to methods of increasing the selenium content in beef by feeding special enriched diets, methods of improving human immune function, such as providing anticancer benefits. The present invention further provides methods for improving the quality of beef meat through a special enhanced diet, wherein organic selenium, copper, zinc and manganese replace all inorganic and metallic forms.
US08142815B2
The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, swellable, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres microspheres and a biocompatible carrier for use in dermal augmentation. The present invention further relates to methods of dermal augmentation, particularly for the treatment of skin contour deficiencies, using the injectable compositions.
US08142812B2
A formulation, especially a pharmaceutical formulation, comprises an active agent and a carrier for the active agent, wherein the carrier comprises a beta-limit dextrin. The formulation may be a bioadhesive pharmaceutical formulation in which the beta-limit dextrin acts as a mucoadhesive agent. The active agent is a pharmaceutically active agent or a flavour or fragrance which is intended for delivery into the buccal cavity. A use of beta-limit dextrin as a disintegrant, a dispersant, and a mucoadhesive agent is also described. Also described is a nutritional product such as an energy drink which includes beta-limit dextrin as an energy source.
US08142810B2
The invention provides a method for treating abnormal glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in an animal by feeding a diet comprising high protein and moderate amounts of carbohydrate and fat. The invention also provides a method for treating conditions associated with insulin resistance or decreased longevity by feeding an animal such diets.
US08142806B2
The presently-disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for treating a cancer by providing a composition comprising a biocompatible polymeric matrix incorporating an effective amount of a phytochemical agent, a combination of phytochemical agents, or a phytochemical agent and a chemotherapeutic agent. Further, provided is a device for uterine cervical insertion for local delivery.
US08142800B1
A practical high potency anti-craving oral medication or combined oral/IV drip medication is disclosed which comprises three components: a group of amino-acid substances, a group of vitamin substances, and a group of minerals, wherein each substance is selected for maximum efficacy in the body of an individual suffering from substance abuse disorder as opposed to the body of a healthy individual. The ingredients of the invention are selected to cooperate in easing metabolization in the bodies of individuals suffering the various medical conditions associated with substance abuse. The ingredients are provided orally to ease administration and to provide convenient use by patients: the oral medication may be a maintenance dosage or a corrective dosage.
US08142790B2
The present invention provides novel methods for targeting an antigen to a dendritic cell using an antibody linked to the antigen. The present invention further provides methods of inducing or enhancing an immune response and methods of immunization using an antibody linked to the antigen.
US08142781B2
The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of agents across the blood brain barrier while allowing their activity once across the barrier to remain substantially intact. The agents are transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems. In some embodiments the agents are therapeutic, diagnostic, or research agents.
US08142778B2
The present invention provides method of treatment using human sequence antibodies against human CTLA-4 linked to a cytotoxic agent. In particular, methods of treating cancer and autoimmune disease are provided.
US08142776B2
The present application concerns concentrated protein formulations with reduced viscosity, which are particularly suitable for subcutaneous administration. The application further concerns a method for reducing the viscosity of concentrated protein formulations.
US08142774B2
Methods of modifying stem cells and compositions of modified stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells, using electric or electromagnetic fields. In various embodiments, the present invention's methods are for the treatment of a human or other mammal subject in need thereof, comprising providing an in vitro culture comprising mesenchymal stem cells, administering an electric stimulation to the in vitro culture, and implanting the mesenchymal stem cells into the subject. Methods also include treatment of a human or other mammal subject, comprising implanting mesenchymal stem cells into the subject, and administering an electric stimulation to the mesenchymal stem cells in situ. Other embodiments include methods of administering electric stimulation in conjunction with growth factors to stem cells.
US08142769B2
The invention relates to developments in the treatment of diabetes in mammals. Particularly it relates to a method of preparing a xenotransplantable porcine islet preparation capable upon xenotransplantation of producing porcine insulin in an appropriate recipient mammal, the method including or comprising the steps of: (I) harvesting the pancreas of piglets at or near full term gestation, and (ii) extracting pancreatic β islet cells from the harvested pancreas wherein the islets (at least at some stage in the performance of the method) are exposed to nicotinamide. Further, the invention relates to a method of encapsulation of a xenotransplantable porcine islet preparation, and transplantation of such a preparation, or a capsule containing such a preparation, into an appropriate recipient mammal.
US08142768B2
The invention relates to a cosmetic preparation containing a crosslinked (meth) acrylic acid ester resin powder having a compression strength of 0.7 to 10 kgf/mm2. The invention also relates to a cosmetic preparation, for example, in the form of a cosmetic sheet, powder spray cosmetic, gel cosmetic, two phase separable cosmetic, emulsion cosmetic or the like.
US08142767B2
The hair cosmetic composition contains a solvent-containing silicone emulsion (A) which is prepared by emulsifying a mixture of high-molecular-weight polyorganosiloxane (a) obtained by emulsion polymerization and a volatile solvent (b), a surfactant (B) and water (C). The component solvent-containing silicone emulsion (A) is contained at a ratio of 0.1-10 wt % as a total amount of the high-molecular-weight polyorganosiloxane (a) and the volatile solvent (b). And, the component surfactant (B) is contained at a ratio of 0.05-40 wt %. Hair is provided with outstanding smoothness and softness, and particularly good finger combing when rinsing the hair.
US08142764B2
The present invention provides streptococcal SspB Adherence Region (BAR) peptides consisting of Formula I: R18-R1- R2-Val-R3-R4-Leu-Leu-R5-R6-R7-Ile-R8-R9-Lys-R10-R19 , wherein R2, is 1-3 Lys residues; R3 is any amino acid residue except a Pro residue; R4 is any amino acid residue except a Pro residue; R5 is 1-3 Lys residues; R6 is 1-10 amino acid residues; R7 is any amino acid residue except Asp, Glu, Gly or Pro; R8 is any amino acid residue except Ala, Asp, Gly, His, Ile, Pro, Trp or Tyr; R9 is a Val, Ile, Phe, or Trp residue; R10 is 0-1 Cys residue; R18 is 0 amino acids or R12-R11-Pro-, wherein R11 is 0-3 amino acids, wherein the amino acid residues are not Gly or Pro; and R12 is 0-1 Cys residues; and R19 is R13-R14-R15-R16-R17, wherein R13 is 0-1 is Gly residue; R14 is 0-1 Ala residue; R15 is 0-1 Phe residue; R16 is 0-1 Gln residue; R17 is 0-1 Cys residue; and wherein R1 is an ornithine residue; or wherein both R1 and R10 are both Cys and R1 and R10 are covalently linked to form a circular peptide; or wherein R1 is 0-1 Cys or an ornithine residue and R12 and R17, are both Cys and R12 and R17 are covalently linked to form a circular peptide. Embodiments of the present invention further provide devices coated with the BAR peptides.
US08142760B2
The present invention include a method of protecting an animal against Lawsonia intracellularis infections, the method including administering a dose of live virulent L. intracellularis to the animal, allowing a subclinical L. intracellularis infection to develop in the animal, and administering one or more antibiotics to the animal, wherein the one or more antibiotic is administered in a dose sufficient to abbreviate the subclinical L. intracellularis infection.
US08142748B2
Disclosed is a composition useful in the hydrolysis of sulfur compounds that are contained in a gas stream. The composition comprises alumina, a group VI metal component and a group VIII metal component. The composition has a pore structure such that a large percentage of its total pore volume is contained within the pores having a pore diameter greater than 10,000 angstroms.
US08142742B2
Disclosed is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger type reactor that can be used for a process of producing unsaturated acids from olefins via fixed-bed catalytic partial oxidation, which comprises at least one reaction tube, each including at least one first-step catalyst layer, in which olefins are oxidized by a first-step catalyst to mainly produce unsaturated aldehydes, and at least two second-step catalyst layers, in which the unsaturated aldehydes are oxidized by a second-step catalyst to produce unsaturated acids, wherein a first catalyst layer of the second-step catalyst layers, disposed right adjacent to the first-step catalyst layer, has an activity corresponding to 5˜30% of the activity of the catalyst layer having a highest activity among the second-step catalyst layers. A method of producing unsaturated acids from olefins by using the reactor is also disclosed.
US08142739B2
An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.
US08142736B2
A reaction bottle which includes a container, container top, container interior a bottle cap removeably attachable to the container top, the bottle cap having a cap top and a cap cavity; a septa attached to the bottle cap and configured to releasably seal the container when the bottle cap is attached to the container top; a needle holder attached to the cap top; a hollow needle attached to the needle holder and located in the cap cavity; a needle conduit in fluid communication with the hollow needle; wherein the septa is configured to deform from an at rest state into a punctured state when pressure within the container interior reaches a first threshold value and the septa deforms into the cavity and is punctured by the hollow needle.
US08142730B2
A two-stage granular moving-bed filter includes a gas inlet part, a gas outlet part, and a plurality of flow-corrective elements. The gas outlet part is disposed opposite to the gas inlet part, and the plurality of flow-corrective elements is disposed in a channel formed between the gas inlet part and gas outlet part. Meanwhile, a first granular material is provided to flow through a channel formed between the gas inlet part and the flow-corrective element in a state of mass flow, and a second granular material is provided to flow through a channel formed between the flow-corrective element and the gas outlet part. By means of having two different kinds of filter media moving through the channels between the gas inlet and outlet part, it is capable of performing two-stage filtering process after the raw gas flows therethrough, so as to improve the filtering effect of the gas.
US08142726B2
The present invention is directed to a chemical oxygen generator to produce cool oxygen gas comprising: a. a charge housing, b. a solid but porous charge contained in the said housing, the charge being made of a chemical mixture that generates oxygen upon decomposition and that will undergo a self-sustained exothermal decomposition after initiation, the said charge containing at most 3.0 wt. % of binder material, the said porous charge allows the generated oxygen to pass through the charge without damaging the virgin material and without creating volumetric burning, the said charge is mounted in the housing in such a way that the generated oxygen passes through the charge and under the pressure difference flows from the moving decomposition front towards the vent, c. an ignition device mounted at one end of the cartridge in such a way that it is capable to initiate a self-sustained decomposition of the charge at the charge surface adjacent to the initiator, d. one or more vents mounted in such a way that the generated oxygen that has passed through the generating porous charge leave the gas generator through the said vents.
US08142722B2
An apparatus for analyzing an aqueous solution, as may be implemented with a hand-held portable electronic device (10) and test element (16). A test pad (32) of the test element responsive in color to a characteristic of an aqueous solution is interrogated by the device by measuring intensity values of an interrogating test light as reflected off of the test pad. The test pad may be supported on an opaque and non-reflective substrate (28) that cooperates with an opaque edge portion (14E) of a test element placement member (14B) and associated side walls (14W) of the device to minimize the impingement of ambient light onto the test pad during interrogation.
US08142720B2
An article is provided for immobilizing functional organic biomolecules (e.g. proteins, DNA, and the like) through a covalent bond to a thiolate or disulfide monolayer to a metal surface wherein an extra activation step of the surface layer or an activation step of the functional biomolecules or bioreceptors could be avoided. The monolayer can contain, but is not limited to, two moieties. One has a group that resists nonspecific adsorption and another has a group that directly (without activation) reacts with functional groups on the biomolecules. In addition, poly(ethylene oxide) groups are incorporated in the monolayer surfaces to resist the nonspecific adsorption and to enhance the specific affinity interactions. A sensor device including these monolayers is also provided to perform reproducible, sensitive, specific and stable bioanalysis.
US08142719B2
A device is disclosed, being an analysis device for the study of biological or chemical samples by means of a reagent liquid supplied via a pipette. The device has an instrument housing with a base plate, a working plate arranged on the base plate horizontally to receive the samples in a sample holder having several wells, a robot manipulator arranged above the working plate, which carries a horizontal support arm with a slide. A needle system is fastened to the slide and can move in the Z direction, carrying 3 needles and being brought into vertical positions by a first vertical drive. The needle tips can be placed in an upper position above and in a lower position below a well. The middle needle can move vertically relative to the other two needles, which can be raised and lowered by a second vertical drive. The horizontal spacing of the three needles is so small that all three needles can be positioned with their tips inside the same wells. In particular, the working plate is mounted on the base plate so that it can turn.
US08142718B2
A disposable that is suitable for application in a device for heating a physiological fluid, in particular blood, comprising a conduit for conducting fluid, which conduit comprises conduit sections that are arranged next to each other and bends that connect the conduit section, wherein at least one of the bends comprises a first turbulence-inducing obstruction.
US08142714B2
The invention relates to the use of a cleaning agent that contains surfactants and has a pH value of at least 11 when diluted in an aqueous solution and ready for use. Said cleaning agent is used to destabilize prions during mechanical and manual cleaning and/or disinfection of medical and/or surgical instruments and appliances. It has been recognized that this combination enables a reliable destabilization of prions during the mechanical reconditioning of surgical instruments.
US08142710B2
The invention discloses a reduction apparatus having a main body made of silicon carbide-based material and collectively formed by a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side portion, wherein the bottom portion includes a slanted plane, and the main body has an inlet and a metallic vapor exit provided near the top portion and an outlet provided near the lowest end of the slanted bottom portion; an inlet closure connected with the inlet; an outlet closure connected with the outlet; and a metal collector or a condenser connected with the metallic vapor exit. The invention solved problems found in conventional reduction retorts, including: small capacity, low metal output, inconvenience in charging reactant material and discharging spent residue, and heavy workload for workers. The invention also shortened the time for reduction reaction, increased production efficiency and output of the reduction furnace, and reduced production cost. The invention can be used in production of metal such as magnesium, strontium, zinc, and beryllium by vacuum smelting reduction process.
US08142709B2
The invention provides a rapid and economical process for manufacturing a transparent, spinel based ceramic. A transparent body of sintered magnesium aluminate spinel having excellent optical and mechanical properties is provided in a single-stage thermal process.
US08142701B2
The invention relates to a method and a device according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10, and also to the use of a nanopatterned die, a disc with a defined nanopattern and a hard disk drive comprising a disc of this type. In order to propose a more rapidly operating device as well as a corresponding method in which the smallest-possible patterns can be applied to discs, and in order to provide discs, which are produced as cost-effectively as possible, for hard disk drives, said discs having smaller patterns and thus being able to be produced rapidly and cost-effectively, the invention proposes using microcontact printing (μCP) in the production of micropatterned and/or nanopatterned products/substrates of this type.
US08142692B2
A manufacturing method of an optical member includes forming an optical film which has a first glass transition temperature and includes a pattern formed on a surface of the optical film, and an optical plate which has a second glass transition temperature that is lower than the first glass transition temperature, disposing the optical film and the optical plate adjacent each other so that the pattern faces the optical plate, pressurizing the optical film and the optical plate while heating the optical plate to the second glass transition temperature or higher, and forming the optical member by the pressurizing and the heating.
US08142683B2
A liquid crystal polyester resin composition includes, based on 100 parts by mass of a liquid crystal polyester, 15 to 60 parts by mass of talc having a number average particle size of 10 to 50 μm, 25 to 50 parts by mass of a glass fiber having a number average fiber length of 100 to 200 μm and a number average fiber diameter of 4 to 8 μm, and 2 to 10 parts by mass of carbon black, wherein a melt viscosity as determined at a shear rate of 100 sec−1 at 370° C. is 10 to 100 Pa·S and a deflection temperature under load is 220° C. or more. The liquid crystal polyester resin composition is used to provide a liquid crystal polyester resin composition for a camera module, having good heat resistance, rigidity, strength, and moldability, and also an excellent surface exfoliation property in a well balanced manner and being capable of being surface mounted (SMT).
US08142680B2
The invention relates to compositions that can be used as refrigerants. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions having a very low contribution to the greenhouse effect, which can be used in the cooling and production of conditioned air. The GWP of the inventive compositions is preferably at most equal to 150.
US08142673B2
An improved composition and method for cleaning the surface of a semiconductor wafer are provided. The composition can be used to selectively remove a low-k dielectric material such as silicon dioxide, a photoresist layer overlying a low-k dielectric layer, or both layers from the surface of a wafer. The composition is formulated according to the invention to provide a desired removal rate of the low-k dielectric and/or photoresist from the surface of the wafer. By varying the fluorine ion component, and the amounts of the fluorine ion component and acid, component, and controlling the pH, a composition can be formulated in order to achieve a desired low-k dielectric removal rate that ranges from slow and controlled at about 50 to about 1000 angstroms per minute, to a relatively rapid removal of low-k dielectric material at greater than about 1000 angstroms per minute. The composition can also be formulated to selectively remove a photoresist layer, leaving the underlying low-k dielectric layer essentially intact.
US08142659B2
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.
US08142657B2
An improved method of fabricating a spiral wound module seals a juncture between each scroll face, preferably a smooth, trimmed scroll face, and a central permeate tube. The tube is generally perpendicular to the scroll face. Modules produced using the improved method have fewer insertion point leaks than those produced without using the improved method.
US08142638B2
A swage mount that includes a flange, having a first side and a second side, and a cylindrically shaped hub. The hub is primarily comprised of a metal (such as stainless steel), and extends from the second side of the flange, and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The surface of the swage mount is plated with one or more layers of metal, or a combination of metals, which provide a) increased retention torque, and b) increased part cleanliness. This invention may be used in conjunction with surface hardened swage mounts that contain surface protrusions. In this case the metal plating prevents separation of the protrusions from the swage mount, thereby preventing contamination.
US08142635B2
A capillary array includes a light detection portion, a sample supply portion, a buffer solution supply portion and a voltage application portion which are necessary functions for electrophoresis, thereby, when assembling the capillary array into an electrophoresis apparatus, the same can be immediately used. Accordingly, a capillary array is provided which can be easily incorporated into an electrophoresis apparatus.
US08142623B2
It is a task of the present invention to provide an electrolytic apparatus for producing fluorine or nitrogen trifluoride by electrolyzing a hydrogen fluoride-containing molten salt, the electrolytic apparatus being advantageous in that the electrolysis can be performed without the occurrence of the anode effect even at a high current density and without the occurrence of an anodic dissolution. In the present invention, this task has been accomplished by an electrolytic apparatus for producing fluorine or nitrogen trifluoride by electrolyzing a hydrogen fluoride-containing molten salt at an applied current density of from 1 to 1,000 A/dm2, the electrolytic apparatus using a conductive diamond-coated electrode as an anode.
US08142621B2
A coated cemented carbide insert is particularly useful for milling of cast iron, methods for making the insert, and methods of their use are disclosed. The insert is formed by a composition of the substrate of about 5-7 wt % Co, about 0.05-20 wt % total amount of the metals selected from the group consisting of Ti, Nb, Ta and combination thereof, and balance WC with a coercivity (Hc) of 1 about 4-19 kA/m and an S-value of about 0.81-0.96. The coating includes a homogeneous layer of (TixAl1-x)N, where x is between about 0.25 and abut 0.50 with a crystal structure of NaCl type and a total thickness of between about 1.0 and about 5.0 μm as measured on the middle of the flank face.
US08142613B2
The invention relates to a method for the production of a web of tissue paper, comprising the steps of: depositing a layer of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers on at least one forming fabric; reducing the water content of said layer until the weight percentage of fiber in said layer is brought up to a first value; wet-embossing said layer in a nip between a pair of embossing rollers; and drying said layer to form a web of tissue paper.
US08142612B2
A method of making a cellulosic web having an elevated absorbency. The method includes (a) forming a nascent web having an apparently random distribution of fiber orientation from a papermaking furnish, (b) non-compactively drying the nascent web to a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent, (c) thereafter, transferring the web to a translating transfer surface that is moving at a first speed, and (d) fabric-creping the web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric. The creping step occurs under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric, wherein the fabric is traveling at a second speed that is slower than the speed of the transfer surface. The fabric pattern, nip parameters, velocity delta and web consistency are selected such that the web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric. The method further includes (e) retaining the wet web in the creping fabric, and (f) drying the wet web while it is held in the creping fabric to a consistency of at least about 90 percent. The web has an absorbency of at least about 5 g/g and a cross machine direction (CD) stretch of at least 4 percent.
US08142600B2
A pneumatic tire includes a tire body having a crown portion and a pair of sidewalls. At least one reinforcing belt is disposed in the crown portion of the tire. A tag is carried by the reinforcing belt. In one embodiment, the tag is disposed in the location of one of the reinforcing cords that is disposed in the reinforcing belt. In another embodiment, the tag is disposed at the splice of the reinforcing belt. An alternative version of the tire has the tag carried in a depression formed in the outer surface of the tire sidewall. The tag may be encapsulated with an encapsulation material that is also disposed in the depression.
US08142588B2
Means and methods for applying a tape layer from a roll to the outer periphery of a spiral wound module. In preferred embodiments the length of the tape coincides with the length of the module.
US08142575B2
[PROBLEMS] To provide an aluminum alloy fin material for a heat exchanger, which has high strength and high heat conductivity after brazing, and is excellent in the resistance to sagging, erosion and self-corrosion and the in the sacrificial anode effect.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A method for producing an aluminum alloy fin material for a heat exchanger which comprises providing a molten aluminum alloy having a chemical composition, in wt %, that Si: 0.5 to 1.5%, Fe: 0.15 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.8 to 3.0%, Zn: 0.5 to 2.5%, with the proviso that the content of Mg as an impurity is limited to 0.05 wt % or less, and the balance: Al and inevitable impurities, casting the molten alloy continuously into a thin slab having a thickness of 5 to 10 mm by the use of a twin belt casting machine, winding up the slab into a roll, cold-rolling the slab into a sheet having a thickness of 0.05 to 2.0 mm, subjecting the sheet to an inter annealing at 350 to 500° C., and cold-rolling the annealed sheet with a cold reduction rate of 10 to 96%, to prepare a sheet having a final thickness of 40 to 200 μm, and optionally subjecting the final sheet to a final annealing (a softening process) at a holding temperature of 300 to 400° C.
US08142569B2
A method and an apparatus of the present invention is used for the high-rate deposition of materials, such as carbon, silicon, metals, metal oxides, and the like, onto a metal substrate defined by a metal tape. The particles of the material are mixed with fluid and are injected against the metal tape at high pressure and high velocity. The particles of the material form a current collection surface of the metal tape. The metal tape is used as cathode or anode combined with a separator to form a fuel cell of a secondary battery, metal-ceramic membranes, film composite metal-ceramic materials for electronic devices.
US08142568B2
An apparatus for synthesizing a single-wall carbon nanotube array, includes a reactor, a local heating device, a gaseous carbon supplier, and a reactant gas supplier. The reactor includes a reaction zone receiving a catalyst. The local heating device is configured for focusing heat at reaction zone and/or the catalyst. The gaseous carbon supplier is configured for introducing gaseous carbon into the reactor from an upstream position of the reaction zone. The reactant gas supplier is configured for introducing a reactant gas containing a carbon source gas into the reactor.
US08142560B2
An ink set including two or more kinds of ink compositions including at least a black ink composition and a color ink composition, in which the black ink composition includes a self-dispersion type pigment having a hydrophilic group on the surface thereof, the color ink composition includes a self-dispersion type pigment having a hydrophilic group on the surface thereof with a phenyl group, and all the ink compositions include resin emulsion, is used in an ink jet recording method. Provision of an ink set for ink jet recording, which is capable of realizing a good image, in addition to high color developability, high ejection stability, high clogging recovering properties, and high fixability.
US08142559B2
A thermal ink jet ink composition includes one or more volatile organic solvents, one or more humectants, one or more binder resins, and one or more dyes. The one or more volatile organic solvents are selected from C1-C4 alcohols, C3-C6 ketones, and mixtures thereof. The humectants are present in an amount not more than 30% by weight of the ink jet ink composition.
US08142551B2
A filtration apparatus comprises a casing defining an inner cavity with an upper cylindrical portion and a lower hopper portion. An inlet feeds gas and solids into the inner cavity and causes movement of the solids in a downward spiral path in the casing. A solids outlet at a bottom of the lower hopper portion outlets the solids from the casing. A gas outlet exhausts gases from the casing. An annular arrangement of ports in a wall of the lower hopper portion of the casing injects an other gas in the inner cavity. The ports are oriented to guide the other gas into following a partially vertical path into the inner cavity to disrupt the movement of the solids in the downward spiral path to allow a capture of the solid particles by the capturing solids. A gas source is connected to the arrangement of ports.
US08142550B2
Method and apparatus for producing an oxygenated fluid. In accordance with various embodiments, a flow of pressurized fluid is established. A flow of oxygen is injected into the flow of pressurized fluid to provide a fluid/oxygen mixture. The mixture is passed through a venturi assembly in the presence of a magnetic field established by an adjacent magnetic assembly. The mixture is next flowed from the venturi assembly to a gas/liquid separation tank, where a liquid component of the mixture is passed downstream with a selected dissolved oxygen content and a gas component is directed back for injection into the pressurized fluid flow.
US08142541B2
A method for when preheating a ladle for use in steelmaking where less fuel is consumed in heating the ladle efficiently accurately to a controlled temperature. A temperature of a preheating process is varied by controlling a burner of the heating unit based on measurements of refractories of the ladle taken by a pyrometer. The heating unit includes an emissive coating for reducing heat loss and efficient heating during the preheating process. The heating unit also includes valve mechanisms for accurately varying a flame size of the burner of the heating unit during an idle stage of the preheating process.
US08142536B2
A filter unit includes at least one housing and at least one filter element designed for axial flow between its end faces that is inserted with at least a portion of its length into a tubular filter protection element and connected thereto and provided about its circumference with at least one endless sealing collar that is supported on the filter protection element and by clamping means is pressed against a sealing flange provided on the housing.
US08142530B2
This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.
US08142519B2
A monoazo pigment is represented by the general formula (1), a tautomer of the monoazo pigment, and a salt or a hydrate thereof: in which R1, P1, and Q1 each independently represents a hydrogen or a substituent, G represents the non-metallic atoms necessary to complete a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic group, W represents a substituent capable of binding to the heterocyclic group constituted by G, t represents an integer of from 0 to 5, Het-1 represents a group selected from the aromatic heterocyclic groups represented by the general formula (2) as recited in the claims and disclosure of the invention.
US08142517B2
A prosthesis for attachment to a residual limb. The prosthesis includes a liner into which the residual limb is insertable, a socket into which the liner is insertable, and a fibrous pile fastener arranged on the inner surface of the liner, the outer surface of the liner, and the inner wall of the socket. Fibers extend from the fibrous pile fastener on inner surface of the liner inclined toward a direction in which the residual limb is inserted into the liner. Fibers extend from the fibrous pile fastener on the outer surface of the liner inclined toward a direction reversed from a direction in which the liner is inserted into the socket. Further, fibers extend from the fibrous pile fastener on the inner wall of the socket toward the direction in which the liner is inserted into the socket.
US08142510B2
A mobile tibial assembly includes a tibial tray and a tibial insert. The tibial tray includes a track that is defined in an upper surface, and the track has a bottom wall that is flat in the medial-lateral direction and convex in the anterior-posterior direction. The tibial insert includes a bottom bearing surface configured to contact the upper surface of the tibial tray and a stem including a circular neck connected to the bottom bearing surface. The bottom bearing surface has a surface area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the circular neck. The convex upper surface of the tibial tray contacts the concave bottom bearing surface of the tibial insert and the tibial insert is freely rotatable about a central axis defined by the stem as the tibial insert is moved along the track relative to the tibial tray in the generally anterior-posterior direction.
US08142505B2
An intervertebral disc replacement has two members attached to vertebral body endplates of two adjacent vertebrae. The two members are formed with respective articulation surfaces which form at least part of an articulation arrangement. When loaded with compressive axial force, the articulation arrangement supports the vertebral contact surfaces against the compressive force to ensure a predefined minimum intervertebral spacing, and allows a range of turning motion in all directions. The articulation arrangement is formed to provide an increase in the intervertebral spacing as a smooth function of angular displacement from a neutral position over at least part of the range of motion in each direction for each direction of motion, thereby providing motion attenuation and restoring forces.
US08142499B2
Devices, systems, and methods for treating and/or determining appropriate prescriptions for one or both eyes of a patient are particularly well-suited for addressing presbyopia, often in combination with concurrent treatments of other vision defects. High-order spherical aberration may be imposed in one or both of a patient's eyes, often as a controlled amount of negative spherical aberration extending across a pupil. A desired presbyopia-mitigating quantity of high-order spherical aberration may be defined by one or more spherical Zernike coefficients, which may be combined with Zernike coefficients generated from a wavefront aberrometer. The resulting prescription can be imposed using refractive surgical techniques such as laser eye surgery, using intraocular lenses and other implanted structures, using contact lenses, using temporary or permanent corneal reshaping techniques, and/or the like.
US08142492B2
Prosthetic valves implantation methods and systems, especially as related to fitting a prosthetic valve at the site of a native stenotic or incompetent valve are described. The subject devices, systems and associated dock deployment and implant docking techniques may be employed in percutaneous valve replacement procedures.
US08142490B2
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for insertion into a vessel of a patient. The stent has a front and back open ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The stent has a plurality of adjacent hoops that are held in alignment with the longitudinal axis between the front and back open ends by a thin film tube. The hoops are attached to either the inner or outer surface of the thin film tube. The stent is compressed into a first smaller diameter for insertion into the vessel with a delivery tube and a second larger diameter for deployment into the vessel. The inventive stent can be retracted into the delivery tube if it is improperly deployed.
US08142486B2
A system for treatment of a wound area of a patient including a first treatment pad comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for cleaning and exposing a wound area to ultraviolet light, a second treatment pad comprising removal ports for exposing the wound area to a negative pressure, and a control unit interoperably connected to the first and second treatment pads for providing a negative pressure and the ultraviolet light to the wound area.
US08142476B2
An implant for stabilizing a bony segment includes a flexible body sized and shaped to extend intravertebrally between at least first and second bony portions. In use the body is attachable intravertebrally to each of the first and second bony portions to distract each of the first and second bony portions while allowing motion between each of the first and second bony portions.
US08142472B2
A low-cost disposable tourniquet cuff includes: a first sheet formed of flexible material that is impermeable to gas; a second sheet facing the first sheet and formed of flexible material impermeable to gas; a bladder seal joining the first sheet to the second sheet around a perimeter to form an inflatable bladder within the perimeter; port means communicating pneumatically with the bladder and releasably connectable to a tourniquet instrument; stiffener means contained within the inflatable bladder and formed of gas-impermeable material less flexible than the first sheet, wherein the stiffener means has a stiffener width dimension less than the bladder width dimension and is joined to the first sheet to form a non-inflatable portion of the first sheet; and securing means attached to the non-inflatable portion of the first sheet and adapted to allow a surgical user to releasably secure the cuff around the limb at the desired location so that the bladder overlaps upon itself.
US08142461B2
A surgical instrument that may include a housing, a transducer engaged with the housing which can produce vibrations, and an end-effector engaged with the transducer. The surgical instrument can further include an adjustable sheath extending from the housing where the sheath is movable relative to the distal tip of the end-effector and where the distance between the distal tip of the sheath and the distal tip of the end-effector can be set such that the sheath can act as a depth stop. The sheath can be adjusted such that, when the distal tip of the sheath contacts the tissue or bone being incised, the surgeon can determine that the appropriate depth of the incision has been reached. In other embodiments, the end-effector can be moved with respect to the sheath in order to adjust the distance between the distal tip of the end-effector and the distal tip of the sheath.
US08142460B2
Ultrasonic horns configured for use with a surgical ultrasonic handpiece including a resonator are described. The ultrasonic horns include an elongated member having a longitudinal internal channel extending therethrough. Disposed on the distal end of the elongated member is a tip lead configured for cutting and/or abrading hard tissue, for example bone. The tip lead includes an abrasive surface.
US08142454B2
A system for auto-anastomosing a region of the body using magnetic members that may be individually delivered to different locations in the body. The magnetic members have a polar alignment that generates an attractive force to compress tissue in the region between them. The tissue in the region necroses as a result of the compressive force such that tissue surrounding the necrosed tissue heals together to form an anastomosis. A cutting member may be coupled to either the first or second magnetic member to create a temporary opening in the tissue.
US08142452B2
Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system including a restriction device. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive, transient pressure control. The methods and devices can also, in some embodiments, mechanically regulate pressure of the restriction device without using any electrical components that may need to be powered to operate over extended periods of time.
US08142448B2
A tissue puncturing system used to suture tissues in a body cavity including: an endoscope; a flexible sheath having a distal portion provided with at least a side opening and a lumen, through which an endoscope may pass; at least one mechanism for puncturing tissue disposed in the flexible sheath, and having a pointed end, which is movable from a first position to a second position; and an operation mechanism for moving the mechanism for puncturing between the first and second positions.
US08142446B2
A toolkit for implanting an intracorporal lead, preferably a cardiac sensing/pacing lead. This toolkit includes a guide-catheter (10), having a sheath (12) with an internal lumen (42) opened at its distal and proximal ends, and cuttable along a generatrix in order to allow extracting of the guide-catheter after use. A hemostatic valve (14) is mounted at the proximal end (40) of the guide-catheter, for selectively filling, or not, the internal lumen of the guide-catheter at its input end. The valve is frangible in at least two parts, each dissociable from the guide-catheter at both sides around a median axial plane. The valve comprising a mobile element sliding on the guide-catheter between two extreme positions, with an opened position where the proximal end (40) of the guide-catheter (10) freely emerges out of the valve so as to allow access to said internal lumen, and a closed position where this proximal end of the guide-catheter is filled in a tight manner.
US08142437B2
A system for percutaneously fixing a connecting rod to vertebrae comprises first and second bone screws, each with a corresponding hollow bone screw extension mounted thereto, and a connecting rod of length sized for subcutaneous receipt in the yokes of the bone screws. A rod introducer is provided for inserting the connecting rod into slots of the screw extensions and into the yokes of the bone screws. A rod persuader may also be provided that is attachable to at least one of the screw extensions, the rod persuader being operable to engage the connecting rod and urge the rod into the slot of the yoke of the corresponding bone screws. A rod detector may also be provided for insertion one of the screw extensions, the rod detector having an indicator sensing the presence of a rod in the slot of the yoke of at least one of the bone screws.
US08142436B2
A retractor system and method for locating and placing a polyaxial screw while substantially simultaneously retracting tissue is shown and described. The retractor has a channel that facilitates introducing a rod into the polyaxial screw. Various embodiments are shown, including one which utilized a reducer for moving the rod in the retractor.
US08142428B2
A tissue ablation device comprises first and second electrodes of opposite polarities, the first electrode being mounted to a first elongated member for movement relative to the second electrode for separation therefrom by a desired distance. A method of ablating a tissue comprises inserting first and second electrodes to desired initial positions relative to a tissue mass to be ablated and applying electrical energy to the first and second electrodes to ablate a first portion of tissue between the first and second electrodes in combination with the step of applying electrical energy to desired second positions separated from the desired initial positions by a distance selected to transfer electrical energy around the first portion of tissue through a second portion of tissue to be ablated, the second portion of tissue surrounding the first portion of tissue.
US08142427B2
An invasive medical device for delivery radio frequency energy to a target tissue region includes an elongate delivery cannula having a lumen in communication with a distal opening. A deployment member is positioned and longitudinally movable in the lumen. An array of electrode elements are secured to a distal end of the deployment member, the deployment member being movable from a delivery position, in which the electrode elements are positioned within the lumen, to a deployed position, in which the electrode elements extend distally out of the cannula distal opening. A sealing member formed from a biocompatible material sufficiently rigid to penetrate solid body tissue partially extends from, and substantially seals, the distal cannula opening when the deployment member is in the delivery position. By way of examples, the sealing member may be carried on a distal end of the deployment member, or on a separately movable deployment member, or frictionally fit in the cannula distal opening.
US08142417B2
A clamp adapter for a catheter that has a clamp body that receives an elastomeric clamp bushing. In order to fix a catheter inserted into the clamp bushing, the clamp bushing is axially compressed by a clamp lid. For this purpose, the clamp lid is moved axially on the clamp body with a clamp lever by means of a slotted guide.
US08142416B2
A guide wire introducer with integrated wire steering function for treating bone. The guide wire employed with the introducer includes a bore material that is a psuedoelastic metal alloy, such as Nitinol. This introducer has a chamfered tip with the complement of the outer construction including a uniform narrow outer diameter enabling insertion into soft tissue and bone with a guide wire therein. The chamfered tip of the introducer incorporates as integrated slit that enables the steering function of the introducer. Additionally, the outer surface of the introducer incorporates a radiolucent notch for radial position reference.
US08142413B2
A coaxial guide catheter to be passed through guide catheter having a first lumen, for use with interventional cardiology devices that are insertable into a branch artery that branches off from a main artery. The coaxial guide catheter is extended through the lumen of the guide catheter and beyond the distal end of the guide catheter and inserted into the branch artery. The device assists in resisting axial and shear forces exerted by an interventional cardiology device passed through the second lumen and beyond the flexible distal tip portion that would otherwise tend to dislodge the guide catheter from the branch artery.
US08142406B2
An ostomy coupling including a body-side coupling member, an appliance-side coupling member including plural fastener lugs, and a bracing member. The lugs flex independently of each other to provide plural independent latching fastenings. The bracing member is moved between a bracing position in which the bracing member locks the lugs by resisting flexing movement, and a non-bracing or dismounted position in which the lugs are free to flex. The ostomy coupling is used with an ostomy pouch or with a controlled evacuation device.
US08142400B2
Fluid delivery apparatus includes a peristaltic pump having an upstream end for receiving a fluid from a fluid source and a downstream end for delivering the fluid to a fluid target. A single pressure sensor is configured to measure, in alternation, an input pressure of the pump at the upstream end and an output pressure of the pump at the downstream end.
US08142398B1
A dispensing device for dispensing pain management medicaments to a patient comprising first and second threadably interconnectable sub-assemblies. The first of these sub-assemblies houses a novel collapsible fluid reservoir defining component while the second comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the collapsible reservoir defining component toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways.
US08142392B2
A milk pump for pumping milk from a woman's breast, includes a receptacle for receiving milk pumped from the woman's breast and a manual pumping unit. The pumping unit includes a displacement space surrounded by a wall that defines a longitudinal axis and having a predetermined cross-sectional dimension. This displacement space is or may be connected to a breast hood. The pump unit includes a suction member which is displaceable within displacement space substantially along its longitudinal axis. The suction member is formed as a generally cup-shaped membrane so that a first portion of said cup-shaped membrane extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of said displacement space, whereas a second portion extends substantially in circumferential direction. The membrane is able to move substantially free of friction relative to a wall of the displacement space.
US08142388B2
This apparatus is a device for removal of cataracts from the eyes of patient. The apparatus includes a hand piece, with an irrigation water line, a vacuum line and a power line provided therein, are all connected with the hand piece. Within the hand piece the vacuum line is attached to a tube, identified as the horn, concentric with the outer shell of the hand piece. Through a hooks and slider joint, bayonet type or threaded joint in the front end, the horn connects with a surgical needle. At the front end of the irrigation tube it discharges water into a chamber, which irrigation water passes between the needle and an outer sleeve and into the anterior chamber of the eye. Ultrasonic waves transmitted to the horn are conveyed to the tip of the needle where the axial vibrations of the tip may be used to comminute cataract material.
US08142383B2
A fluid distribution module (1) for causing and monitoring the circulation of fluids from and to a patient through an extracorporeal blood treatment device, comprises a degassing device (11) connected to a connecting structure (10). The degassing device (11) comprises a first chamber (12) having a lower inlet (13) for a liquid and a second chamber (14) having an upper opening (79) closed by a hydrophobic membrane (78) and an outlet (15) for discharging the liquid. The connecting structure (10) has at least a first and a second conduits (20, 21) defined therein, wherein the first conduit (20) comprises a first end for connection to a discharge tube (7) from the treatment device and a second end connected to the inlet (13) of the first chamber (12) of the degassing device (11), and the second conduit (21) comprises a first end connected to the outlet (15) of the second chamber (14) of the degassing device (11) and a second end for connection to a blood return tube (6) to a patient.
US08142381B1
A foot brace assembly for immobilizing a user's foot while providing some degree of flexibility through independent shock absorbers that avoid drastic application of loads to the user's foot. A top shoe assembly is coupled through spring members to a bottom shoe assembly that has slightly larger dimensions to receive the top shoe assembly. The underside of the bottom shoe assembly includes rear, middle, and front assemblies that are independent from each other and are compressed depending on the user's gait. The underside of the shoe assembly includes perpendicularly mounted upper tubular members that telescopically receive and guide corresponding lower tubular members that are perpendicularly mounted to the upperside of the sole assembly. The lower tubular members are mounted to depressed walls below the sole assembly's upperside to reduce the effective separation of the shoe and sole assemblies while providing a sufficient guiding distance. Adjustable extension bracing members with corresponding straps are used to secure the foot brace assembly to a user's cast and leg.
US08142367B2
A deflectable stylet system optimized for use in conjunction with a lead of the type having a fixation helix that is screwed into body tissue by rotation of the lead's connector pin is disclosed. The system includes an attachment that is rotatable and longitudinally slidable with respect to the handle of a deflectable stylet. A lead coupled to the attachment may be moved longitudinally with respect to a stylet to account for slight variances in the lead length. In one embodiment, the attachment couples to the lead via a pushbutton mechanism that can be locked to the lead using one hand. The attachment may be rotated to thereby rotate the lead connector. This allows for retraction and extension of a retractable fixation helix, and for further attachment or detachment of a fixation helix to adjacent tissue. In one embodiment, the attachment may be longitudinally rigidly positioned in predetermined locations with respect to the handle. According to another aspect of the system, a deflection device is coupled to the handle to facilitate deflection of the stylet. In one embodiment, this deflection device may be rotatably and/or slidably activated to accomplish the stylet deflection. The system allows a user to adjust lead length with respect to the stylet length, and to further perform stylet deflection and lead rotation all with one hand.
US08142366B2
For an assembly for receiving body fluids comprising a sampling element (10) that has a collecting area (12) for collecting body fluid obtained by a puncture, it is proposed that the collecting area is formed by a longitudinal slot (12) which is elongated as a capillary that is open on both sides via side openings (28, 30) on the sampling element (10).
US08142360B2
An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.
US08142356B2
Devices and methods for moving tissue and/or moving the devices relative to the tissue during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The devices and methods disclosed herein can be used in conventional, open surgical procedures, or in minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. In one aspect, the method can be used to provide an enlarged opening in the stomach wall for transgastric access.
US08142347B2
A snare device and methods of making and using the same. The snare device may include a sheath having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a shaft slidably disposed therein. A handle may be coupled to the shaft and disposed adjacent the proximal end region. The snare device may also include a swivel disposed adjacent the distal end region of the sheath and coupled to the shaft and to a snare loop.
US08142344B2
A fully implantable hearing aid system comprised of an implantable sound generator module and an implantable sound receiver module connected by an implantable electric cable. The system includes: a) a sound generator module configured for implantation in subcutaneous tissue to place an output electric/acoustic (E/A) transducer, e.g., a speaker, immediately adjacent to, or preferably, extending percutaneously into, a patient's outer ear canal; b) a sound receiver module configured for implantation proximate to a patient's pinna to place an input acoustic/electric (AJE) transducer, e.g., a microphone, so that it is acoustically isolated from the E/A transducer; and c) an electric cable configured for implantation in subcutaneous tissue for directly electrically connecting said sound receiver module and said sound generator module.
US08142342B2
A device for separating components of a composition according to density. The device includes a rotatable chamber and a plurality of buoys. The rotatable chamber has an axis of rotation. The plurality of buoys are positioned within the rotatable chamber and about the axis of rotation. The buoys are radially movable between an expanded position in which the buoys are at a first location relative to the axis of rotation and a contracted position in which the buoys are at a second location relative to the axis of rotation. The first location is further from the axis of rotation than the second location is. The buoys are movable in response to force generated during rotation of the rotatable chamber.
US08142339B2
Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.
US08142327B2
According to this method for controlling the coupling and the decoupling of the first and second motors of a parallel hybrid motive power group comprising a first motor driving an input shaft, a second motor, and a coupling/decoupling means motors, maneuverable between an open position and a closed position, the motive power group is controlled so that the rotational speed of the input shaft at the moment of coupling and of decoupling remains unchanged while using a law of control that creates a discontinuity between the torques output to the input shaft when the first and the second motors are decoupled or coupled, selected for compensating for the difference between the inertias produced by the input shaft when the first and the second motors are decoupled or coupled in order to ensure a continuity of the acceleration of the input shaft when coupling or decoupling.
US08142326B2
A multi-gear mechanism includes first and second gear sets, an output set, multiple first planet gears pivotably connected between the first and second gear sets, a first gear ring having internal teeth and external teeth, multiple second planet gears cooperated with the internal teeth of the first gear ring, a second gear ring having internal teeth and side teeth, an operation gear ring and a motor gear. The motor gear extends through two central holes of the first and second gear sets, and the first and second planet gears are engaged with the motor gear. The operation gear ring is connected with the second gear ring which drives the operation gear ring to move axially. The motor gear drives the output set at low speed, constant speed or high speed when the operation gear ring and the second gear ring are operated to engage with different gears.
US08142325B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08142324B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08142312B2
A bicycle component (e.g., a rear derailleur) is basically provided with a base member and an axle. The axle includes a base supporting part supporting the base member for pivoting about a center axis of the axle and a base attaching part projecting outwardly of the base member for fixedly attachment to a bicycle frame. The base supporting part and the base attaching part overlap to define a coupling interface in which either a fixing element is disposed between the coupling interface of the base supporting part and the base attaching part or one of the base supporting part and the base attaching part is deformed with an interference fit. The base supporting part is formed of a first material with a first specific gravity. The base attaching part is formed of a second material with a second specific gravity that is higher than the first specific gravity.
US08142310B2
The arrowhead assembly has a ferrule having a tip end and an arrow end. The arrow end is structured and arranged to couple to an arrow shaft. The ferrule has plural slots or grooves extending longitudinally. The grooves receive blades. Each blade has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is received into a nook on the ferrule, while the rear portion forms a corner that is received by a collar on the ferrule. Some of the blades have first and second cutting edges, wherein the second cutting edge is inserted into the groove while the first cutting edge is exposed for cutting. The blades are reversible in that the first cutting edge can be put into the groove while the second cutting edge is exposed. The grooves have an edge keeper to prevent the cutting edge from becoming dulled through contact through the ferrule. There are also disclosed lopper type blades which have cutting edges swept forward.
US08142308B2
The performance of a golf club is enhanced through the provision of a void space behind a face plate and above a sole portion, to decrease club weight and provide single, or combinations, of selectable weighting elements within volumetric coordinates of an orthonormal matrix about the void space and entire club. The weighted coordinates are provided in response to ball strike, flight analysis and physiologic observation of the golf strike swing. Ball backspin, trajectory, penetration hook or slice, and ballooning may be modified through the use of definable combinations of weighting strategies and sub-strategies.
US08142307B2
Embodiments of golf club attachment mechanisms and methods to attach golf clubs are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08142302B2
A system and method for shot tracking disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club and a receiver. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source, a switch and an accelerometer.
US08142299B1
A wrist guide for athletic training comprises a first wrist structure extending along a user's wrist, the first wrist structure having a first end and a second end, the first wrist structure having an inner surface and an outer surface, a curved element having a first end connected to the first wrist structure and a second end connected to a second wrist structure, the second wrist structure extending from the curved element above the first wrist structure, a visual aid receiver on an upper surface of the second wrist structure, the receiver having a first portion for receiving a visual aid and a second portion in communication with the first portion for movement of the visual aid, the visual aid positioned in the receiver and being positionable in at least one of a first orientation wherein the visual aid is substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the second wrist structure and a second orientation wherein the visual aid is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the second wrist brace structure.
US08142298B2
An interactive activity system is disclosed. One embodiment includes a generator configured to produce electrical power based on physical interaction with a human being, a storage component configured to store the electrical power, and at least one play-oriented application configured to utilize a portion of the electrical power for operation. In one embodiment, the interactive activity system is implemented in a traditional, non-electronic playground environment.
US08142282B2
A user interface screen is displayed on a gaming device that provides both a first selectable item that indicates the ability to download games to the gaming device and a second selectable item that indicates the ability to view games that are stored on at least one storage device in the gaming device. The user interface is associated with the gaming device instead of with an individual application.
US08142277B2
A game system receives special command input information input by the player when a moving object and a target have a predetermined positional relationship, and moves the moving object to a position at which bullets fired from the moving object can hit the target irrespective of movement input information when the game system has received the special command input information.
US08142276B1
A method and system of gaming. A game has three tiers including a primary game, bonus game and secondary bonus game. The primary game involves two player cards and a sum value thereof. The bonus game involves a combination of the two player cards and three bonus cards and a poker rank thereof. A secondary bonus game is triggered responsive to a rank, value and/or position associated with the player cards, bonus cards or combinations thereof. The secondary bonus game comprises a Magic Ball or Magic 7 Icons.
US08142272B2
The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels and/or random number generators. In one embodiment, a player may purchase an entry into a bonus round of a bonus game, without first having to qualify for the entry by obtaining a qualifying outcome of a base game. In one embodiment, a player may provide payment for an entry into one or more bonus rounds to establish an initial credit meter balance, wherein the initial credit meter balance is set to a number of credits based on the results of the one or more bonus rounds and not to an amount of credits corresponding to the payment provided by the player, wherein the player can pay for the entry without first having to qualify for the entry via a qualifying outcome of the base game.
US08142271B2
Electronic gaming system with real playing cards and multiple player displays for virtual card and betting images. In one implementation, the exemplary system allows real playing cards to be used in electronic gaming systems that provide multiple video displays for multiple live participants at a gaming table. The system can post virtual images of the cards in play on the participant displays and can also display virtual bets, e.g., wagering chips, on the same displays. The real playing cards provide the look, feel, and action of playing a card game while the electronic gaming system provides elements of automation, security, and virtual display of the cards and bets. By converting the identities of the cards in play into processor-usable information, the exemplary system can add entertaining graphics, automate tedious and costly aspects of double-checking card and chip movement and whereabouts, and provide confidence and security to those at the gaming table that the cards and chips are being digitally tracked for each participant to see and verify.
US08142270B2
A game system for executing a competition game in which a plurality of players compete. The game system comprises a competition score storing unit; a handicap information storing unit; a matching control unit; a rank deciding unit; a handicap selecting unit; a handicap deciding unit; and a handicap setting unit. The game system allows players of different levels to enjoy a game together.
US08142263B2
In a method of manufacturing a revolving whetstone comprising a central portion in which a whetstone center hole into which a whetstone driving shaft of a grinder is inserted is arranged and a disk-shaped whetstone body that has an effective whetstone circular portion arranged in the circumferential outside of the central portion as one body, the wall thickness of the central portion is formed thinner than the wall thickness of the effective whetstone circular portion, and a whetstone material for the thinned wall thickness of the central portion is put on the wall thickness surface of the effective whetstone circular portion, and the wall thickness of the effective whetstone circular portion is formed thicker than the wall thickness of the central portion.
US08142254B1
A vehicle having a chassis and motor. An electronic controller and receiver for receiving control signals from a remote control. A pair of ground-engaging front and rear wheels mounted to a front and rear portions of the chassis, and being freely rotatably mounted to the chassis. A ground-engaging center drive wheel operably coupled to the drive motor, the center drive wheel being mounted on a rotatable platform positioned on the chassis within a perimeter defined by the front and rear wheels, the rotatable platform rotating with respect to the chassis to allow the central drive wheel to steer the vehicle in different directions, the central drive wheel having a coefficient of friction higher than the front and rear wheels to aid in driving the vehicle in different direction.
US08142250B2
A method of forming a color filter touch sensing substrate integrates touch-sensing structures/elements of a touch panel into the inner side of the color filter substrate, which faces a thin film transistor substrate, and forms patterned assistant electrodes on the surfaces of the transparent sensing pads for decreasing the equivalent resistance of the touch-sensing structures/elements. Moreover, since an adjacent transparent conductive layer and an assistant electrode layer are patterned to form the transparent sensing pads and the patterned assistant electrodes, a simplified pattern-transferring process can be applied to the transparent sensing pads and the patterned assistant electrodes, or bridge structures can be formed from the assistant electrode layer for electrically connecting between some transparent sensing pads. Therefore, the forming process is simplified.
US08142248B2
Method of uprighting and locating a water sports board in the water and a directional float therefor
This invention relates to a novel method and a novel inflatable flotation device for the method which are used in association with water sports boards such as kite boards, surfboards and the like, for the purpose of uprighting the water sports boards when inverted and encouraging the water sports boards to be moved by the wind in the direction of a water sports board rider when the rider becomes separated from the water sports board.
US08142241B2
A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull, an engine disposed inside the hull, a jet propulsion device arranged to be driven by a driving force of the engine, a water detection unit arranged to detect whether or not the hull is immersed in water, and a control unit arranged to restrict an engine rotational speed. The jet propulsion device is arranged to jet water rearward from a jet port to thereby apply a propulsive force to the hull. The water detection unit includes a water detection chamber arranged such that water around the hull is introduced when the hull is in water, and a water level sensor arranged to detect a water level inside the water detection chamber. The control unit is arranged to judge whether or not the hull is in water based on an output signal of the water level sensor and to set a maximum rotational speed of the engine to a rotational speed less than an upper limit rotational speed so as to restrict the rotational speed of the engine to not more than the maximum rotational speed when the hull is not in water.
US08142231B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a first and second contact received in the housing. The housing defines a mating face, a rear face opposite to the mating face, and a supporting face disposed between the mating and rear faces. A mating cavity recesses from the mating face towards the supporting face and disposed therebetween, and a receiving groove recesses forwards from the rear face and runs through the supporting face to communicate with the mating cavity. The first contact is retained in the receiving groove with an elastic contacting porting running through the supporting face and projecting into the mating cavity. The second contact is retained in the housing and includes two opposite second contacting portions disposed at two opposite sides of the elastic contacting portion of the first contact. A mating connector can be rotated to disengage from the electrical connector.
US08142228B1
The invention provides a charger and adapter plug assembly including a first adapter plug, a second adapter plug, a third adapter plug and a charger. The first adapter plug has a set of AU standard pins and a first storage cavity with a first socket therein. The charger has two flat straight pins on one end and a USB port on the other end. The charger is detachably stored into the first storage cavity, so as to make the two flat straight pins electrically plugged into the first socket. The second adapter plug has a set of UK standard pins, a second storage cavity with an EU socket therein and an AU socket. The first adapter plug is detachably assembled to the second adapter plug, so as to make the AU standard pins electrically plugged into the AU socket. The third adapter plug has a set of EU pins and a second socket. The third adapter plug is detachably stored into the second storage cavity, so as to make the EU standard pins electrically plugged into the EU socket.
US08142226B2
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative body (1) having a wide tongue (123) and a narrow tongue (121) split by a gap (124) therebetween. A metallic shell (32) includes a front pocket (320) defining a large receiving cavity (327) enclosing the wide tongue (123), a small receiving cavity (325) enclosing the narrow tongue (121), and a non-circumferentially enclosed notch structure (33) which protrudes into the gap (124) so as to form the large receiving cavity (327) and the small receiving cavity (325). Besides, the notch structure (33) defines a notch (330) opened to an exterior from a bottom side thereof. First and second sets of contacts (211, 212) are located in the wide tongue and the narrow tongue, respectively, and the first contacts (211) are compatible to version 2.0 Micro Universal Serial Bus.
US08142222B2
A jumper includes a casing, and two conductive members. The casing defines a first receiving space in a first end, and a second and a third receiving spaces in a second end opposite to the first end. The conductive members are received in the first receiving space.
US08142217B2
An electronic apparatus includes a base portion including a first cover, a second cover perpendicular to the first cover and a receiving cavity running through the first and second covers to respectively provide a locking slot in the first cover and an opening in the second cover. The first cover defines locking portions oppositely extending from opposite faces of the locking slot.
US08142215B2
A method for volume compensation of a fluid-filled first chamber accommodating a first electrical appliance that is electrically connected by a high-voltage electrical connector to a second electrical appliance located in a fluid-filled second chamber. The first chamber is volume compensated to the second chamber via the electrical connector by a volume compensating arrangement integrated in the electrical connector. A high-voltage electrical connector with a volume compensating arrangement and an electrical assembly provided with such a connector.
US08142210B2
In the field of data cards with a rotatable external port, a data card with a rotatable connector and a rotatable connector for a data card are provided. The data card with a rotatable connector includes a data card body and a rotatable connector, where the rotatable connector includes an external port for connecting with an external device, and the rotatable connector is rotatably connected with the data card body. The data card further includes an antenna set in the rotatable connector. The rotatable connector for a data card includes a rotatable connector body and an external port for connecting with an external device, and includes an antenna therein. Through setting the antenna in the rotatable connector, no matter what angle the data card is rotated, the antenna is always maintained in the same state, so that the antenna can be modulated in advance, so as to eliminate the interference on the performance of the antenna caused by the external device, and ensures stable performance of the antenna.
US08142206B2
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a receiving room (110) for receiving a mating connector, and a receiving cavity (16) below and separated from the receiving room for receiving a portion of the mating connector. A number of contacts are supported by said insulative housing, and arranged in distinct sets of upper and lower contacts (20, 30) on opposing faces of said insulative housing. The upper and the lower contacts are inserted into the receiving room along a back-to-front direction. An elongated spacer (40) is supported by said insulative housing. The upper contacts are arranged by the elongated spacer.
US08142204B2
An automation appliance with at least one wireless communication interface has electronics arranged on a printed circuit board, where the printed circuit board is in a housing having externally accessible plug connectors. A plug connector is connected to the communication interface electronics and is aligned adjacent to the printed circuit board in the area of the interface electronics. The plug connector has a center contact for RF signal connection surrounded by outer contacts that provide RF shielding. Another plug connector of similar mechanical design is also provided which provides for cable based communications interface and is not a RF plug.
US08142194B2
Embodiments described herein are related to fillers that are placed within an extraction site in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The fillers encourage sufficient new bone growth in order that normal jaw bone deterioration following tooth removal is prevented. The fillers create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone. Further embodiments described herein are related to dental implants that are arranged to provide a scaffold upon which a damaged or missing dental papilla may regrow. The dental implants may include a micro-pattern to facilitate directional cell growth.
US08142189B2
An apparatus includes a template which locates hole positions in a jawbone while the template is separated from the jawbone by gum tissue. The template follows a contour of the gum tissue surrounding the jawbone and has guide holes which receive a cutting tool. Anchoring elements attach the template to the jawbone. A system includes means for scanning an implantation site on a patient's jawbone, simulating the implantation site, and determining nerve-rich areas or nerve paths in the jawbone. A holed template is produced which is separated from the jawbone by at least gum tissue of the patient. Attachment hole positions in the jawbone are located so as to avoid nerve paths. A method of forming holes to attach a dental implant to a patient's jaw bone without surgical intervention in gum tissue of the patient to expose the jawbone is disclosed which avoids impingement on a nerve path.
US08142173B2
In a variable displacement vane pump employing a cam ring, a pump rotor, and a plurality of vanes, each slidably fitted into the rotor, a biasing member is provided to force the cam ring in a direction that a geometric center of an inner peripheral surface of the cam ring and a rotation center of the rotor are spaced apart from each other. A force, by which the cam ring can be oscillated against the biasing member in accordance with a buildup of a pressure in a pump discharge portion, acts on the inner peripheral surface of the cam ring.
US08142165B2
An aerofoil 31, 43, 56 is provided by layers of material with at least one layer of the material being relatively stiff while other layers of material are less dense but are subject to less stress within the aerofoil. Thus, by judicious positioning of the stiffer layers of material an effective operational aerofoil is achieved, with the other layers of material having a lower stiffness but also lower mass so that the overall mass of the aerofoil is reduced. It will be understood by appropriate positioning of the layers of material it is possible to tune the aerofoil for deformation and vibrational response effects, particularly under impact loading from bird strikes etc.
US08142161B2
A rotating assembly. The rotating assembly may include a wheel, a slot positioned about the wheel with the slot having a staking recess positioned therein, a wheel attachment positioned within the slot, and a staking insert positioned within the staking recess. The staking recess axially retains the staking insert and the wheel attachment radially retains the staking insert.
US08142155B2
Provided are a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator that allow for alleviation of construction costs, particularly for large wind turbine generators, and alleviation of limitations on construction due to weather. Provided are a rotor head that has a plurality of wind turbine rotor blades and that is rotated by wind power received by the plurality of wind turbine rotor blades, a front segment disposed on top of a tower and constituting a nacelle to which the rotor head is attached, a rear segment attached to the front segment and constituting the nacelle, a front frame disposed in the front segment and positioned between the rotor head and the tower so as to support a load on the rotor head, a rear frame disposed in the rear segment and attached to the front frame, a front cover covering the periphery of the front segment, and a rear cover covering the periphery of the rear segment.
US08142152B2
The connection assembly of an arm to a sleeve is carried out substantially by parts of axes crossing the arm and the spacers between the parts of axes and the sleeve and the assembly bolts. The assembly and the disassembly are easy, even with highly reduced encumbrance, as the connection is light and devoid of high internal efforts, and a good position precision is obtained. The assembly may be applied to stators with an exterior sleeve and, an interior hub and radial link arms, which are encountered in certain turbomachines.
US08142151B2
An intermediate housing floor for a fluid kinetic machine is provided. The intermediate housing floor includes a partial joint at which the intermediate housing floor may be divided during installation and/or removal into/from the fluid kinetic machine and is made up of at least two overlapping partial joint surfaces at sections of the intermediate housing floor that face one another. A recess is provided in the area of the overlap in at least the one partial joint surface, a coating is kept in the recess. The coating protrudes from the one partial joint surface as a protrusion in the removed state of the intermediate housing floor in which the intermediate housing floor is divided at the partial joint so that in the installed state of the intermediate housing floor the coating abuts against the other partial joint surface facing the one partial joint surface, whereupon the partial joint is sealed.
US08142145B2
This disclosure features a transfer pump for pumping molten metal having a riser with a reusable socket. The pump includes a motor, support structure above a molten metal bath, a motor driven shaft and an impeller on an end of the shaft rotatable in a base. A riser made of refractory material extends from a transfer opening in the base to the support structure. The riser has a passageway for molten metal along a length of the riser. A clamp has a first clamp portion fixedly connected to the support structure and a second clamp portion that is pivotable with respect to the first clamp portion. A fastener is used to open and close the clamp. Sections of a split socket each have a flange and a body portion. The socket is received in the clamp such that the flanges of the socket are disposed above the clamp, and when the clamp is closed the socket holds the riser.
US08142141B2
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a turbine engine having a rotatable turbine rotor assembly, a stationary nozzle assembly disposed adjacent thereto and a wheel space defined therebetween. The wheel space receives cooling air therein and includes a sealing feature located on the first, rotatable turbine rotor assembly and extending axially into the wheel space and a sealing land assembly having a sealing land associated with a moveable member installed in an opening in the second, stationary nozzle assembly. A biasing member constructed of shape memory alloy is associated with the moveable member and operates to bias the moveable member, and associated sealing land, axially into the wheel space towards the sealing feature as the turbine engine transitions from a cold state to a hot state to reduce the release of cooling air from within the wheel space.
US08142140B2
There is provided a fan unit including a shutter capable of closing the shutter despite a change in installation direction of the fan unit, an electronic apparatus including such fan unit, a method of opening/closing the fan unit, and the shutter. In the fan unit with the shutter, the shutter is opened and closed in different directions according to the installation direction of the fan unit.
US08142137B2
A gas turbine vane to improve vane performance by addressing known failure mechanisms. A cooling circuit to the trailing edge of a vane airfoil is fed from the outer diameter platform, which prevents failure due to an oxidized and eroded airfoil trailing edge. The gas turbine includes an outer diameter platform, a hollow airfoil and an inner diameter platform with a plurality of cooling tubes extending radially through the airfoil. The cooling tubes are open at the outer diameter end and closed with covers at the inner diameter end. The inner diameter platform is also cooled and includes a meterplate for a portion of the cooling passageway and includes an undercut to improve thermal deflections of the inner diameter platform.
US08142128B1
An anchor that can fasten to a fibrous or pierceable substrate employs a base with a spaced pair of bores. A pair of hubs are rotatably mounted to axially reciprocate in the pair of bores between a retracted and a deployed position. Each of the hubs has on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on one of the hubs spiral in the opposite direction from the spiral prongs on the other one of the hubs. The hubs when in the deployed position project the plurality of prongs beyond the base. A thrust member mounted over the pair of hubs can thrust them from the retracted to the deployed position. With the hubs placed side by side and with the spiral prongs against the substrate, the hubs can be rotated in opposite directions to embed the spiral prongs in the substrate. An object can then be anchored by being lashed to the hubs.
US08142121B2
The subject matter of the invention is generally related to automotive accessories. Specifically, it is a device adapted to covering the bed of a pick-up truck, or similar vehicle, including comparable utility trailers. In addition to covering the bed, the device covers the area of an open tailgate and is adapted to cover loads of varying heights by deploying attached side panels. The disclosed device further includes a strap system that connects to the cover and secures the load; in addition it serves as an aid in pulling loads from the bed. Finally the invention describes three systems to anchor the cover to the vehicle, each of which accommodates deployment of the side panels and each of which provides a degree of flexibility to cover loads of varying height.
US08142119B2
A method of orbital milling is performed using an orbital end mill, which has a cutting bit designed for orbital end milling. 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.
US08142113B2
A throwaway insert enabling the use of a holder for a long period and having excellent chip evacuation is provided. The throwaway insert is formed in a substantially polygonal plate shape and includes a rake face formed on an upper surface thereof, a relief face formed on a side surface thereof, a main cutting edge formed along a ridge representing an intersection of the rake face and the relief face, which is divided into a plurality of main cutting edge divisions by at least one groove formed on the relief face, and a projection formed so as to protrude from the rake face in correspondence with each of the main cutting edge divisions.
US08142102B2
A road surface overlay system including a road surface, an adhesive material that is applied to a portion or all of the road surface, a woven member including fiber bundles, wherein each of the fiber bundles are substantially embedded in the adhesive material and a layer of aggregate applied onto the woven member and the adhesive material. A method of forming a road surface overlay system is also provided.
US08142101B2
A water-pervious pavement structure comprising wearing course comprising a water-pervious combination of recycled glass and aggregate bound together with an adhesive binder and held within a plurality of connected, open grid pockets; and a layer of unbound recycled glass disposed under the wearing course capable of adsorbing contacting hydrocarbons carried with water through the wearing course. In a preferred embodiment, the wearing course comprises about 30 wt. % to about 80 wt. % recycled glass and about 20 wt. % to about 70 wt. % aggregate bound together by a cured resin binder within the grid pockets.
US08142096B2
A computer-contained binder provided in the disclosure has a document binder and a computer device. The document binder having at least one cover plate and plural parallel folder rings piercing through an edge of the cover plate. The computer device has a main body, a column-shaped battery portion pierced through by all of the parallel folder rings, and a movable arm. The movable arm has two opposite ends, in which one end thereof is fixed on one of the opposite ends of the column-shaped battery portion, and the other end thereof is movably disposed on one side of the main body.
US08142095B1
A sponge-like device with an internal cavity for receiving a carrier for liquid and solid soaps. The exterior of the carrier has a variety of design models and shapes; however, the carrier is sized to receive a conventional solid bar of soap or an amount of liquid soap. The carrier has a plurality of drain holes to allow the soap solution, as it mixes with the water during bathing, to drain onto the sponge. The use of the device is for washing oneself, children, invalids, as well as for scrubbing household surfaces like decks and siding, and also for cleaning motor vehicles all without the disadvantages associated with separate sponges and soap material.
US08142091B2
A writing implement capable of eliminating troubles associated with the adoption of a grip member having an end surface inclined from a vertical surface perpendicular to a central axis of a shaft tube. The inclination angle α of a step-facing surface 5A of the grip member 5 is made smaller than the inclination angle β of an inclined step surface 12 of the shaft tube 10. A gap G is partially formed between the step-facing surface 5A and the inclined step surface 12 when a compressive force is not applied to the grip member 5. When the grip member 5 is compressed, the whole of the step-facing surface 5A is further inclined and comes into contact with the inclined step surface 12. Accordingly, even when the step-facing surface 5A of the grip member 5 is inclined for imparting excellent design to the writing implement, an acute-angled tip-end portion of the grip member 5 is prevented from moving along the inclined step surface 12 and rising from the surface of the shaft tube 10, thereby preventing the occurrence of the troubles.
US08142089B2
A protecting member is detachably mounted to an inside of an apparatus main body so as to protect a protected member in the apparatus main body during transportation. A fixing member fixes a protecting member in a position to protect the protected member. The fixing member fixing the protecting member covers a part of an indicating portion, which displays operating instructions of the apparatus main body.
US08142085B2
An aperture unit includes three or more diaphragm blades, a base plate that supports the diaphragm blades, a drive lever connected to the diaphragm blades, and an aperture motor that rotates the drive lever, wherein, in a range from a reference aperture value to a specific aperture value, a polygonal aperture is formed by aperture edges of two or more of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly move in a first direction and an aperture edge of at least one of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein, in a range from the specific aperture value to a closed aperture state, an aperture is formed by aperture edges of two diaphragm blades that move in opposite directions.
US08142080B2
A radially outer portion of the seal member is fitted in each of a pair of seal grooves formed in the radially outer surface of an outer ring at both ends thereof. A seal lip formed at the radially inner portion of each seal member is brought into elastic contact with an inner seal surface of each of annular grooves formed in the radially outer surface of an inner ring at both ends thereof. The contact portion of the seal surface that is in elastic contact with the seal lip has a circumferential flatness of 5 to 20 μm. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve sealability at the contact portions, thereby preventing entry of e.g. muddy water into the bearing.
US08142071B1
Thermal transfer measurements are useful for measuring either a mass flow rate or the specific heat of a fluid. Thermoelectric devices are desirable for this because of their ability to simultaneously heat one portion of the sensor while cooling another. However, the internal thermal resistance of thermoelectric devices has limited the accuracy of thermoelectric thermal transfer sensors. This problem is solved by using separate temperature sensors to measure selected temperature differences established by the thermoelectric portion of a thermal transfer sensor.
US08142070B2
Winding crown for a timepiece, said crown (32) including an uncoupling mechanism (1) comprising a rigid drive ring (4, 400) secured to the crown (32) and cooperating with at least one elastically deformable element (2; 200) secured to a pipe (12) to one end of which a winding stem is secured, the rigid ring (4; 400) driving the deformable elastic element (2; 200) in at least one rotational direction until the resistant torque opposed by said elastic element (2; 200) exceeds a threshold value beyond which said elastic element (2; 200) is deformed so as to interrupt the drive connection thereof with the rigid ring (4; 400), the elastically deformable element (2; 200) therefore having means for temporary coupling said element to said rigid drive ring (4; 400), the crown (32)) being characterized in that the elastically deformable element (2; 200) includes means for centering said element relative to the rigid drive ring (4; 400).
US08142068B2
The invention provides mixing apparatus which has a container base and a container lid with the lid carrying mixing means extending through the lid with at one end a mixing element and at the other end a drive connection to a drive motor. When the drive is operated the mixing element mixes the contents of the container, usually when the container inverted. The lid has a rim portion with a circumferential slot and the top edge of the container is located into the slot when the lid is assembled with the container whereby to improve connection between the lid and the container during mixing. The lid within the rim portion carries the mixing means and, during mixing, the assembly is held to lock the assembly together.
US08142064B2
An image display apparatus includes a display for outputting an image, a supporting device supporting the display, the supporting device contacting directly on an installing surface and extending upward, the supporting device being provided with an inner hollow portion, and a light emission unit emitting light reflecting from the inner hollow portion.
US08142056B2
A high efficiency refraction body includes a light source chamber and a main refraction surface opposite to the light source chamber. A first refraction surface and a second refraction surface for refracting the lights are formed to a peripheral of the high efficiency refraction body. A light source is received to the light source chamber. Lights from the light source will be total reflected because the incident angles of the lights exceed a critical angle of the main refraction surface. The reflected lights will be refracted through the first refraction surface and the second refraction surface so as to pass a lateral of the refraction body. A uniform lateral illumination of the refraction body will correct the poor lateral illumination of LED light devices.
US08142054B2
Provided herein is a light-emitting apparatus capable of achieving both improved durability and higher brightness with an inexpensive and simple construction. A heat resistant glass substrate 51 is mounted in a vacuum chamber 5, and while an anode electrode 8 (and a light emitter 20) is mounted on the glass substrate, the glass substrate 51 is separated from a glass substrate 11. This precisely protects the vacuum chamber 5 from thermal damage due to light emission upon excitation, even when the current density between the cathode electrode 6 and the anode electrode 8 is controlled at a high level to cause the light emitter 20 to emit light at high brightness. Accordingly, this eliminates the need to make the entire vacuum chamber 5 excessively heat-resistant, permitting construction from an inexpensive material such as soda-lime glass; consequently both improvements in the durability of the light-emitting apparatus 1 and enhancement in brightness thereof can be accomplished with an inexpensive and easy construction.
US08142045B2
A portable utility light is provided for removable mounting to a surface, such as the side of an automobile, for providing temporary emergency lighting. The utility light includes a main body having first end portion adapted with mounting structure to facilitate removable attachment to a smooth surface, and a second end portion adapted with light emitting device, such as one or more light emitting diodes (“LED's”). The main body comprises an elongate generally cylindrical structure wherein the first and second portions are connected and capable of rotation relative to one another about an elongate axis. The main body first end includes a battery compartment for housing a battery power source, and is further adapted with a plurality of circumferentially spaced articulating legs.
US08142039B2
A backlight assembly with reduced thickness, a reduced number of parts and a reduced probability of causing environmental contamination includes lamps, each lamp including a lamp tube and a pair of lamp electrodes disposed at ends of the lamp tube, respectively, a lamp-driving printed circuit board (“PCB”) which includes a plurality of conductive pads and a plurality of pairs of first socket-fixing grooves and provides a driving voltage to each of the lamps, sockets, each socket including a conductive body which includes a first guide groove, into which each of the lamp electrodes is inserted, and a pair of first fixing protrusions which is inserted into each pair of the first socket-fixing grooves, and a lower case which accommodates the lamp-driving PCB, the sockets, and the lamps, wherein each of the sockets is surface-mounted on a corresponding conductive pad.
US08142037B2
A water-bearing household appliance such as a dishwashing machine is provided with a housing having a housing edge which defines a washing compartment opening and with a washing compartment which is enclosed by the housing and which is defined by the housing. A seal is provided onto which a device door can be closed to abut the seal and the dishwashing machine has lighting elements arranged in the area between the housing edge and the seal for illuminating the washing compartment.
US08142034B1
The systems, methods, and devices include a filter unit for removably engaging with a rifle scope. The filter unit includes a cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end adapted for removably engaging with the rifle scope, and a laser filter positioned within the cylindrical body to filter light passing into the rifle scope. A resilient band may be used to hold the filter unit to the rifle scope.
US08142030B2
A display system for a center stack of a vehicle is disclosed including a translucent material and a projection system. Dynamic graphical content derived from an input by a passenger of the vehicle via at least one of simulated controls and hard-tooled switches is projected onto the material by the projection system.
US08142028B2
A projection type display device including: a plurality of light sources; a display device; a light-combining unit for combining output light beams from the plurality of light sources; a condensing unit for propagating an output light beam from the light-combining unit to the display device; a projecting unit for projecting an image with the use of an output light beam from the display device; and a cooling unit having a ventilating fan and disposed on each of the plurality of light sources. The projection type display device further includes a flow direction adjusting unit for switching blow-off positions where air from the fan is discharged and a control unit for controlling switching of the blow-off positions operated by the flow direction adjusting unit. The control unit controls the flow direction adjusting unit to switch the blow-off positions on the basis of posture information on at least one of an inclination angle of an optical axis of the plurality of light sources and a rotation angle about the optical axis. In a configuration using a plurality of light sources, reliable control of temperature management of the light sources is performed and problems, such as whitening of the light sources, life property degradation, blacking and brightness degradation are suppressed.
US08142027B2
The disclosure refers to an electronic device and methods for cooling an object within the electronic device. In one example, an electronic device includes a cooling fan for cooling an object. An air-quantity measuring device measures a quantity of cooling air sent by the cooling fan. An ambient-temperature measuring device measures an ambient temperature around the electronic device. A control unit is configured to control the electronic device. The control unit includes an object-temperature calculating section configured to calculate a temperature of the object from the measured air quantity and the measured ambient temperature. An operation control section is configured to control the cooling fan according to the calculated temperature of the object.
US08142014B2
The present invention relates generally to safety eyewear and more particularly to a safety eyewear having a horizontal ledge defined within a lens of the safety eyewear for attaching the nose piece structure. The safety eyewear includes a frame and a lens. The nose piece structure configured for attachment to a central portion of the lens. The nose piece structure having a channel defining horizontal ledge indents for mating engagement with horizontal ledge protrusions defined within the central portion of the lens. The central portion of the lens defining horizontal ledge protrusions for inserting within the ledge indents of the nose piece structure when the nose piece structure and the lens are attached together. In another embodiment, the channel of the nose piece structure defines horizontal ledge protrusions for mating engagement with horizontal ledge indents defined within the central portion of the lens.
US08142011B2
An image recording device includes a first detecting unit, a recording unit, and a control unit. The first detecting unit detects a position of a perforation pre-formed in a recording sheet. The recording unit records an image on the recording sheet based on printing data. The control unit is configured to imaginarily divide the recording sheet into a first region including a portion where the perforation is pre-formed, and a second region excluding the first region based on the position of the perforation detected by the first detecting unit. The control unit prohibits the recording unit from recording the image on the first region and controls the recording unit to record the image at least partially on the second region.
US08142005B2
A system for printing on an edible substrate includes an inkjet printer and a jetting fluid. The fluid is suitable for use on an edible substrate, and has a desirable viscosity and surface tension.
US08142002B2
A catcher includes a housing and a drop contact structure. The housing defines a liquid removal conduit. The drop contact structure includes a moveable surface that delivers collected liquid drops to the liquid removal conduit of the housing.
US08142000B2
One aspect of the invention is directed to a remanufacturing method of a liquid container constructed to store a liquid, which is to be supplied to a liquid ejection device. The remanufacturing method provides the liquid container structured to include: a liquid reservoir assembly configured to store the liquid; a liquid feeder configured to supply the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir assembly to the liquid ejection device; a sensor unit located in the upstream of the liquid feeder and configured to detect a level of the liquid stored in the liquid container; and a bubble trap module located in the upstream of the sensor unit and in the downstream of the liquid reservoir assembly and configured to trap bubbles included in the liquid. The remanufacturing method forms an inlet to communicate either with the bubble trap module or with a pathway of the liquid in the downstream of the bubble trap module. The remanufacturing method injects the liquid through the inlet, and seals the inlet after the injection of the liquid. This arrangement enables the liquid to be readily and efficiently refilled into the liquid container without damaging the functions of the liquid container.
US08141997B2
An ink supply system including a reservoir and a foam regulator. The reservoir is configured to hold a volume of ink and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid ejection structure. The foam regulator is operable in a first state in which the foam regulator permits application of negative pressure through the foam regulator to apply negative pressure to the fluid ejection structure and to the reservoir, and a second state in which the foam regulator blocks passage of ink foam through the foam regulator.
US08141989B2
An ink-jet head and a method for manufacturing the ink-jet head are disclosed. The ink-jet head can include: a chamber, which may house a type of ink; a membrane, which may be formed on one side of the chamber, and in a surface of which a holding cavity may be formed; a lower electrode, formed on an inner surface of the holding cavity; and a piezoelectric component, held in the holding cavity. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the ink-jet head can be formed with thin-film type actuators, and the electrical properties of the ink-jet head can be improved.
US08141983B2
A liquid jet head includes a nozzle member having plural nozzles for jetting a liquid therefrom, a flow path member forming at least a part of a liquid chamber communicating with each of the plural nozzles, and a pressure generating part for generating pressure that is applied to the liquid inside the liquid chamber. The nozzle member and the flow path member are each formed by a metal material. The metal material of the nozzle member has substantially the same composition as the metal material of the flow path member. The metal material of the nozzle member includes crystal particles having an average particle diameter which is less than that of the crystal particles included in the metal material of the flow path member.
US08141980B2
Production printing systems are disclosed. The production printing system comprises a printhead array operable to discharge ink to print on a printable medium, and an ink tray that is affixed in the printing system facing the printhead array. The ink tray has a bottom section that is open. The production printing system further comprises a tray insert adapted to rest in the ink tray and to be lifted from the ink tray, and an ink absorbing element adapted to rest in the tray insert and operable to absorb ink that is discharged from the printhead array when the ink does not contact the printable medium. With the tray insert removed from the ink tray, the printhead array is visible through the bottom of the ink tray so that the printheads may be inspected or cleaned.
US08141979B2
A manufacturing method for an ink jet recording head including the steps of preparing a recording element substrate provided with an ejection outlet array for ejecting ink; preparing a supporting member, provided with a plurality of ink supply passages, for supporting the recording element substrate; and connecting the recording element substrate to the supporting member with an adhesive material. The supporting member has an adhesive material application region surrounding adjacent ink supply passages, and a part of the adhesive material application region which extends along the ejection outlet array has a width larger than another part of the adhesive material application region.
US08141978B2
A printer apparatus includes a medium supporter to support a printing medium. A carriage holds a printer head provided with a nozzle from which ink is to be ejected onto a printing surface of the printing medium. A carriage moving mechanism moves the carriage along the printing surface of the printing medium supported by the medium supporter. An acceleration detector is configured to detect acceleration of vibration generated in the carriage. A determining device is configured to determine whether a magnitude of the acceleration detected by the acceleration detector exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A controller is configured to control the carriage moving mechanism to restrict relative movement of the carriage when the determining device determines that the magnitude of the acceleration detected by the acceleration detector exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
US08141974B2
A rotary-member control apparatus includes a rotary member that rotates while supporting an object on the outer curved surface of the member. A motor is supplied with current based on a current profile representing the magnitude pattern of current to rotate the rotary member. A detecting element detects a rotation state of the rotary member during rotation. A control unit generates a one-rotation current profile, representing the magnitude pattern of current corrected on the basis of the detected rotation state, corresponding to one rotation of the rotary member, and supplies corrected current to rotate the rotary member. When the length of the medium in the rotation direction, the length of the medium in the axial direction, or the type of the medium is changed, the control unit generates the one-rotation current profile before starting printing, and repeatedly supplies the corrected current to the motor to print the image.
US08141955B1
A headrest includes at least one seat back mounting member and a connector coupling a cushion to the mounting member. The cushion connector is movable when the mounting member is invertingly mounted on the seat back to deploy the cushion at different angular positions. The mounting member may be a flexible wire bendable to accommodate different seat back sizes and to mount the headrest about the seat back. Alternately, the cushion connector is mountable in one or more different angled bores for deploring the cushion at different angles. Alternately, a hinge may be coupled to the connector to movably deploy a cushion at different angular positions. Alternately, the cushion may be pivotally mounted in a recess in the seat back and deployable from a retracted position to at least one forward extending deployed position. The cushion is also extensible relative to the seat back.
US08141947B2
A haptic seating system for use in imparting a haptic sensation to a seat. The seating system being suitable for use in a vehicle or other environment having multiple network nodes with capabilities sufficient to issue instructions suitable to instructing a haptic element used to impart the haptic sensation. The system may include the network nodes issuing the instructions through signals carried over the network.
US08141940B2
A headliner assembly for covering an inner surface of an automotive vehicle roof having an opening is provided. The headliner assembly includes a dimensionally stable substrate having an upper surface facing the inner surface of the roof, and an opposite lower surface. The substrate is secured to the opening of the roof at an attachment point. A reinforcement member having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface fixedly secured to the top surface of the substrate. The reinforcement member is disposed adjacent the attachment point to provide additional rigidity to a region of the substrate surrounding the attachment point.
US08141936B2
A vehicle with a drag-reducing outer surface. A method of reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes the steps of: providing an outer surface on a body of the vehicle, with the outer surface including spaced apart turbulence-inducing structures thereon. The structures cause boundary layer separation to be delayed along a length of the body, thereby reducing a drag coefficient of the body. A vehicle wrapping product for reducing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag on a vehicle includes an outer surface for applying onto an opaque portion of a body of the vehicle. The outer surface includes a plurality of structures which induce turbulence and thereby delay separation of a boundary layer along a length of the body, to thereby reduce a drag coefficient of the body.
US08141934B2
A mount (22) for an armrest (14, 14a, 14b) in the interior of a motor vehicle is distinguished by the fact that the mount (22) is designed to react differently to forces that act on the mount (22) from different directions (18, 20).
US08141933B2
A vehicle door, such as a tailgate (1), having a pull pocket (P) on which a hand is put when the door is manipulated includes a door panel (2), a lining (3), and a pull pocket member (4). The lining (3) is provided over an inside of the door panel (2) facing toward a vehicle cabin when the door is mounted to a vehicle body. The pull pocket member (4) is a member formed independently of the lining (3) and mounted to the lining (3). The pull pocket member (4) includes a recessed portion (41) which is recessed toward the door panel (2) and configured to form an undercut at a face (3a) of the lining (3) facing toward the vehicle cabin when the pull pocket member (4) is mounted to the lining (3).
US08141926B2
There is provided a robot hand for substrate transfer in which the robot hand is so arranged that, even in case a substrate (S) gives rise to warping, the substrate (S) can be stably supported. On an upper surface of the robot hand there is formed a first seating surface on which is seated a lower-surface peripheral portion of the substrate (S) and, on a periphery thereof, there is formed an upwardly extended step. The step is provided with a plurality of stair-shaped stages. On an upper surface of the robot hand inwardly away from the first seating surface there is provided a second seating surface which is inclined downward toward the center of the substrate (S) such that a lower surface of the substrate (S) is seated on the second seating surface when the substrate (S) is warped downward into a concave shape.
US08141925B2
The joint mechanism includes a first link, a second link, a third link, a shaft supported on the second link to be rotatable about an axis thereof, and movable in an axis direction thereof, a first worm and a second worm mounted on the shaft, a first worm wheel in mesh with the first worm to pivotally move the first link with respect to the second link, and a second worm wheel in mesh with the second worm to pivotally move the third link with respect to the second link. The first link and the third link are pivotally moved in opposite directions to each other by rotating the shaft, and pivotally moved in identical directions to each other by moving the shaft in the axis direction.
US08141920B2
A gripper includes a housing defining an interior area and having a work surface, the work surface defining an opening to the interior area. The gripper includes a pair of outer stationary plates in the interior area that are fixed to the housing, each having a plurality of linear first hooks extending away from the work surface. The first hooks are angled parallel to one another and toward a housing first end. An inner plate is positioned in the interior area between the outer plates and includes linear second hooks extending away from the work surface. The second hooks are angled parallel to one another and opposite the first hooks. The inner plate is movable between a grip configuration and a release configuration. An actuator causes the inner plate to selectively move toward a housing second end to the grip configuration and toward the first end to the release configuration.
US08141918B2
A pedestrian bumper system and method can include an attachment bumper and an attachment bracket for connecting the attachment bumper to the existing vehicle bumper or existing vehicle frame. The attachment bumper can be configured to conform to the existing vehicle bumper such that the frontal crash mode of the vehicle is substantially unchanged. In addition, the attachment bumper can create a new front surface area that includes an area that is lower than the front area of the existing vehicle bumper. Thus, the bumper system can be configured to contact a pedestrian at a lower location to minimize injury during an accident. The bumper system can also be configured to be easily adapted to existing vehicles by either the consumer or the vehicle manufacturer to take advantage of easily modifying vehicles for different market and/or consumer requirements and tastes.
US08141914B2
A water-conducting household appliance includes a water-conducting line having a line end which is connected in a connecting position to a connecting piece, and a securing element which attaches onto the line end and the connecting piece and holds the line end in the connecting position.
US08141912B2
Aircraft including a powerplant mounted on an airframe and a rotor/wing rotatably mounted on the airframe. The rotor/wing has multiple blades extending outward from roots adjacent the airframe to tips opposite the roots and having internal conduits extending between inlets adjacent the roots and downstream outlets. The aircraft also includes multiple intermediate ducts having upstream ends including flanges and downstream ends slidably and pivotally connected to corresponding blade inlets. Moreover, the aircraft includes a manifold having an upstream end in fluid communication with the powerplant and multiple downstream ends including flanges connected to upstream ends of corresponding intermediate ducts. The aircraft further includes multiple covers connected to corresponding manifold flanges and covering corresponding intermediate duct flanges. The aircraft also includes multiple absorbers positioned between corresponding intermediate duct flanges and manifold flanges and between the intermediate duct flanges and corresponding cover to control movement of the intermediate duct flanges.
US08141908B2
A security device comprises a substrate having a viewing region. A first pattern of a first color and a second pattern of a second color are printed on one side of the viewing region. A third pattern of the first color and a fourth pattern of the second color are printed on the other side of the viewing region. The first and second patterns on the one side of the viewing region overlap the fourth and third patterns respectively on the other side of the viewing region whereby a) when each side of the viewing region is viewed in reflected light, the patterns on that side can be distinguished by at least their colors, and b) when the viewing region is viewed in transmitted light, from either side of the substrate, the viewing region is sufficiently transparent that subtractive color mixing between the overlapped different colors results in a perceived single resultant color being visible.
US08141897B2
There is provided a guide plate for a side air bag. The guide plate includes a fastening member fastened to an inner surface of a vehicle body, a support member bent from a lower end of the fastening member and extending toward a passenger space of a vehicle, and a retaining member extending from a surface of the fastening member toward the passenger space of the vehicle. As the guide plate prevents a side air bag tube from being deployed in an upward direction, force for deploying the side air bag tube is not spread but concentrated to allow the side air bag tube to be properly deployed by opening a head liner.
US08141895B2
A stroller comprises a support frame and a handle, and a seat assembled between the support frame and the handle. A front leg is coupled with a rear leg via a first pivot link, and a side segment of the handle is movable relative to the front and rear leg. The seat has a front portion pivotally connected with the front leg, and a rear portion pivotally connected with the side segment of the handle. The side segment is in stable abutment against a contact region of the support frame adjacent to the first pivot link for supporting the seat. For folding the stroller, the handle is moved in a first direction that raises the side segment above the support frame for displacing the contact region of the support frame in a forward direction to a disengaged position out of reach for the lower end portion of the side segment.
US08141889B2
This utility model relates to a bubble-generating scooter for children, comprising: a footrest assembly, a handle assembly and wheels, and further comprising a bubble-generating device mounted on the scooter. Connecting posts are provided to the housing of the bubble-generating device. The bubble-generating device is connected to the footrest carrier through the connecting posts and self-tapping screws. The bubble-generating scooter for children of this utility model can generate bubbles continuously when a child rides the scooter, thereby adding fun to the riding of this scooter.
US08141881B2
A seal is disclosed, for sealing a seal surface (5) between two machine parts (6, 7) which move relative to each other, wherein a seal body of the seal (1) comprises a retainer piece (10), arranged towards the groove base in a groove (8) in one of the machine parts (7), a sealing part (11), arranged in the groove (8) facing the sealing surface and a resilient connector part (12) between the sealing part (11) and the retaining part (10). The seal (1) has a recess (21) between the retainer part (10) and the connector part (12) and a further recess (20) between the connector part (12) and the sealing part (11). The seal (1) has spacer elements (25), said spacer elements (25) extending into at least one of the recesses (20, 21), preferably at least into the recesses (20) between the sealing part (11) and the connector part (12).
US08141877B2
Some embodiments are directed to a method of playing a wagering game which comprises the steps of: receiving an ante wager from a participating player; delivering a partial hand of playing cards to the participating player; providing a community group of playing cards of unknown value; conducting one or more game events so long as there is at least one playing card of unknown value remaining among the community group of playing cards, wherein each game event comprises revealing the value of at least one playing card in the community group to the participating player and receiving a game event wager from the participating player thereafter; revealing the value of the at least one remaining unknown playing card among the community group; determining a final hand rank for the participating player, wherein the final hand rank is based on the cards in the participating player's partial hand and the community group of playing cards; comparing the final hand rank with a preset criteria, wherein the preset criteria sets forth guidelines for award payouts based on final hand ranks; and paying a game award payout to the player if one of the preset criteria are satisfied, wherein the game award payout is at least partially based on the total amount wagered, and wherein the total amount wagered is the ante wager plus the sum of all the game event wagers received during the one or more game events.
US08141876B2
A soccer ball assembly (10) includes a central mounting core (14) defining thirty-two holes and thirty-two construction elements which are mountable to the central mounting core in an arrangement wherein the construction elements extend radially outwardly therefrom. Twenty of the constructions are hexagonal elements (18) which are hexagonal in cross-section and twelve are pentagonal elements (16) which are pentagonal in cross-section. Each construction element has a spigot formation at an inner end thereof which fits into a different one of the holes in the mounting core (14). In the fully assembled condition, the soccer ball assembly resembles a soccer ball.
US08141875B2
Devices for handling playing cards comprise a card infeed tray, a card output tray, and a movable card storage device with multiple compartments. At least one compartment of the multiple compartments comprises a preselected and designated bonus card compartment configured for storing bonus cards. A card sensing system is configured to detect a presence of bonus cards to be transferred into the movable card storage device. A control system is programmed to selectively transfer only bonus cards into the at least one designated compartment in response to detection of bonus card presence by the card sensing system and to selectively transfer playing cards into compartments of the multiple compartments separate from the at least one designated compartment.
US08141871B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit; a conveyance unit; a motor; a stop order unit that orders stoppage of the motor; a detection unit, which detects a rotated number of the motor or a conveyance distance during a post-order period, and the post-order period being a period from when the stop order unit ordered stoppage of the motor until when the motor stops; a storage unit; a sensor, which detects passage of the recording medium; a timing determination unit, which determines a pre-order period as a appropriate order timing, wherein the pre-order period is calculated from dividing a difference between a first distance and a second distance by a conveyance speed, wherein the first distance is the conveyance distance stored in the storage, and the second distance is a distance between a position where the sensor detects passage of the recording medium and the target stoppage position.
US08141870B2
A method for moving a media sheet within an imaging device includes moving a media sheet along a media path past a predetermined point PP on the media path by rotating a roller. After moving the media sheet past the point PP, a processor monitors whether a performance attribute of a component of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined criteria. After the performance attribute of the component of the imaging device satisfies the predetermined criteria, the media sheet is entered into a feed nip in a substantially deskewed alignment.
US08141868B1
A sheet guiding apparatus assembled on a shelf includes two guiding members, two adjusting plates, a first spring, two push bars, a second spring and two rotating members. The guiding member has a base board. A front of the base board defines a guiding portion defining a horizontal recess. Each adjusting plate is pivoted to an outside edge of the base board. The push bars are movably received in the horizontal recesses and capable of sliding in the horizontal recesses to drive the corresponding adjusting plates to rotate upward or free the corresponding adjusting plates therefrom. Each rotating member is pivoted to a front of the guiding portion. When the rotating member is turned down, the rotating member touches the push bar and pushes the push bar to move rearward so that further drives the adjusting plate to rotate upward till being perpendicular to the base board.
US08141864B2
A recording-medium feeding device feeds a recording medium by separating loaded recording media sheet by sheet. An air outlet blows air to the recording media from a lateral side with respect to a direction of feeding the recording-medium. The air outlet is formed cross a recording-medium feeding plane, such that an upper edge in an upstream of the recording-medium feeding direction is higher than an upper edge in a downstream of the recording-medium feeding direction.
US08141862B2
A sheet post-processing apparatus including: an open-close door; a stapler which executes a staple processing to a bundle of sheets; a staple jam detection section which detects a staple jam; a stapler moving section which moves the stapler to an access position disposed close to the open-close door; a stacker which holds the bundle of sheets to be stapled; a sheet sensor which detects whether a sheet exist on the stacker; and a controller which controls the stapler moving section, wherein when the staple jam detection section detects a staple jam, the controller controls to operate the stapler moving section to move the stapler from a home position to the access position, and wherein, when the sheet sensor detects the sheet on the stacker, the controller prohibits to move the stapler to the access position.
US08141857B2
A clamping device for clamping a workpiece includes a support member, sliding members and a rotating member. The support member is configured for supporting the workpiece. The support member defines cutouts in a periphery thereof. The sliding members each is positioned in one of the cutouts. Each of the sliding members has a cam pin. The rotating member is rotatable relative to the support member. The rotating member defines cam slots on top thereof. The cam pins are received in the cam slots and slidable in the cam slots. Positions of the sliding members are changeable along radial directions of the support member when the rotating member is rotated.
US08141856B2
A pallet load stand and manipulator allows a pallet to receive a workpiece and the workpiece to be clamped to the pallet while the pallet is in a horizontal position. Once the workpiece has been clamped to the pallet, the pallet may be rotated to a vertical position so that the pallet may be loaded onto a machine tool that operates on a workpiece with the pallet in the vertical position. The pallet may also be rotated to an intermediate position, similar to an artist's easel, in which the pallet is held in an inclined position, between the horizontal and vertical positions by positive locating assemblies and positive stops.
US08141855B2
A film stretcher utilizes a spring bias to clamp the film. The film stretcher may include a stretch head having one or more clamps positioned about the film in locations necessary to clamp the film for stretching in one or more axes. The clamp may utilize a spring to provide the clamping force. The stretch head may include structures that operate to counter the spring bias to move the clamp to one state and then to allow the spring bias to move the clamp to another state. Thus, the stretch head may effectively clamp and unclamp the film.
US08141848B2
A piston for a control valve of a water treatment apparatus includes a body having a central portion from which at least one flange projects radially outward. Each flange has an outer peripheral surface extending around the central portion with an annular groove therein. The annular groove is undercut thereby having a width that increases from the peripheral surface radially inward into the flange. A separate sealing ring is molded into the groove of each flange and is captivated therein by the undercut of the groove. That captivation better enables each sealing ring to resist forces produced by the water flowing through the control valve without becoming dislodged from the flange.
US08141841B2
The invention includes a method for manufacturing a machine foot (1) and a machine foot (1). A machine foot (1) of the present type consists of a spindle (8), which is in the top screwn into the device which is to be supported and is in the bottom fastened to a base part (20). The spindle (8) can be turned in relation to the base part (20) in an angle (10). It is characteristic of the invention that the spindle (8) in the end, which is situated in the base part (20) is enclosed by a ball part (6,7), which consists of an upper part (7) and a lower part (6) and is fastened to the ball part (6,7) by engagement with a locking ring (11) which is also enclosed by the ball part (6,7). The ball part (6,7) is cast into a polymer material (3) whereby the end of the spindle (8) in the base part (20) is efficiently enclosed and closed from access of impurities, filth or bacteria. The machine foot (1) can thereby be cleaned by external washing only and is therefore especially suited for application in environments, which have high demands for hygiene and e.g. demand a compliance with the standard “3-A® Sanitary Standard for Machine Leveling Feet and Supports”.
US08141835B2
A display panel driving mechanism for electronic device supports a lower side of a display panel (1), which is arranged on a front plane of an electronic device, to be freely turned around a first shaft (5a) which moves by following a slider (4) driven in to and fro directions. The mechanism shifts a second shaft (9a), which is provided on a member (9) attached on an upper side of the display panel (1), along a guide groove (2a) provided on a member (2) fixed to a case.
US08141825B2
Apparatus for use with a mounting panel having a mounting aperture includes a cable tie mount having a cable tie receiving passage extending therethrough, the mount having a planar central rigid portion and first and second side portions self-biased to reside in the plane of the mount central portion and supported by the central portion for deflection relative thereto and a cable tie for disposition in the mount passage, the cable tie having a self-bias to a planar condition.
US08141824B2
The flight-control device (1) makes it possible, by offsetting part of a flight command according to a particular flight path, to obtain the same control as is obtained with usual flight control, but without flexible excitation that generates discomfort in the aircraft.
US08141811B2
A shock wave in a gas is modified by emitting energy to form an extended path in the gas; heating gas along the path to form a volume of heated gas expanding outwardly from the path; and directing a path. The volume of heated gas passes through the shock wave and modifies the shock wave. This eliminates or reduces a pressure difference between gas on opposite sides of the shock wave. Electromagnetic, microwaves and/or electric discharge can be used to heat the gas along the path. This application has uses in reducing the drag on a body passing through the gas, noise reduction, controlling amount of gas into a propulsion system, and steering a body through the gas. An apparatus is also disclosed.
US08141807B2
A reel assembly comprises a spool member configured to rotate about a spooling axis to wind or unwind a linear material. The spool member is also configured to rotate about a reciprocation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the spooling axis. A housing substantially encloses the spool member and comprises first and second housing portions that are rotatable with respect to one another about the reciprocation axis. The first housing portion defines an aperture configured to receive the linear material therethrough. A rotating member is configured to rotate when the spool member rotates about the spooling axis. The rotating member is mechanically linked with respect to the first housing portion via one or more intervening components, such that each revolution of the rotating member produces one cycle of relative reciprocating rotation between the spool member and the first housing portion about the reciprocation axis.
US08141800B2
The invention provides a method of improving an existing pulverizer mill by provision of an improved port ring located around the circumference of a grinding ring of the mill for common rotation therewith. The conventional port ring has openings separated by thin vanes. The improved port ring has wider openings now separated by lands. The wider openings can pass more unground materials back through the port ring as rejected material but the overall air mass flow can be kept unchanged.
US08141791B2
A thermostat apparatus for controlling a heat pump with supplemental resistive heating as typically contained in a Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) unit is disclosed which provides improvements in energy management by reducing energy usage as much as possible within user guidelines when the conditioned space served by the PTAC is not occupied. A reduced setpoint temperature determination is based upon measurements of thermal response within the conditioned space to application of supplemental or resistive heat, and utilizes supplemental or resistive heat in achieving a quick recovery when people enter the conditioned space, thus enabling a more reduced setpoint temperature when the space is not occupied.
US08141790B2
A by-pass valve for a heat exchanger circuit that includes a cooler has a chamber and ports for flow of fluid into and out of this chamber. A thermally sensitive actuator is mounted in the chamber and can extend or retract in dependence on its body temperature as influenced by temperature of the fluid. A by-pass valve seat is arranged in a valve housing along with a by-pass valve member movable by the actuator into or out of engagement with the seat. A relief valve is mounted in the chamber and has a relief valve member movable between closed and open positions in order to close or open pressure relief ports. This relief valve member is biased towards the closed position. Excessive pressure build up in an end section of the chamber causes the relief valve member to move to its open position.
US08141783B2
Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.
US08141781B2
A laser light beam scanning device for reading coded information includes an emission source of a laser light beam, an optical element for scanning the laser light beam on a support containing coded information, an optical element for collecting the light coming from the support and photodetector means sensitive to the light collected by the collecting optical element so as to generate a representative signal of the information contained in the support. The collecting optical element is spatially distinct from, and integrally oscillating with, the scanning optical element and includes at least one transmissive input surface of the light coming from the support. In particular, the scanning optical element and the collecting optical element are part of a single scanning and light collecting optical element.
US08141779B1
A hand-operated document processor includes a base for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized, and a manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem. The subsystem includes a MICR read head. Movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. The base further includes a series of embedded markers that may be magnetic or optical. A speed sensing sensor is positioned such that the speed sensing sensor passes over the series of markers as the MICR read head passes over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head and the signal from the speed sensing sensor to provide position feedback information to the logic for use during character data recognition.
US08141777B2
A method of processing data on a server computer is disclosed. The method includes receiving data at the server computer, the data including a first data string including one or more wildcard values. The first data string is specifically associated with a customer, and the one or more wildcard values are associated with the purchase transaction. The method also includes comparing the first data string to a second data string by the server computer, and providing an output to the consumer based on the comparison.
US08141764B1
A friction stir welding system is provided herein. More specifically, traditional friction stir welding requires a rotatable head that is forced against a plurality of work pieces to bond the same. The rotational and normal forces generated by the friction stir welding tool are generally reacted by a backing plate, anvil, mandrel or other mechanisms, such hardware are subject to the applied forces and are often supported with additional internal supports. Conversely, a friction stir weld system is described that omits the need for such a backing member and internal supports as it is performed using a self reacting pin tool.
US08141762B2
A surgical stapler can comprise an anvil comprising a staple pocket formed in a tissue contacting surface. The staple pocket can comprise a longitudinal axis, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup. The first forming cup can comprise a first interior sidewall comprising a first vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The second forming cup can comprise a second interior sidewall comprising a second vertical portion which is substantially perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface. The first vertical portion and the second vertical portion can extend through the longitudinal axis, wherein the first interior sidewall and the second interior sidewall can comprise a trap for deforming a first staple leg of a staple to a first side of the longitudinal axis and for deforming a second staple leg of the staple to a second side of the longitudinal axis.
US08141757B2
The belt, convertible to a backpack, is worn about the waist of a person and includes an elongated strap, free end sections and a belt latch. The belt-backpack also includes a sack attached to the strap mid-section. The sack has an opening to permit access to its interior and a closure system (zipper, velcro, etc.,) for closing the sack opening. A pair of elongated extension panels is longitudinally affixed to an outer surface of the sack and each panel has an opposing free side edge. Each opposing free side edge has a complimentary closing system (preferably zipper) such that the extension panels and the strap form a pouch within which is disposed the folded sack and, in an opened condition, the sack is unfolded to expose the closable opening of the sack. The free end sections form backpack straps which permits the user to carry the sack.
US08141750B2
A storage container for granular fuel, comprising a lower, essentially horizontal, limiting surface and at least one adjoining lateral limiting surface, a feeding out device with an axial extension that considerably exceeds its radial extension, the feeding out device being arranged along at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and even more preferred at least 90% of the axial extension of said lower limiting surface, a forward-feeding device arranged to transport said fuel in a direction towards said feeding out device, comprising a flexible bag that via a pressurized air inlet is inflatable and that is arranged in connection with at least a portion of the storage container's lower limiting surface and its adjoining lateral limiting surface, the feeding out device being arranged inside said storage container and the bag also comprising at least one outlet for pressurized air, whereby a flow of pressurized air is allowed through the bag during the inflation thereof.
US08141746B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
US08141739B2
[Object] A safe hydrogen storage tank in a highly reliable form where it is difficult for fatigue failure to occur is provided as a hydrogen storage tank where a cartridge is filled with a hydrogen occluding substance and contained within an integrally molded liner made of a metal.[Means for Achieving Object] A cartridge 10 is formed of a cartridge main body portion 11, a fixed side axial portion 13 and a free side axial portion 12, and an integrally molded liner 20 which is seamless is formed of a liner torso portion 21, a fixed side end portion 25 where a fixed side opening 25a is created via a portion in dome form 24 and a free side end portion 23 where a free side opening 23a for supporting a support plug 30 is created via a portion in dome form 22 in order to support a free side axial portion 12a, in such a manner that the fixed side opening 25a fixes and supports the fixed side axial portion 13 and is sealed by a sealing plug 40 while the free side opening 23a is sealed by the support plug 30, and the free side axial portion 12 is inserted into and supported by the recess 31 created in the support plug 30 so as to be moveable forward and backward in the direction of the axial line.
US08141733B2
A plastic beverage container that can withstand deformation by positive pressure and that can be stably stored lying on its side is provided. The beverage container for storing a product under positive pressure includes a body portion having an outer wall made of plastic, and the body portion has a symmetrical cross-sectional shape formed by a plurality of circular arcs.
US08141724B2
A double sided bin holder assembly comprises four upstanding posts and at least one horizontal H-shaped frame including two spaced apart parallel side bars and at least one middle bar connected between the side bars. A collar is positioned at each end of the side bars for adjustable connection to the upstanding posts. At least one upwardly extending flange on the middle bar functions to receive and support a plurality of bins with undercut portions thereon that fit over the upwardly extending flange on the middle bar on the H-shaped frame.
US08141721B2
Jewelry support assemblies are provided that can include a substantially planar base portion having a member extending therefrom, the member including a plurality of openings; a plurality of arms extending from the openings, individuals ones of the arms being associated with individual ones of the openings; and a plurality of rods extending from the arms, the rods being staggered along the length of the arms. Other assemblies are also provided that include: a rod extending from a first end to a second end; flexible material at least partially wrapping the rod and extending therefrom, the material including multiple layers of overlapping material; and wherein exposed overlapping portions of material include openings. Jewelry storage assemblies are provided that can include: a case comprising at least two components configured to be coupled when in a closed position; and one of the two components configured to house a jewelry support assembly.
US08141717B2
The present invention provides sintered polymeric materials and methods of making the same which are useful in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a sintered polymeric material comprising at least one plastic and at least one elastomer.
US08141715B2
Attachment apparatus by which a sifting screen is mounted to a tension rail of a shaker machine. The apparatus includes a portion of the sifting screen wherein a hem at the periphery thereof has a thickness smaller than that of an interior portion of the sifting screen. The hem portion further includes a wire cloth array which is cast in the hem portion. A shroud includes upper and lower segments which are folded back on each other. A hinge edge is thereby defined. Facing surfaces of the upper and lower segments of the shroud sandwich the hem portion of the sifting screen therebetween. Means are provided to inhibit movement of the facing surfaces across engaged surfaces of the hem portion.
US08141710B2
A game related bundle packaging has a first side and a second side. The bundle packaging can hold a game console in its original packaging at a predetermined position and at least one game related item in its original packaging at another predetermined position. The first side includes a first and at least a second window. The first window has a first shape and size at a first position on the first side and reveals a first area of interest of the original packaging of the game console when the game console is placed in the bundle packaging. The second window has a second shape and size at a second position on the first side and reveals a second area of interest of the original packaging of the game related item when the item is placed in the bundle packaging.
US08141702B2
A container for a disk having a central opening includes a base having a pedestal for holding the disk, a hingedly connected lid, and a laterally spaced pair of latches for locking the container closed. Also disclosed are interior partitions of the base and lid that have edgewise proximal engagement, a disk presser structure for holding edge extremities of the disk in place during mishandling of the container, and rib members that block entry of a destructive blade in an endwise path through regions of facing contact adjacent to living hinges of the container.
US08141697B2
A carrier bar for conveying at least one caplet along a predetermined conveyer path includes at least one pocket adapted to receive a caplet. Each pocket includes a longitudinal axis that is angled or offset from a direction of travel of the carrier bar in use. Each caplet includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides.
US08141693B2
A display device (40) for use with a passenger conveyor (20) provides a traffic flow direction indicator and visible maintenance information. One example includes a display panel (42) supported on a surface (38) that is conveniently positioned between a handrail (28) and a landing (24). In one example, a single display panel (42) alternatively provides the traffic flow direction indicator or the maintenance information. In another example a first display panel (42) and a second display panel (48) are supported on a plate (43) that is selectively moveable into different positions, depending on which display panel should be visible. One example includes a remote signaling device (62) that allows an individual to control the information shown on the display device (40).
US08141690B2
In a current collecting contact member 7 that is arranged on the side surface of a vehicle 1 so as to face a train wire 35 laid near a track 30 of the vehicle 1, and is configured so as to collect electric power from the train wire 35 by means of sliding contact with the train wire 35, a groove 10 extending upward from a lower end part 8d of the contact member body 8 is formed in a contact-side surface 8a of a contact member body 8.
US08141680B2
A stepping platform includes an upper step platform and a lower step platform. The stepping platform may be manually moved from a stored position to a deployed, and vice-versa. The upper step platform includes a tread surface and side walls that cooperate to define a cavity into which the lower step platform fits when the stepping platform is in the stored position. The lower step platform also includes a tread surface and side walls. In one embodiment, a height of the lower step platform is about half of an overall height of the upper step platform. Further, both platforms may include tread surface areas sized to support both feet of a standing adult.
US08141677B2
Ring-shaped membrane for an electro-acoustical loudspeaker, where said membrane comprises two or more dome-shaped annulus concentrically arranged around a central portion through which an imaginary axis of symmetry passes, where an outer periphery of said membrane is suitable to be attached to a surround; where the central portion is attached to a tower, which again is fastened to the loudspeakers driver, wherein the angle between a plane being perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and the attachment of the membrane to the surround resp. the tower is in the interval 0° to 40°, most preferred around 30°.
US08141675B2
A micro-speaker includes a frame, a case supported by the frame, a sound generator located between the frame and the case. The case has a sound hole and a peripheral plate surrounding the sound hole. The peripheral plate includes an outer surface, an inner surface and an inclining surface extending from the inner surface toward the outer surface.
US08141668B2
Children's ride-on vehicles. The ride-on, or ride-on vehicle, includes a frame having a seat adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a biasing assembly that is connected to the frame and adapted to bias the seat away from the vehicle's driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed operation of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration.
US08141663B2
A percussive assisted rotary drill includes a top sub for connection with a drill pipe. The drill pipe imparts torque to the drill and also supplies motive fluid to the drill. The drill includes a shank adapter to facilitate affixing a rotary drill bit to the drill. The motive fluid is divided between a bit flow which flows through the bit to clear debris at the bottom of the drill, and an actuator flow. An actuator, which may be in the form of a reciprocating piston, moves within the drill under the influence of the actuator flow to impart cyclical blows to the shank adapter. The blows are transferred to the drill bit through the shank adapter to provide a relatively high frequency low amplitude percussive force on the rotating drill bit to assist in the drilling operation. At least a portion of the actuator flow portion of the motive fluid is exhausted through the top end of the drill. The relative flow rates and volumes of the bit and actuator flows can be adjusted with a check valve in the actuator flow exhaust path.
US08141661B2
New oil-based foam drilling fluids for oil and/or gas wells include a base oil, a foaming agent and a polymer including at least one aromatic olefin monomer and at least one diene monomer. The polymer improves foam properties rendering a foam stable at temperatures at or above 350° F.
US08141660B2
An excavator for underground excavating arranged to perform excavating work with low vibration and low noise. A rotary excavator and an underground excavating method are also provided. The excavator (1) for underground excavating comprises a plurality of bits (42a, . . . ) having the outside diameter smaller than that of the excavator body (2) and advancing/retracting to/from the excavating side, piston case members (22b, . . . ) incorporating pistons (61) for applying a hitting force to respective bits (42a, . . . ) by the energy of working fluid, a section (30) for storing the working fluid being fed to respective piston case members (22b, . . . ), working fluid circulation passages (352) for allowing the working fluid being fed to respective piston case members (22b, . . . ) to pass, and a body of rotation (40) provided with a plurality of holes (4a, . . . ) for allowing the fluid storage section (30) to communicate with the circulation openings (3a, . . . ) of each working fluid circulation passage (352) in order to feed the working fluid from the fluid storage section (30) to the circulation openings (3a, . . . ) of the respective working fluid circulation passages (352).
US08141646B2
A device and method can detect, and also break, an occurrence of gas lock in an electrical submersible pump assembly in a well bore based upon surface or downhole data without the need for operator intervention. To detect an occurrence of gas lock, an instantaneous value is monitored using a sensor. Then a controller compares the instantaneous value to a threshold value over a predetermined duration to thereby detect the occurrence of gas lock in the electrical submersible pump assembly. Sensors can include, for example, a differential pressure gauge, a pressure gage located in a pump stage located toward the inlet, a fluid temperature sensor located toward the discharge, a free gas detector located near the pump discharge, an electrical resistivity gage, a flow meter located within surface production tubing, and a vibration sensor attached to a tubing string to measure a vibration signature.
US08141642B2
A fill-up and circulation tool includes a mandrel; a packer assembly is disposed around the mandrel; and a valve assembly connected to the mandrel, wherein the valve assembly is configured to selectively control fluid flow into the tool and out of the tool.
US08141629B2
Centralizers including at least a portion formed of a first material and at least one end band secured to the first material and formed of a second material. The end band being installed to resist detachment from the portion formed of the first material.
US08141612B2
A die detachment device for delaminating a die which is mounted at a position on an adhesive film comprises a plurality of movable plates having quadrilateral-shaped contact surfaces which are arranged adjacent to one another. The plurality of movable plates comprises an intermediate movable plate and outer movable plates on opposite sides of the intermediate movable plate. The contact surfaces of the movable plates together form a combined contact surface for supporting the adhesive film at the position of the die, each movable plate being movable relative to the other movable plates towards and away from the die.
US08141610B2
There is disclosed a hand-held portable labeler and labeling method that enables the label web supply to be quickly threaded into the labeler. The path of the carrier web for the labels from the nip of the print head and platen roll, about the delaminator, into the nip between the platen roll and a pressure roll, and out of the labeler is short and the pressure roll is widely separable from the platen roll to facilitate threading.
US08141608B2
An apparatus for manufacturing extruded coiled tubes for medical purposes is provided which includes rotary shafts protruding from a spindle, each rotary shaft being coupled to a respective flexible shaft resting on a series of supporting elements substantially equidistant to each other and supported by a main central shaft; at least an extrusion head to extrude a ribbon, and at least an extrusion head to extrude a rib; the ribbon and the rib being co-extruded, side by side, and being wound on an ideal surface formed by the external surfaces of the flexible shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that for changing the pitch with which the rib is wound on a base tubular element, formed on its turn by the winding coil of the ribbon, at least two twisting bars operated by a crank are used to rotate the supporting elements with a pre-defined angle.
US08141597B2
An installation for filling an aerosol container with liquid, whereby the aerosol container including at least one frame, elements for holding a scoop of liquid for filling on the frame at a mount point located above the point where the aerosol container is mounted, a pushing element with a removable piston head, and elements that indicate when the piston head is not attached to the pushing element. The indicating elements assume the shape of a movable stop between an active position—in which the stop is placed on the trajectory followed by the scoop during its installation in its mount point on the frame and prevents the installation—and an inactive position—in which the stop allows the installation, whereby this stop, returned to the active position, is held in the inactive position by the piston head, in the attached state of the piston head on the pushing element.
US08141596B2
Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.
US08141595B2
A fabric for papermaking includes a first layer side, a second layer side and at least one binder warp yarn pair. The first side layer has a plurality of first weft yarns and a plurality of first warp yarns. The second side layer has a plurality of second weft yarns and a plurality of second warp yarns. The at least one binder warp yarn pair includes a first binder warp yarn pair having a first binder warp yarn and a second binder warp yarn, the first side layer and the second side layer being bound by the first binder warp yarn pair. The first binder warp yarn and the second binder warp yarn exchange the layer to which they are woven at exchange points. A knuckle is formed with the first binder warp yarn and an adjacent first warp yarn, a subsequent adjacent knuckle only being formed with the first binder warp yarn and an opposite adjacent first warp yarn.
US08141594B2
A pipe insulation product including a core of insulating material and a roughly rectangular laminate. The core may include an outer surface; an inner surface; and a wall extending between the outer and inner surfaces. The laminate may include a foil or metallized polymeric film sheet, a scrim, a paper media sheet, and a polymeric film sheet bonded together via an adhesive. The laminate may include a closure flap that adhesively seals opposite ends of the laminate together to form a cylindrical tube with the core enclosed therein. The paper media sheet may be between the range of 20 and 40 pounds per 3000 square feet to provide greater closure flap seal integrity without significantly reducing one or more beneficial properties of the laminate.
US08141586B2
A valve having a trim comprising a plurality of impingement flowpaths, each flowpath comprising a central impingement chamber and having three radially directed inlet passages is provided. As the fluid floes through the inlet passages and enters the impingement chamber the flow starts to turn and impinge upon one another at a substantially central point within the impingement chamber and exit together via the outlet which is substantially axial to the impingement chamber. As the flows entering the impingement chamber impinge on one another as opposed to a wall of the flowpath, the impingement can be used to create a flowpath with reduced erosion.
US08141582B2
A flow amount adjusting valve includes a handle that enables an opening/closing amount of a valve plug to be adjusted. A piston connected to the valve plug is screw-engaged with a first axial portion of the handle. Additionally, along with displacement of the valve plug in the axial direction via the piston under a rotating action of the handle, an indicator element is accommodated in an interior portion of the handle. A first indicator undergoes screw-engagement with respect to the handle, and the indicator element is displaced together with displacement of the valve plug, such that displacement of the valve plug can be confirmed visually from outside the flow amount adjusting valve.
US08141581B2
A linear compressor has a hollow piston with crown and sidewall. The piston reciprocates in a cylinder. A piston rod connects the piston to a spring. A connection between the piston rod and the piston transmits axial forces directly to the piston crown. The connection transmits lateral forces to the piston at an axial location away from the piston crown. The connection allows rotational flexibility between the piston and the piston rod transverse to and uniformly around the piston reciprocation axis. Other improvements in or relating to linear compressors are disclosed.
US08141580B2
A pressure reducer for fluid lines, with a sealing piston (70, 110) as stop element, with an equalization piston (20a, 190) as a means for pressure equalization, with a single-part or multi-part connecting means (20b, 90, 200) by which the sealing piston (70, 110) and the equalization piston (20a, 190) are rigidly connected with one another, with a valve seat, in conjunction of which the sealing piston (70, 110) defines a flow-through opening, against which the sealing piston (17, 110) seals when the valve is closed and which the connecting means (20b, 90, 200) penetrates, and with guide means (20c, 210) which are directly or indirectly rigidly coupled with the connecting means and guide an arrangement composed of at least the equalization piston (20a, 190), connecting means (20b, 90, 200) and sealing piston (70, 110) in each operating position, wherein the guide means (20c, 210) are arranged in the region of the valve seat between the sealing piston (70, 110) and the equalization piston (20a, 190).
US08141569B2
A structural member is designed to define a fluid distribution conduit receiving cavity within its interior volume. An elongate extruded plastic cover snap-fits onto the member to conceal the conduit but permits nozzles and the like to extend therethrough so that fluid may be distributed from the conduit and/or serviced as necessary without removing the cover. The cover effectively supports the conduit by trapping it against a compression pad on the cavity floor.
US08141568B2
A breakaway knuckle for an arm of a car wash is disclosed. The knuckle allows the arm of a car wash to receive an impact from a vehicle without breaking and return the arm to its original position automatically. The knuckle preferably comprises a joint having a series of inclined grooves and corresponding balls. The knuckle is spring loaded to actuate the return of the arm to an in-use position after an impact, and the balls roll into the grooves to hold the arm in place.
US08141567B2
A processing apparatus includes: a tank configured to store water; vapor generating unit configured to turn the water supplied from the tank into vapor; a processing chamber in which vapor supplied from the vapor generating unit is used to remove residues from a workpiece; cooling unit; and filtering unit. The cooling unit cools waste liquid ejected from the processing chamber. The filtering unit is provided between the cooling unit and the tank, and the filtering unit filters the waste liquid cooled in the cooling unit. A processing method includes: supplying vapor into a processing chamber; removing residues from a workpiece using the vapor; cooling waste liquid containing the removed residues to precipitate the residues as solids; and filtering the waste liquid containing the precipitates.
US08141555B1
A backboard cover includes a sheet of flexible material having an upper portion for covering a backboard top surface. The sheet has a lower surface with a non-skid region for retaining the sheet's upper portion in position atop the backboard. The sheet has a plurality of apertures positioned and dimensioned for communicating with handholds in the backboard. The sheet has a portion that can extend over to the bottom surface of the backboard, for retaining the sheet on the backboard. The backboard cover further includes an absorbent pad affixed atop the sheet for absorbing and retaining bodily or other fluids that may be exuded during the patient's residence thereon. An affixing element such as, but not intended to be limited to, a hook-and-latch pad, is affixed adjacent a top edge of the sheet, for serving as a fixation site for at least a pillow thereto.
US08141554B2
It is hereby described an oral prophylactic device constructed of vulcanized natural latex or similar material, having a reinforced edge, a crown-shaped middle portion slightly thinner and a central portion representing a protuberance similar to a nipple (though bigger in size) which is absolutely flexible due to its lower thickness. It allows the practice of oral-vaginal or anal sexual intercourse without any risk of contagion of venereal diseases or AIDS and it also eliminates foul smells.
US08141545B2
A method and a system for correcting combustion in an engine to control for the effect of crankcase gases in the intake system are disclosed. The system includes one or more sensors in the crankcase ventilation system. An air to fuel ratio sensor may be disposed within a breather line and/or a PCV line of the crankcase ventilation system to monitor crankcase gases.
US08141527B2
A camshaft adjuster (1) having a variable ratio gear unit (2). Usually, a drive movement of an electrical actuating assembly (7) is transmitted into a variable ratio gear unit (2) of a camshaft adjuster (1) on the side which faces away from the camshaft (6). According to the invention, the abovementioned drive movement is transmitted in from the side of the variable ratio gear unit (2) which faces the camshaft (6). As a result, a further assembly, for example a vacuum pump, can be driven by the variable ratio gear unit (2) on the side of the variable ratio gear unit (2) which has become free and faces away from the camshaft (6). An actuating shaft (4) of the actuating assembly (7) is preferably mounted via a bearing (34) which is supported on a circumferential face of the camshaft (6). This results in a reduced axial overall size of the camshaft adjuster and extended possibilities for the arrangement of an actuating assembly and the connection of additional assemblies.
US08141524B2
A cooling system for an engine is disclosed. The cooling system may have an engine, a pump configured to receive coolant from the engine and generate a flow of coolant, and a heat exchanger configured to receive the coolant flow. The cooling system may also have a plurality of orifice plates located between the pump and the heat exchanger. At least one of the plurality of orifice plates may be adjustable to control the flow of the coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger.
US08141520B2
By effectively inhibiting ozone escape from ozonized water, a livestock sterilizing method which does not have the possibility of having an adverse effect on man and livestock is provided. Sterilizing of livestock is performed by including an ozonized water producing step of producing ozonized water with a particle size R of a contained ozone bubble satisfying 0
US08141516B2
A pig-raising method is provided that decreases the bad odors of pig excreta, improves pig-raising efficiency, and stimulates the growth of the pigs so as to improve the quality of their meat so as to enable pig farmers to obtain good-quality meat. With the pig-raising method of the present invention (1) a pig house is provided with a water-supply system that passes water through first ceramic particles, with said activated water then supplied to pigs for drinking, and (2) pigs are fed a blended feed that consists of ordinary feed and second ceramic particles whose main component is silica obtained from plant materials and which constitutes 0.1%-3.0% of the weight of said blended feed. Further, there is spread over the floors of the pig houses a floor covering that consists of a mixture of sawdust and the second ceramic particles, with said second ceramic particles constituting 1.0%-10% of the weight of said floor covering.
US08141512B2
A plating apparatus for plating a FPCB base board having a first conveyance region and a second conveyance region includes a shielding apparatus. The shielding apparatus includes a first shielding plate and a second shielding plate. The first shielding plate corresponds to the first conveyance region. A distance between the first shielding plate and the first conveyance region is from 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters. A width of the first shielding is equal to or larger than a width of the first conveyance region. The second shielding plate corresponds to the second conveyance region. A distance between the second shielding plate and the second conveyance region is from 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters. A width of the second shielding is equal to or larger than a width of the second conveyance region. The first and second shielding plates are made of an insulation material.
US08141508B2
The invention relates to a barge arrangement comprising a barge unit with a first end (11) and a second end (12) and a tug unit provided with a propulsion unit, which barge unit is adapted to receive the tug unit at one end. In order to achieve an efficient vessel combination for loading, transport and unloading of cargo the barge unit (102) is adapted to receive a first tug unit (2) at its second end (12) in order to be pushed by the first tug unit (2) with the first end (11) of the barge unit (1) in a forward direction (F) of motion. Further, the barge unit (101) is adapted to receive a second tug unit (3) at its second end (12) in order to be pulled by the second tug unit (3) with the second end (12) of the barge unit (1) in the forward direction (F) of motion.
US08141504B2
An assembly for selectively supplying particulate material to an air seeder, an agricultural implement able to selectively supply and dispense particulate material into the ground and a method of selectively dispensing particulate material into the ground are provided. The assembly has at least one supply receptacle for receiving particulate material from a source and a metering roller for supplying the material to an air seeder. The assembly is operative to selectively supply the material to the air seeder and prevent the material from being supplied to the air seeder. The implement can use the assembly to selectively supply particulate material to ground engaging openers where the particulate material will be dispensed into the ground. Particulate material can be selectively supplied to the implement when it is desired to have the particulate material dispensed into the ground and then prevented from being supplied to the implement when it is not desirable.
US08141493B1
A multi-component projectile is disclosed. The multi-component projectile is designed for use with a rifled barrel and is configured to, upon exiting the rifled barrel, utilize the spinning forces imparted on the projectile while in the barrel to expand until the multi-component projectile achieves a predetermined pattern that is larger than an area of the barrel from which the projectile was fired. Methods of manufacturing the multi-component projectile are also disclosed.
US08141479B2
A cooking device disposable on a horizontal surface. The cooking device includes a support mechanism that is movable by a drive, in a direction substantially vertical to the surface, between an operating position and an inactive position. The cooking device also has a heating unit disposed on the support mechanism and a food tray disposed on the support mechanism. The food tray and heating unit are held on the support mechanism such that the food tray and heating unit are movable relative to one another. In an inactive position of the support mechanism, the food tray has a height position that is lower than a height position of the surface.
US08141475B2
A piston machine comprises a housing, in which at least one first piston is arranged which can be moved to and fro between two end positions in order to periodically increase and reduce the size of a working chamber adjoining a first end face of the at least one first piston, the at least one first piston having at least one guiding member, which is in engagement with a control curve which is formed on a curve member arranged in the housing, the curve member extending concentrically and circumferentially in the housing, all the way round an axis of revolution which is fixed relative to the housing, and being arranged radially to the outside of the piston in relation to the axis of revolution, a second piston being situated opposite the at least one first piston and performing opposing reciprocating movements relative to the first piston, the second piston having a second end face, which faces the first end face of the first piston, and the working chamber being situated between the end faces. The curve member is mounted in the housing in such a way that it can revolve about the axis of revolution, while the at least one first piston and the second piston cannot revolve about the axis of revolution, with the result that the at least one first piston and the second piston perform reciprocating movements in a plane of movement which is fixed relative to the axis of revolution when the curve member revolves about the axis of revolution.
US08141471B2
The present invention provides an initial strike-face layer for armor, a method of constructing an armor plate and armor. In one embodiment, the initial strike-face layer includes a substantially planar surface having a relief pattern with raised or recessed structures, each of the structures having sides that are oblique to the substantially planar surface.
US08141464B2
A vertical outer circumferential cutter tip, which has an approximate hourglass shape that is narrower at its middle than at its ends, and all of its eight corners are acute angles. Both sides of the vertical outer circumferential cutter tip are relieved at an angle α. When performing cutting processing upon the side surface of a counter weight with the vertical outer circumferential cutter tip, excessive friction is prevented. The shapes of the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the vertical outer circumferential cutter tip are formed so as to be very gently convexed, and with a relief of an angle β. Abrasion of the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the vertical outer circumferential cutter tip is prevented before the acute angled corner used for cutting is damaged.
US08141459B2
The powered adjustable pipe wrench has a motorized rotary grip to rotate a pipe component clamped therein and a laterally spaced stationary grip to hold a second pipe component stationary relative to the first as it is being rotated. The pipe wrench may have a cylindrical jaw housing with semicylindrical fixed and openable portions hinged to one another. One end of the housing includes a powered component to rotate the pipe component held therein, while the other housing end includes jaw components holding the second pipe component stationary. Alternatively, the pipe wrench may have a powered component extending from the jaw of the wrench body to rotate the first pipe component, and a rectilinearly adjustable jaw portion extending from the wrench body. A set of jaw components is axially spaced from the rotary component to hold the second pipe component stationary.
US08141446B2
A speed changing transmission mechanism of a sheet laminating apparatus includes a reverse module, a power output shaft, a first power output roller, a second power output roller, a first belt, a second belt, a power input module and a shift module. Utilizing the reverse module, the power input module and the shift module, the speed changing transmission mechanism is capable of hot laminating the sheet article and withdrawing the jammed sheet article.
US08141445B2
A ball screw shaft supporting structure of a ball screw rotationally supported by a housing via supporting bearings has a screw shaft formed, on its outer circumference, with a fitting portion and a positioning shoulder. An inner ring of the supporting bearing is press fit onto the fitting portion via a predetermined interference. A steel spacer ring is fit onto the fitting portion from the outer side of the supporting bearing with the inner side of the inner ring abutted against the shoulder. A caulking portion is formed on the end of the fitting portion by plastically deforming the end of the fitting portion radially outward. The inner ring is axially immovably secured on the screw shaft by the caulking portion via, the spacer ring.
US08141441B2
A hand-held sampling apparatus used for an ion mobility spectrometer and method of obtaining a sample are provided to prevent deformation of sampling wipes when detecting explosives and drugs. The apparatus has a body comprising a handle in the rear portion and a wiping sampling mechanism in the front portion, with a wiping surface located on its underside. The sampling wipe can be in full contact with the surface of the object during wiping to improve wiping efficiency. Correspondingly, a smaller sample inlet port can be disposed on the analyzer so as to save a large amount of sampling wipes. and meanwhile avoid sampling wipes from deformation and folds hard to restore, thereby ensuring subsequent sample insertion operation, enhancing the efficiency of both sample collection and sample injection and improving the detection performance for the analytes to be detected. The method of using said sampling device according to the present invention comprises the following steps: attaching a sampling wipe to the swiping surface; fixing the front end portion of the sampling wipe by using the front holder, and fixing the rear end portion of the sampling wipe by using the rear holder. The method of the present invention is simple and convenient.
US08141429B2
Disclosed are capacitive pressure probes or sensors for high temperature applications. The capacitive pressure sensors of the present invention include, inter alia, a sapphire diaphragm which is disposed within an interior sensing chamber of the probe housing and has a first electrode formed on a central portion thereof. The central portion of the diaphragm and the first electrode are adapted and configured to deflect in response to pressure variations encountered within an interior sensing chamber and by the pressure sensor. A sapphire substrate which has a second electrode formed thereon is fused to the sapphire diaphragm about its periphery to form a sapphire stack and to define a reference chamber therebetween. Prior to fusing the sapphire diaphragm to the sapphire substrate, all contact surfaces are chemically treated and prepared using plasma activation, so as to create a bonding layer and to reduce the temperature required for the fusion.
US08141422B2
A duct detector housing includes a housing cover and a housing body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet is in fluid communication with a gas conveying duct. The housing body is adapted to have a detector therein and being complementary to the cover to form an interface therebetween. A binary mode securement mechanism for securing the cover to the housing body in either only an open or closed position is provided to overcome the uncertainty with conventional housings as to the integrity of the closure. A process for ensuring a cover is closed against a housing body of a duct detector housing includes placing the cover in complementary contact with a surface of the housing body and engaging the binary mode securement mechanism to provide only binary either positive or completely an open or closed position for the cover relative to the housing body.
US08141410B2
The invention is directed to a method for testing batches of tips for pipettes, the method comprising the steps of calibrating a pipette to be tested with a recommended reference tip, fitting the pipette with a tip to be tested and performing a second calibration and recalibrating the pipette with the reference tip.
US08141408B2
A press die holder holds an upper die with its receiving structure above the die body. This configuration allows the die to be removed from the holder in the configuration in which it will be loaded into the press. The operator does not have to flip the die over before loading the die into the press. The holder may be configured to hold a lower die with its receiving structure disposed below the die body. This also prevents the lower die from being flipped over when it is removed from the holder and loaded into the press. One configuration of the invention provides a holder having a pair of fingers that engage the pair of continuous grooves defined by the receiving structure of the die so that the die hangs from the fingers.
US08141405B2
An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method for producing an ultra thin wall metallic tube by cold working method with significant wall thickness reduction. In a method for producing the metallic tube with a cold pilger mill according to the invention, cold rolling is performed while tube diameters are being expanded using rolls having tapered groove dies whose calibers increase from an engaging entry side toward a finishing exit side. In a method for producing the metallic tube with a drawing machine according to the invention, cold drawing is performed while the tube diameters are being expanded using a solid die whose calibers increase from an engaging entry side toward a finishing exit side and a plug of a tapered mandrel bar whose diameters increase from an entry side of the die toward an exit side. In the metallic tube producing method, a maximum diameter of the plug or tapered mandrel bar may be larger than an outside diameter of the mother tube.
US08141403B2
A method urges a blank along an axial direction between a movable bending tool and a stationary counter-tool and, while the blank is being moved forwards, of moving the bending tool from a neutral position, in which the blank is not bent, to a working position, in which the blank is bent to the desired bending centerline radius, the working position being rotated with respect to the neutral position by a given angle of rotation depending on the desired bending centerline radius. The method further includes urging the blank between a pair of shoes upstream of the bending tool so as to make the deformation of the blank easier, and the step of moving the bending tool from the neutral position to the working position is carried out by controlling at least two degrees of freedom of the movement of the bending tool in the plane defined by the axial direction and by a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction. By virtue of the initial deformation of axial and radial compression of the blank due to the passage between the shoes, the following bending step by the bending tool is made easier and allows for obtaining bending centerline radiuses significantly smaller than the smallest ones obtainable with the traditional variable-radius bending methods.
US08141399B2
An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.
US08141397B2
A driving section and a regulating member are easily mounted to a subject of assembly. In an interlock unit, a solenoid, a shaft, a link, a release link, and a torsion spring are integrated together by means of a unit box. By the interlock unit being mounted to a lock body, the solenoid, the shaft, the link, the release link and the torsion spring can be mounted to the lock body. For this reason, it is not necessary that the solenoid, the shaft, the link, the release link and the torsion spring are separately mounted to the lock body, and the solenoid, the shaft, the link, the release link and the torsion spring can be easily mounted to the lock body.
US08141395B2
An article and method is disclosed having a yarn knitted into a fabric panel including a base plurality of rows, a descending plurality of rows, and an ascending plurality of rows. The panel having interior and exterior surfaces, a first and a partially adjacent second margin. Included is an aperture therethrough from the interior to the exterior, the aperture is disposed in a portion of the first and second margins. The aperture forms an aperture periphery, wherein the descending and ascending rows correspond to the aperture periphery and the first and second margins correspond to the base rows. The descending rows each decrease by at least a stitch from the base rows and the ascending rows each increase by at least a stitch from the descending rows, wherein the aperture periphery forms a smooth transition from the exterior to the interior while having no reduction in panel stretching flexibility.
US08141394B2
Knitting tool arrangement, knitting tool and method of forming the knitting tool arrangement that includes a tool holder having several parallel grooves and several knitting tools, in which each knitting tool includes a working end and a holding area that is removably positioned in one of the several grooves. At least one filling element is located between adjacent knitting tools and is arranged between the holding area and the working end. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08141390B2
A method and device for making high precision glass tubes. A glass rod is pushed into a heated chamber and the tube is pulled from the chamber. Preferably, both the push rate and the pull rate are controlled. Fiber optic glass ferrules and other components manufactured by the use of this invention have precision dimensions that fall well within the tight dimensional tolerances required for ferrules and others.
US08141389B2
A crucible lift device for taking a crucible out of a mold is provided with a lid member which closely contacts a limb portion defining an opening of a crucible; a decompressing mechanism which decompresses an internal space of the crucible sealed with the lid member; and a vertically-moving mechanism for the lid member. The crucible lift device includes a stand, and the vertically-moving mechanism includes a crane device which is fixed to a beam provided on an upper end of the stand and vertically moves the lid member. The decompressing mechanism includes a suction duct which penetrates the lid member to open into the internal space of crucible, and a decompressor which is connected to the suction duct. The vertically-moving mechanism can integrally lift the crucible in which the internal space is decompressed together with the lid member.
US08141387B2
The process of making the glass-ceramic includes ceramicizing a starting glass at a heating or cooling rate during the ceramicization of at least 10 K/min, so that the glass-ceramic contains at least 50% by volume of ferroelectric crystallites with a maximum diameter of from 20 to 100 nm and not more than 10% by volume of nonferroelectric crystallitesis. The glass ceramic produced by the process contains no pores or not more than 0.01% by volume of the pores and a value of e′·V2max of the glass-ceramic is at least 20 (MV/cm)2, wherein e′ is the dielectric constant at 1 kHz and Vmax is the breakdown voltage per unit thickness. The ferroelectric crystallites preferably have a perovskite structure and are composed of substantially pure or doped BaTiO3 and/or BaTi2O5.
US08141382B2
A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a dispensing button unit moves between a stored position and an extended position. The dispensing button unit, in the extended position, controls dispensing of content through a dispenser outlet in response to application of force to the dispensing button unit. The refrigerator includes a dispense amount checking unit that is provided on the dispensing unit, that is at least partially translucent, and that is configured to enable a user's ability to visibly perceive content as it is being dispensed from a dispenser outlet when the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position and the dispensing unit would otherwise at least partially block the user's view of content being dispensed through the dispenser outlet.
US08141381B2
The vapor compression refrigerating apparatus of the invention comprises a compressor 2, a condenser 4, a regeneration heat exchanger 6, an expansion means 8, and an evaporator 10 connected in series. The vapor compression refrigerating cycle is based on a cycle corresponding to a reversed Ericsson cycle in which isothermal heat dissipation process and isothermal heat absorption process occur overstriding a saturated vapor line and saturated liquid line respectively and heat exchange is carried out between isobaric heat dissipation process in a liquid zone and isobaric heat absorption process in a superheated vapor zone. A process part occurring in a superheated vapor zone of the isothermal heat dissipation process (an isothermal compression process) is substituted by adiabatic compression and isobaric heat dissipation, the adiabatic compression being carried out by the compressor and the isobaric heat dissipation being carried out in the condenser together with remaining process part occurring in the superheated vapor zone of the isothermal heat dissipation under isothermal and isobaric condition. A part of the isobaric heat dissipation in the liquid zone is carried out in the regeneration heat exchanger by releasing heat from refrigerant liquid to refrigerant vapor entering the compressor, remaining process part of the isobaric heat dissipation in the liquid zone is substituted by isenthalpic or isentropic expansion, the expansion being carried out by the expansion means, and expanded refrigerant is introduced to the evaporator to carry out isothermal and isobaric heat absorption and then to be sucked into the compressor.
US08141379B2
The hybrid solar air-conditioning system includes an air intake having an air drying system that uses a liquid desiccant to dry ambient air, a desiccant regeneration system that uses a heat exchanger having oil heated by solar energy to remove water from the desiccant, an indirect evaporative air conditioner that uses an air-air heat exchanger to cool the dried air indirectly with evaporatively cooled air, a distilled water recovery system to recover water from the desiccant and from the evaporatively cooled air in the form of distilled water, and a microprocessor-based controller to control room temperature and relative humidity, and to regulate air intake and the flow of desiccant and oil in the system. The hybrid system enables the use of evaporative cooling in regions having high humidity.
US08141375B2
A refrigerator-freezer of the combined type comprises a first and a second refrigerating units and a single cooling circuit for both units, which are fluid-dynamically and reciprocally connected by an air passage conduit; the temperature inside the first unit is controlled by a device comprising motorised interception means of the passage conduit; electronic control means of the motorised interception means, directly carried aboard a supporting body adapted in use to be arranged along the passage conduit; an electronic temperature sensor operatively and directly connected to the electronic control means, carried aboard the supporting body; and ventilator means, carried aboard the supporting body, operated by the electronic control means of the motorised interception means for selectively ensuring circulation of air by forced convection between the first and second refrigerating units along the passage conduit.
US08141374B2
A air channeling sub-system may include a mechanical cooling section and a direct evaporative cooling section. The direct evaporative cooling section may be downstream from the mechanical cooling section. Cooling air is channeled through the air channeling sub-system and into the room. If a first set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-systems is operated in an adiabatic mode. The adiabatic mode includes channeling cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air. If a second set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-system is operated in a hybrid mode. The hybrid mode includes channeling cooling air through the mechanical cooling section to remove heat from the cooling air and channeling the cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air.
US08141361B2
In a gas fueled internal combustion engine, in particular a natural gas fueled internal combustion engine, as well as in a method for fuelling an internal combustion engine with gas, in particular with natural gas, with a charged “downsizing” Otto engine and an injection of the gas, a homogenous stoichiometric gas-air mixture is set and the charging takes place by an exhaust turbo charger as well as a compressor, which can be turned off and is located above the exhaust turbo charger in the air suction route.
US08141360B1
A hybrid engine having a gas turbine engine and an internal combustion engine, both engines driving a common drive shaft. The compressor delivers compressed air to the combustor and to an inlet of the internal combustion engine, the compressed air picks up heat from the internal combustion engine either from the combustion process or through a heat exchanger, and is delivered to the combustor. When the gas turbine engine is not operating by burning fuel, the heated compressed air from the internal combustion engine is used to maintain the shaft speed sufficient for starting the gas turbine engine without the need to bring the turbine engine up to speed prior to ignition. The apparatus and process of the present invention provides a hybrid engine that is light weight, fuel efficient, and with enough available power for high powered situations.
US08141355B2
A hydraulic system for an automatic transmission operatively connected to an internal combustion engine that is operable in a start-stop mode. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic energy source to supply the hydraulic system with hydraulic energy, the hydraulic energy source including at least one electrically driven hydraulic pump to supply the hydraulic system with hydraulic energy during a stopping phase of the internal combustion engine. To achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, provision is included to enable the electrically driven hydraulic pump to be switched on in addition to a mechanically driven hydraulic pump, as needed during an operating phase of the internal combustion engine.
US08141336B1
A combined cycle power plant includes a gas turbine having a first compressor, a second compressor downstream of the first compressor, and a regenerative heat exchanger between the first and second compressors. A steam generator is downstream of the gas turbine and receives exhaust from the gas turbine. A closed loop cooling system through the regenerative heat exchanger and the steam generator transfers heat from the regenerative heat exchanger to the steam generator. A method for operating a combined cycle power plant includes compressing a working fluid in a compressor and cooling the compressed working fluid with a regenerative heat exchanger so as to create a cooled compressed working fluid. The method further includes transferring heat from the regenerative heat exchanger to a steam generator.
US08141335B2
Extremely cold (e.g., −20° C.) air A is heated by a heat exchanger 30, which is supplied with steam S via a control valve 32, and heated air A′ is taken into a gas turbine 10. The valve opening degree of the control valve 32 is feedback-controlled so that the deviation between the measured temperature t1 and the target temperature TO of the heated air A′ is eliminated. Further, when the number of revolutions, N, of the gas turbine 10 increases, or when an IGV opening degree OP increases, the valve opening degree of the control valve 32 is feedforward-controlled in accordance with the increase in the number N of revolutions or the increase in the IGV opening degree OP. By so doing, the temperature of air A′ can be maintained at a temperature enabling stable combustion without delay in control, and intake air can be heated without delay in control, even at the start of the gas turbine or during change in the opening degree of an inlet guide vane.
US08141333B2
A chain assembling-disassembling structure includes an assembling base, a first clamping component, a second clamping component, a penetrating shaft and a driving shaft. The assembling base has a fixing portion and the fixing portion has a concave edge for receiving a bushing of the chain section. And, the assembling base includes a first portion and a second portion vertically formed at two opposite ends thereof for respectively engaging with the first and second clamping components. Here, the first and second clamping components together clamp and restrict the chain. The second clamping component has a tubular shape for being inserted by the penetrating shaft, and then, the driving shaft can further be locked into the second clamping component. By turning the driving shaft, the penetrating shaft can be forced to push out a pin, which is used for jointing the inner and outer link plates of the chain.
US08141329B2
A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.
US08141328B2
A system and method for free-standing hermetic storage of bulk, boxed or bagged commodities including the use of a thin, lightweight ultra low permeability loadable sleeve, and optionally a UV-, wind- and rodent-resistant cover on top of the sleeve. For bagged or boxed commodities, loading may be done manually or with a forklift while the sleeve and/or cover is held open. For bulk commodities, the cover is used to prevent tearing of the sleeve during loading and as such, is placed over the sleeve prior to loading of the sleeve via a pneumatic grain conveyor or similar device.
US08141327B2
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set. Thus, for the at least a portion of a revolution of the rotating ring and dispenser, a predetermined amount of film is dispensed and wrapped around the load.
US08141318B2
The metal truss assembly disclosed herein is made from generally U-shaped metal chords and multiple generally S-shaped web members extending between the chords. A typical truss assembly has a pair of elongated, opposed, diverging metal upper chords and a lower chord, with the chords each forming generally U-shaped channels defining an interior chord space. A plurality of elongated metal web members extend between the upper and lower chords, with each of the web members extending into the interior space of an upper chord and the lower chord and attached to the chords. The web members, as taught herein, have a generally S-shaped cross-section. The shape of the web members is an advancement of prior art web members.
US08141317B1
The present invention relates generally to improved lattice structures that can be used in, for example, blast resistant armor appliqués. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for designing improved lattice structures where the lattice structures are bistable bond lattice structures. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to lattice structures that employ asymmetric waiting links and unequal lengths of main links.
US08141311B2
A panel includes a metal fabric and fixers, such as two plates, assembled by glue. The metal fabric may be a screen having rod elements and a chain having wire elements. The glue may be constituted from an epoxy resin base and a modified amine hardening agent. The panel may be made by assembling two plates on a fabric by gluing. The panel may also be made by coating two plates with glue, positioning fabric on the rear plate, and positioning the front plate on the fabric and the rear plate.
US08141304B2
A prefabricated container house includes a container type main frame member when on a chassis capable of being pulled by a trailer truck; and dwelling forming members which can be housed in the main frame member, and which can be drawn out of the main frame member at an installation site, and assembled into a house.
US08141303B2
A roof flashing for forming a weather-proof seal about pipes of different diameters extending through openings in building structures, the flashing has a collar having a conical shape with a bottom edge and an apex end for passage of the pipe, the collar comprising a wall of elastomeric material wherein the wall has annular grooves forming tear lines for removing a portion of the collar allowing the collar to sealingly engage different diameter pipes. In addition, the roof flashing has a base having a tapered cylindrical shape formed by a wall of elastomeric material, the base having an opening formed by a top edge wherein the top edge is coupled to the bottom edge of the collar, the base further having a bottom edge. Furthermore, the roof flashing has a foot that has an annular opening wherein the annular opening is coupled to the bottom edge of the base, the foot having a substantially rectangular shape such a front portion of the foot is installed atop one or more shingles of a shingle roof and a back portion of the foot is installed beneath one or more shingles of the shingle roof, wherein the roof flashing has a longitudinal opening defined by opening members that extend from the apex of the collar to an edge of the foot thereby allowing the flashing to be spread apart and placed about a pipe, whereupon opening members are pressed together and secured by coupling members that seal the longitudinal opening.
US08141302B2
A gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively forces the gutter to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity. The gutter is supported by a number of spaced brackets, each of which includes an upper leg that is inclined downwardly and forwardly from the rear of the bracket so as to be hidden from view and to channel rainwater falling into the bracket into the gutter as opposed to against the building or outside of the gutter.
US08141301B2
An inflatable structure is augmented with transverse frames and bracing cables to make a truss-like structure. This feature is adaptable for adding strength to a plain inflatable structure and to an inflatable structure forming a structural arch. It can also be incorporated into an inflatable wing.
US08141297B2
A power drive unit system includes a vehicle door, a slide member, a motor, first and second cable guide members, first and second cables, an external spool, a door inner panel and one guide track. The internal spool unit includes an internal spool. The motor operatively communicates with the internal spool. The first cable guide member is associated with a first cable and the external spool. The first cable is attached to the internal spool and the external spool. The second cable guide member is associated with a second cable and the external spool. The second cable is attached to the internal cable spool the external spool, which in turn communicates with an output gear. The motor actuates the internal cable spool to pull the second cable, thereby causing rotation of the external spool and the drive shaft. The rotation of the drive shaft results in rotation of the door relative to the body; after which the door slides open.
US08141289B2
An improved Rail Adaptor System/Rail Accessory System (RAS) which attaches to a firearm. The rail is top opening, modular, and free floats the barrel. Provided is a rigid, lightweight, strong platform for mounting firearm accessories. Heat transmission from the barrel assembly to the user is limited. The user is also protected from ventilated gases originating from the operating system. A quick detachable top rail section is provided so that that gas system may be easily accessed. This removable top section of the rail is what makes this device unique because the RAS may be installed without removing the barrel, gas system, front sight base, flash hider or the barrel nut. The herein described RAS is adaptable to a wide variety of firearms with the use of conversion parts. The top rail “returns to zero” on reinstallation allowing the remounting of various optics and electronic gun sites without the need to realign them.
US08141288B2
The Low Reflectivity Contact has a low coefficient of light reflection, is rugged with respect to harsh ambient environmental conditions, provides a low resistance electrical connection, and is adapted for use in quick-connect applications. Light reflectivity of the contact is minimized by the use of a conductive mesh that is used to implement the electrical contact. The weave density and wire diameter of the conductive mesh maximizes the attenuation of reflected light in the visible spectrum, yet maintains high electrical conductivity and a lack of sensitivity to contamination via the choice of materials used to implement the Low Reflectivity Contact.
US08141285B2
A firearm includes a receiver and a barrel connected to the receiver. A hand guard extends from the receiver and defines a hand guard bore. The receiver includes a threaded end and the hand guard includes a flange extending into the hand guard bore and abutting the receiver about the threaded end. A hand guard nut abuts the flange of the hand guard and threadedly engaging the threaded end of the receiver. The hand guard nut sandwiches the flange between the hand guard nut and the receiver for attaching the hand guard to the receiver. The hand guard includes a first hand guard portion and a second hand guard portion removably attached to the first hand guard portion. The second hand guard portion is slid from an assembled position to a disassembled position to expose the hand guard nut in the hand guard bore.
US08141279B2
A steam ironing device (10) provides an ionized steam output using an ionizing arrangement (30). The ionization process, in particular the high energy electric discharge used for ionization, breaks down steam particles into finer particles. As a result, a greater proportion of the steam particles generated can penetrate into the fabric of the garment being ironed, to improve fabric treatment and fabric moistening. Air ionization can also be used. The ionization process is improved by limiting the temperature of the steam.
US08141274B2
A rowing shoe includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper portion. The shoe sole has a cleat mounting portion configured so that a cleat structure is mountable thereto for releasably attaching to a binding structure of a rowing boat. The shoe upper portion includes at least one fixing strap configured to secure the shoe upper portion to a wearer's foot. The fixing strap has a proximal end fixed to the shoe upper portion and a free end having at least one aperture configured so that a pull rope can extend therethrough.
US08141272B2
A shoe sole comprising a foot engaging plate for accommodating a foot of a user and a ground engaging surface/plate. The foot engaging plate is sufficiently rigid so as to resist distortion of the foot engaging plate, during use of the shoe sole, so that the foot remains supported by the foot engaging plate during use of the shoe sole. A pivot member is located between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate to facilitate relative pivoting motion between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. A layer of resilient material is sandwiched between the foot engaging plate and the ground engaging surface/plate. The resilient material may have one or more bores formed therein which accommodate a compressible material therein to facilitate programming of a desired compression characteristic for the shoe sole.
US08141271B2
A shoe construction wherein the upper is secured to the outsole by a stitch, and the upper folds inwardly in a first portion of the shoe and outwardly in a second portion of the shoe. The stitch allows an upper row of the stitching to be visible on the outside of the upper in one portion of the shoe but not visible on the outside of the upper in a different portion of the shoe.
US08141269B2
An expandable and collapsible enclosure is provided for a garment refreshing appliance. The appliance has at least either a top or a bottom rigid housing structure. The enclosure comprises a wall structure extending substantially an entire height of the enclosure. The wall structure is made of a flexible material. An opening is provided in the wall structure through which garments can be introduced into or removed from the enclosure. A zipper is attached at the opening to selectively open and close the opening. A snap attachment mechanism is located at either or both of the top and a bottom of the wall structure for securing the wall structure to the top and/or bottom rigid housing structures.
US08141267B2
A small multi-tool device designed to aid the performance of length measurements using measuring-tape devices is disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the multi-tool device is comprised of two substantially parallel planar support surfaces, coupled to each other at one edge, and with holes strategically disposed through the surfaces to facilitate the insertion of elongated and rigid members that lay on or otherwise engage parts of the target structure to be measured. The multi-tool device is designed to facilitate hypotenuse measurements, as well as measurements on structures where the edge to serve as an anchor point is rough, rounded, or non-existent. Further, the multi-tool device can also serve to act as a clip/clamp for various documents or the tops of bags of goods.
US08141260B2
A method and system for monitoring a fleet-angle of a cable. An embodiment may monitor the fleet-angle of a cable being spooled or unspooled in multiple radial directions and without use of a mechanical monitoring apparatus. The method and system may employ a fleet angle sensor device having a bell-shaped aperture across which propagate one or more collimated light beams that may be used to detect excessive fleet-angle of the cable. The light beams may be generated by a fleet-angle sensor disposed in the fleet angle sensor device proximate to the aperture. Various light-beam patterns within the aperture may provide different advantages when determining deviations of the cable from the aperture center axis.
US08141259B2
A method of determining the dip or apparent dip of a section of a subterranean formation is described using the measurements of a borehole gravity meter and a dip-dependent model for the response of the gravity meter.
US08141252B2
A rigging table and methods and systems for assembling trusses using a rigging table. An embodiment of a rigging table includes a base having a generally longitudinal axis and a generally lateral extent, and at least two bunk assemblies movable along the base in at least the generally longitudinal axis such that each bunk assembly is capable of being positioned on the base relative to another bunk assembly. Each bunk assembly may include a frame extending along the lateral extent of the base, a pair of guides slideably positioned on the frame to move generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base toward and away from each other and able to be fastened in position on the frame, and a pair of automated clamp members each positioned relative to and movable with one of the guides on the frame, to accommodate assembly of different sized trusses.
US08141247B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package-on-package system includes providing a base package and providing solder caps on the top of the base package configured to protrude above subsequent resin bleed, the resin bleed extending to an edge of the base package, and configured for merging with solder balls of a top package to form larger solder balls between such a top package and the base package.
US08141245B2
A circuit board or each circuit board of a multi-layer circuit board includes an electrically conductive sheet coated with an insulating top layer covering one surface of the conductive sheet, an insulating bottom layer covering another surface of the conductive sheet and an insulating edge layer covering an edge of the conductive sheet. An insulating interlayer can be sandwiched between a pair of adjacent circuit boards of a multi-layer circuit board assembly. A landless through-hole or via can extend through one or more of the circuit boards for connecting electrical conductors on opposing surfaces thereof.
US08141243B2
A method of manufacturing a circuit board including forming a plurality of first holes in a semiconductor substrate, each of the first holes being opened toward a front surface of the semiconductor substrate, filling a bottom side of the plurality of first holes with an insulating layer, filling the first holes filled with the insulating layer on the bottom side thereof with a first electro-conductive layer, polishing the semiconductor substrate from the back surface thereof until the respective insulating layers filled in the plurality of first holes are exposed, and forming a second hole in each of the exposed insulating layers so as to reach the first electro-conductive layer, and forming a second electro-conductive layer by filling each second hole with the second electro-conductive layer to connect the first electro-conductive layer.
US08141238B2
Twist pin z-axis interconnectors are assembled in columns of aligned vias in stacked printed circuit boards of a circuit module in automated assembly cycles. Each assembly cycle involves singulating a single twist pin from a plurality of twist pins, inserting the twist pin into the via column, gripping a leader portion of the twist pin, pulling the gripped leader portion until a connection portion moves into contact with the vias of the column, severing the leader portion from the connection portion, extracting the severed leader portion, and automatically repeating assembly cycles until interconnectors have been assembled into a substantial majority of the via columns of the circuit module.
US08141232B2
There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a stator for a dynamoelectric machine. The method includes a step of mounting a hollow cylindrical electric wire assembly, which includes a plurality of straight stacked portions of shaped electric wires, to a hollow cylindrical stator core that includes a plurality of slots formed in the radially inner surface thereof. The mounting step includes: (1) placing the electric wire assembly radially inside of the stator core so that each of the straight stacked portions of the electric wire assembly is radially aligned with a corresponding one of the slots of the stator core; and (2) radially expanding the electric wire assembly to insert the straight stacked portions of the electric wire assembly into the corresponding slots of the stator core.
US08141227B2
An assembly of sheet materials in which a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are disposed in an overlapping relationship, with a plurality of joint portions being formed therebetween by drawing an overlapping part of the first and second sheets of materials at a plurality of positions. The plurality of joint portions includes at least one first joint portion in which the first sheet of material is laterally extruded into the second sheet of material and at least one second joint portion in which the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material are in contact with each other in a cup-like surface configuration.
US08141212B2
A simple and inexpensive device for a reliable tie down tensioning which device enables the tie-down to be quickly and easily applied and the flexible element tensioned and just as quickly and easily removed.
US08141210B2
A quick release interconnect and locking device having a base plate with a post A circular and planar D-shaped disc is disposed on an end of the post. The apparatus has a female element with a contoured channel. A keeper plate with a vertical slot is placed over the contoured channel. A medial portion of the contoured channel includes an upper locking face terminating at a lower end in radius, such that when the D-disc is aligned parallel with the upper locking face, the D-disc may be translated downwardly until it encounters a locking portion, where it may again be rotated to bring the sliding face into alignment with a locking face and may then be translated downwardly to a semi-circular portion at the bottom of the contoured channel, where it may be rotated to lock it in the lower locking portion.
US08141196B2
A clean device with decorating strip includes a belt and at least one decorating strip received in the belt. The belt is composed of elastic nets and has a hollow oblong shaped structure. At least one decorating strip is inserted into the hollow structure of the belt and received in the belt. A lateral side of the belt including the at least one decorating strip are reiteratively overlapped to form a folded structure having multiple layers formed on two ends of the folded structure. A fastening means is tightened a middle section of the folded structure.
US08141192B2
A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.
US08141185B2
A sanitary device for autonomous operation for a conveyance. The sanitary device has a sanitary module and a supply system. The sanitary module is set up replaceably in a cabin area of the conveyance. The supply system is set up in the sanitary module to supply it. The sanitary module is autonomously operable.
US08141181B2
A neck jet pillow for a spa or whirlpool tub removably mountable. The pillow has a soft membrane area occupying a central portion thereof, a first mounting member fixedly mountable onto a fluid jet, a second mounting member fixedly attached to the pillow and slidably and removably mountable onto the first mounting member, and a hole in the second mounting member coinciding with the membrane area whereby the jet can direct a fluid stream onto the backside of the membrane area. The first and second mounting members, when mounted together and onto the pillow and jet, define a water-tight cavity there between having a jet inlet and a discharge opening whereby spent fluid from the jet is discharged downward into the tub or spa. The mounting members may be sliding members.
US08141178B2
A water flush mechanism has a plunger having a plug and a stem connected to the plug. There is a lower float located around a lower portion of the stem and a middle float located around the stem. There is an upper float located around the stem. The float is connected to an upper portion of the stem so lifting of the float causes the plunger to rise.
US08141175B2
A protective sports glove including a contoured wrist cuff that substantially shields a gap defined between adjacent portions of the protective sports glove, such as hand and cuff portions. The contoured wrist cuff can include a leading edge that contours forwardly adjacent a thumb portion of the contoured wrist cuff and rearwardly across a portion of the radial side of a wearer's hand when the glove is on the wearer's hand. This can allow protection of the wearer's wrist in flexion without also impairing movement of the wearer's wrist.
US08141169B2
A lower leg protection device includes a knee protection section. A flanged shin protection section is flexibly connected to the knee protection section. At least one replaceable outer cushion is selectively secured to the knee protection section via a first strap, and at least one replaceable outer cushion is selectively secured to the shin protection section via a second strap.
US08146154B2
Certain aspects of a method and system for using shared secrets to protect the access of testing keys for a set-top box may comprise receiving within a security processor within a set-top box a plurality of secret keys from a plurality of users. A password may be generated utilizing secret sharing based on the received plurality of secret keys. The generated password may be compared with a generated response. The plurality of users may be authenticated access to the set-top box based on the comparison.
US08146153B2
In order to create and access a secure storage account in a non-volatile memory device, an account identification value is calculated. A memory identification value is read from a first non-volatile memory device. The memory identification value and the account identification value are transmitted to a second non-volatile memory device, and a calculated credential is received. A command is transmitted to create a secure storage account in the first non-volatile memory device, where the command contains the credential and the account identification value. To access the account, a sequence is transmitted, containing the account identification value and a value based on the credential. A secure storage system contains a first non-volatile memory device that stores a memory identification value and contains a secure partition accessible using a credential, a second non-volatile memory device that can compute the credential, and a host adapted to create and access the secure partition.
US08146146B1
A method and apparatus are disclosed whereby databases containing information related to an IP address are accessed directly from within a threat management software tool. When an alert is generated, an element within that alert, such as an IP address, is linked to one or more databases internal to an organization containing information related to the location or identity of a user or computer at a particular IP address. If no matches for that element are found in internal databases, a search of a registry of IP addresses is conducted. Finally, if the searches of internal and external databases are inadequate, an active scan of the device at that particular IP address or a router associated with that IP address is conducted. In this way, information related to a security threat is easily and efficiently obtained to enable a security analyst to better isolate that threat.
US08146142B2
In an embodiment, a method includes registering applications and network services for notification of an out-of-band introduction, and using the out-of-band introduction to bootstrap secure in-band provisioning of credentials and policies that are used to control subsequent access and resource sharing on an in-band channel. In another embodiment, an apparatus implements the method.
US08146139B2
The invention relates to the authentication of users for a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device using handwritten signatures. Systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a MFP that conditions access to MFP operations based on an authenticating process that compares a prospective user's signature to previously saved signatures. The signatures are communicated to the MFP using the MFP's native scanning function.
US08146136B1
Systems and methods for generating a score for use in automated processing of correction submissions are presented. In one embodiment, a submission value from a correction submission obtained from a submitter is obtained. The submission value corresponds to a proposed correction of an attribute of an item, the item having a plurality of attributes that describe the item, and the submission value corresponds to one of the plurality of attributes of the item. The current attribute value of the item that corresponds to the submission value is obtained. A first set of characterization values is generated for the submission value according to a first set of criteria. A second set of characterization values for the current attribute value is generated according to a second set of criteria. Using the first and second sets of characterization values, a score is generated for the correction submission. The score is stored in a data store in association with the correction submission.
US08146132B2
A method of managing a power state of devices in a home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises obtaining a registration of a plurality of devices, where the plurality of devices includes at least one sink device and at least one source device. A selection of one of the source devices is received for presentation of program content to a user in the home entertainment system. A subset of the at least one sink device is determined for presentation of the program content to the user based on the selection of the source device. Each sink device in the subset of the at least one sink device is ensured to be active.
US08146129B2
Video content is transmitted from a head end, over a switched digital video content-based network, to a client. The head end obtains a first group of program streams and sends to the client only a subset of the program streams selected by subscribers in a neighborhood of the client. The video content is contained in a given one of the subset of the program streams and the client is tuned to a channel corresponding to the given one of the subset of the streams. The supplemental information is transmitted from the head end, over the switched digital video content-based network, to the client, based upon the channel to which the client is tuned. The video content and the supplemental information can both be sent on an identical carrier frequency corresponding to the channel; they may employ an identical quadrature amplitude modulation scheme, and the video content can be broken into packets identified via a first packet identifier, with the supplemental information broken into packets identified via a second packet identifier.
US08146125B2
The present invention relates to testing signals on a coaxial home network that carries a digital video signal. It has direct application to testing so-called Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) standards-compliant networks and applies to similar networks. In one mode, a computerized device joins the MoCA network and relays signals intended for a set-top-box to the STB. In another mode, the computerized device joins the MoCA network instead of the STB and tests signal strength, attenuation and similar physical layer characteristics.
US08146123B2
A content on demand system includes logic to compose set top box configuration information into an audio and/or video stream format, and to communicate the configuration information to a plurality of set top boxes.
US08146115B2
An optical disc drive for reducing impact forces in driving an optical pick-up unit is provided. The optical disc drive for driving an optical disc includes an optical pick-up unit, a guide bar, a rack, and a driving unit. The optical pick-up unit is configured for reading data from or writing data to the optical disc. The guide bar penetrates through the optical pick-up unit for supporting the optical pick-up unit. The rack engagably receives a part of the optical pick-up unit. The rack defines a slot therein. The slot extends along a direction substantially parallel with an extending direction of the guide bar. The driving unit is mechanically coupled to the rack. The driving unit drives the rack and the optical pick-up unit to move along a radial direction of the optical disc to track the optical disc.
US08146113B2
A disk unit is disclosed wherein a disk inserted by a pivoting arm is loaded to the interior of the disk unit or a disk accommodated in the interior of the disk unit is unloaded to the exterior of the disk unit, the disk unit including a plurality of arms able to convey two types of disks different in diameter while supporting an outer periphery edge of each of the disks.
US08146099B2
Service-oriented systems employing pipeline architecture to accommodate third party extensions for extending existing functionality or providing additional functionality are provided. User or third party provided plug-ins are registered through metadata and executed in a pipeline along with platform operations. The pipeline is extendable on the fly with newly uploaded plug-ins. Dependency analyses for ordering synchronous or asynchronous pipeline operations enable multiple parties to extend the system and operate predictably. Loop detection mechanisms prevent misuse of system resources through accidental or malicious creation of infinite loops with exceptions for non-degenerate infinite loops.
US08146094B2
A target task ensures complete delivery of a global shared memory (GSM) message from an originating task to the target task. The target task's HFI receives a first of multiple GSM packets generated from a single GSM message sent from the originating task. The HFI logic assigns a sequence number and corresponding tuple to track receipt of the complete GSM message. The sequence number is unique relative to other sequence numbers assigned to GSM messages that have not been completely received from the initiating task. The HFI updates a count value within the tuple, which comprises the sequence number and the count value for the first GSM packet and for each subsequent GSM packet received for the GSM message. The HFI determines when receipt of the GSM message is complete by comparing the count value with a count total retrieved from the packet header.
US08146090B2
A method and apparatus has been shown and described which allows Quality of Service to be controlled at a temporal granularity. Time-value curves, generated for each task, ensure that mission resources are utilized in a manner which optimizes mission performance. It should be noted, however, that although the present invention has shown and described the use of time-value curves as applied to mission workflow tasks, the present invention is not limited to this application; rather, it can be readily appreciated by one of skill in the art that time-value curves may be used to optimize the delivery of any resource to any consumer by taking into account the dynamic environment of the consumer and resource.
US08146087B2
A system and method for allowing jobs originating from different partitions to simultaneously utilize different hardware threads on a processor by concatenating partition identifiers with virtual page identifiers within a processor's translation lookaside buffer is presented. The device includes a translation lookaside buffer that translates concatenated virtual addresses to system-wide real addresses. The device generates concatenated virtual addresses using a partition identifier, which corresponds to a job's originating partition, and a virtual page identifier, which corresponds to the executing instruction, such as an instruction address or data address. In turn, each concatenated virtual address is different, which translates in the translation lookaside buffer to a unique system-wide real address. As such, jobs originating from different partitions are able to simultaneously execute on the device and, therefore, fully utilize each of the device's hardware threads.
US08146085B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing concurrent exception handling. Exceptions that occur in concurrent workers are caught. The caught exceptions are then forwarded from the concurrent workers to a coordination worker. The caught exceptions are finally aggregated into an aggregation structure, such as an aggregate exception object. This aggregation structure is rethrown and the individual caught exceptions may then be handled at a proper time.
US08146083B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for processing tasks. A set of one or more tasks is presented on a user interface, wherein the set of tasks are part of a process. A set of one or more policies are associated. Each respective policy is associated with one or more of the set of tasks in which at least one of the tasks in the set of tasks is associated with a policy restricting modification of the task. The set of tasks and set of policies are sent to a flow engine, wherein the flow engine enforces performance of the set of tasks according to the set of policies.
US08146077B2
An information management and synchronous communications system and method facilitates database equilibrium and synchronization with wired, wireless and Web-based systems, user-friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus and reservations with handwritten/voice modifications for restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment with nonstandard graphical formats, display sizes and/or applications for use in remote data entry, information management and communication with host computer, digital input device or remote pager via standard hardwired connection, the internet, a wireless link, printer or the like.
US08146073B2
To avoid extensive time during which servicing of clients' requests is stopped for updating a piece of software or a data structure, various embodiments of the invention update an instance of the piece of software or an instance of the data structure instead of updating the original piece of software or the data structure. This allows the original piece of software or the data structure to service clients' requests without interruption. The updated instance begins to service clients' requests without losing context while the original piece of software or the data structure is terminated from further operation.
US08146058B2
Quality of modularization of source code is tested using different perspectives such as a structural modularity perspective, an architectural modularity perspective, a size perspective, and a similarity of purpose perspective. A history of changes in modularization may be kept such that the degree to which given source code is well-modularized can be determined over time. The changes made to the code by individual programmers may be kept, such that the degree to which their coding enhanced or harmed modularization may be tracked.
US08146053B2
System and method for creating a graphical program that uses multiple models of computation (MoC). A first plurality of graphical program elements is assembled in a graphical program in response to first input, where the assembled first plurality of graphical program elements have a first MoC. A structure is displayed in the graphical program indicating use of a second MoC for graphical program elements comprised within the interior of the structure. A second plurality of graphical program elements is assembled within the structure in response to second input, where the assembled second plurality of graphical program elements have the second MoC. The graphical program is executable to perform a function, for example, by executing the assembled first plurality of graphical program elements in accordance with the first model of computation, and executing the assembled second plurality of graphical program elements in accordance with the second model of computation.
US08146051B2
A computer program product and a method for providing a graphical representation of a software, the method includes: receiving semantic concern defining information; populating at least one semantic concern, in response to the received semantic concern defining information; and associating between multiple elements in response to semantic relation information, if semantic concern relation information was previously received.
US08146043B2
A method for performing a signal integrity analysis on an integrated circuit (IC) that includes a plurality of scatterers by dividing the scatterers into subgroups using a nested Huygens' equivalence principle algorithm and solving a set of equations realized thereby with a reduced coupling matrix. The method includes decomposing the IC design into a plurality of small non-overlapping circuit sub-domains, wherein each of the sub-domains is formed as a small, enclosed region. Each sub-domain is analyzed independently of the other sub-domains using only electric fields to represent the interactions of each sub-domains with the other sub-domains as equivalent currents on equivalent surfaces of the plurality of sub-domains. Neighboring equivalent sub-domains are grouped together to form larger sub-domains using equivalent currents on equivalent surfaces to represent the interactions of the sub-domains. The steps of analyzing and grouping the sub-domains are repeated until the grouping approaches a box comprising the entire domain, and that the domain interactions between every sub-domain have been analyzed.
