US08159030B2
An MOS device having enhanced mobility and a method for its fabrication are provided. The method comprises providing a P-type monocrystalline silicon germanium substrate having a first lattice constant and a channel region at the substrate surface, forming a gate insulator layer on the substrate, forming a gate electrode having a first sidewall and a second sidewall overlying the channel. First and second recesses are etched into the substrate in alignment with the first and the second gate electrode sidewalls, respectively. The recesses are filled by epitaxially growing a layer of embedded monocrystalline semiconductor material characterized by a second lattice constant less than the first lattice constant to impart a tensile strain on the channel region.
US08159028B2
A transistor is provided. The transistor includes a silicon layer including a source region and a drain region. A gate stack is disposed on the silicon layer between the source region and the drain region. The gate stack comprises a first layer of a high dielectric constant material, a second layer comprising a metal or metal alloy, and a third layer comprising silicon or polysilicon. A lateral extent of the second layer of the gate stack is substantially greater than a lateral extent of the third layer of the gate stack. Also provided are methods for fabricating such a transistor.
US08159026B2
This invention provides a lateral high-voltage semiconductor device, which is a three-terminal one with two types of carriers for conduction and consists of a highest voltage region and a lowest voltage region referring to the substrate and a surface voltage-sustaining region between the highest voltage region and the lowest voltage region. The highest voltage region and the lowest region have an outer control terminal and an inner control terminal respectively, where one terminal is for controlling the flow of majorities of one conductivity type and another for controlling the flow of majorities of the other conductivity type. The potential of the inner control terminal is regulated by the voltage applied to the outer control terminal. The figure presented schematically shows a device by using an n-MOSFET to control the flow of electrons and a pnp bipolar transistor to control the flow of holes, and the potential of the base region of the pnp transistor is regulated by the voltage applied to the gate electrode of the n-MOSFET.
US08159024B2
In one aspect, a lateral MOS device is provided. The lateral MOS device includes a gate electrode disposed at least partially in a gate trench to apply a voltage to a channel region, and a drain electrode spaced from the gate electrode, and in electrical communication with a drift region having a boundary with a lower end of the channel region. The device includes a gate dielectric layer in contact with the gate electrode, and disposed between the gate electrode and the drain electrode. The channel region is adjacent to a substantially vertical wall of the gate trench. The device includes a field plate contacting the gate electrode and configured to increase a breakdown voltage of the device.
US08159021B2
A trenched semiconductor power device includes a plurality of trenched gates surrounded by source regions near a top surface of a semiconductor substrate encompassed in body regions. The trenched semiconductor power device further includes a first epitaxial layer above heavily doped substrate and beyond the trench bottom and a second epitaxial layer above said first epitaxial layer wherein a resistivity N1 of said first epitaxial layer is greater than a resistivity N2 of said second epitaxial layer represented by a functional relationship of N1>N2. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the trenched gates include an upper gate portion and lower gate portion formed with single polysilicon deposition processes wherein the lower gate portion is surrounded with a lower gate insulation layer having a greater thickness than an upper gate insulation layer surrounding the upper gate portion.
US08159019B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a first active region, a second active region, a first element isolating region and a second element isolating region. The first active region is formed in a semiconductor substrate. The second active region is formed in the semiconductor substrate. The first element isolating region electrically separates the first active regions adjacent to each other. The second element isolating region electrically separates the second active regions adjacent to each other. An impurity concentration in a part of the second active region in contact with a side face of the second element isolating region is higher than that in the central part of the second active region, and a impurity concentration in a part of the first active region in contact with a side face of the first element isolating region is equal to that in the first active region.
US08159018B2
A finFET-based non-volatile memory device on a semiconductor substrate includes source and drain regions, a fin body, a charge trapping stack and a gate. The fin body extends between the source and the drain region as a connection. The charge trapping stack covers a portion of the fin body and the gate covers the charge trapping stack at the location of the fin body. The fin body has a corner-free shape for at least ¾ of the circumference of the fin body which lacks distinct crystal faces and transition zones in between the crystal faces.
US08159015B2
A device is provided that includes memory, logic and capacitor structures on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. In one embodiment, the device includes a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having a memory region and a logic region. Trench capacitors are present in the memory region and the logic region, wherein each of the trench capacitors is structurally identical. A first transistor is present in the memory region in electrical communication with a first electrode of at least one trench capacitor that is present in the memory region. A second transistor is present in the logic region that is physically separated from the trench capacitors by insulating material. In some embodiments, the trench capacitors that are present in the logic region include decoupling capacitors and inactive capacitors. A method for forming the aforementioned device is also provided.
US08159009B2
A semiconductor device having strain material is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a first cell including a first gate between a first drain and a first source. The semiconductor device also includes a second cell adjacent to the first cell. The second cell includes a second gate between a second drain and a second source. The semiconductor device further includes a shallow trench isolation area between the first source and the second source. A first amount of strain material over the first source and over the second source is greater than a second amount of strain material over the first drain and over the second drain.
US08159007B2
Circuits, methods, and systems are disclosed in which a current is provided to compensate for spurious current while receiving signals through a line. For example, the spurious current can be sensed and the compensating current can be approximately equal to the sensed spurious current. The spurious current could include photocurrent from a bright light, and the compensating current can prevent bright light effects.
US08159006B2
In a semiconductor capable of reducing NBTI and a method for manufacturing the same, a multi-gate transistor includes an active region, gate dielectric, channels in the active region, and gate electrodes, and is formed on a semiconductor wafer. The active region has a top and side surfaces, and is oriented in a first direction. The gate dielectric is formed on the top and side surfaces of the active region. The channels are formed in the top and side surfaces of the active region. The gate electrodes are formed on the gate dielectric corresponding to the channels and aligned perpendicular to the active region such that current flows in the first direction. In one aspect of the invention, an SOI layer having a second orientation indicator in a second direction is formed on a supporting substrate having a first orientation indicator in a first direction. A multi-gate transistor is formed on the SOI layer. The first direction and the second direction are the same, or the first direction is at 45 degrees with respect to the second direction. In another aspect of the invention, the intersection of the top and side surfaces of the active region are curved, further reducing NBTI. In another aspect of the invention, a multi-gate transistor is formed on a shallow trench isolation region of a bulk wafer.
US08159004B2
A semiconductor device includes a first compound semiconductor layer having a two-dimensional carrier gas channel, a second compound semiconductor layer which functions as a barrier layer and is arranged above the first compound semiconductor layer, a first main electrode connected to one end of the two-dimensional carrier gas channel, and a second main electrode connected to another end of the two-dimensional carrier gas channel, these ends being separated, wherein a compound ratio of an elemental compound of the second compound semiconductor layer is different in a direction of the two-dimensional carrier gas channel between the first main electrode and the second main electrode.
US08159002B2
A heterostructure device includes a semiconductor multi-layer structure that has a first region, a second region and a third region. The first region is coupled to a source electrode and the second region is coupled to a drain electrode. The third region is disposed between the first region and the second region. The third region provides a switchable electrically conductive pathway from the source electrode to the drain electrode. The third region includes iodine ions. A system includes a heterostructure field effect transistor that includes the device.
US08158997B2
An optical element package includes: an optical element in a form of a chip, and a lens resin having a convex lens surface covering an optical functional surface of the optical element. The convex lens surface is formed as a rough surface having a plurality of minute convex curved surfaces having a vertex in a direction perpendicular to a plane in contact with each part of the convex lens surface.
US08158987B2
A transparent-substrate light-emitting diode (10) has a light-emitting layer (133) made of a compound semiconductor, wherein the area (A) of a light-extracting surface having formed thereon a first electrode (15) and a second electrode (16) differing in polarity from the first electrode (15), the area (B) of a light-emitting layer (133) formed as approximating to the light-extracting surface and the area (C) of the back surface of a light-emitting diode falling on the side opposite the side for forming the first electrode (15) and the second electrode (16) are so related as to satisfy the relation of A>C>B. The light-emitting diode (10) of this invention, owing to the relation of the area of the light-emitting layer (133) and the area of the back surface (23) of the transparent substrate and the optimization of the shape of a side face of the transparent substrate (14), exhibits high brightness and high exoergic property never attained heretofore and fits use with an electric current of high degree.
US08158985B2
A system for displaying images. The system includes a thin film transistor (TFT) device including a first insulating layer covering a first region and a second region of a substrate. A first polysilicon active layer is disposed in the first region and between the substrate and the first insulating layer. A second polysilicon active layer is disposed on the first insulating layer in the second region. A polysilicon gate layer is disposed above the first polysilicon active layer. A second insulating layer covers the polysilicon gate layer and the second polysilicon active layer. A metal gate layer is disposed above the second polysilicon active layer. A method for fabricating the system for displaying images including the TFT device is also disclosed.
US08158973B2
An organic non-volatile memory array including multiple pixels and associated signal lines that are disposed on and between a substrate, a single ferroelectric dielectric layer, and a single organic dielectric layer, where each pixel includes a ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) and at least one organic thin-film field effect transistor (FET) that are connected to associated signal lines in a way that facilitates addressable reading and writing to the FeFET of a selected pixel without disturbing the data stored in adjacent pixels. Analog data storage in the FeFET array is also introduced that does not require analog-to-digital conversion of the stored data.
US08158967B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory arrays. A stack of semiconductor material plates may be patterned to subdivide the plates into pieces. Electrically conductive tiers may be formed along sidewall edges of the pieces. The pieces may then be patterned into an array of wires, with the array having vertical columns and horizontal rows. Individual wires may have first ends joining to the electrically conductive tiers, may have second ends in opposing relation to the first ends, and may have intermediate regions between the first and second ends. Gate material may be formed along the intermediate regions. Memory cell structures may be formed at the second ends of the wires. A plurality of vertically-extending electrical interconnects may be connected to the wires through the memory cell structures, with individual vertically-extending electrical interconnects being along individual columns of the array. Some embodiments include memory arrays incorporated into integrated circuitry.
US08158965B2
Memory devices are described along with manufacturing methods. A memory device as described herein includes a bottom electrode and a first phase change layer comprising a first phase change material on the bottom electrode. A resistive heater comprising a heater material is on the first phase change material. A second phase change layer comprising a second phase change material is on the resistive heater, and a top electrode is on the second phase change layer. The heater material has a resistivity greater than the most highly resistive states of the first and second phase change materials.
US08158959B2
An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus generating an extreme ultraviolet light from plasma generated by irradiating a target material with a laser light within a chamber, and controlling a flow of ions generated together with the extreme ultraviolet light using a magnetic field or an electric field, the extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus comprises an ion collector device collecting the ion via an aperture arranged at a side of the chamber, and an interrupting mechanism interrupting movement of a sputtered particle in a direction toward the aperture, the sputtered particle generated at an ion collision surface collided with the ion in the ion collector device.
US08158958B2
A flare evaluation method includes: extracting DC flare reference data using a preliminary measurement pattern mask and a dummy mask having an open region in which a preliminary measurement pattern is formed; providing a plurality of flare gauge sets including an opaque pad, a measurement pattern, and a flare pattern, the measure pattern being disposed at an inside of the opaque pad to measure strength of a flare, the flare pattern being disposed at an outside of the opaque pad to generate the flare; and detecting a change of a photo resist measurement pattern caused by the flare pattern and the measurement pattern for each of the flare gauge sets, wherein an outer radius of the flare pattern increases by a predetermined amount depending on the flare gauge set.
US08158944B2
A method of detecting a target gas includes the step of traversing a target area with a gas-filter correlation radiometer having a field of view oriented towards the target area. The gas-filter correlation radiometer receives reflected radiation in a passband from the target area and produces gas-filter correlation radiometer signals from the received reflected radiation. A surface reflectivity spectral profile of the target area is determined. The presence of the target gas in the target area is then determined based upon the received reflected radiation and the surface reflectivity spectral profile of the target area.
US08158942B2
A device for detecting infrared radiation including a matrix of resistive imaging bolometers above a substrate, a read circuit forming an analog electrical signal constituting an image of the infrared radiation impinging on the matrix, a probe for measuring the temperature of the substrate, an ADC for converting the analogue electrical signals from the read circuit and probe, and a data processing unit for correcting the signal formed by the read circuit according digital values NC(i,j) corresponding to electrical signals from the bolometers exposed to a uniform scene at the measured temperature of the substrate. The data processing unit including a unit for computing the digital values NC(i,j) based on a single set of parameters of a predetermined physical model of the read circuit electrical signals and corresponding to the exposure of the matrix of imaging bolometers to a temperature substantially equal to the measured substrate temperature.
US08158940B2
A magnetic domain imaging system is offered which permits application of a strong magnetic field to a specimen. The imaging system includes a transmission electron microscope having an objective lens. The specimen that is magnetic in nature is placed in the upper polepiece of the objective lens. An electron beam transmitted through the specimen is imaged and displayed on a display device. A field application coil assembly for applying a magnetic field to the specimen and two deflection coil assemblies for bringing the beam deflected by the field applied to the specimen back to the optical axis are mounted in the upper polepiece.
US08158928B2
An image improvement system and method are disclosed that compensates for effects of optical scattering and pixel cross-talk on image quality in an imager employing a focal plane array. The method characterizes these effects on a test image, presents them as a set of stored numerical coefficients, and applies the coefficients during image processing.
US08158921B2
An imaging device comprising a plurality of photosensors, a shared diffusion region for receiving charge generated by the photosensors, and a dual conversion gain element that can be selectively coupled to the shared diffusion region to increase a conversion gain of the shared diffusion region. A method of operating such an imaging device is also described, comprising resetting a shared diffusion region, sampling a reset voltage level at the shared diffusion region, transferring charge accumulated in one of a plurality of photosensors to the shared diffusion region, sampling a pixel signal voltage level at the shared diffusion region, and activating a dual conversion gain element to increase a conversion gain of the shared diffusion region.
US08158917B2
An optical wavefront sensor comprising a light manipulation device; a detector for detecting light signals having been subjected to the light manipulation device; and a controller coupled to the manipulation device, the controller controlling the manipulation device to function as a lenslet array, each lenslet of the array focussing an incident portion of a wavefront onto the detector. The controller may also control the distance between the detector and the manipulation device. The spatial resolution of Shack-Hartmann sensors can be increased by digital scanning the wavefront with the manipulation device. The wavefront sensing can be dynamic adaptive by setting of parameters of the manipulation device.
US08158916B2
This invention relates to a color controlled light source comprising a plurality of colored light elements; a detector for detecting the light output of the light source and generating a detection signal; and a color control unit for generating driving signals to said light elements on the basis of said detection signal and a predetermined target color point of the light output of the light source. In order to enable detection of contributions from individual light elements to the light output of the light source, the light source further comprises a modulator for individual signature modulation of the driving signal to each one of said light elements; and a corresponding demodulator for demodulation of said detection signal and generation of actual, i.e. measured, values of the output of the individual light elements. The color control unit determines nominal values of the light output of each light element for obtaining said target color point, and compares the actual values with the nominal values. If there is a difference, it adjusts the driving signals in order to minimize the difference.
US08158906B2
Conventional welding methods have the disadvantage of producing worse welded joints at the beginning of the process than in the later course of the method. The method in question uses an initializing plate on which the welding process is begun and then once a consistent quality can be achieved for the welded joint continues onto the points for repair.
US08158900B2
An apparatus that forms or includes a modular keypad the keypad including a replaceable key structure including a set of keys comprising projecting key tops, a replaceable front panel, and a replaceable light guide structure underneath the front panel configured to provide illumination for the modular keypad. A method for assembling a modular keypad is also disclosed.
US08158898B2
Disclosed are an elastic pressing unit and a molded case circuit breaker having the same, the molded case circuit breaker including, a plurality of fixed contacts, a plurality of movable contacts disposed to be rotatable between a closing position contacted with the corresponding fixed contacts and a breaking position or trip position separated from the corresponding fixed contacts, a rotation pin disposed to be simultaneously connected to the movable contacts, a mechanical unit connected to the rotation pin so as to allow the movable contacts to be simultaneously rotatable, and an elastic pressing unit configured to apply an elastic force to the rotation pin such that the rotation pin is rotated toward the closing position, whereby component deformation can be prevented, resulting in ensuring operation reliability and stability of the mechanical unit.
US08158895B2
The invention relates to a method and a system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfills predefined criteria as regards for example the total weight range and optionally the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects. A selective transferal of the objects from means for object transport to batching means is performed by means of one or more handling means of the robot type in as a batch of objects is produced in consideration of said predefined criteria. The batches are produced on said batching means that are moved around said one or more handling means of the robot type.
US08158893B2
An EMI/ESD protection module is disposed between a first metal connecting member and a second metal connecting member. The EMI/ESD protection module includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member and a resilient member. The first conductive member is electrically connected to the first metal connecting member. The second conductive member is movably connected to the first conductive member and electrically connected to the second metal connecting member. The resilient member is disposed between the first and second conductive members.
US08158891B2
A circuit board disclosed in the present invention includes a core board on which a first circuit layer is placed, wherein the first circuit layer has a plurality of conductive pads; and at least one built-up structure covering the surface of the circuit board, which comprises a dielectric layer, a second circuit layer, and a plurality of conductive vias without being surrounded by annular metal rings. The conductive vias are conducted with the conductive pads of the first circuit layer and the second circuit layer. Besides, the surface of the second circuit layer is in the same height as the surface of the dielectric layer. Also, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned circuit board structure. Therefore, a circuit board having fine circuits can be formed, and the shape of the circuit can be ensured efficiently. Moreover, electric performances of the circuit board can be improved.
US08158889B2
An electromagnetic bandgap structure and a printed circuit board are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic bandgap structure includes a mushroom type structure comprising a first metal plate and a via of which one end is connected to the first metal plate; a second metal plate connected to the other end of the via; a first metal layer being connected to the second metal layer through a metal line; a first dielectric layer, layer-built between the first metal layer and the first metal plate; a second dielectric layer, layer-built on the first metal plate and the first dielectric layer; and a second metal layer, layer-built on the second dielectric layer. With the present invention, it is possible to solve the aforementioned mixed signal problem by preventing the EM wave of a certain frequency range from being transferred.
US08158887B2
An adhesive film including a first adhesive layer containing a first main resin component and dispersed conductive particles, and a second adhesive layer containing a second main resin component and adhering to the first adhesive layer, each of the adhesive layers containing a secondary resin component, wherein the first main resin component has a glass transition temperature higher than that of the secondary resin component, and the second main resin component has a glass transition temperature higher than that of the secondary resin component and lower than that of the first main resin component, and a reaction peak temperature of each of the adhesive layers is lower than the glass transition temperature of the first main resin component and higher than the glass transition temperature of the second main resin component, and is a temperature at which a calorific value of the adhesive layer is maximum during temperature rise.
US08158886B2
A method of recycling radio frequency printed circuit boards comprising track material printed on a laminate having a known dielectric constant using the steps of separating the substrate of one or more circuit boards from the track material; and processing the separated material to form a thin layer of substrate material suitable for relaminating with track material to provide a product for use in the manufacture of a further radio frequency printed circuit board. The method may separate the material from the laminate by grinding or use of an etchant.
US08158884B2
An outdoor metallic electrical outlet box that includes a back wall having a perimetrical edge and an interior portion; a side wall extending from the back wall to an open front to define a box interior; and one or more niches. Each niche has a base integrally formed in the back wall that extends inwardly from the perimetrical edge to the interior portion of the back wall to a recessed side wall and does not extend beyond the perimetrical edge of the back wall. The recessed side wall extends from the base to a point on the side wall of the box intermediate the base and the open front. The recessed side wall tapers towards the side wall of the box as it extends from the base and has a curved shape. Each base has a mounting screw aperture for attaching the electrical outlet box to a structure.
US08158878B2
A thin film solar cell module is disclosed. The thin film solar cell module includes a substrate and a plurality of cells each including a first electrode positioned on the substrate, a second electrode positioned on the first electrode, and a photoelectric transformation layer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. The plurality of cells are divided into a first group and a second group. A plurality of cells included in the first group are electrically connected in series to one another, and a plurality of cells included in the second group are electrically connected in series to one another. The first group and the second group are connected in parallel to each other using a lead wire. The lead wire is positioned on both the first group and the second group.
US08158874B1
A system and method for determining the appropriate tempo for early music, which may have originally lacked metronome-based time values, and for playing musical instruments according to the same. One example of such early music is the various piano works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The appropriate tempo is determined according to a number of indicators or parameters within the music score including the common time mode, the time signature, the fastest note type, and the absence or presence of any tempo words. Tempos are based around a common time beat value of 71 beats per minute and a cut-time beat value of 80. Other beats are derived using the parameters based on either of these two base values. An electronic device and/or software application may be provided for determining the appropriate tempo according to the illustrative system and displaying it according to an audio and/or visual queue.
US08158872B2
A portable multimedia device stores multimedia content and sets of user preferences (“settings”) for one or more users (karaoke participants), on a title by title basis, that the one or more users may wish to apply upon playback of the content. The content and settings are initially stored in the portable device with the use of a practice playback system. Once this is done, the portable device may be transported and connected to any performance playback system. The portable device and the performance system may be operated to select and play back any title of content stored in the device, applying the corresponding stored set of user preferences for the user.
US08158866B2
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid 9941819 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid 9941819 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US08158857B2
The invention is directed to monocot plant seed products comprising human serum albumin, and to methods of making said monocot plant seed products comprising human serum albumin and to therapeutic compositions comprising them.
US08158856B2
Stress tolerance in plants and plant cells is achieved by using nucleotide sequences encoding enzymes involved in the NAD salvage synthesis pathway and/or the NAD de novo synthesis pathway from fungal or yeast like organisms other than Saccharomyces cereviseae, e.g., for overexpression in plants.
US08158853B2
Polynucleotides encoding polypeptides that comprise the biosynthetic pathway for lignins in the coffee plant are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides and polypeptides for the manipulation of flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans, as well as the manipulation resistance to pathogen, herbivore, and insect attack in the coffee plant.
US08158840B2
A process and apparatus for steam cracking liquid hydrocarbon feedstocks utilizes a vapor/liquid separation apparatus to treat heated vapor/liquid mixtures to provide an overhead of reduced residue content and includes: i) indirectly heat exchanging liquid bottoms with boiler feed water to provide cooled liquid bottoms and preheated boiler feed water; ii) directing at least a portion of said preheated boiler feed water to a steam drum; and iii) recovering steam having a pressure of at least about 4100 kPa (600 psia) from said steam drum.
US08158833B2
This invention relates to a process, a plant, and butanol made of or derived from lignocellulosic feedstock. The process includes the step of depolymerizing lignocellulosic material to form pentose and a remainder. The process also includes the step of converting the pentose to butanol material and using the remainder for generation of power or further downstream conversion.
US08158829B2
There is provided an organic sulfur compound having an excellent controlling effect on harmful arthropods which is represented by formula (I): wherein R1 represents a C3-C6 haloalkyl group having at least one fluorine atom and at least one atom selected from group consisting of a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, R2 represents a cyano group and the like, R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group, R4 represents a C1-C5 fluoroalkyl group, and n represents 0, 1 or 2.
US08158822B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing potassium formate. Formaldehyde, potassium hydroxide and isobutyraldehyde are reacted in water, at a molar ratio of 1.0:1.0:1.0 to 3.0:2.0:1.0 and at a temperature of 0-1000 C, preferably 30-700 C. The obtained reaction solution is neutralised to pH 4-6 and evaporated in a first step, whereby two phases are obtained, one organic phase and one aqueous phase, the latter comprising the main part of the potassium formate. The organic phase is subsequently separated from the aqueous phase, where after a final evaporation of the aqueous phase takes place at a pressure of 0.0-1.0 bar and a temperature of 160-2500 C, to obtain a melt of potassium formate. Water is added followed by filtration resulting in a solution having a content of >99% by weight of potassium formate, calculated on a water free basis.
US08158819B2
The present invention refers to a process to obtain a highly soluble linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). Specifically it comprises the addition, prior or after sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene and/or neutralization of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid of an hydrotropic composition. It also refers to a hydrotropic composition, to a highly soluble linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, to the use of the hydrotropic composition for making said linear alkylbenzene sulfonate highly soluble and to a cleaning composition comprising said linear alkylbenzene sulfonate.
US08158812B2
Described are diol-derived organofunctional silanes in which the silanes contain cyclic and bridged alkoxy groups derived from hydrocarbon-based diols and methods for the preparation of the silanes. Also described are rubber compositions containing the diol-derived organofunctional silanes, methods for the preparation of the rubber compositions and articles of manufacture containing the rubber compositions, in particular, automotive tires and components thereof.
US08158808B2
The invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of duloxetine, duloxetine intermediates, and duloxetine hydrochloride.
US08158803B2
Compounds having the formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5a, R5b, R5c and R6 are as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication.
US08158802B2
This invention provides compounds of Formula 1, their N-oxides and agriculturally suitable salts wherein R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b and R5 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are methods for controlling invertebrate pests comprising contacting the invertebrate pests or their environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound of Formula 1 or a composition comprising a compound of Formula 1.
US08158800B2
To provide novel crystals of 4-{3-[4-(3-{4-[amino(butoxycarbonylimino)methyl]phenoxy}propyl)-1-piperidinyl]propoxy}-N′-(butoxycarbonyl)benzamidine.Means for Solving the ProblemsThe type II crystal, the type III crystal and the type IV crystal of 4-{3-[4-(3-{4-[amino(butoxycarbonylimino)methyl]phenoxy}propyl)-1-piperidinyl]propoxy}-N′-(butoxycarbonyl)benzamidine are useful as excellent drug substances of antifungal agents.
US08158790B2
The present invention provides an excellent antihypertensive medicament. The medicament of the present invention comprises a compound having the general formula (I) and the like: [wherein R1: H, substitutable alkyl, substitutable alkenyl, substitutable cyclic hydrocarbon, substitutable heterocyclyl or the like; R2: H, substitutable alkyl, substitutable alkenyl, substitutable cycloalkyl or the like; R3, R4; H, substitutable alkyl, substitutable alkenyl, substitutable cycloalkyl or the like; R5, R6: H, substitutable alkyl, substitutable cycloalkyl, substitutable alkoxy or the like; R7, R8: H, substitutable alkyl, substitutable cycloalkyl or the like; X: the formula (II) or the like; A: substitutable cyclic hydrocarbon, substitutable heterocyclyl or the like; Y: a single bond, substitutable alkylene, substitutable alkenylene, —(CH2)a—X1—(CH2)b—(X1: the formula —NH—, —O— or the like; a, b: 0-5) or the like; B: substitutable cyclic hydrocarbon, substitutable heterocyclyl or the like].
US08158788B2
Disclosed is a method for the nitration of 4,6-dihydroxy-2-methylpyrimidine for the synthesis of 4,6-dihydroxy-5,5-dinitro-2-(dinitromethylene)-2,5-dihydropyrimidine which is used as a precursor of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, one type of explosives. The present invention provides an improved method for the nitration of 4,6-dihydroxy-2-methylpyrimidine, wherein organic solvent is applied in the nitration process of 4,6-dihydroxy-2-methylpyrimidine thereby solving the safety problem while improving the yield of nitration.
US08158787B2
A process for producing a trichloropyrimidine compound represented by the formula (2): wherein R represents a hydrogen atom etc., comprising reacting a dihydroxypyrimidine compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R represents the same meaning as above, with sulfuryl chloride and at least one chlorinating agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen chloride, thionyl chloride, phosgene, phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorus pentachloride and phosphorus trichloride in the presence of an organic base.
US08158783B2
The present invention is concerned with novel tetrahydro-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid derivatives having apoB secretion/MTP inhibiting activity and concomitant lipid lowering activity. The invention further relates to methods for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as well as the use of said compounds as a medicine for the treatment of atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and type II diabetes. Formula (I).
US08158780B2
Improved processes for the synthesis of ciclesonide, chemically termed as [11β,16α(R)]-16,17-[(cyclohexylmethylene)bis(oxy)]-11-hydroxy-21-(2-methyl-1-oxopropoxy)pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione and its crystal modification.
US08158777B2
Ionic liquids and cellulose ester compositions and processes for producing ionic liquids and cellulose esters. Cellulose esters can be produced by esterifying cellulose in a reaction medium comprising one or more halide ionic liquids and at least one binary component. Cellulose esters prepared via the methods of the present invention can have a degree of substitution (“DS”) of at least 1.5 and can comprise a plurality of ester substituents, where at least 50 percent of the ester substituents comprise alkyl esters having a carbon chain length of at least 6 carbons.
US08158774B2
The present invention relates to a simple, economical method for introducing substituent (I) at the 2′-hydroxyl group of the ribose of a ribonucleic acid derivative whose 3′-hydroxyl group and 5′-hydroxyl group are protected with a silicon protecting group, wherein WG1 represents an electron-withdrawing group: The invention also relates to a method for producing a ribonucleic acid derivative of formula (3), comprising the reaction of a ribonucleic acid derivative of formula (1) with a monothioacetal compound of formula (2) to produce the ribonucleic acid derivative of formula (3), using iodine as the reagent for halogenating the sulfur atom of the monothioacetal compound of formula (2) in the presence of an acid: In formulae (1), (2), and (3), Bz represents a nucleobase which may or may not have a protecting group; WG1 represents an electron-withdrawing group; R3 represents alkyl or aryl; and A represents a silicon substituent.
US08158771B2
The present invention relates to methods and means for making Vitamin K-dependent protein compositions which are devoid or substantially devoid of protein contaminants. In particular, methods and means useful for the reduction or elimination of protein contaminants also being Vitamin K-dependent proteins are described.
US08158758B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing and treating cancer. In particular, the present invention identifies LGR5 as a protein over-expressed in solid tumor stem cell. The present invention further identifies an interaction between RSPO1 and LGR5 as an alternative pathway for the activation of beta-catenin signaling. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides biomolecules that disrupt functional signaling via a LGR protein, including, in certain embodiments, molecules that inhibit the interaction between one or more RSPO proteins and one or more LGR proteins, such as LGR5. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating cancer comprising disrupting functional LGR signaling and inhibiting growth of a solid tumor comprising solid tumor stem cells.
US08158752B2
The objects of the present invention are: to provide a therapeutic agent and a therapeutic method for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases, a transplant for periodontal tissue regeneration, and a method for regenerating the periodontal tissue.According to the present invention, there are provided therapeutic agents for periodontal diseases and pulpal diseases which comprise neurotrophic factors as an active ingredient.
US08158749B2
The present invention provides a method for ameliorating inflammatory and/or neuropathic pain in a subject by modifying the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in cells of the subject by inhibition of the interaction of the unique domain of the tyrosine kinase Src enzyme and the NMDA receptor complex.
US08158747B2
A method for manufacturing a molded article by melting and molding a granule of a polycarbonate resin at a temperature of 280 to 380° C., wherein the granule satisfies condition (a): when 100 parts by weight of the granule is cleaned with 100 parts by weight of a 1N nitric acid aqueous solution, the amount of an Fe compound eluted into the cleaning liquid of the 1N nitric acid aqueous solution is 1 to 100 ppb in terms of an Fe atom based on the granule. The molded article exhibits excellent color and transparency.
US08158741B2
A polyurethane resin forming composition comprising: a main agent (A) containing an isocyanate group-terminated prepolymer obtained by reacting an isocyanate group-containing compound (a1) with a polyfunctional polyether polyol (b1) having a specific molecular weight distribution obtained by the use of a compound having a functional group number of 8 as an initiator; and a curing agent (B) containing a castor oil-modified polyol (b2) obtained from castor oil and/or a castor oil fatty acid and a trimethylolalkane. This polyurethane resin forming composition is applicable to the production of large-sized hollow-fiber membrane modules and can form cured resins excellent in adhesion property and heat resistance, low in the temperature dependence of hardness and extremely small in the amount of substance eluted into water when immersed in the water.
US08158740B2
A process for producing a soluble silicone product is provided. The process includes the steps of chemically reacting a polydialkoxysiloxane with an aliphatic alcohol with or without a catalyst in a reaction mixture, removing produced alcohol from the mixture; recovering the water soluble portion of produced silicone product, purifying the water soluble portion; and recovering hydrophilic material in the water insoluble portion.
US08158738B2
An adhesive silicone rubber composition comprising (A) 100 pbw of an organopolysiloxane containing at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl radicals, (B) 0.5-20 pbw of an organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing at least two Si—H radicals, (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst, and (D) 0.1-50 pbw of an organosilicon compound having at least one phenyl structure, at least one alicyclic epoxy radical, and at least one Si—H radical is applicable to an electrolyte membrane and a separator in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell to form a firm integrally molded part.
US08158736B2
Provided is an easy method for production of a high-performance polyfunctional compound which can be used as an optical recording material, an optical waveguide material, a photo-alignment film material, or the like, in a simple manner. The method for production of a polyfunctional compound includes conducting a Michael addition of a compound (A) having a hydrogen atom of pKa≦15 to a (meth)acrylate or a (meth)acrylamide (B), in which at least one of the compounds (A) and (B) has a photoisomerization group and/or a liquid-crystalline group.
US08158732B2
A method for preparing a cyclic olefin addition polymer of high gas permeability, which method including subjecting a specific type of cyclic olefin-functional siloxane and a mixture thereof with a specific type of cyclic olefin compound to addition polymerization in the presence of a multi-component catalyst containing (A) a zero-valent palladium compound, (B) an ionic boron compound, and (C) a phosphine compound having a substituent group selected from an alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group and an aryl group, to obtain a cyclic olefin addition polymer of high gas permeability wherein a ratio of the structural units derived from the cyclic olefin-functional siloxane is at 10 to 100 mole % of the addition polymer and a number average molecular weight (Mn) ranges from 100,000 to 2,000,000.
US08158730B2
To provide a polyamide resin excellent in lasting thermal stability and having a high biomass ratio.A polyamide resin comprising adipic acid units, pentamethylenediamine units and 6-aminocaproic acid units as constituents, wherein the weight ratio of the sum of the adipic acid units and the pentamethylenediamine units to the 6-aminocaproic acid units is 97:3 to 75:25. The pentamethylenediamine is preferably one produced from lysine using lysine decarboxylase, lysine decarboxylase-producing cells or a treated product of the cells.
US08158727B2
To provide an aqueous dispersion of a resin wherein dispersed particles are stable with fine particle sizes and whereby bleeding out is suppressed, which is thus useful as e.g. a surface treating agent for a polyolefin substrate, an adhesive or a coating material.A resin dispersion having dispersed in water a polymer (C) having a hydrophilic polymer (B) bonded to a polyolefin (A) in a ratio of (A):(B)=100:5 to 100:500 (weight ratio); a method for producing the resin dispersion; and a coating material and a laminate, employing it.
US08158716B2
A hydrolyzable group-containing organohydrogenpolysiloxane is prepared by (A) reacting (a) an organosiloxane with (b) an organosilane or organosiloxane containing a hydrolyzable group, at least one of components (a) and (b) containing hydrosilyl, in the presence of a superstrong acid catalyst, (B) adding an inorganic basic neutralizing agent and/or an adsorbent to the resulting reaction solution, and (C) removing the neutralized and/or adsorbed form of the superstrong acid catalyst. The process proceeds in an essentially non-aqueous system, and the organohydrogenpolysiloxane free of residual acidic catalyst is obtainable at low cost.
US08158712B2
Biocompatible polymers useful in ophthalmic devices such as accommodating intraocular lenses. The polymers have improved resistance to the diffusion of fluid, relatively high refractive indexes, and mechanical properties to allow for deformation upon the application of force.
US08158699B2
Water-soluble sulfo group containing copolymers use as stabilizers, rheology modifiers and water retention agents in aqueous building materials based on hydraulic binders, such as cement, lime, gypsum and anhydrite, and in water-based painting and coating systems are described. Processes of preparing the copolymers and methods of using them are also described.
US08158697B2
An ink composition includes a polyurethane resin and at least one selected from a metal compound and hollow resin particles as a colorant, and in the ink composition described above, the polyurethane resin is a polycarbonate-based or a polyether-based anionic polyurethane resin.
US08158687B2
The present invention concerns an oil-in-water emulsion wherein the oil droplets of a diameter in the range of 5 nm to hundreds of micrometers exhibit a nano-sized structurization with hydrophilic domains with a diameter size in the range of 0.5 to 200 nm and being formed by a lipophilic additive.
US08158673B2
This invention is directed to a compound of formula I, as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of formula I, a process of preparation of a compound of formula I, a method of treatment of a disorder or condition that may be treated by antagonizing histamine H3 receptors, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound of formula I as described above, and a method of treatment of a disorder or condition selected from the group consisting of depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychotic disorders, cognitive disorders, sleep disorders, obesity, dizziness, epilepsy, motion sickness, respiratory diseases, allergy, allergy-induced airway responses, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, allergic congestion, congestion, hypotension, cardiovascular disease, diseases of the GI tract, hyper and hypo motility and acidic secretion of the gastro-intestinal tract, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound of formula I as described above.
US08158664B2
The present invention relates to a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of a microbial infection, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), in which X and Y are either the same or different and selected from a heteroatom; is a double or single bond depending on the heteroatoms X and Y; R1 to R5 are either the same or different and selected from hydrogen or a non-deleterious substituent; and R6 and R7 are either the same or different and selected from hydrogen and a non-deleterious substituent or one of R6 and R7 are absent when there is a double bond present, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives, pro-drugs, tautomers and/or isomers thereof. The present invention also relates to a method for protecting a subject from radiation damage, a method of cancer radiotherapy and use as an antimicrobial or radioprotective agent of the compound of formula (I) defined above. Some of the compounds of formula (I) are novel and are also described in the present invention, together with pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions containing them.
US08158648B2
Novel compounds are provided which are 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors. 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitor therapy. These novel compounds have the structure: W-L-Z (I) or stereoisomers or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein W, L and Z are defined herein.
US08158644B2
Crystalline polymorphous forms of rifaximin (INN), referred to as rifaximin α and rifaximin β, and a poorly crystalline form referred to as rifaximin γ, useful in the production of medicaments containing rifaximin for oral and topical use and obtained by means of a crystallization process carried out by hot-dissolving the raw rifaximin in ethyl alcohol and by causing the crystallization of the product by addition of water at a fixed temperature and for a fixed period of time, followed by a drying under controlled conditions until reaching a precise water content in the end product, are the object of the invention.
US08158643B2
The present invention concerns aryl and heteroaryl substituted diaza-spiro-pyridinone derivatives having antagonistic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) activity, in particular MCH-1 activity according to the general Formula (I) a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salt thereof, an N-oxide form thereof or a quaternary ammonium salt thereof, wherein the variables are defined in Claim 1. It further relates to their preparation, compositions comprising them and their use as a medicine. The compounds according to the invention are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of psychiatric disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, eating disorders, mood disorders, such as bipolar disorders and depression, psychoses, such as schizophrenia, and sleeping disorders; obesity; diabetes; sexual disorders and neurological disorders.
US08158640B2
A novel compound of the formula (I): wherein R1 is alkoxycarbonyl or the like, R2 is alkyl or the like; R3 is hydrogen or the like; R4 is alkylene or the like; R5 is optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R6, R7, R8 and R9 are independently hydrogen; alkyl, alkoxy, or the like; R10 is optionally substituted aromatic ring, or the like; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has an inhibitory activity against cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP).
US08158635B2
Solid forms comprising 4-[9-(tetrahydro-furan-3-yl)-8-(2,4,6-trifluoro-phenylamino)-9H-purin-2-ylamino]-cyclohexan-1-ol, compositions comprising the solid forms, methods of making the solid forms and methods of their use for the treatment of various diseases and/or disorders are disclosed.
US08158634B2
The invention provides compounds having Formula Ia, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and Y are as defined in the specification; as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with the activity of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1).
US08158621B2
The present invention provides methods of treating or preventing autoimmune diseases with 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds, as well as methods of treating, preventing or ameliorating symptoms associated with such diseases. Specific examples of autoimmune diseases that can be treated or prevented with the compounds include rheumatoid arthritis and/or its associated symptoms, systemic lups erythematosis and/or its associated symptoms and multiple sclerosis and/or its associated symptoms.
US08158611B2
Novel synthetic forms of etherified oxidized phospholipids and methods of utilizing same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders, as well as inflammatory disorders, immune mediated diseases, autoimmune diseases and proliferative disorders, are provided. In addition, methods of synthesizing etherified and esterified oxidized phospholipids and of using same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders are also provided.
US08158609B1
The present invention is directed to the treatment of disorders involving the accumulation of drusen, such as dry age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy via administration of therapeutically effective amounts of at least one monomeric or polymeric cyclodextrin.
US08158601B2
The invention features a cationic lipid of formula I, an improved lipid formulation comprising a cationic lipid of formula I and corresponding methods of use. Also disclosed are targeting lipids, and specific lipid formulations comprising such targeting lipids.
US08158600B2
The invention discloses multiple genes related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and/or phagocytosis by RPE cells of the eye, and methods and compositions for detecting and treating AMD and other retinal degenerative conditions based on these phagocytosis-related and/or AMD-related genes. Also provided are animal models useful for testing therapeutic compounds and treatment protocols for AMD, and gene arrays including polymorphic variants of phagocytosis-related and/or AMD-related genes, useful for genetic screening of nucleic acid samples from subjects to obtain profiles of polymorphic variant sequences in a plurality of genes associated with AMD.
US08158595B2
An extensible RNA-based framework for engineering ligand-controlled gene regulatory systems, called ribozyme switches, that exhibit tunable regulation, design modularity, and target specificity is provided. These switch platforms typically contain a sensor domain, comprised of an aptamer sequence, and an actuator domain, comprised of a hammerhead ribozyme sequence. A variety of modes of standardized information transmission between these domains can be employed, and this application demonstrates a mechanism that allows for the reliable and modular assembly of functioning synthetic hammerhead ribozyme switches and regulation of ribozyme activity in response to various effectors. In some embodiments aptamer-regulated cis-acting hammerhead ribozymes are provided.
US08158591B2
A 13-deoxy anthracycline and a taxane can be administered to a patient simultaneously, separately, sequentially, or consecutively to produce a therapeutic anticancer effect with reduced toxicity and side effect profile, compared to the administration of equieffective amounts of either compound alone. A composition or preparation of a 13-deoxy anthracyclines and a taxane for producing a potent anticancer therapeutic effect is also provided.
US08158588B2
The present invention provides polypeptides that contain one or more PDZ loop-variants and are useful in the detection of pathogens and disease-associated molecules. The polypeptides of the invention are also useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Also provided are methods of preparing polypeptides of the invention.
US08158578B2
The present invention features methods and compositions for treating a patient who has a neurological deficit. The method can be carried out, for example, by contacting (in vivo or in culture) a neural progenitor cell of the patient's central nervous system (CNS) with a polypeptide that binds the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and directing progeny of the proliferating progenitor cells to migrate en masse to a region of the CNS in which they will reside and function in a manner sufficient to reduce the neurological deficit. The method may include a further step in which the progeny of the neural precursor cells are contacted with a compound that stimulates differentiation.
US08158569B2
Disclosed are cleaning solvents and cleaning methods for metallic compounds deposited on the equipment that supplies organometallic compounds to the manufacturing tool in the photovoltaic industry or the semiconductor industry. The cleaning solvents and the cleaning methods disclosed not only selectively remove the metallic compound without corroding the equipment, but also improve the ordinary cleaning process. Moreover, the cleaning solvents and the cleaning methods disclosed improve maintenance costs for the supply system because the equipment may be cleaned without being detached from the supply system.
US08158565B2
The present invention provides a molybdenum pentakis-alkylxanthate having general formula (1) which is indicated below. In this formula R1 to R5 each represent a group individually selected from linear chain or branched alkyl groups which have from 1 to 30 carbon atoms.
US08158561B2
The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting scale and corrosion in aqueous systems, for example, under high temperature and pressure conditions such as temperatures up to 250° C. and/or pressures up to 10000 psi (i.e., about 68.9 MPa). The method involves providing polymer compositions comprising 1% to 100% by weight of a phosphorus-containing amide monomer to such aqueous systems, which arise, for example, in connection with oilfield operations and some water treatment applications.
US08158558B2
Herbicide combinations comprising an amount of components (A) and (B) have improved herbicidal action: (A) one or more herbicides of the formula (I) or salts thereof in which R1 is (C1-C8)-alkyl, (C3-C4)-alkenyl, (C3-C4)-alkynyl or (C1-C4)-alkyl which is mono- to tetrasubstituted by radicals selected from the group consisting of halogen and/or (C1-C2)-alkoxy, R2 is I or CH2NHSO2CH3, R3 is methyl or methoxy and Z is N or CH; and (B) denotes one or more herbicides which act selectively in some monocotyledonous crops against monocotyledonous and/or dicotyledonous harmful plants, which herbicides are selected from the group of compounds consisting of (B1) flucarbazone, (B2) BAY MKH 6561 (procarbazone), (B3) florasulam, (B4) halosulfuron, (B5) tritosulfuron, (B6) picolinafen, (B7) cinidon-ethyl, (B8) mesotrione, (B9) metosulam, (B10) clopyralid, (B11) flufenacet, (B12) flumetsulam, (B13) flupoxam, (B14) prosulfocarb, (B15) flurtamone, (B16) aclonifen, (B17) hexazinone, (B18) asulam, (B19) diuron, (B20) ametryn, (B21) isoxaflutole, (B22) amicarbazone and (B23) trifloxysulfuron, except for herbicide combinations comprising (A) one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of the compounds of the formula (I) and their salts in which R1=(C1-C8)-alkyl, (C3-C4)-alkenyl, (C3-C4)-alkynyl or (C1-C4)-alkyl which is mono- to tetrasubstituted by radicals selected from the group consisting of halogen and (C1-C2)-alkoxy, R2=CH2NHSO2CH3, R3=methoxy and Z═CH, and (B) one or more herbicides selected from the group of the compounds metosulam (B9), flupoxam (B13), prosulfocarb (B14) and flurtamone (B15).
US08158551B2
Catalyst compositions for the treatment of vehicular exhaust gases are based on zirconium and cerium oxides, have a cerium oxide content of at most 50% by weight, a level of reducibility of at least 95% after calcination in air at 600°, and a specific surface area after calcination for 4 hours at 1100° of at least 15 m2/g; such compositions are prepared by forming an aqueous mixture containing zirconium and cerium compounds, by heating this mixture to at least 100° and, after the heating, adjusting it to a basic pH, by adding a surfactant additive to the precipitate obtained from this mixture and by calcinating the precipitate in an inert gas or under vacuum at a temperature of at least 900° and then in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature of at least 600°.
US08158546B2
The present invention relates to a transparent aqua-based nano sol-gel composition and method of applying the same to transparent substrates without decreasing the visible light and sunlight transmittance thereof. The transparent aqua-based nano sol-gel can be applied to a surface of a transparent substrate to form a porous film which will not reduce the visible light and sunlight transmittance of the transparent substrate and will impart a self-cleaning function to the transparent substrate. The transparent aqua-based nano sol-gel composition contains a transparent aqua-based zeolite sol-gel having a particle size of less than 100 nm, a polysiloxane derivate, a surfactant, a transparent aqua-based photocatalytic sol-gel of titanium dioxide having a particle size of less than 100 nm, and deionized water.
US08158532B2
Plating accelerator is applied selectively to a substantially-unfilled wide (e.g., low-aspect-ratio feature cavity. Then, plating of metal is conducted to fill the wide feature cavity and to form an embossed structure in which the height of a wide-feature metal protrusion over the metal-filled wide-feature cavity is higher than the height of metal over field regions. Most of the overburden metal is removed using non-contact techniques, such as chemical wet etching. Metal above the wide feature cavity protects the metal-filled wide-feature interconnect against dishing, and improved planarization techniques avoid erosion of the metal interconnect and dielectric insulating layer. In some embodiments, plating of metal onto a substrate is conducted to fill narrow (e.g., high-aspect-ratio feature cavities) in the dielectric layer before selective application of plating accelerator and filling of the wide feature cavity.
US08158529B2
A method for forming an active pillar of a vertical channel transistor includes forming a hard mask pattern on a substrate, etching vertically the substrate using the hard mask pattern as an etch barrier to form an active pillar, and etching horizontally to remove by-product remaining on the exposed substrate, the hard mask pattern and the active pillar and at the same time to reduce line width of the hard mask pattern and the active pillar, wherein a unit cycle in which the vertical etching and the horizontal etching are each performed subsequently once, respectively, is performed repeatedly at least two times or more. According to the present invention, an active pillar having vertical profiles on its sidewalls and having height and line width (or diameter) required in a highly integrated vertical channel transistor can be provided.
US08158520B2
An integrated circuit device structure with a novel contact feature. The structure includes a substrate, a dielectric layer overlying the substrate, and a metal interconnect overlying the dielectric layer. A first interlayer dielectric layer is formed surrounding the metal interconnect. A second interlayer dielectric layer of a predetermined thickness is overlying the first interlayer dielectric layer. A trench opening of a first width is formed within an upper portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer. A first barrier layer is within and is overlying the trench opening of the first width. A contact opening of a second width is within a lower portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer. The second width is less than the first width. The lower portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer is coupled to the upper portion of the second interlayer dielectric layer within the predetermined thickness of the second interlayer dielectric. A second barrier layer is within and is overlying the opening of the contact opening and overlying the first barrier layer. A directional partially or completely removal of the second barrier forming a low contact resistance structure. A copper material is formed overlying the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer to substantially fill the contact opening and the trench within the second interlayer dielectric layer.
US08158519B2
In a method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory cell, a self-aligned metal silicide is used in place of a conventional tungsten metal layer to form a polysilicon gate, and the self-aligned metal silicide is used as a connection layer on the polysilicon gate. By using the self-aligned metal silicide to form the polysilicon gate, the use of masks in the etching process may be saved to thereby enable simplified manufacturing process and accordingly, reduced manufacturing cost. Meanwhile, the problem of resistance shift caused by an oxidized tungsten metal layer can be avoided.
US08158516B2
According to one embodiment, a method is described for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method can form a conductive layer including tungsten on a foundation layer. The method can form a trench by selectively etching the conductive layer. The trench is shallower than a depth from a surface of the conductive layer to the foundation layer. The method can form a protective film on a side surface and a bottom surface of the conductive layer in the trench using a gas containing bromine. The protective film includes a compound of the tungsten and the bromine. The method can remove the protective film on the bottom surface of the conductive layer. The method can etch a portion of the conductive layer below the trench with the protective film on the side surface of the conductive layer.
US08158490B2
A method for producing a Group III nitride-based compound semiconductor device includes, before bonding a support substrate to an epitaxial layer formed on an epitaxial growth substrate, forming trenches in such a manner as to extend from the top surface of a stacked structure including the epitaxial layer to at least the interface between the epitaxial growth substrate and the bottom surface of the epitaxial layer. The trenches divide the epitaxial layer into extended device areas which encompass respective product device structures, and stress relaxation areas. A plurality of laser irradiations are performed for laser lift-off such that, after each laser irradiation, the expanded device areas and the stress relaxation areas are formed by a laser-irradiated area and a laser-unirradiated area, and a strip-shaped laser-unirradiated stress relaxation area is formed at a boundary between the laser-irradiated area and the laser-unirradiated area.
US08158489B2
An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor wafer, which includes a first notch extending from an edge of the semiconductor wafer into the semiconductor wafer. A carrier wafer is mounted onto the semiconductor wafer. The carrier wafer has a second notch overlapping at least a portion of the first notch. A side of the carrier wafer facing the semiconductor wafer forms a sharp angle with an edge of the carrier wafer. The carrier wafer has a resistivity lower than about 1×108 Ohm-cm.
US08158487B2
The invention relates to a process for annealing a structure that includes at least one wafer, with the annealing process including conducting a first annealing of the structure in an oxidizing atmosphere while holding the structure in contact with a holder in a first position in order to oxidize at least portion of the exposed surface of the structure, shifting the structure on the holder into a second position in which non-oxidized regions of the structure are exposed, and conducting a second annealing of the structure in an oxidizing atmosphere while holding the structure in the second position. The process provides an oxide layer on the structure.
US08158485B2
An integrated circuit device includes a substrate with a first layer situated on the substrate. The first layer defines a first opening with a cover layer deposited on the first layer and coating a sidewall portion of the first opening. A second layer is situated on the cover layer. The second layer defines a second opening extending through the second layer and through the cover layer to connect the first and second openings.
US08158484B2
A method of forming an inverted T shaped channel structure having a vertical channel portion and a horizontal channel portion for an Inverted T channel Field Effect Transistor ITFET device comprises providing a semiconductor substrate, providing a first layer of a first semiconductor material over the semiconductor substrate, and providing a second layer of a second semiconductor material over the first layer. The first and the second semiconductor materials are selected such that the first semiconductor material has a rate of removal which is less than a rate of removal of the second semiconductor material. The method further comprises removing a portion of the first layer and a portion of the second layer selectively according to the different rates of removal so as to provide a lateral layer and the vertical channel portion of the inverted T shaped channel structure and removing a portion of the lateral layer so as to provide the horizontal channel portion of the inverted T shaped channel structure.
US08158482B2
An asymmetric transistor configuration is disclosed in which asymmetric extension regions and/or halo regions may be combined with an asymmetric spacer structure which may be used to further adjust the overall dopant profile of the asymmetric transistor.
US08158480B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device pattern, a method of forming a charge storage pattern, a non-volatile memory device including a charge storage pattern and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method of forming the charge storage pattern including forming a trench on a substrate, and a device isolation pattern in the trench. The device isolation pattern protrudes from a surface of the substrate such that an opening exposing the substrate is formed. A tunnel oxide layer is formed on the substrate in the opening. A preliminary charge storage pattern is formed on the tunnel oxide layer and the device isolation pattern by selective deposition of conductive materials. The preliminary charge storage pattern may be removed from the device isolation pattern. The preliminary charge storage pattern remains only on the tunnel oxide layer to form the charge storage pattern on the substrate.
US08158477B2
A method for forming a pixel of an electroluminescence device includes providing a substrate; defining at least a first area for capacitors and a second area for a transistor on the substrate; forming a first conductive layer over the first area; forming a first dielectric layer over the first conductive layer; forming a second conductive layer over the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the second conductive layer; forming a third conductive layer over the second dielectric layer; forming a layer of capping silicon nitride between the second dielectric layer and the third conductive layer; forming a semiconductor layer over the second area; forming a gate oxide layer over the second area; and forming a fourth conductive layer over the gate oxide layer.
US08158471B2
A method of forming capacitorless DRAM over localized silicon-on-insulator comprises the following steps: A silicon substrate is provided, and an array of silicon studs is defined within the silicon substrate. An insulator layer is defined atop at least a portion of the silicon substrate, and between the silicon studs. A silicon-over-insulator layer is defined surrounding the silicon studs atop the insulator layer, and a capacitorless DRAM is formed within and above the silicon-over-insulator layer.
US08158450B1
Methods and devices are provided for improved roofing devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photovoltaic roofing assembly is provided that comprises of a roofing membrane and a plurality of photovoltaic cells supported by the roofing membrane. The photovoltaic cells may be lightweight, flexible cells formed on a lightweight foil and disposed as a layer on top of the roofing membrane. The roofing assembly may include at least one flexible encapsulant film that protects the plurality of photovoltaic cells from environmental exposure damage, wherein the encapsulant film is formed using a non-vacuum process. Optionally, the process may be a lamination process. In other embodiments, the process is a non-vacuum, non-lamination process. The resulting roofing membrane and the photovoltaic cells are constructed to be rolled up in lengths suitable for being transported to a building site for unrolling and being affixed to a roof structure.
US08158447B2
An organic electroluminescent device includes: a switching element and a driving element connected to each other on a substrate including a pixel region; a planarization layer on the switching element and the driving element, the planarization layer having a substantially flat top surface; a cathode on the planarization layer, the cathode connected to the driving element; an emitting layer on the cathode; and an anode on the emitting layer.
US08158442B2
The present invention relates to antagonists of the human bitter-taste receptors hTAS2R38. The invention also relates to methods for identifying further molecules that suppress hTAS2R38 mediated bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response and uses thereof.
US08158437B2
The present invention generally relates to methods for modulating the optical properties of a luminescent polymer via interaction with a species (e.g., an analyte). In some cases, the present invention provides methods for determination of an analyte by monitoring a change in an optical signal of a luminescent polymer upon exposure to an analyte. Methods of the present invention may be useful for the vapor phase detection of analytes such as explosives and toxins. The present invention also provides methods for increasing the luminescence intensity of a polymer, such as a polymer that has been photobleached, by exposing the luminescent polymer to a species such as a reducing agent.
US08158434B2
A method for enumerating cellular elements and particulates within a biologic fluid sample is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of: a) providing a chamber formed between a first planar member that is transparent and a second planar member, which members are separated from one another by a substantially uniform height, and which chamber has a known volume; b) introducing the biologic fluid sample into the chamber in an amount such that the sample extends between the first and second members for substantially the entire extent of the chamber, which fluid sample has first cellular elements having a first thickness and second cellular elements having a second thickness; c) selecting the chamber height relative to the first and second thicknesses such that the first and second cellular elements non-uniformly distribute within the sample upon introduction into the chamber; d) examining substantially all of the sample within the chamber and enumerating all of at least one of the elements; and e) determining a number per unit volume of sample of the at least one of the elements.
US08158433B2
The present invention relates to identification tagging, and is specifically directed to identification tagging of ammunition. An isotopic taggant is deposited in a layer at the interface between the primer and the propellant so that, as the ammunition is fired, the taggant is dispersed throughout the propellant. The taggant is thus contained in the gunshot residue formed during the firing, and can be read by analysis of residue particles. Alternatively, the taggant may be deposited in a layer under the primer reactants, or in pellets which are easily destroyed by the chemical reactions involved in firing the ammunition, again dispersing the taggant throughout the propellant and the gunshot residue. Non-isotopic chemical taggants may also be employed if they are encoded so as to minimize the possibility of the information being destroyed or improperly read after the taggants are exposed to the chemical reactions in firing the ammunition. This is accomplished by employing a binary coding system and a system of authentication tags. Particulate taggants may also be used. The required large number of unique identification tags are obtained by using a fragmented coding system wherein each particle encodes only a portion of the serial number.
US08158429B2
The present invention provides multicolor reagent formulations containing in a single container both fluorescently labeled detection reagents and single-color compensation control reagents, wherein the compensation control reagents consist of reagent-capture particles bound to a fluorescently labeled detection reagent included in the multicolor reagent formulation. The multicolor reagent formulations of the present invention simplify manufacture and commercial distribution of multicolor reagent kits.
US08158423B2
A method of making a hair, including a step of culturing an undifferentiated cell of a mammal to produce an embryoid body and a step of further culturing the embryoid body is provided, wherein the culturing step is to culture the embryoid body on a three-dimensional matrix for 5 to 12 days. Furthermore, a biological material obtainable by the method of making a hair as described above is provided. Moreover, a biological material for a screening system of evaluating a medical product or the like, obtainable by utilizing the method of making a hair as described above is provided.
US08158421B2
The present invention provides a method of enhancing the efficiency of differentiation of hES cells into cardiomyocytes which method comprises incubating the cells under serum free conditions. The method typically includes providing cells that induce cardiomyocyte differentiation by cell to cell contact. Differentiation to cardiomyocytes can occur via two routes, namely by spontaneous differentiation and by induced differentiation. Without wishing to be bound by theory the present inventors hypothesize that, in the case of induced differentiation, END-2 cells, for instance, are needed for aggregation to cause local high cell densities and in inducing differentiation of nascent mesoderm. This second step could be enhanced in any human embryonic stem cell line leading to the prediction that it will work in lines other than hES. In cell lines that undergo spontaneous differentiation, it is hypothesized that local induction of embryoid bodies in endoderm occurs. Typically for induced differentiation this method will also comprise culturing the hES cell with a cell excreting at least one cardiomyocyte differentiation inducing factor or with an extracellular medium therefrom, under conditions that induce differentiation.
US08158415B2
The present invention discloses cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins that comprise a kaposi fibroblast growth factor 4 (kFGF4)-derived macromolecule transduction domain (MTD). Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins, a method of increasing self-renewal and suppressing differentiation of stem cells by treating the cells in combination with the cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins, and the combined use of the cell permeable Nanog and Oct4 recombinant proteins for increasing self-renewal and suppressing differentiation of stem cells.
US08158412B2
A disposable inoculation loop assembly comprising a test tube and a tube stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the test tube. A first end of the stopper faces into the interior of the test tube substantially hermetically sealing the interior of the test tube. The assembly further includes an inoculation loop fixed to the tube stopper and extending into the interior of the test tube to a predetermined distance when the stopper is positioned in the free end of the test tube. The assembly when assembled is sterilized and pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum which is sufficient to draw a volume of a bodily liquid to be sampled into the test tube. The volume is of such an amount so that the liquid level in the test tube substantially just covers a predetermined portion of the inoculation loop.
US08158402B2
A high-yield bacterial strain for producing acetoin named Bacillus pumilus XH195 has been deposited in a microorganism deposit center in Germany. The deposit number is DSM 16187. The bacteria of the strain are rod-shaped, 1.5 μm to 3.0 μm in length, and 0.6 μm to 0.7 μm in diameter. The colony color of the bacterial strain is yellow or white. The strain has the typical fatty acid profile of Bacillus and its physiological and biochemical characteristics align with those of Bacillus pumilus. When the bacteria of strain were cultured at 37° C. for 60 hours with shaking, the yield of acetoin could reach 63.0 g/L or 58.1 g/L, when glucose or sucrose was used as the substrate, respectively.
US08158396B2
The present invention provides a novel process for ethanol fermentation which uses a high concentration of fresh yeast to co produce ethanol and good quality yeast.
US08158393B2
Method of resolving stereoselectively racemic 2-alkyl-5-halopent-4-ene-carboxylic esters of the formula (I) in which R is a C1-C6-alkyl radical, R1 is C1-C4-alkyl and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, by contacting a racemic ester of formula (I) with a polypeptide or recombinant protein having esterase activity and exhibiting an amino acid sequence that is at least 98% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. No. 1.
US08158387B2
The present invention relates to an expression vector which can effectively express target proteins or peptides on the surface of cells using an outer membrane protein (FadL) of E. coli as a surface anchoring motif. Also, the present invention relates to microorganisms transformed with the expression vector, and a method for stably expressing large amounts of target proteins on the surface of cells by culturing the transformed microorganisms. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a production method of protein arrays, a production method of antibodies, and a bioconversion method, the methods being characterized by using target proteins which have been expressed on the cell surface by the inventive method. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for improving target proteins by the inventive surface expression method. The present invention allows target proteins with normal functions to be expressed on an outer cell membrane. Thus, the present invention will be useful in recombinant live vaccines, the screening of various peptides or antibodies, whole-cell adsorbents for heavy metal removal or waste water treatment, whole-cell bioconversion, and the like.
US08158377B2
A method of biosensor-based detection of toxins comprises the steps of providing at least one time-dependent control signal generated by a biosensor in a gas or liquid medium, and obtaining a time-dependent biosensor signal from the biosensor in the gas or liquid medium to be monitored or analyzed for the presence of one or more toxins selected from chemical, biological or radiological agents. The time-dependent biosensor signal is processed to obtain a plurality of feature vectors using at least one of amplitude statistics and a time-frequency analysis. At least one parameter relating to toxicity of the gas or liquid medium is then determined from the feature vectors based on reference to the control signal.
US08158355B2
A method of providing an indication of an instance of expression of a gene is described herein, the method which may comprise the steps of: (a) providing a complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) having a terminus comprising a terminal transcribed sequence of a gene; (b) linking the cDNA to an linker sequence thereby forming a linked nucleic acid, in which the linker sequence comprises a first recognition site for a first nucleic acid cleavage enzyme, preferably a restriction endonuclease, that allows nucleic acid cleavage at a site distant from the first recognition site; and (c) cleaving the linked nucleic acid with the first nucleic acid cleavage enzyme to provide a linked tag, in which the linked tag comprises a nucleotide sequence tag representative of a terminal transcribed sequence of the gene; and (d) detecting the presence or identity of the linked tag or the nucleotide sequence tag to provide an indication of an instance of gene expression.
US08158349B2
The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from a sample and a device that is suitable therefore.
US08158345B2
The present invention relates to a labeled oligonucleotide comprising a first nucleotide segment and a second nucleotide segment, complementary to a target sequence, a fluorophore, a quencher and at least one alpha-anomeric nucleoside. The invention also relates to the use of such an oligonucleotide and also to a process using such an oligonucleotide.
US08158338B2
Methods and compositions for enhancing the sensitivity of a resist composition are disclosed. In one aspect, compositions for use with a matrix material (e.g., a lithographically sensitive polymeric material) can be formulated with an acid generator and a sensitizer, where the sensitizer can be present in a relatively small amount. The sensitizer can include a compound with one or more silicon-silicon bonds, and can act to enhance the efficiency of acid generation when the resist is impinged by a selected lithographic radiation. The methods of the present invention can be especially useful in performing short wavelength (e.g., less than 200 nm) lithography, or for processes such as e-beam lithography, which traditionally suffer from low throughput.
US08158336B2
A method of making a micro-fluid ejection head structure and micro-fluid ejection heads made by the method. The method includes applying a tantalum oxide layer to a surface of a fluid ejection actuator disposed on a device surface of a substrate so that the tantalum oxide layer is the topmost layer of a plurality of layers including a resistive layer, and a protective layer selected from a passivation layer, a cavitation layer, and a combination of a passivation layer and a cavitation layer. The tantalum oxide layer has a thickness (t) that satisfies an equation t=(¼*W/n), wherein W is a wavelength of radiation from a radiation source, and n is a refractive index of the tantalum oxide layer. A photoimageable layer is also applied to the substrate. The photoimageable layer is imaged with the radiation source and then developed.
US08158331B2
A method of making a relief image printing element from a photosensitive printing blank is provided. A photosensitive printing blank with a laser ablatable layer disposed on at least one photocurable layer is ablated with a laser to create an in situ mask. The printing blank is then exposed to at least one source of actinic radiation through the in situ mask to selectively cross link and cure portions of the photocurable layer. Diffusion of air into the at least one photocurable layer is limited during the exposing step and preferably at least one of the type, power and incident angle of illumination of the at least one source of actinic radiation is altered during the exposure step. The resulting relief image comprises a plurality of dots and a dot shape of the plurality of dots is produced that is highly resistant to print fluting for printing on corrugated board.
US08158330B2
A protective coating composition comprising a copolymer of an alkali-soluble (α-trifluoromethyl) acrylate and a norbornene derivative as a base polymer, optionally in admixture with a second polymer containing sulfonic acid and/or sulfonic acid amine salt in repeat units is applied onto a resist film. The protective coating is effective in minimizing development defects and forming a resist pattern of improved profile.
US08158329B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom etc., and at least one selected from the group consisting of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 is the group represented by the formula (II): wherein X1 and X2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom etc., n represents an integer of 1 to 4, Z1 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group etc., and ring Y represents an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, and the others each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group or a hydroxyl group, and a chemically amplified resist composition containing the same.
US08158327B2
A compound represented by the following formula (1) is provided: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a trifluoromethyl group, an alkyl group, or an alkoxy group; and A represents a group represented by the following formula (2) or formula (3): wherein R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted allyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted perfluoroalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and two or more of R2, R3 and R4 may be linked to each other to form a saturated or unsaturated carbon ring or a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. The chemically amplified resist composition comprising a polymer compound which is produced from the compound of formula 1 according to the present invention provides a chemically amplified resist sensitive to far-ultraviolet radiation, which is represented by KrF excimer laser or ArF excimer laser.
US08158326B2
A compound which generates a sulfonic acid having one or more —SO3H groups and one or more —SO2— bonds upon irradiation with an actinic ray or a radiation; a photosensitive composition containing the compound; and a method of pattern formation with the photosensitive composition.
US08158320B2
A toner includes a core containing a binder resin, wax, and a colorant, and an external additive layer coating the core, wherein the core is prepared such that it is extruded and extended to have a fiber phase, and is pulverized. The toner has an improved fixing ability to allow an electrostatic image to be fixed at a low temperature while having an excellent durability and an improved storage stability, while exhibiting reduced toner blocking and offset phenomena.
US08158317B2
An azo dye of the following formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent; and R5 represent a substituent. The dye has an excellent optical characteristic with sharp absorption and excellent fastness.
US08158314B2
An object of the present invention is to form a high density electrostatic latent image on an organic photoreceptor via image exposure using a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode of an oscillation wavelength of 350-500 nm; and to provide an organic photoreceptor exhibiting improved sensitivity and repetition characteristics or improved dot reproducibility deterioration, and an image forming apparatus employing the organic photoreceptor. In an organic photoreceptor having a charge generating layer and a charge transporting layer on a conductive support, an organic photoreceptor wherein a charge generating layer incorporates a binder resin and a Br substituted pyranthrone-based compound and the spectral spectrum of the charge generating layer has maximum absorption values each in the region of 430-445 nm, 500-510 nm, and 530-545 nm.
US08158309B2
A fabricating method of a color filter substrate includes following steps. First, a base is provided. A patterned color filter film layer having a plurality of recesses is then formed on the base. Next, a common electrode layer is formed on the patterned color filter film layer and the base. Here, the common electrode layer conforms to surfaces of the recesses. Thereafter, a plurality of shelters are formed on the common electrode layer and correspond to the recesses.
US08158304B2
This invention describes the recipe and preparation process of nano-scale electrolyte suspension and its application via a spin coating process for fabrication of airtight/fully dense electrolyte layers composed in solid oxide fuel cell-membrane electrode assembly with high performance characteristics. The recipe of nano-scale electrolyte suspension includes 10˜50 wt % nano-scale electrolyte powder, 0.01˜1 wt % poly acrylic acid (PAA as dispersant), 0.1˜5 wt % poly vinyl alcohol (PVA as binder), 0.005˜1 wt % octanol as defoamer, and deionized water as solvent. Solid oxide fuel cell fabricated via this recipe and process exhibits that the open-circuit voltage (OCV) is over 1 Volt, and maximum power density is 335 mW/cm2 at 800° C.
US08158292B2
In at least one embodiment, a fuel cell anode exhaust system includes a fuel cell anode having an input and an output. The system also includes a first conduit loop communicating with the anode input and output. The system also includes a second conduit loop having an input and an output. The input and output communicate with the first conduit loop. A gas separator is disposed on the second conduit loop for purifying an exhaust stream fed into the gas separator.
US08158290B2
A technique includes lowering a temperature of a cathode exhaust flow from an electrochemical cell to produce a second flow and routing the second flow to a contaminant trap.
US08158287B2
A fuel cell system which provides stable cell outputs at startup. The fuel cell system comprises: a fuel cell stack including a laminate formed by combining a membrane electrode assembly composed of an electrolyte membrane, an anode jointed to one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode joined to the other side of the electrolyte membrane, with a fuel channel plate having a fuel channel for supplying a fuel to the anode, an oxidant channel plate having an oxidant channel for supplying an oxidant to the cathode, and a coolant channel plate having a coolant channel for a coolant to flow through; piping and a circulation pump necessary for cooling the coolant exhausted from the fuel cell stack before putting the coolant into the fuel cell stack for circulation; a fuel humidifier which humidifies the fuel by heat exchange with the coolant; an air humidifier which humidifies the air by heat exchange with the coolant; and a control unit which continues the circulation of the coolant in a system stopping process until a predetermined cooling stop condition holds, and stops power generation of the fuel cell when the predetermined cooling stop condition holds.
US08158285B2
The present invention provides an electrolyte solvent for batteries, which comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. Also, the present invention provides a lithium secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. The inventive electrolyte solvent can improve the battery safety without deteriorating the battery performance.
US08158283B2
The present invention provides a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte-based secondary battery, composed of a lithium/nickel composite oxide with high capacity, low cost and excellent heat stability, and a high safety non-aqueous electrolyte-based secondary battery. A positive electrode active material, comprising lithium/nickel composite oxide powders obtained by water washing fired powders having the following composition formula (1), followed by filtering and drying: LiNi1-aMaO2 (1) (wherein, M represents at least one kind of an element selected from transition metal elements other than Ni, group 2 elements, or group 13 elements; and “a” satisfies 0.01≦a≦0.5), characterized in that specific surface area of the lithium/nickel composite oxide powders after water washing is 0.3 to 2.0 m2/g.
US08158278B2
A sealed rectangular battery excellent in volumetric efficiency and pressure resistance is provided. The sealed rectangular battery includes an electrode group having a positive electrode and a negative electrode and a cell casing for accommodating therein the electrode group and an electrolyte solution, which casing includes a rectangular frame member, a first lid member and a second lid member. Each of the first and second lid members includes a body portion for covering one of the openings of the frame member, and a side portion formed so as to protrude from the body portion substantially along at least one set of sides opposite to each other.
US08158277B1
A cross-flow electrochemical cell for producing electricity is disclosed that incorporates means for cross-flow pumping of electrolyte through both anode and cathode electrodes in the same direction to achieve markedly higher discharging and charging currents. Cross-flow pumping enabling use of thick mesh electrodes comprising scaffolds impregnated with high-surface-area metal nanoparticles and having high porosity are also taught.
US08158272B2
A steel sheet pile in double-T form includes a web and two flanges, in which each flange has an inner side facing the web, an outer side facing away from the web, and two longitudinal edges, and also coupling means for a connection profile along at least one longitudinal edge of at least one flange. In a first embodiment, the coupling means are formed by a groove which extends in the outer side of at least one flange along at least one longitudinal edge.
US08158259B2
The invention is directed to optical sensors for measuring clinically relevant analytes, their methods of manufacture, and their various uses. In an effort to develop a dry calibration method for the optical sensors of the invention it is discovered that water content inside or in the immediate vicinity of a such a sensor can have a major impact on fluorescence intensity (i.e., a sensor's response in the dry state). Thus, one of the objectives of the invention is the elimination of the bias of sensor responses measured at different humidity environments.
US08158252B2
The invention concerns a stamping film for the production of tamper-proof license plates and a license plate produced using a stamping film. The stamping film includes a carrier film and a transfer layer which is detachable from the carrier film and which can be fixed on a substrate of the license plate. Starting from the carrier film, the transfer layer includes a transparent release layer, an opaque decoration layer, a transparent protection layer, an optically variable layer, a reflection layer, a colored layer and an adhesive layer. The decoration layer has mutually spaced areal interruptions where the transparent protection layer adjoins the release layer. The adhesive layer is provided for fixing the transfer layer to the substrate of the license plate.
US08158251B2
An article includes a scratch resistant non-stick finish adhered to a substrate. The scratch resistant non-stick finish includes a primer layer, a midcoat layer, and a topcoat layer. The primer layer is adhered to the substrate and includes a first polymer binder and large ceramic particles, the midcoat layer includes a first fluoropolymer composition and inorganic whiskers, and the topcoat layer includes a second fluoropolymer composition.
US08158250B2
To provide a stretched film of void-containing thermoplastic resin having an attractive force between sheets is 50 g or less. The stretched film of void-containing thermoplastic resin has no charge therein and can be processed secondarily with lesser electrostatic disturbance even in a low-humidity environment.
US08158249B2
A method and apparatus regarding lightweight but robust multi-layered foam furniture pieces. The furniture pieces include a foam base, a polymeric solidifying layer, and a decorative layer. The decorative layer may include an acrylic-based surface finish and/or one or more decorative pieces, tiles, or other variously shaped objects attached to the primer layer and/or part of the decorative layer. Other embodiments include additional layers.
US08158242B2
A stock shape for machining, which is composed of an extruded product of a resin composition comprising 30 to 94% by mass of a thermoplastic resin (A), 5 to 40% by mass of a carbon precursor (B) having a volume resistivity of 102 to 1010 Ωcm and 1 to 30% by mass of a conductive filler (C) having a volume resistivity lower than 102 Ω·cm and has a thickness or diameter exceeding 3 mm, and a process for producing the stock shape by extrusion and solidification of the resin composition.
US08158239B2
An identification medium provided with a laminated structure comprises laminated layers of a magnetically controllable layer, in which magnetic microcapsules are dispersed, and a color shifting layer.
US08158218B2
Provided is a method for producing an optical film which suffers neither flatness deterioration nor film breakage and is free from problems concerning undulating undulation and partial light leakage. The process for optical film production comprises laminating a cellulose ester resin layer (A) to an acrylic resin layer (B) by coextrusion. The process is characterized in that the cellulose ester resin layer (A) contains 55 to 99 mass % cellulose ester resin and the acrylic resin layer (B) contains 55 to 99 mass % acrylic resin, that the web is conveyed while keeping the layer (A) and the layer (B) in contact with the surface of a first cooling roll and the surface of a second cooling roll, respectively, and that when the surface temperature of the first cooling roll and the surface temperature of the second cooling roll are expressed by Ta (° C.) and Tb (° C.), respectively, then the Ta (° C.) and Tb (° C.) satisfy the following relationship (1). (Ta−80)° C.
US08158217B2
A carbon nanotube-infused fiber and a method for its production are disclosed. Nanotubes are synthesized directly on a parent fiber by first applying a catalyst to the fiber. The properties of the carbon nanotube-infused fiber will be a combination of those of the parent fiber as well as those of the infused carbon nanotubes.
US08158212B2
An ink composition is provided that includes (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) another polymerizable compound, (C) a polymerization initiator, and (D) a basic compound, the content of the N-vinyllactam (A) being less than 15 wt % of the total weight of the ink composition. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a1) a step of discharging the ink composition onto a recording medium and (b1) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation. There is also provided a printed material recorded by the inkjet recording method.
US08158211B2
A method for manufacturing an anti-reflection structure is provided. The method includes the following steps: First, a to-be-treated object is provided in a reactive area. Next, a plasma source is provided in the reactive area. Then, the plasma source is ionized to form plasma in atmospheric pressure. Next, the surface of the to-be-treated object is treated by plasma so as to form a plurality of micro-protuberances on the surface of the to-be-treated object.
US08158210B2
Systems and methods for avoidance of tape flaw or splices in manufacturing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of applying a tape onto a workpiece includes feeding the tape from a tape supply using a tape application assembly, and applying the tape onto the workpiece using the tape application assembly. Simultaneously with the feeding of the tape, the tape is monitored for a marker indicating a defect within the tape, the marker being spaced apart along the tape from the defect such that the marker arrives prior to the defect. The method further includes detecting the marker, and avoiding the application of a portion of the tape that includes the defect onto the workpiece.
US08158208B2
The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to methods of preserving wood comprising the steps of providing an aqueous wood preservative slurry comprising a plurality of injectable particulates comprising at least 20% by weight of a sparingly soluble copper salt, wherein the first particulates have a d96 of about 1 micron or less, a d99 of about 1.5 microns or less, and a d50 of greater than 0.02 micron, and injecting the aqueous wood preservative slurry into wood.
US08158207B2
This invention provides compositions and methods to durably increase or decrease the wetting properties of a surface. In certain embodiments the methods utilize a polyquaternary ammonium compound to decrease wettability of the surface or a cationic polysaccharide to increase wettability of the surface.
US08158206B2
A method for modifying wood includes steps of impregnating the wood followed by curing the wood at temperatures between 70 and 200° C. The impregnation composition includes di-, tri, and/or polysubstituted furan compounds.
US08158204B1
For making ceramic or oxidic layers (CL/OL) on substrates (S), the method according to the invention therefore provides that following application (I) and drying (II) of a suitable precursor (P) the formed precursor layer (PLD) is gassed (III) with a moist reactant gas (RG) for conversion into a corresponding hydroxide or complex layer (HL) and then thermally treated (IV) for forming a ceramic or oxidic layer (CL/OL). For the alternative production of other chalcogenidic layers of increased material conversion additional gassing is carried out with a reactant gas containing chalcogen hydrogen. Metallic layers may alternatively be made by use of a reducing reactant gas. The methods in accordance with the invention may be used wherever surfaces, even those of shaded structures, must be protected or modified or provided with functional layers, particularly in solar and materials technology.
US08158198B2
A tantalum nitride film-forming method comprises the steps of introducing a raw gas consisting of a coordination compound constituted by an elemental tantalum (Ta) having a coordinated ligand represented by the general formula: N═(R,R′) (in the formula, R and R′ may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms), and a halogen gas into a vacuum chamber; and reacting these components with one another on a substrate to thus form a surface adsorption film comprising a mono-atomic or multi (several)-atomic layer and composed of a compound represented by the following general formula: TaNx(Hal)y(R, R′)z (in the formula, Hal represents a halogen atom), then introducing radicals generated from an H atom-containing compound to thus remove Ta—N bonds present in the resulting compound through breakage thereof and remove, at the same time, the remaining R(R′) groups bonded to the N atoms present in the compound through the cleavage thereof and to thus form a tantalum nitride film rich in tantalum atoms. The resulting tantalum nitride film has a low resistance, low contents of C and N atoms, and a high compositional ratio: Ta/N, can ensure sufficiently high adherence to the distributing wire-forming film and can thus be useful as a barrier film. Moreover, tantalum particles are implanted in the resulting film according to the sputtering technique to thus further enrich the film with tantalum.
US08158183B2
A beverage product that includes water, a color derived from natural sources, and a compound in an effective amount to inhibit fading of the color derived from natural sources. The compound is an unsaturated acid, and may be selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, itaconic acid, and/or fumaric acid. The incorporation of the compound can be particularly useful for inhibiting color fading of the beverage product under thermal stress. The colors derived from natural sources may be an anthocyanin, cyclohexene dione dimers and/or a color derived from the reaction of an iridoid and amino acids. For example, the colors may include purple sweet potato, black carrot, purple carrot, black currant, blueberry, carthamus yellow, and/or gardenia blue. The compound can be effective to prevent color fading even in the presence of ascorbic acid, which promotes the fading of colors derived from natural sources.
US08158169B2
This invention relates a traditional Chinese medicine composition and the drug containing this composition as well as preparation method and use thereof. The composition comprises 1-10 parts by weight of radix ginseng, 1-10 parts by weight of folium ginkgo, 0.05-0.5 parts by weight of stigma croci and 5-10 parts by weight of glycine max l. merrill. The components can be the traditional Chinese medicinal materials or the extracts obtained by extracting the same quantity of the Chinese medicinal material. The Chinese medicine composition can be used for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease and senile dementia.
US08158168B2
The present invention relates to a Momordicae semen extract effective in the prevention and treatment of gastritis or gastric ulcer and momordica saponin I isolated therefrom. The Momordicae semen extract and the momordica saponin I isolated therefrom is effective in the prevention and treatment of gastritis or gastric ulcer since they prevent the damage of the gastric mucosa caused by alcohols and inhibit the secretion of gastric acid.teh
US08158154B2
Nasal pharmaceutical formulations comprising a drug substance having a specific particle size distribution profile are disclosed herein. Such profile provides increased bioavailability, increased efficacy or prolonged therapeutic effect of the drug substance when administered intranasally. The formulations of the present invention may comprise one or more corticosteroids having a specific particle size distribution profile. In a preferred embodiment, the corticosteroid is beclomethasone or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for the treatment of one or more symptoms of rhinitis. Preferably, the drug substance is beclomethasone dipropionate. The formulations herein may be provided as an aqueous suspension suitable for inhalation via the intranasal route.
US08158145B2
A transdermal patch comprising a backing 2 and an adhesive layer 3 laminated on the backing 2, wherein the adhesive layer 3 comprises a rosin-based resin and petroleum resin as a tackifier, the total compounding amount of the rosin-based resin and the petroleum resin is in a range of 15% by mass to 50% by mass, and compounding amount of the petroleum resin is ⅓ times by mass to 4 times by mass as that of the rosin-based resin.
US08158134B1
The invention relates to compositions in the form of microemulsion preconcentrates that contain (a) a mixture that consists of a medium-chain triglyceride and an omega-9 fatty acid and/or an omega-6 fatty acid; and (b) a surface-active component that contains a polyoxethylene tenside. When contacted with water or with an aqueous medium these microemulsion preconcentrates form microemulsions. The microemulsions of the O/W type have an average particle size below 150 nm, preferably below 100 nm. The inventive microemulsion preconcentrates and microemulsions are suitable for use as vehicles for substances, namely active agents, that are hardly soluble in water, but soluble in components (a) and/or (b). In the aqueous phase, said microemulsions may contain water-soluble substances.
US08158131B2
The invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therefrom having advantageous properties, including an ability to induce an immune response to flaviviruses. The polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention are useful in methods of inducing immune response against flaviviruses, including dengue viruses. Compositions and methods for utilizing polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are also provided.
US08158130B2
Enveloped virus vectors are described which comprise a cellular virus receptor protein and which are capable of fusing with a cell which comprises a viral envelope protein to which the cellular virus receptor protein is cognate. Enveloped virus vectors comprising a plurality of cellular virus receptor proteins are also described. Methods for making the enveloped virus vectors are described, as are methods of using the enveloped virus vectors. The invention further relates to a lipoparticle comprising a membrane spanning protein, and the lipoparticle can be attached to a sensor surface. The invention relates to methods of producing and using the lipoparticle to, inter alia, assess protein binding interactions.
US08158128B2
The present invention provides progastrin-binding molecules specific for progastrin that do not bind gastrin-17(G17), gastrin-34(G34), glycine-extended gastrin-17(G17-Gly), or glycine-extended gastrin-34(G34-Gly). Further, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) selective for sequences at the N-terminus and the C-terminus of the gastrin precursor molecule, progastrin and the hybridomas that produce these MAbs. Also provided are panels of Mabs useful for the detection and quantitation of progastrin and gastrin hormone species in immuno-detection and quantitation assays. These assays are useful for diagnosing and monitoring a gastrin-promoted disease or condition, or for monitoring the progress of a course of therapy. The invention further provides solid phase assays including immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays suitable for detection and visualization of gastrin species in solid samples, such as biopsy samples or tissue slices. The progastrin-binding molecules are useful therapeutically for passive immunization against progastrin in progastrin-promoted diseases or conditions. Also provided are surrogate reference standard (SRS) molecules that are peptide chains of from about 10 to about 35 amino acids, wherein the SRS molecule comprises at least two epitopes found in a protein of interest of greater than about 50 amino acids. Such SRS molecules are useful as standards in place of authentic proteins of interest.
US08158115B2
A detergent composition, which imparts smoothness in finger-combing in rinsing after washing and smoothness, silky texture and non-stiffness to hair after application and drying is provided. The detergent composition comprises a copolymer having no cross-linking units and comprising constituting units corresponding to a cationic vinyl monomer (A) and constituting units corresponding to a specific vinyl monomer (B) having a hydroxyl group or an amide group, wherein the proportion of the constituting units corresponding to the cationic vinyl monomer (A) is from 25 to 45 mol % based on the entire constituting units constituting the copolymer.
US08158103B2
A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rr+Al(1−x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the propyltrimethylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to MWW but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
US08158099B2
A process is described for the production of chlorine by a catalysed gas-phase oxidation of hydrogen chloride with an oxygen-containing gas stream.
US08158090B2
Amorphous or partially amorphous nanoscale ion storage materials are provided. For example, lithium transition metal phosphate storage compounds are nanoscale and amorphous or partially amorphous in an as-prepared state, or become amorphous or partially amorphous upon electrochemical intercalation or de-intercalation by lithium. These nanoscale ion storage materials are useful for producing devices such as high energy and high power storage batteries.
US08158083B2
A system for dispensing microdrops of reagent in small, precisely metered quantities maintains the fluid reagent to be dispensed in a reservoir under a controlled pressure. The reagent is dispensed through multiple nozzles connected to solenoid-actuated valves that control the flow of the reagent from the reservoir to the nozzles. Each valve is connected to one of the nozzles and electrical pulses are supplied separately to each of the valves to separately control the opening and closing of each valve to dispense predetermined quantities of the reagent through each nozzle at predetermined times.
US08158079B2
Provided is a panel (3) for analysis having a chamber inside for transferring a sample liquid dispensed as a drop on an injection port (14). The injection port (14) is formed to protrude in a direction away from the chamber, a recessed section (12) is formed around the injection port (14), and the injection port (14) is arranged on the side of a rotating axis center (11) of a holding member (101) for the panel for analysis in an analyzer. Thus, even when a sample liquid is adhered around the injection port, contamination and shortage of the sample liquid can be prevented.
US08158078B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test strip container which provides easy access to test strips. The test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration. The nested configuration of the test strip container provides easy access to test strips by arranging the test strips so that they extend radially outward from the retaining member. The radial arrangement of the test strips operates to separate the test strips so that test strip users may easily select a single test strip from a plurality of test strips. Alternatively, the test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a longitudinal configuration.
US08158071B2
A unit for use within a furnace which is absent a controlled atmosphere, for carrying out a synthesizing process for synthesizing precursors to form a synthesized product at elevated temperatures. The unit consists of a vessel, having at least one opening, for containing materials of the synthesizing process, and a solid reductive material. The materials of the synthesizing process are separated from the atmosphere of the furnace by either the vessel or the reductive material. The unit is especially suited for synthesizing LiFePO4 from Fe2O3, Li2CO3, carbon black, and phosphoric acid precursors.
US08158066B2
The aroma lamp contains a transparent, three-dimensional body member with a viscous fluid and a paddling element configured inside. The body member is placed on top of a base member, inside which an aroma producing element and light generating elements are provided. Additionally, a driving element spinning a fan element to disperse aroma and a magnet engaging the paddling element is also housed inside the base member. As such, the aroma lamp produces visually appealing effect by the light projected from the light generating element while disperses aroma by the fan element's air flow.
US08158063B2
A biosensor package structure with a micro-fluidic channel is provided. The biosensor package structure includes a substrate, a biochip, and a cover. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface, and an opening. The biochip is attached on the first surface. A bio-sensing area of the biochip is exposed to the opening of the substrate. The cover is attached on the second surface to cover the opening so as to form a micro-fluidic channel. By implementing the invention, the manufacturing process of the biosensor is simplified and the productivity is increased.
US08158062B2
A fluid sampling device (100) that operates by a combination of capillary action to collect a small fluid sample, and by pressure differential when inserted into an analyzer (200) to expose the fluid sample for testing by the analyzer (200). The device is especially suited for use as a disposable blood sampling unit designed to interface with a blood analyzer, albeit the concept of the invention may be employed for sampling and testing virtually any fluids.
US08158057B2
Various embodiments relate to interconnects for solid oxide fuel cells (“SOFCs”) comprising ferritic stainless steel and having at least one via that when subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature develops a scale comprising a manganese-chromate spinel on at least a portion of a surface thereof, and at least one gas flow channel that when subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature develops an aluminum-rich oxide scale on at least a portion of a surface thereof. Other embodiments relate to interconnects comprising a ferritic stainless steel and having a fuel side comprising metallic material that resists oxidation during operation of the SOFCs, and optionally include a nickel-base superalloy on the oxidant side thereof. Still other embodiments relate to ferritic stainless steels adapted for use as interconnects comprising ≦0.1 weight percent aluminum and/or silicon, and >1 up to 2 weight percent manganese. Methods of making interconnects are also disclosed.
US08158054B2
Method and system for producing metallic nuggets includes providing reducible mixture (e.g., reducible micro-agglomerates; reducing material and reducible iron bearing material; reducible mixture including additives such as a fluxing agent; compacts, etc.) on at least a portion of a hearth material layer. In one embodiment, a plurality of channel openings extend at least partially through a layer of the reducible mixture to define a plurality of nugget forming reducible material regions. Such channel openings may be at least partially filled with nugget separation fill material (e.g., carbonaceous material). Thermally treating the layer of reducible mixture results in formation of one or more metallic iron nuggets. In other embodiments, various compositions of the reducible mixture and the formation of the reducible mixture provide one or more beneficial characteristics.
US08158046B2
An apparatus and method for producing an article by molding is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mold with an upper part, a lower part and at least one mold cavity, and has a vacuum clamping ring with a least one closable vent, which is arranged between the upper part and the lower part.
US08158042B2
A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber includes a filament obtained by partially slitting an oriented PTFE film in a lengthwise direction of the film. Emboss processing is conducted linearly along the lengthwise direction of the film and like a zigzag shape or a convexo-concave shape in a width direction of the film, followed by slitting, whereby the filament includes a network structure in which single fibrils that are opened partially are arranged regularly. A PTFE short fiber is obtained by cutting the above filament and includes a branch structure. Thereby, a PTFE fiber with a small average fineness of single fibrils, a uniform fineness and a single-peak distribution with the peak at a center of fineness and with a high production yield and uniform and stable branch structure can be provided and a method for manufacturing the PTFE fiber can be provided.
US08158036B2
The photosensitive resin composition for a color filter according to one embodiment of the present invention includes (A) a pigment including a repeating unit of the following Formula 1, (B) a binder resin, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a photopolymerizable monomer, and (E) a solvent: wherein in the above formula, X, m, and n are the same as in the description.
US08158034B2
TiO2-xNx (0.01≦x≦0.2) nanotubes and a method for preparing the same are disclosed. More particularly, TiO2-xNx (0.01≦x≦0.2) nanotubes doped with nitrogen atoms by treating TiO2 nanotubes through nitrogen plasma to partially substitute oxygen portion of TiO2 nanotube with nitrogen, and a method for preparing the same are disclosed. The TiO2-xNx (0.01≦x≦0.2) nanotube of the present invention is prepared by doping nitrogen on a TiO2 nanotube to control an electronic structure and reduce a band gap of the TiO2 nanotube, so that the prepared TiO2-xNx (0.01≦x≦0.2) nanotube exhibits improved conductivity and extended light absorption range from a UV ray area up to a visible light area, thus having more enhanced applicable performance in optical and/or electrochemical aspects.
US08158025B2
A phosphor composition including a first phosphor represented by Formula 1: Ba1-bMg1-aAl10O17:Mna,Eub (1). In Formula 1, a and b satisfy the relations: 0.05≦a≦0.4, and 0.006≦b<0.05.
US08158021B2
A polymerizable liquid crystal compound shown by the following formula (I), a polymerizable liquid crystal composition that includes the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a chiral compound polymerizable with the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a liquid crystalline polymer obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound or the polymerizable liquid crystal composition, and an optical anisotropic article that includes the liquid crystalline polymer. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound shows a liquid crystal phase over a wider temperature range, is chemically stable, can be inexpensively produced, and has a wide selective reflection wavelength band Δλ (i.e., a large value Δn). The polymerizable liquid crystal composition includes the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the liquid crystalline polymer is obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound or the polymerizable liquid crystal composition, and the optical anisotropic article includes the liquid crystalline polymer. wherein Y1 to Y6 represent —O—, —O—C(═O)—, —C(═O)—O—, or the like, G1 and G2 represent divalent aliphatic groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, Z1 and Z2 represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms or the like, A1 and A2 represent divalent organic groups A having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, X1 to X8 represent a hydrogen atom or the like, and a and b represent 0 or 1.
US08158019B2
The invention relates to an oxygen scavenger/indicator which contains at least one substance with combined scavenger and indicator function for oxygen, which can absorb oxygen under the effect of moisture in basic conditions, and also to at least one basically reacting compound. The indicator effect is effected by a change in at least one physical property of the substance with combined scavenger and indicator function for oxygen, the change being triggered by the effect of moisture.
US08158016B2
Methods of operating an electromagnet of an ion source for generating an ion beam with a controllable ion current density distribution. The methods may include generating plasma in a discharge space of the ion source, generating and shaping a magnetic field in the discharge space by applying a current to an electromagnet that is effective to define a plasma density distribution, extracting an ion beam from the plasma, measuring a distribution profile for the ion beam density, and comparing the actual distribution profile with a desired distribution profile for the ion beam density. Based upon the comparison, the current applied to the electromagnet may be adjusted either manually or automatically to modify the magnetic field in the discharge space and, thereby, alter the plasma density distribution.
US08158012B2
A film forming apparatus is provided with a processing chamber having a substrate holding table for holding a substrate to be processed inside the container; a gas material generation unit arranged outside the processing chamber, for generating a gas material by evaporating or sublimating a film forming source material including a metal; a gas material supply unit for supplying the processing chamber with the gas material; and a transport path for transporting the gas material to the gas material supply unit from the gas material generation unit. The film forming apparatus is characterized in that a metal-containing layer is formed on an organic layer including a light emitting layer on the target substrate.
US08157988B2
A process for water treatment, including a combination of methods from the group comprising coagulation, sedimentation, flocculation and ballast flocculation, which is further improved by the addition of a simplified sludge recirculation system. The recirculation system corresponding to this process allows higher sludge density as well as less significant water volume losses by making the sludge accumulating at the bottom of the sedimentation zone go through a hydro cyclone a certain number of times in repeated cycles thus augmenting the solid particles density of the extracted sludge. The system may also be controlled by a suspended solid analyser, a flow meter and/or a timer. The present invention also includes a method of producing specific fluid flow control behavior with this simplified sludge recirculation system, which furthermore improves the efficiency of the process.
US08157986B2
A magnetic nanoparticle complex includes a magnetic nanoparticle; and a ligand associated with the magnetic nanoparticle, the ligand including a functional group capable of combining with an acid component or a conjugate base of the acid component, in an oil. A method for preparing a magnetic nanopartide complex, includes preparing a pre-ligand having at least one amino group and at least one carbamate group or dithiocarbamate group; associating the pre-ligand with a magnetic nanoparticle to form a magnetic nanoparticle-ligand complex; and modifying the ligand to form a modified ligand having a functional group capable of combining with an acid component in an oil or a conjugate base of the acid component.
US08157984B2
Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The water is then continuously oxidized with chlorine electrolytically to destroy the nitrogen compounds.
US08157981B2
The present electrolytic system and method for extracting components includes a means for providing a carrier fluid; a means for providing a pair of electrodes interposed by a permeable membrane to create a first channel and a second channel; a means for flowing the carrier fluid through the first and second channel; a means for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes to produce a first ionized carrier fluid in the first channel and a second ionized carrier fluid in the second channel; a means for injecting at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid into the subsurface reservoir to release the components; and a means for recovering the at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid and the components from a subsurface strata or ex-situ mineral deposit.
US08157973B2
Provided is a sputtering target/backing plate assembly having a structure such that pure copper is embedded in a backing plate position at the central portion of the target, within sputtering target/copper-zinc alloy backing plate bonded bodies. Consequently, provided is a simple structure of sputtering target/backing plate capable of sufficiently accommodating further high-power sputtering without deteriorating the characteristics of a copper-zinc alloy backing plate that is inexpensive and excels in strength and anti-eddy current characteristics.
US08157972B2
An electrolytic water treatment system improving upon the electrode life of electrolytic oxygen generators by reducing mineral precipitation and fouling that typically occurs in water treatment systems. The electrolytic water treatment system can include a softened water bypass stream into which a flow-through electrolytic element can be positioned. By eliminating exposure of the electrolytic element to hard water, scale formation on electrodes can be significantly reduced such that polarity reversal cycles of the electrolytic element decrease in frequency.
US08157968B2
An oven observing equipment capable of observing the inside of an oven turned to a high temperature precisely includes: a housing 13 having an intake part for cooling air, and a discharging part for discharging the cooling air after being used for cooling; and an imaging device 20 contained in this housing 13 near the discharge part. This imaging device 20 is composed of integrated combination of an image sensor 16; plate-like thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d arranged in a state that their heat-absorbing faces surround the periphery of a body of the image sensor; thermoconductive blocks 17a to 17d embedded in the gaps between the image sensor body and the thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d; and cooling fins 19a to 19d formed on the heat-radiating faces of the thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d are integrated with each other.
US08157967B2
An arrangement in screening apparatuses of the pulp and paper industry, including a conduit for removing reject formed in a screening process. The circulation of material is arranged between the reject removal conduit and the interior of the screening apparatus from the removal conduit into the interior of the screening apparatus via a conduit external to the screening apparatus. When such a by-pass flow is arranged for pulp via external circulation, heavy particles in the layer being diluted are allowed to be separated onto the bottom of the reject removal conduit and therethrough e.g. into a separate junk trap.
US08157963B2
The papermaking sheet member includes inorganic fibers, and the inorganic fibers include a lump-shaped cohered fiber which coheres as a lump.
US08157958B2
A paper produced according to this invention presents a composition of 10% by weight to 40% by weight of recovered post-consumer paper; 60% by weight to 90% by weight of recovered white paper; 0.38% by weight to 0.45% by weight of one or more sizing agents, and 3.33% by weight to 3.95% by weight of one or more binding agents. The method for producing paper that comprises the steps of forming a paper pulp from a mixture of 10% by weight to 40% by weight of recovered post-consumer paper, 60% by weight 90% by weight of recovered white paper, and 0.38% by weight to 0.45% by weight of one or more binding agents; reacting the pulp mixture with 0.38% by weight to 0.45% of one or more of sizing agents, and 0.75% by weight to 0.9% by weight of one or more binding agents; forming and drying a continuous sheet of paper from the pulp mixture, and reacting the continuous sheet of paper with 2.2% by weight to 2.6% by weight of one or more binding agents.
US08157950B2
Aldimines of Formula (I), which can be used as latent curing agents in curing compositions, for example, in moisture-curing polyurethane compositions that have isocyanate groups. The aldimines are compounds that can be liquid at room temperature, can have a hardly noticeable aldehyde odor before, during and after hydrolysis, and can have a long shelf life. An aldehyde in polyurethane compositions that is released during hydrolysis has only a slight softening effect and can exhibit very little tendency to migrate or exude.
US08157947B2
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite, foam/fabric material for use as protective material in products, and utilizes an apparatus which includes a punch press with punches arranged in rows and correspondingly aligned dies for receiving the punches therethrough. The system operates by punching a sheet of foam material into a plurality of discrete foam elements which are transferred onto a heated fabric substrate, and retained thereon by heat bonding. The apparatus consists, in one preferred embodiment, of a clamp plate which clamps a sheet of foam material onto a die plate, and after a punching sequence, the sheet of foam material, along with the sheet of fabric material, are indexed downstream, and the process repeats.
US08157945B2
To provide a thin plate glass laminate of a thin plate glass substrate and a support glass substrate, which suppresses inclusion of bubbles and occurrence of convex defects due to foreign matters, from which the thin plate glass substrate and the support glass substrate are easily separated, and which is excellent in heat resistance, a process for producing a display device using such a thin plate glass laminate, and a support glass substrate for such a thin plate glass laminate.A thin plate glass laminate formed by laminating a thin plate glass substrate and a support glass substrate, wherein the thin plate glass substrate and the support glass substrate are laminated by means of a silicone resin layer having releasability and non-adhesive properties, and the silicone resin layer and the support glass substrate each has at least one hole that communicate with each other.
US08157936B2
A composite ceramic green sheet comprising: a first sheet portion comprising a first sheet material; a second sheet portion comprising a second sheet material, said second sheet portion differing in firing behavior from said first sheet portion; and a mixed portion provided between said first and second sheet portions, comprising a mixture of said first and second sheet materials, and having a width at least twice as large as a thickness of the composite ceramic green sheet, wherein said first and second sheet portions are integrated with each other thorough said mixed portion in a spread direction.
US08157934B2
A wear-resistant aluminum alloy material excellent in workability and wear-resistance is provided.A wear-resistant aluminum alloy material excellent in workability includes Si: 13 to 15 mass %, Cu: 5.5 to 9 mass %, Mg: 0.2 to 1 mass %, Ni: 0.5 to 1 mass %, P: 0.003 to 0.03 mass %, and the balance being Al and inevitable impurities. An average particle diameter of primary Si particles is 10 to 30 μm, an area occupancy rate of the primary Si particles in cross-section is 3 to 12%, an average particle diameter of intermetallic compounds is 1.5 to 8 μm, and an area occupancy rate of the intermetallic compounds in cross-section is 4 to 12%.
US08157929B2
Disclosed are: a magnetic shielding material having excellent magnetic shielding property at a low magnetic field; and a magnetic shielding component and a magnetic shielding room each using the magnetic shielding material. Specifically disclosed is a magnetic shielding material comprising the following components (by mass): Ni: 70.0-85.0%, Cu: 0.6% or less, Mo: 10.0% or less and Mn: 2.0% or less, with the remainder being substantially Fe. The magnetic shielding material has a relative magnetic permeability of 40,000 or more under a magnetic field of 0.05 A/m and a squareness ratio (Br/B0.8) of 0.85 or less, wherein the squareness ratio (Br/B0.8) is a ratio of a remanent magnetic flux density (Br) to a maximum magnetic flux density (B0.8) in a DC hysteresis curve produced under the maximum magnetic field of 0.8 A/m.
US08157911B2
Solid mixture for the preparation of concrete which after 16 hours has a mechanical resistance higher or equal to 50 MPa comprising cement and limestone aggregates, substantially lacking latent hydraulic activity, characterized by the presentation of a specific granulometric distribution curve.
US08157899B2
A particulate material processing apparatus has a vessel and a processing tank. The vessel has a charging port for charging a particulate material into the vessel. The processing tank receives the particulate material charged from the charging port. The processing tank is shaped so as to narrow towards the bottom. At least the lower part of the processing tank is made of a gas-permeable material that allows the process gas for processing the particulate material to pass through. The upper part of the processing tank has lower gas permeability than the lower part of the processing tank.
US08157892B2
Systems and methods for circulating air in an enclosed environment are disclosed. An inlet can be provided to receive an outside air from outside of the enclosed environment and an air handling unit coupled to the inlet to receive the outside air through the inlet and configured to receive a circulated air from the enclosed environment. The air handling unit can be configured to affect a temperature of at least one of the received outside air and the received circulated air. Based on the received outside air and the received circulated air, the air handling unit can be further configured to generate air for supplying to the enclosed environment. The current subject matter system can also include an air circulation system configured to circulate the generated air from the air handling unit to the enclosed environment and back to the air handling unit and a scrubbing system coupled to at least one of the air handling unit and the air circulation system and configured to reduce presence of at least one substance in the air supplied to the enclosed environment.
US08157879B2
A vacuum cleaner filter bag with an inlet opening and a deflection device arranged in the area of the inlet opening, which is configured in such a way that an air stream flowing through the inlet opening can be deflected.
US08157864B2
A vertebral replacement device (1) includes a female part (2), a male part (3) that is mounted inside the female part (2) and can be axially displaced relative to the female part (2), first and second locking elements (14, 15) mounted so as to be movable in translation on the female part (2) in order to occupy a first position in which they cooperate with respective opposing parts (31) of a peripheral surface (6) of the male part (3) to axially lock the female and male parts (2, 3) relative to one another, and a second position in which the female and male (2, 3) parts can be freely displaced axially relative to one another, and a rotating control element (20) extending radially through the male part (3) this control element (20) cooperating with the locking elements (14, 15) so that, when a rotational movement is communicated to it, it transforms this rotational movement into a translational movement of each of the locking elements (14, 15) so as to bring the locking elements (14, 15) into either of the first and second positions.
US08157862B2
An implant for marking an area within a living body includes a matrix material and a marking material. The implant is formable to fit the shape and size of a cavity in the human body. The implant is configured to support tissue surrounding the cavity and to allow in-growth of fibrous tissue into and replace at least a portion of the matrix material.
US08157846B2
Locking mechanisms and methods of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a rod to the spine. The locking mechanism includes a body, a rod seat and a set screw. The rod seat is configured to separate into two pieces when the rod exerts force on the top portion of the washer and the set screw limits movement of the washer toward the bottom of the locking mechanism.
US08157845B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a pivotable interbody spacer system includes an insertion instrument configured to manipulate a pivotable interbody spacer during surgical insertion, wherein the insertion instrument includes means for coupling the interbody spacer and a means for fixing the angular position of the interbody spacer. According to one exemplary method for inserting the interbody spacer in a spinal disc space, the interbody spacer is grasped by the insertion instrument and fixed at a first angular position; the interbody spacer is inserted into the surgical site; the interbody spacer is released from the first angular position; the insertion instrument is pivoted about the coupling such that the interbody spacer is in a second angular position; the angular position of interbody spacer is fixed in the second angular position; the insertion process continues until the interbody spacer is positioned in the desired location.
US08157835B2
A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or moveable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired.
US08157831B2
A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layer to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creature of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdrawn through the incision. If needed, a trocar can be inserted into the incision to provide access back to the previously created space where the surgical procedure is to be performed. The anatomic working space may be insufflated with an insufflation gas if required for the particular procedure. The apparatus is prepared for use by inserting the tunneling member into the interior of the balloon forming the balloon into a generally cylindrical roll about the tunneling member, and preferably, through the use of an integral balloon cover, securing the balloon roll to the tunneling member to form a semi-rigid blunt tipped obturator.
US08157822B2
A method of treating a vaginal prolapse is provided. The method includes accessing a vaginal prolapse, inserting an implant comprising a knitted mesh into a patient, and securing the knitted mesh in place such that the implant supports the pelvic floor of the patient. The knitted mesh has a mass density of less than 20 g/m2.
US08157816B2
A gastropexy kit includes a plurality of safety needle assemblies. Each safety needle assembly includes a needle and a stylus. A fastener is positioned in a distal end of the needle. The fastener is coupled to one end of the suture and a suture retention hub is coupled to an opposite end of the suture. The fastener is deployed in a patient's stomach via the needle and stylus which has a blunt distal end which extends through the needle to push the fastener out of the needle and to blunt the needle. The suture retention hub is positioned on a patient's skin and adjustably tensions the suture, which, desirably, is a resorbable suture.
US08157814B2
A spatula for depilatory use comprises a generally S-section flexible plastics body 4, a straight elastomeric fin 10 at one end, and at the other end, an elastomeric fin of “fish-tail” shape. The straight fin can remove a depilatory preparation from most areas of the skin, and the other fin is able to remove the preparation from less accessible areas. The elastomeric fins give effective hair removal while avoiding the deleterious effects of earlier scrapers.
US08157812B2
A delivery cannula for a site marker deployment device is disclosed. The delivery cannula includes a cannula having a tubular sidewall and at least one slot intersecting through the side wall. Each slot is sized to have a predetermined width so as to be configured to receive at least one filament of a site marker. When the site marker is inserted into the delivery cannula, at least a portion of the filament extends outwardly from the cannula and through the slot. A deployment system is also disclosed.
US08157811B2
There is disclosed a treatment device for an endoscope, comprising a treatment portion in which an operation wire is forward/backward moveably inserted into a main tube of an elongated flexible tube to be inserted into a body, a tip end of the operation wire forms a loop for treatment by itself in a projection state from the main tube, and the loop is adapted to be retractable and storable in the main tube, wherein the treatment portion is formed with a wire rope obtained by integrally intertwining a plurality of side strand wires with a core strand wire, and spiral convex or concave portions continuously disposed along the outer periphery of the wire rope are formed with the side strand wires.
US08157810B2
A expandable prosthesis having an imageable structure comprising one or more elements visually distinguishable by an external (e.g., radiographic or ultrasonic) imaging system, the structure being located about a first axis that corresponds to a structural feature of the prosthesis that is configured to perform a specific function particular to that axis. The imageable structure is configured to assist in the rotational orientation of the prosthesis during placement within the implantation site. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises a venous valve that includes imageable elements or structure, such as a pair of radiopaque markers, that defines the orifice of the valve structure such that the orifice can be oriented with a particular anatomical feature under imaging, such as to align the orifice with the long axis of the vessel. In another embodiment, the imageable structure is configured to permit an aperture located about a stent graft to be oriented with a anatomical feature of the vessel, such as a branch vessel opening. The invention includes a method for using imageable structure to confirm that the orientation of the prosthesis within a delivery apparatus is consistent the desired delivery approach to be used.
US08157807B2
Methods and systems for treating skin for aesthetic or health purposes are described. According to various embodiments, photoresponsive materials and light are delivered in a controlled fashion to produce a patterned distribution of a material in the skin.
US08157801B2
One method of reducing fractures in long bones is to insert an intramedullary screw through the bone canal across the fracture and deploy tangs to increase the purchase of the screw. Compression is then applied along the screw to bring the broken bone together. An improved low cost lag screw has a cannulated shaft with a shaped bore in the leading end. A similarly shaped tang body is movably disposed in the leading end bore. The tang body has several tangs laser welded about the periphery and extending from the tang body. The shaped surfaces of the bore have exit holes and the ends of the tangs are adjacent the holes. An end cap is laser welded to the leading end of the shaft.
US08157797B2
A capsularhexis device includes a loop-shaped cutting portion formed from flexible, superelastic metal strips separated by an insulating layer, and configured so that the cutting portion may be retracted into a tubular insertion cartridge for insertion into and removal from the eye, and extended from the insertion cartridge for the capsularhexis procedure. In its extended configuration, the cutting portion forms a cutting loop such that a free end of the cutting loop is proximate a connecting end of the cutting loop, with the connecting end joined to a shaft portion. The shaft portion extends into the insertion capsule, and is used to move the cutting portion in and out of the insertion cartridge.
US08157790B2
A catheter includes an inner layer, an outer layer, a reinforcement layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a marker composed of a contrast material for confirming the position of the distal end portion of the catheter from outside the living body. The reinforcement layer is composed of a spiral first filamentous member, with a gap provided between those portions of the first filamentous member which are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the catheter. The marker is formed by spirally winding a second filamentous member having a filament diameter smaller than the gap, and has a portion in close contact with the inner layer in the gap.
US08157787B2
A pumping system for use in medical applications where liquids must be infused and aspirated from a mammalian patient, and whose economics are such that it is cost effective to simply dispose of it after a single use. The system features positive displacement pump(s) such as reciprocating pump(s) containing a damping mechanism to dampen out the peaks and valleys in the fluid pressure that is pumped, which is important for preventing cavitation. The system furthermore features a shut-off valve on the extraction side so that certain injected fluids such as contrast medium, are not immediately pumped out of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system also features means for independently controlling the fluid pressure/volume on the infusion and extraction sides, self-priming capability, a continuous fluid path, and visual air bubble detection, with viewports located at important points in the fluid path, such as at pumps and valves.
US08157782B2
An IV infusion bag carrier pack is arranged as a substantially hollow, flexible bag having an interior that is divided into two interior compartments by a flexible, heat permeable divider panel, one interior compartment being arranged to receive and confine an IV fluids bag and the other interior compartment arranged to receive and confine the inflatable pressure cuff member of a blood pressure apparatus, whereby an IV fluids bag contained in the first pocket may be selectively pressurized by inflation of the blood pressure cuff contained in the second pocket whereby selectively controlled infusion delivery of IV fluids contained in the carrier pack apparatus may be continuously maintained irrespective of the relative disposition of the carrier pack apparatus and patient during treatment, extrication and rescue in the field, and transport to a medical facility.
US08157780B2
A feminine care absorbent article has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. The absorbent structure has end portions and a middle portion located between the end portions. The absorbent structure has at least one line of weakness disposed in one of the end portions and configured to facilitate folding of the absorbent structure in a longitudinal direction in response to a lateral compressive force. The absorbent structure has a relief for inhibiting the longitudinal folding of the absorbent structure facilitated by the at least one line of weakness from extending beyond the middle portion of the absorbent structure.
US08157778B2
Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a first sheet leak preventer; a second sheet leak preventer present above and in a rear part of the first leak preventer; and an absorbent containing a super absorbent polymer, capable of absorbing a body fluid, and provided above the first leak preventer extending from a front part of the first leak preventer beneath the second leak preventer in at least one layer. The absorbent article of the present invention can separate urine and feces efficiently in use and having high urine absorption capacity.
US08157771B2
A device for expelling fluid from a pre-filled vial includes a hollow needle that is axially mounted on a syringe body. A guard, also mounted on the syringe body, is moveable between a first position wherein it is held to expose a distal portion of the needle and a second position wherein, after being released, it covers the distal portion. In operation, the vial is engaged in fluid communication with the needle, and it is then advanced on the syringe body. During this advancement, fluid is expelled from the vial through the needle, and the vial releases the guard for its movement from the first to the second position.
US08157770B2
A stabilizing device (and method of use) for insertion and maintenance of a catheter or cannula maintains a sterile insertion site and is simple and easy to construct and use, yet optimally maintains the catheter or cannula in place. A first stabilizing element includes a pair of bilateral wings and a catheter or cannula receiving element generally between the wings. A proximal stabilizing element—desirably two distinct and spaced pieces of tape—is operatively connected to the wings and has a sterile adhesive for affixing the wings to a patient to provide stability during needle removal and substantially for the duration that the catheter or cannula is inserted into a patient. A lateral stabilizing element—desirably two pieces of tape—is distinct and spaced from the proximal stabilizing element, to provide primarily lateral and medial stability to a catheter or cannula in a patient. A release sheet may cover the tape adhesive, or the tape may have a pattern of adhesive and non-adhesive sections cooperating with each other. Butterfly catheter, or angiocatheter, embodiments are particularly desirable.
US08157766B2
An occlusive guidewire system having an ergonomic handheld control mechanism and torqueable kink-resistant guidewire having a distally located inflatable balloon. The present invention provides convenient structure and overall mechanism for operation of a torqueable kink-resistant guidewire, including evacuation and inflation control of an occlusive balloon, and sealing and severing of a crimpable inflation tube which is in communication with an occlusive balloon. The torqueable kink-resistant guidewire includes a centrally located shaft which imparts robustness to the torqueable kink-resistant guidewire. An inflation lumen aligns within the torqueable kink-resistant guidewire for inflation of the balloon.
US08157759B2
An implantable drain for the anterior chamber of the eye for venting fluid therefrom to relieve pressure. The device features a serpentine draining conduit having an aggregate length much longer than a liner conduit. The conduit is engaged within the sclera in a pocket formed under a scleral flap. The conduits may be interchanged with a shunt or other component communicating into the anterior chamber.
US08157755B2
A movable joint (100) including: a body (102) having two spaced apertures (104, 106) connected by an opening (108); two arms (110, 112) having ends receivable in the apertures; and a resilient connector (114) passing though the opening (108) to connect the ends of the arms in the apertures, wherein the resilience of the resilient connector: allows independent movement of the arms in up to six degrees of freedom which is controlled by engagement of abutment portions (120) of the arms (110, 112) with respective abutment portions (122) of the apertures (104, 106); and absorbs force applied to the arms.
US08157751B2
A coil for use in a medical device. The coil includes a plurality of coil windings or turns, wherein adjacent coil windings are connected together at a plurality of discrete connection locations to increase the torsional rigidity and torque transmitting properties of the coil without sacrificing the flexibility characteristics of the coil. In some embodiments the coil may be a wave wound coil, such as a nested wave wound coil or a crest-to-crest wave wound coil.
US08157750B2
A lancet integrated test element (LIT) includes an incision forming member that has a cutting end configured to form an incision in tissue. A test element is attached to the incision forming member to test fluid from the incision. The test element has a sampling end with a sample opening through which the fluid is collected. The test element is bendable from a first state where the cutting end of the incision forming member is retracted from the sampling end of the test element to a second state where at least a portion of the cutting extends past the sampling end of the test element to form the incision in the tissue.
US08157745B2
The invention relates to a device for carrying out an examination of a wall of a body cavity, in particular a uterus, which device comprises a catheter, supply means for supplying a sterile fluid to the body cavity via an outflow opening of the catheter, a sealing element for sealing the body cavity against leakage of the sterile fluid from the body cavity. The device furthermore comprises gripping means, operating means for operating the gripping means from a position outside the body cavity and transmission means for transmitting operating actions performed at the operating means to the gripping means, said transmission means extending through a further catheter via the sealing element, wherein said further catheter forms the catheter. The invention further relates to a method for examining a body cavity, using such a device.
US08157741B2
An image diagnostic system controls a probe to perform rotational and axially-moving scanning within a body cavity and to acquire reflected signals through the probe. Based on the acquired reflected signals, the system forms and outputs tomographic image of the body cavity and biotissue surrounding the body cavity. The system is provided with a detection unit which detects a direction of movement of the probe in the axially-moving scanning and a control unit which controls the rotational speed of the probe in the rotational scanning. The control unit includes a determination unit which determines whether or not the rotational speed of the probe is to be changed upon detection of movement of the probe toward the distal direction within the body cavity, and changes the rotational speed of the probe upon determination of a change at the determination unit.
US08157735B2
The present invention relates to an ultrasound system for providing ultrasound images in a duplex mode. The ultrasound system comprises a transmission/reception unit for alternately transmitting a first ultrasound beam and a second ultrasound beam to a target object. The first and second ultrasound beams are transmitted for first and second time durations, respectively. The ultrasound system further comprises an image processing unit for forming a first diagnostic mode image based on echoes of the first ultrasound beam and a second diagnostic mode image containing a gap corresponding to the first time duration based on echoes of the second ultrasound beam. The image processing unit is further configured to perform gap filling based on edge points of the second diagnostic mode image to form a second diagnostic image with the gap removed.
US08157729B2
A system, method and medium editing a moving picture using biometric signals is provided. The system includes a biometric signal generation module to measure signals that reflect an emotional state of a user while capturing a moving picture, and to generate a first and a second biometric signal based on the measured signals, an event section extraction module to extract a first event section that reflects preferences of the user from a playback section of the moving picture based on the first biometric signal, extract a second event section that reflects preferences of the user from the playback section of the moving picture based on a second biometric signal, and extract a final event section based on the first and second event sections, and an indexing module to edit the moving picture by indexing the final event section in synchronization with the playback section of the moving picture.
US08157724B2
A female relaxation device comprises an inserting portion. The inserting portion includes a clubbed heat-conducting body (11), and a water flow channel disposed in the heat-conducting body (11). The water flow channel includes an inlet (12) and an outlet (13), both of which are disposed in one end of the heat-conducting body (11). The female relaxation device also includes a water providing apparatus for providing the water flow of determined temperature to the water flow channel through connecting with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13). A female is stimulated to reach a climax by providing water flow of the determined temperature to the heat-conducting body from the water providing apparatus and adjusting the water temperature.
US08157712B1
A resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus is provided. The resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus includes: an elongate resilient member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate resilient member includes an elastic material with a first enlargement at the proximal end, a second enlargement at the distal end, and one or more spaced-apart third enlargements along the length of the elongate resilient member, wherein the first enlargement is grasped by a first foot of a human user or by one or more floor or wall mounted sockets. A method of resistance exercise and a kit including the resistance exercise and physical therapy apparatus are also provided.
US08157705B2
A method for restarting an engine of a vehicle includes engaging a gear of a transmission that driveably connects the engine and wheels of the vehicle; maintaining a current brake pressure greater than a reference brake pressure; initiating an automatic engine restart; using a timer to count down during a period of predetermined length; using a pump to produce a desired magnitude of brake pressure sufficient to suppress a wheel torque surge produced by restarting the engine and to hold the vehicle stationary; and releasing the brake pressure if either the timer expires or a peak in engine speed occurs.
US08157704B2
A method controls a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission with at least two discrete transmission stages, and a clutch which is controlled automatically. The method is characterized in that when there is a transmission output speed at which the transmission input speed in an n-th transmission stage would be above a minimum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and a transmission input speed in an (n+1)-th transmission stage would be below the minimum rotational speed, the drivetrain is operated in the (n+1)-th transmission stage with a slipping clutch and a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine which is above the minimum rotational speed. A control unit is configured to carry out such a method.
US08157702B2
A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a hydraulic pressure control means for controlling supply of hydraulic pressure to a first friction engagement element and a second friction engagement element and discharge of hydraulic pressure from the first friction engagement element and the second friction engagement, and a discharge rate changeover control means for increasing a discharge rate value of the hydraulic pressure which is discharged from the first friction engagement element in a case where when shifting from one of operating ranges to the other thereof is selected, changeover to the other operating range is carried out before completing release of the first friction engagement element, so as to become larger than a discharge rate value of the hydraulic pressure which is discharged from the first friction engagement element before the changeover to the other operating range is carried out.
US08157701B2
A high ratio epicyclic gear assembly comprising two high torque planetary trains through which power flows via two parallel paths in one or other of which is an intermediate star train (7) with a low torque differential train or gear which transmits the combined power in such a way that the high torque planetary trains share the total torque in a predetermined ratio.
US08157689B2
The invention relates to a torque transmission unit for a motor vehicle with a permanently driven primary axle and a switchable secondary axle, comprising a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The invention furthermore comprises several lamellas that are divided into primary lamellas and secondary lamellas in an alternating arrangement. The unit further comprises a planetary gear system, comprising an at least first gear element, rotationally connected with the first connection part, a second gear element, rotationally connected with the second connection part, and a third gear element, rotationally connected with the primary lamellas. The secondary lamellas are rotationally connected with the first connection part, the second connection part or with a stationary housing part. The torque transmission unit further comprises at least one electric coil for producing a magnetic field, acting on a magnetorheoplogical medium, wherein each primary lamella and secondary lamella is surrounded at least on two sides by the magnetorheological medium. The planetary gear system induces a torque of the primary lamellas into acceleration with a turning movement of the second connecting part in relation to the first connecting part.
US08157684B2
A belt is entrained about the rollers. A belt guide is secured to an inner surface of the belt and is guided by pulleys. The belt guide is formed of a material that has a dissipation factor of tan δ≧0.05 at a resonance frequency of 1 Hz±10% and at a temperature of 50±0.5° C., and a storage modulus of E′≧8.0×106 (Pa) at a resonance frequency of 1 Hz±10% and at a temperature of 50±0.5° C. Another material has tan δ≧0.05 at 1 Hz±10% and at 50±0.5° C., and E′≧8.0×106 (Pa) at 1 Hz±10% and at 50±0.5° C. The belt guide may be formed of a plurality of layers.
US08157682B2
A tensioner comprising a base having a shaft, a pivot arm engaged with the shaft, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, an arcuate damping member frictionally engaged with a pivot arm inner surface, a torsion spring having a first end engaged with the pivot arm, the torsion spring having a second end bearing upon the damping member so that upon loading of the torsion spring in the unwinding direction the damping member is compressed between the second end of the torsion spring and the base thereby causing a normal force to be imparted upon the pivot arm by said damping member.
US08157678B2
A portable pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces. Each shell piece has a forward and rearward end with opposite side portions and an upper surface and opposite underside. The shell pieces when placed side by side interlock to one another to form an arcuate shell member. At least one of the plurality of shell pieces have retractable wheels secured therein such that the shell piece is moveable to facilitate transportation.
US08157674B2
A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol such that the geometric center has a hardness of 50 to 60 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 85 to 95 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C, an inner surface having a hardness of 51 to 76 Shore C, and is formed from a substantially homogenous composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the inner core outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of greater than 20 Shore C, and the hardness of the outer core outer surface is lower than the hardness of its inner surface to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −5 Shore C.
US08157673B2
A golf club including a club head having a club head main body including a hitting face and a face support, and a support extension. The support extension extends between the face support and a back flange to define a lower cavity.
US08157668B2
An iron-type golf club head is disclosed including a main body including a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a striking face. The main body has a recessed region including a relief region in the front portion. A replaceable striking plate is inserted into the recessed region and the relief region. The replaceable striking plate includes a front surface, a first rear surface region and a second rear surface region. A threaded opening is located on the rear surface of the replaceable striking plate and receives a fastener to retain the replaceable striking plate on the front portion of the main body and within the recessed region and relief region.
US08157664B2
A gripping assist device is removably attachable to the forearm of a user. The assist device has a sleeve with an opening sized to receive a handle or grip of an item.
US08157660B2
A rolling-sliding unit, particularly for a jointed shaft, including a profiled sleeve (4) having outer raceways on an interior surface thereof; a journal (5) which is displaceable in the profiled sleeve (4) and which has inner raceways on an exterior surface thereof, and balls (9) in the raceways between the profiled sleeve and the journal for transmitting torque. A cover is provided on the journal of the rolling-sliding unit and an elastic element is arranged between the profiled sleeve and the journal of the rolling-sliding unit. A jointed shaft comprising a rolling-sliding unit of the described type also is described.
US08157656B2
The present invention provides a bearing cup assembly for a universal joint comprising a cylindrically elongated bearing cup, the bearing cup having a cylindrical sidewall, a closed bottom wall, and an open top. The bearing cup is positioned over, and rotates freely on, a cylindrically elongated trunnion which is associated with the universal joint. The bearing cup assembly further comprises a lubricant-impregnated powder metal mass disposed within the bearing cup and positioned between the sidewall and closed bottom wall of the bearing cup and the trunnion. The assembly further comprises a circular seal having an open center and being disposed about the open top of the bearing cup. The trunnion is disposed within the open center of the circular seal and the seal is in close interfitment with the open top and the trunnion so as to form an impenetrable closure therebetween.
US08157652B2
Interactive gaming tables and systems adapted to facilitate the automated administration of gaming table events are provided. Tables can have a playing surface, an outer circumference with active player positions, a slave controller for each active player position adapted to facilitate automated gaming activities, a master gaming table controller to synchronize communications and activities between slave controllers, access interfaces for communications with networked devices located away from the table, cameras and other tracking devices adapted to track gaming events at the table, and a specialized gaming table bolster distributed about the outer circumference. Bolster devices can include player friendly peripherals, including visual displays, speakers, open jacks, player tracking devices, and lights or other display elements to indicate table game statuses or the presence or absence of players. Tables can communicate with each other, a remote host, and/or player controlled auxiliary or hand-held wireless devices, which may be adapted for backbetting.
US08157650B2
Systems, methods, and products for self-contained casino gaming haptics are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system for casino gaming haptics includes a touch-sensitive input device configured to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor in communication with the touch-sensitive input device and the actuator, the processor configured to: generate a display signal configured to cause an image associated with a casino game to be displayed; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive input device associated with the contact; determine an interaction between the contact and the image; and generate an actuator signal associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a haptic effect.
US08157643B1
A gaming chip counter, for use counting a plurality of gaming chips, each gaming chip have a known predetermined weight. The gaming chip counter has a housing having a top surface, a front, rear, and sides, with digital total displays thereupon. A plurality of counting elements are located on the top surface arranged in counting zones. For each counting zone, a denomination setting system allows the user to establish a currently set denomination. When chips are stacked upon the counting elements in each counting zone, a zone value is determined by weighing the gaming chips thereupon. A total chip value is determined by summation of the zone values, and displayed on the total displays in real time.
US08157626B2
A system includes a substantially sealed, substantially airtight cabinet sized for housing a vertical array of heat-producing units, the cabinet having an exterior shell and the system including an interior divider wall disposed inside the cabinet, the shell and divider wall providing an equipment chamber adapted to support the array such that the array cooperates with the shell and divider wall in use to define a first plenum, the first plenum having a first inlet defined by the divider wall for receiving a flow of cooling gas and having a first outlet defined by a plurality of openings through the array whereby the first plenum communicates with the openings in use to exhaust substantially all of the flow of cooling fluid through the openings and hence through the array, wherein the divider wall is configured to allow the first inlet to admit the gas to the first plenum in a substantially horizontal direction.
US08157622B2
A composite support structure for use in sanding and sander includes a rigid plate having a front surface which includes a wall defining a contained surface and a back surface for connection to a handle and a polyfoam layer having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface of the polyfoam is reaction bonded to the front surface of the rigid plate such that the back surface of the polyfoam layer forms within the contained surface and about the wall in a complementary manner thereto and the front surface of the polyfoam layer extends outward from the front surface of the rigid plate and is formed to have a relatively planar surface thereby rendering the composite support structure for removably connecting sandpaper to the back surface of the polyfoam layer.
US08157619B2
Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades, may use laminations. They may also include inserts, such as structural inserts, damping inserts and fluid flow elements. Fluid flow elements may include a tube, a transition element including an inlet fitting, a fluid pressure containment structure inserted into the channel of the blade, an added material resistant to effects of the fluid including plastics, coatings and films, and other structures. Additional nozzle structures may be included. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved damping characteristics may include inserts, plugs and other structures, including those made from materials softer or more ductile than the tool material. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved flow directing capabilities may include inserts or other structures having vanes, foil structures, fluid diverting surfaces, baffles or other structures for affecting fluid flow in the area of the tool.
US08157611B2
Systems and methods for interactive play are provided, including a method of interacting with an action figure. The method includes the steps of providing a base unit having a processor, providing an action figure having a memory which stores data relating to the action figure, communicating the data in the form of communication signals to the processor, and presenting an activity instruction based on the communication signals received, with the activity instruction enacting a real-life activity that the action figure can engage in.
US08157605B2
The display device module according to the present invention comprises a pixel circuit section including at least one light emitting area, each light emitting area being formed on an overlying area of a first electrode and a second electrode on a substrate; at least one first line connected to a first end portion of the first electrode; at least one first auxiliary line to a second end portion of the first electrode; at least one second auxiliary line having a connecting bar formed at one end thereof; at least one second line connected to the second electrode; and at least one dummy line having a connecting bar formed at one end thereof, the dummy line being disposed not to contact with the pixel circuit section. The display device module of the present invention further comprises a device-driving unit mounted on a mounting area adjacent to the pixel circuit section, and connected electrically to the first and second lines, or a connecting means mounted on a mounting area adjacent to the pixel circuit section and connecting an exterior device-driving unit and the pixel circuit section. The above connecting means is a film on which a device-driving unit is mounted, wherein the film is connected to the pixel circuit section via the first and second lines.
US08157601B2
A contact (1) includes a first contact pin (2), a second contact pin (3) and a spring (4). The first contact pin includes a mating end (26), a body (23) having a first body portion (232) and a second body portion (231), a pair of ear portions (24) and a pair of first blocking portions (22). The first body portion has a thickness greater than that of the second body portion. The second contact pin includes a pair of second blocking portions (32), and a pair of resilient beams (33) slidable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The resilient beams are confined by the ear portions. The resilient beams clasp the first body portion in the latched position. The spring is compressible between the pair of first blocking portions and the pair of second blocking portions.
US08157595B2
A ground shield is provided for an electrical connector mounted on a printed circuit. The ground shield includes a body extending from a mating interface to a mounting interface. An electrical ground path is defined through the body between the mating and mounting interfaces. The mating interface includes a mating contact configured to engage a mating connector. The mounting interface includes a mounting contact configured to engage the printed circuit. The body includes two conductive layers separated by a dielectric substance such that a capacitor is provided within the electrical ground path.
US08157589B2
A connector having a conductively coated member is provided, wherein the connector comprises a connector body capable of sealing and securing a coaxial cable, and further wherein the conductively coated member, such as an O-ring, physically seals the connector, electrically couples the connector and the coaxial cable, facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.
US08157582B2
A patch panel for telecommunications connectors includes a patch panel frame having a front face, the front face having a series of openings therein for receiving telecommunications plugs; the patch panel frame including a tray extending rearward from a bottom portion of the front face; and a plurality of multiport bezels mounted to the patch panel frame, each multiport bezel having a plurality of cavities, each cavity aligned with one of the openings in the front face.
US08157579B2
An electrical connector assembly (100) comprises: a housing (1) comprising a first shield part (15), a second shield part (16) assembled with each other; at least one printed circuit board (2) disposed in the housing; a strain relief (5) disposed in the housing and sandwiched by the first shield part and the second shield part; a metallic shell (8) engaged with the housing; a pair of first screws (91) assembled to the housing along two opposite directions and interlocked with first shield part, the second shield part and the strain relief; and a pair of second screws (92) assembled to the housing along a same direction and interlocked the first shield part, the second shield part, the strain relief and the metallic shell.
US08157563B2
A guide device is provided that can interact with a number of sleeves of a tooth template. The guide device can include a handle part, a support part, and a guide part. The handle part can include first and second parts. The first part can be connectable to the second part, and the second part can include a space having a variable size. The variable size of the space can be determined by the position of the first part relative to the second part. The supporting part can be sized and configured to engage the space of the handle for allowing selective positioning of the supporting part relative to the handle part. The guide part can be connectable to the supporting part with the guide part being operative to align a tool for use in the dental treatment.
US08157562B2
Disclosed herein is an orthodontic bracket system for correcting the teeth in an arch that includes molars, premolars, canines, lateral incisors and central incisors. The system includes a plurality of brackets that each include a main body portion having first and second tunnels extending transversely therethrough. Each bracket is bonded to the facial surface of a tooth in the arch. The first and second tunnels of each bracket extend approximately parallel to the facial surface of the tooth to which the bracket is bonded. The system further includes a first archwire extending through the first tunnels in each of the brackets.
US08157554B2
The invention relates to the rotary spinning electrode of an elongated shape into the device for production of nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of polymer solutions comprising a pair of end faces, between them there are positioned spinning members formed by wire, which are distributed equally along the circumference and parallel with axis of rotation of the rotary spinning electrode, while the end faces are made of electrically non-conducting material and all the spinning members are mutually connected in a electrically conductive manner.
US08157553B2
In a scroll compressor, a center of a turning scroll body is shifted with respect to a drive central axis so that a distance between a gravity center and the drive central axis in a turning scroll becomes smaller than a predetermined allowable value set based on theoretical displacement and mass of the turning scroll. A moment force about the drive central axis acting on the turning scroll is reduced during revolving, and an alternating force acting on an autorotation preventing pin in the turning scroll is reduced to an allowable level.
US08157548B2
The present invention relates to a delivery pump, in particular for delivering diesel fuel into a high-pressure accumulator. The pump has a housing and a drive shaft which is accommodated in the latter and is mounted by at least one sliding bearing arrangement such that it can rotate about a drive shaft axis. The sliding bearing arrangement is formed by a bearing bore and a bearing shaft section which extends through the latter. The sliding bearing arrangement has a bearing play which extends in the radial direction between the bearing shaft section and the bearing bore and has a smaller value in the bearing center than at least one bearing edge. A delivery pump for delivering diesel fuel is therefore provided which has a low-wear sliding bearing arrangement.
US08157547B2
A pump for circulating a medium comprising an elastically deformable hose against a pressing surface, and a medium inlet and a medium outlet; pressing elements that move along the hose and press the hose against a pressing surface thereby closing the hose. The pressing surface comprises an infeed part having a distance from the pressing elements that decreases from a first value when the hose is open to a second value when the hose is closed; an intermediate part having a constant distance from the pressing elements equal to the second value; and an outfeed part connected to the medium outlet. The length of the outfeed part and/or the infeed part is greater than the distance between the pressing elements as measured along the pressing surface.
US08157543B2
In a high-speed rotating shaft (10) of a supercharger which is rotatably supported by two radial bearings (12a, 12b) spaced at a fixed distance (L), directly couples a turbine impeller fixed to one end and a compressor impeller fixed to the other end, and transmits a rotational driving force of the turbine impeller to the compressor impeller, a small shaft portion (14) having a smaller diameter than a bearing portion is provided between bearings. The small shaft portion (14) is offset to a compressor side.
US08157538B2
An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate associated with the compression mechanism and having at least one port in fluid communication with the compression mechanism, and a manifold disposed adjacent to the valve plate. A cylinder may be formed in the manifold and a piston may be disposed within the manifold and may be movable relative to the manifold between a first position separated from the valve plate and a second position engaging the valve plate. A valve element may be disposed within the piston and may be movable relative to the piston and the manifold. The valve element may be movable between an open position spaced apart from the valve plate and permitting flow through the port and into the compression mechanism and a closed position engaging the valve plate and restricting flow through the port and into the compression mechanism.
US08157532B2
A wind turbine comprising at least a blade (11) having an aerodynamic profile with a leading edge (13), a trailing edge (15) and suction and pressure sides between the leading edge (13) and the trailing edge (15) that includes an anti-noise device (31) placed on the suction side formed by elements (33) that modify the frequency spectra of the boundary layer noise. Preferably the anti-noise device (31) is placed on the suction side between two sections corresponding to chord positions in the range of 40%-95% of the chord length, measured from the leading edge (13).
US08157521B2
There is provided a wind turbine generator and a method of controlling the same which can prevent the decline in power generation efficiency even when the generator is located where the wind is not always strong. The wind turbine generator mainly includes an anemometer, an anemoscope, a nacelle swiveling mechanism which turns a nacelle, and a control unit which controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism. The control unit controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism so as to swivel the nacelle based on the wind direction obtained from the measurement result of the anemoscope when the wind speed obtained from the measurement result of the anemometer is greater than a first threshold Vth1 which is smaller than a cut-in wind speed Vcut—in, and controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism so as to stop the swiveling of the nacelle when the wind speed obtained from the measurement result of the anemometer is not greater than a first threshold Vth1.
US08157520B2
Vehicle propulsion systems and methods of propulsion are disclosed, as well as embodiments of fans and airfoils, technology that in some applications of the invention can provide both lift and thrust, and propulsion via cross flow fan, manifold and a plurality of airfoils. In some embodiments the invention is directed to the production of lift and thrust, and propulsion generally, based from air produced by a cross flow fan in accordance with the invention disclosed herein. In still further embodiments, lift and thrust may yet be generated from air produced from the cross flow fan even when unpowered, such as in a loss of power or in a stall condition. Applications of the invention apply broadly to propulsion systems, generally; however, some preferred embodiments have particular application for vehicles characterized or used in application such as traditional private and commercial aircraft, ground effects vehicles, military applications, amphibious applications, aerospace, aeronautical, and non-traditional vehicles such as experimental air planes, space craft, hover craft, and the like. The invention in some embodiments comprises technologies addressing preferred air flow, lift, and thrust and the reduction of drag and circulation losses. The invention may be further applicable for incorporation in aircraft and other vehicles wherein the ability to maximize initial vertical lift and takeoff is important, such as in instant take-off and landing, as well as the abilities to hover, to control the flight and landing of aircraft, and control in power-loss scenarios, addressing the prevention of stalls and allowing for controlled descents under continued propulsion. In some embodiments, the invention is further applicable for aircraft, shuttles and other vehicles as a ram jet engine system as a further alternative propulsion technology, having no requirement for forward movement for propulsion upon take-off.
US08157519B2
A system for connecting two ferrules of an axial compressor case. A ferrule includes a female flange, while the other ferrule includes a male flange. Both the female flange as well as the male flange are substantially annular and include a proximal face intended to be integral with the ferrule, and a distal face. The male flange is intended to be introduced into a space bound by an axial extension of the female flange. The system further includes a trim intended to be introduced behind the male flange into the space and clamped between the proximal face of the male flange and a surface of the extension substantially opposite in order to space them apart and thus clamp the distal faces of both flanges one against the other.
US08157516B2
An exemplary compressor wheel housing for a turbocharger compressor wheel includes a substantially cylindrical shroud surface definable with respect to a radial dimension and an axial dimension along a rotational axis of a compressor wheel with an origin coincident with a z-plane of the compressor wheel wherein the axial position of the shroud surface decreases with increasing radial position to a compressor wheel blade outer edge radius and a diffuser surface extending radially outward and axially downward from the cylindrical shroud surface wherein the diffuser surface includes a minimum diffuser surface axial position at a radial position less than about 1.25 times the compressor wheel blade outer edge radius and wherein the diffuser surface includes a greater axial position at a radial position beyond that corresponding to the minimum axial position. Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US08157501B2
This invention relates to a vertical axis sail-type windmill power transfer device for efficiently harvesting wind power by increasing the effective surface of interaction with the wind where the sails are formed by a plurality of pairs of blades permanently attached to freely rotating horizontal rods penetrating the vertical output shaft with pivot offset of the center of the weight which causes the blades to self-adjust when impacted by wind so that one blade assumes a driving position while the other—a leeward position. The invention has a modular-type structure which permits for a variety of configurations and allows for photovoltaic cells to be placed on the blades in order to complement the production of wind energy with solar energy.
US08157493B2
A milling unit of a book binding device removes a coating material adhered to cutting surfaces of coating sheets. A book binding device binding a bunch of sheets fed from a sheet aligning unit includes a sheet aligning plate aligning a section of the bunch of sheets fed from the sheet aligning unit; a gripper fixing the bunch of sheets aligned by the sheet aligning plate; an adhesive unit feeding an adhesive member to the section of the bunch of sheets to bind the bunch of sheets; and a milling unit milling the section of the bunch of sheets before the bunch of sheets is subjected to binding by the adhesive unit.
US08157489B2
A tool for chip removing machining, including a basic body and two replaceable cutting inserts. Each insert includes a chip-removing main edge situated between a chip surface and a clearance surface, a first insert of which precedes a second insert during machining of a workpiece. The cutting inserts overlap each other in a zone defined by a borderline along which a surface generated by the main edge of the first cutting insert, with a time delay, is intersected by the main edge of the subsequent, second cutting insert. The main edge of the second cutting insert that afterwards intersects the already generated surface, is formed along a chip surface including primary and secondary sections, which have different shapes in cross-sections spaced-apart along the main edge in order to form a primary part edge and a secondary, reinforced part edge arranged to intersect the already generated surface.
US08157487B2
A cutting tool has cartridges in which cutting inserts may be retained. The location of each cartridge is adjustable by a bidirectional adjustment mechanism having an adjustment screw directed in the direction of adjustment. The adjustment screw has a head and a flexible flange with an annular recess therebetween. A protuberance projecting from the cartridge engages the annular recess with an interference fit thereby coupling the adjustment screw to the cartridge. As the adjustment screw is screw rotated about its axis of screw rotation it moves along the axis of screw rotation taking the cartridge with it. Screw rotation of the adjustment screw in opposite senses results in the adjustment of the position of the cartridge in opposite directions. Due to the fact that the protuberance is firmly located in the annular recess of the adjustment screw, play or backlash is eliminated.
US08157478B2
The invention relates to an improved rod pushing and pulling machine suited for use in underground pipe bursting and replacement with a rod string wherein each rod has at least one radially enlarged upset thereon. The machine includes a housing or frame having a front wall with an access opening therein through which a rod string can extend. At least one main thrust cylinder is mounted on the housing. A movable carriage connected to the thrust cylinder engages the rod, drives it in a pushing or pulling direction, and then releases it for another stroke. Between strokes, a “bungee” vise holds the rod string so that it does not slip back in the opposite direction.
US08157473B2
An apparatus for removing markers from pavement includes a prime mover and an implement adjustably coupled to the prime mover. The implement includes a body, a tool having a working tip, a leveling pointer pivotably coupled to the body such that the leveling pointer moves relative to the body under the force of gravity, and a target indicium disposed near the leveling pointer. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a camera focused on the working tip of the tool and a display visible to an operator of the prime mover. A method of removing a marker from pavement includes positioning the working tip of a tool at a predetermined distance from an edge of the marker embedded in the pavement; adjusting the implement to a predetermined angle relative to an upper surface of the pavement by rotating the implement until the leveling pointer is aligned with the target indicium; and advancing the implement to remove the marker from the pavement.
US08157469B2
A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.
US08157465B2
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a composition to the human body, the applicator comprising: a support that is configured to be mounted in removable manner on an appliance that enables movement to be transmitted to said support; a reservoir that is secured to the support and that contains the composition, the reservoir being defined, at least in part, by at least one closure element; an applicator element that is secured to the support at least during use; and an opener element that is suitable for acting on the closure element in order to put the reservoir and the applicator element into communication.
US08157458B2
The focal-plane shutter apparatus includes a cam member and being rotated by a motor in one direction such that leading and trailing blade cams respectively make contact with leading and trailing blade driving members to drive them in a charging direction in which urging members are charged, and then to allow each of the leading and trailing blade driving members to move from a charge completion position to a blade drive standby position. Leading and trailing blade inclination portions of the cam member respectively allow each of the leading and trailing blade driving members to move from the charge completion position to the blade drive standby position. In a rotation direction of the cam member, a first angular area where the leading blade inclination portion is formed on the cam member is smaller than a second angular area where the trailing blade inclination portion is formed thereon.
US08157453B2
In an assembly of retainers and tapered rollers to be easily incorporated into an outer ring having a rib portion on an inner peripheral surface on an outboard side thereof, recesses are formed in a large end surface and a small end surface of an outboard side tapered roller. Projections to be inserted into the recesses are formed in an outboard side retainer. A diameter of a circumcircle of the tapered rollers before they are inserted into a hub ring is smaller than an inner diameter of a rib portion. When a hub ring is inserted into the outer ring, the tapered rollers move in a radial direction to cause the diameter of the circumcircle to be greater than the inner diameter dimension of the rib portion, and as a result, the tapered rollers can be received in a specified position.
US08157451B2
A bearing arrangement of a roller-mounted unbalanced mass shaft. The rollers are in punctiform contact with one of the raceways at a low shaft rotational speed, and in linear contact with both raceways at a high shaft rotational speed.
US08157433B2
A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller blade located within the cavitation chamber. The impeller assembly is magnetically coupled to an external drive system which is used to rotate the impeller, thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to, or during, bubble cavitation. In the latter scenario, the impeller can be stopped, and if desired locked, at a specific rotational position, thus minimizing possible interference between the impeller and the source of the cavitation energy. The impeller can be shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the cavitation chamber, for example spherically or cylindrically, and can utilize multiple impeller blades.
US08157425B2
An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
US08157423B2
A plate is disclosed for inscription for a control unit in automation technology contains a plate-shaped lower part. In at least one embodiment, the lower part has a front flat side, and an inscription element is provided on the front flat side. In at lease one embodiment, the lower part is optically translucent, and an electrical luminous element couples light into the lower part.
US08157421B2
A light emitting diode (LED) lamp including a connector, an LED module, an angle adjusting ring, an isolating ring, and a heat dissipating module is provided. The LED module is electrically connected to the connector and has at least one LED unit. The angle adjusting ring is disposed between the LED module and the connector for rotating the LED module, and includes at least one locking element for fixing the LED module on the connector. The isolating ring is disposed between the connector and the angle adjusting ring. The heat dissipating module is in contact with the LED module for preventing the LED module from overheating. The heat dissipating module includes at least one heat pipe and a plurality of fins connecting to the at least one heat pipe, where the at least one LED unit is disposed on the at least one heat pipe.
US08157412B2
A light emitting diode substrate assembly has a metal substrate, a circuit board, multiple chip strings, an annular wall and an encapsulant. The circuit board is mounted on the top surface of the substrate and has multiple through holes and multiple current conducting lines. The chip strings are mounted on the substrate and respectively in the through hole in the circuit board. Each chip string has at least one light emitting diode chip connected electrically to two corresponding current conducting lines on the circuit board with bonding wires. Accordingly, the heat generating during the operation of the chips can be efficiently dissipated from the substrate.
US08157409B2
The present invention provides a light emitting means having a structure that can be used as a light emitting ornament in a sports ground or an event location, a fishing light for the long-line fishery, or light emitting means that can be formed to a specific shape by being continuously assembled with another light emitting means. The light emitting means includes: a first housing made of a transparent material and having one end formed as a plug; a second housing made of a transparent material and having a socket corresponding to the plug and that can be separated or coupled to the first housing; a first substrate having a cathode at the center thereof and LEDs arranged around the cathode; a second substrate having an anode at the center thereof and LEDs arranged around the anode; a tubular diffuser made of a light guide material and having mounting holes in which the LEDs are respectively mounted and a space to which a battery is provided therein; a stud having the hole and male threads provided to the first housing; and a holed boss having female threads provided to the second housing. The light emitting means further includes a connector, a cube connector, and a double-male connector for connecting the stud of the first housing and the holed boss of the second housing.
US08157403B2
A clip light, for detachably mounting the clip light to a visor of a cap, includes a light arrangement and a detachable clip member. The light arrangement includes a light housing and a light device supported within the light housing, wherein the detachable clip member is detachably coupling with the light housing, wherein the detachable clip member is adapted to be detached for replacing to another type of clip member for different purposes. The detachable clip member is rotatably coupling with the light housing, such that a projecting angle of the light from the light source is adapted to be adjusted via a rotation manner.
US08157402B2
An illuminated helmet with a plurality of lamps positioned in at least one recess, a controller to operate the lamps in a flashing pattern, and a proximity sensor to activate the controller and lamps upon detection of a user's head. The recesses for the lamps and other components are located in a non-impact area of the helmet. The lamps are arranged to be visible to a viewer from any angle, and the flashing patterns of the lamps are programmed to draw the attention of the human eye.
US08157396B2
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft operable to be held by an entity and a housing extending from one end of the shaft and operable to allow multiple deterrents to be emitted there from. The housing includes a rotation member coupled to a rim portion of the housing and operable to rotate along a track portion within the rim portion. The apparatus further includes a transparent material coupled to the rotation member and operable to allow a deterrent to travel there through. The housing includes a light source coupled to the transparent material and operable to emit a light. Further, the apparatus includes a swivel meshed between the shaft and the housing and operable to allow the housing oscillate in an angular direction. Each deterrent is operable to obscure an image of the entity captured by filming equipment.
US08157391B1
Retroreflective structures and methods of forming the same comprise a body of material extending along a helical path about a longitudinal axis and a plurality of retroreflective optical elements positioned along the helical path of the body of material, and constructed and arranged to retroreflect electromagnetic energy directed from a range of angular orientations about the longitudinal axis.
US08157388B2
A system and method for using an optical lightguide in a projection display system. A plurality of light sources provides a plurality of colored light to a lightguide. The lightguide may include alternating layers of a relatively high refractive index material and a relatively low refractive index material. In an embodiment, the layers of the lightguide are tapered. In another embodiment, the lightguide includes a light pipe having a lenticular array on the entrance face of the light pipe. Optionally, the light pipe may be tapered. The lightguide provides a line of light to a scanning element, which in turn redirects the light to a spatial light modulator.
US08157383B2
A system for displaying information via a light source on rotating helicopter blades of an aircraft such as a helicopter is provided. The light source may be a laser light source and the light therefrom may be directed onto the aircraft blade by one or more motion controlled mirrors and a computer controller. A sensor is capable of determining the position of helicopter blades during rotation, such that light may be projected upon only the moving blade at precisely timed intervals, so as to form perceivable graphics and/or messages thereon. In addition, such system may be utilized for displaying graphics and/or messages on rotating propellers of fixed wing aircraft.
US08157381B2
A method and apparatus for extracting synchronization information at the output of a projection apparatus, without modifying its rotating color segmented filter wheel or drive electronics. Three photodiodes, each with a different principle color filter, is placed at the projector output to detect output of the different colors in the filter wheel. An exclusive OR circuit is used to detect white light passing through the filter wheel.
US08157380B2
A kaleidoscopic device is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, the kaleidoscopic device may have a housing mounted within a wall and a collection drum that has a plurality of display elements. The collection drum may be intermittently rotated and/or rotated at various speeds by a driving system that has a motor. A mirror structure may be mounted within the housing and used with the display elements in order to generate a decorative kaleidoscopic effect.
US08157369B2
A printable media hold-down system includes a print head array, a transport surface positioned adjacent to the print head array which transports a printable medium past the print head array in a location where the print head array may apply ink to the printable medium, and a vacuum system that creates vacuum pressure that holds the printable medium to the transport surface, the vacuum system having at least one adjustable baffle configured to move in a cross process direction and change a dimension of the vacuum system based on a dimension of the printable medium.
US08157365B2
An ink circulation system includes a supply subtank for supplying ink to an ink jet print head and a return subtank returning the ink not ejected by the ink jet print head. A print circulation path links the supply subtank with the ink jet print head and the return subtank for providing a print flow of ink from the supply subtank to the ink jet print head, the return subtank, and back to the supply subtank. A degas circulation path links the supply subtank with a through-flow degassing unit for providing a degas flow of ink from the supply subtank to the through-flow degassing unit and back to the supply subtank. The ink circulation system improves the degassing quality of the ink supplied to the ink jet print head of a printing apparatus is provided.
US08157358B2
A liquid ejection head substrate includes a primary conductive layer; an insulating layer; a pair of secondary conductive layers; a first connecting portion where the primary conductive layer is electrically connected to the secondary conductive layers, the first connecting portion penetrating the insulating layer; and a second connecting portion whose contact area is smaller than that of the first connecting portion. In the secondary conductive layers, a voltage is applied such that a first secondary conductive layer has a higher potential than a second secondary conductive layer.
US08157352B2
An apparatus for ejecting droplets of a fluid includes a substrate, a first plurality of nozzles formed in a first region of a nozzle face of the substrate, and a second plurality of nozzles formed in a second region of the nozzle face. The second region is separated from the first region. An inlet and an outlet are both formed in an upper face of the substrate opposite a third region of the nozzle face, the third region being located between the first region and the second region, and a plurality of fluid paths formed in the substrate and fluidically connecting the first plurality of nozzles and the second plurality of nozzles with the inlet and outlet.
US08157335B2
A vehicle with a frame connecting a driver wheel, an idler wheel and mid-roller wheels, an endless track belt being tensioned around the driver wheel and the idler wheel and being in contact with the mid-roller wheels on a lower run thereof, the mid-roller wheels being arranged in bogies, including a front bogie having a first pivot axis, a middle bogie and a rear bogie arranged in tandem having a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis and said second pivot axis act as load transfer pivots.
US08157329B2
A method of attaching furniture components includes providing a first furniture component that may be comprised of polymeric material, positioning a second furniture component adjacent to the first furniture component, positioning stakes attached to the second component through holes formed in the first component, and heating the stakes to bond portions of the second component to portions of the first component. The second component may also be comprised of polymeric material and the stakes may be integral with the second component or formed on the second component. Chairs or other furniture such as office furniture may include components attached together by embodiments of the disclosed method. In some embodiments of the method, a second component may also have projections that are positioned through holes in a third furniture component that may subsequently be heated to bond the third component to the second component.
US08157324B2
There is provided a long-life and strong cover material terminal treating member in which the terminal treatment of a cover material is easy to perform, and the terminal of the cover material is less liable to be taken away by a force from the outside, and which can withstand a long-time use. The cover material terminal treating member 10 for a seat part in which a cushion material 23 is covered with a cover material 24 includes a retaining plate 17 fixed to the terminal of the cover material 24a and a retaining clip 11 for storing the retaining plate 17. The retaining clip 11 includes a first wall part 12 fixed at a position different from the terminal of the cover material 24a, a second wall part 14 facing to the first wall part 12, and a connecting part 13 for connecting the two wall parts 12 and 14 to each other. In the end part of the second wall part 14, a retaining claw 16 bent at an acute angle and being in contact with one end side of the retaining plate 17 is erectingly provided. In the first wall part 12, a protrusion 15 in contact with the other end side of the retaining plate 17 is erectingly provided. The protrusion 15 is provided on the opening 19 side of a position at which the retaining plate 17 is in contact with the first wall part 12.
US08157317B2
A cab body structure includes a cab front panel 10a, a cab rear panel, a pair of cab side panels 20, and a front window 50a. The pair of cab side panels 20 is arranged almost parallel to each other when width of the cab front panel 10a in the vehicle width direction and width of the cab rear panel in the vehicle width direction are set approximately equal, and arranged slanting on the outer side towards the rear along the vehicle width when width of the cab rear panel in the vehicle width direction is set greater than width of the cab front panel in the vehicle width direction.
US08157316B1
A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a plurality of wheels and a cargo bed assembly. A cargo bed translation mechanism is operable between the vehicle frame and the cargo bed to translate the cargo bed between a range of positions including a first transport position, a plurality of raised position a variety of loading positions. A cargo bed dumping mechanism is operable for tipping the cargo bed to dump the contents of the cargo bed at least from the transport position and the raised positions.
US08157315B2
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base having a forward portion and a rearward portion, wherein the rearward portion is tiltable about the forward portion. A seatback is connected to the rearward portion of the seat base. The seat back tilts with the rearward portion when the rearward portion is tilted relative to the forward portion to provide ingress/egress access behind the seat back and the seat base.
US08157314B2
Provided is an overhead console for a vehicle including a housing installed in the front of an indoor ceiling of the vehicle, having an opening opened downward, and including a rotary shaft installed in the opening, a mirror case rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing and having an insertion part formed therein, a conversation mirror attached to the mirror case and including a mirror that enters and exits in a direction of a driver, and a spectacles-case inserted into the insertion part of the mirror case and rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing, to which the mirror case is coupled.
US08157309B2
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a support structure includes a contact surface configured to deform, a base section configured to receive the contact surface, a first set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a first direction, and a second set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a second direction, in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are disposed such that there is no contact with each other in a relaxed position, and in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are configured to deform and contact each other upon application of a force to the contact surface.
US08157308B2
A gripping device arranged for gripping an article 44, such as a food article, in particular a piece of meat, said gripping device 1 comprising at least two gripping parts 5, 7 pivotally suspended with respect to each other. At least one of the gripping parts 5, 7 is pivotally suspended and comprises a gripping arm 4, 6 and a gripping clamp 12, 14, wherein the gripping arm 4, 6 is adapted for carrying the gripping clamp 12, 14. The gripping device 1 further comprises a flexible belt-shaped material 20, which extends at least between lower parts of the at least two gripping parts.
US08157307B2
The invention relates to a handling device and to a handling method for wafers, in particular for wafers with a thickness of less than 100 μm. According to the invention it is provided that an adhesive membrane is arranged so as to delimit at least one workspace, the volume of which can be changed by supplying or removing pressurising medium, and in that the size of the contact surface between the adhesive membrane and the wafer can be adjusted by changing the workspace volume.
US08157301B2
A door handle device for a vehicle includes a frame member mounted to a door of the vehicle, a handle main body fitted with the frame member, an engaging arm formed at the handle main body and engaging with the frame member, a handle axial portion formed at the engaging arm and serving as a pivotal center of the handle main body, a bearing member pivotally supported by the frame member, and a holding portion formed at the bearing member for holding the handle axial portion, wherein the holding portion is shifted between a released position where the handle axial portion is engageable with or disengageable from the holding portion and a supported position where the handle axial portion is pivotally supported with a pivoting of the bearing member.
US08157298B2
A multipoint locking system includes a body having an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein. An upper latch pawl is disposed in the upper aperture and is pivotable about a first vertical axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position. A lower latch pawl is disposed in the lower aperture and is pivotable about a second vertical axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position. At least one actuator is configured to move the upper and lower latch pawls between their retracted and extended positions. The body can be an astragal, a vertical frame member, or the like.
US08157284B1
An alignment method and system for connecting a tractor to a steerable trailer includes a connection roller which facilitates the connection by accommodating a variance in fifth wheel to kingpin alignment. The method and system also includes an alignment guide which visually assists the tractor driver in properly aligning the tractor to the interface member of the trailer.
US08157282B1
A cycle frame includes a back frame section and a front frame section. The back frame section has a bottom, substantially horizontal member and a top, substantially horizontal member. The back frame section also has a rear, substantially vertical member that is affixed at bottom and top ends to respective rear ends of the bottom and top members. The front frame section has a top frame member having a rear end that is releasably affixable to a front end of the back frame top member. A front frame member has a bottom end that is releasably affixable to a front end of the bottom member. A frame neck is affixed in bridging relation to the top and the front frame members. Thus the present invention achieves the front frame section's being interchangeable with another front frame section.
US08157281B2
A driving mechanism of the present invention includes a transmission disc, a transmission belt, a pair of cranks, a pair of arms, a pair of connecting bodies and a pair of pedals. The cranks and the arms are disposed on the frame of a bicycle, and the connecting bodies are disposed between distal ends of the cranks and the arms. Each pedal is disposed on the connecting body and is movable in an orbit. A vertical distance between the topmost point and the bottommost point of the orbit is H, and a horizontal distance between the front most point and a rearmost point is W, which satisfies the following relationship: H/W≧5/3.
US08157276B2
A piston coupled to a piston rod is inserted in a cylinder, and an outer cylinder is disposed around the cylinder so as to define a reservoir therebetween. A separator tube is disposed around the cylinder so as to define an annular passage therebetween. The piston rod can be locked and unlocked by closing and opening an electromagnetic open/close valve so as to block and allow a flow of hydraulic fluid through a flow passage between the annular passage and the reservoir. The separator tube has a greater thickness. O-rings are disposed so as to provide seals between the separator tube and the cylinder. The separator tube extends to positions such that the ends of the separator tube overlap a base valve and a rod guide, thereby holding the respective ends of the cylinder. Due to this configuration, it is possible to prevent deformation of the cylinder and the separator tube due to an increase in the hydraulic pressure.
US08157269B2
The subject invention provides a gasket for sealing multiple fluids and a method of forming the gasket. The gasket includes a carrier, a first elastomeric material, and a second elastomeric material different than the first elastomeric material. The first and second elastomeric materials are disposed in contact with the carrier in a flowable state such that the first and the second materials flow together to form a third elastomeric material comprising a mixture of the first and second elastomeric materials. The first and second elastomeric materials include cure systems that are compatible to ensure sufficient bonding within the third elastomeric material. Adhesive materials that are compatible with each of the first, second, and third elastomeric materials and the carrier are used to bond the elastomeric materials to the carrier.
US08157267B2
A seal system is adapted for use in gas flow systems. The seal system has two seal faces and a longitudinally compressible seal spring-biased between the seal faces. The seal has a bellows configuration and opposite ends in sealing contact with the seal faces, such that at least one end of the seal is free to move relative to the corresponding seal face while maintaining the sealing contact. The seal system is particularly suited for use in sealing an engine to an exhaust member.
US08157265B2
A bag tossing game for one or more by players comprises foldably deployable target assemblies, associated stabilizing assemblies linked to the target assemblies, and a plurality of bags for throwing by players. Each target assembly presents an inclined impact surface with a target aperture towards which bags are thrown. A foldable elevator pivoted to the target assembly angles the target assembly during play. Foldable feet at an opposite end of the target assemblies offer further support. A stabilizing assembly associated with each target assembly comprises a base disposed on the supporting surface, a platform mounted over the base for supporting bags and beverages and an elongated stanchion extending upwardly from a socket in the base for supporting the platform. The base comprises an elongated slot and cooperating guide channels for interconnecting each target assembly elevator with the stabilizing assembly.
US08157259B2
According to an embodiment, a drive control unit which drive-controls a movable tray on which a sheet discharged from a predetermined sheet discharge port is stacked, in such a manner that the movable tray sequentially descends according to a sheet discharge operation; an arrival position acquisition unit which acquires, in predetermined timing, arrival position information indicating an actual arrival position of the movable tray when the movable tray is drive-controlled by the drive control unit using a predetermined lower limit position as a target position; a fullness setting unit which sets a full position in the sheet stacking, of the movable tray, on the basis of the arrival position information acquired by the arrival position acquisition unit; and a fullness notification unit which gives a notification that the movable tray is full according to the arrival of the movable tray at the full position, are provided.
US08157257B2
A sheet feeding device incorporable in an image forming apparatus includes a sheet holder to hold a stack of sheets including an uppermost sheet, an endless belt, a charging member, a belt supporting unit including a drive roller and a driven roller, a moving mechanism to move the sheet holder, and a controller. The controller alternately controls the moving mechanism to move the sheet holder to a proximal position, the endless belt to contact the uppermost sheet held on the sheet holder, and the driven roller to rotate about the drive roller, to attract the uppermost sheet, and controls the moving mechanism to move the sheet holder to a distal position, the driven roller to rotate about the drive roller, and the endless belt to incline at a predetermined angle of separation, to separate the uppermost sheet from the multiple sheets.
US08157246B2
A deflecting roller for link chains, for example, round link chains or profiled steel chains, presents, on the periphery, chain pockets for lying chain links. Furthermore, chain pockets for standing chain links are provided. The chain pockets for the standing chain links are separated from each other by teeth. The tooth flank surfaces of the teeth, against which a standing chain link bears under the action of a load, are dimensioned and profiled in a specific way. The dimensioning is carried out so that, up to a certain chain loading, the standing chain link does not bear with its nose against the tooth flank. A contact between the tooth flank surface and the nose of the standing chain link concerned occurs only starting at a certain chain loading.
US08157235B2
This device for fixing a wire cable raceway onto a threaded rod (4) includes: a body (6) with support members (12; 54; 12′) featuring a first support surface and a second support surface opposite the first support surface, elements for fixing onto a threaded rod (4) including two elastic arms (8) each provided with a notch (20), the bottom of which is intended to cooperate with the thread of the threaded rod (4) in order to assure locking of the fixing device onto the threaded rod (4).
US08157229B2
A mounting bracket for securing a raingutter-mountable roof rack system to the bed or cargo management rail of a pickup truck or SUV. The bracket comprises a simple device with a minimal number of parts required for removably clamping the bracket to the side member of a vehicle bed. The bracket is simple to install, may be located anywhere along the side of the vehicle bed, and does not require the presence of a bed cover system for attachment to the vehicle. The bracket attaches to the side of the vehicle's bed in a manner that does not consume a substantial amount of space within the bed of the vehicle, and it may be used in conjunction with a tonneau cover without interfering with the operation of the cover.
US08157227B2
A device for supporting an object on a surface has a body including a first portion attachable to a surface so as to attach the body to the surface and a second part having a receptacle for receiving the object, and an element for simultaneously activating the first portion and the second portion so as to simultaneously attach the first portion of the body to the surface and to fix the object in the receptacle.
US08157223B2
A holder for at least one elongate article, with a main part on which is formed at least one receptacle into which the article can be introduced, and with a lid part which is movably connected to the main part via a joint and closes the receptacle in a closed position at least the main part having a hard component portion and a soft component portion connected thereto, the soft component portion forming the receptacle for the article. The joint is also formed by the soft component portion.
US08157222B1
A wire harness clamp with at least a pair of tension members that afford for harnesses having different sizes to be held securely by the clamp is provided. In addition, the wire harness clamp can have a length that can protect wire harnesses held within the clamp from proximate objects that can rub, vibrate, etc., against the wire harnesses.
US08157220B2
Hot rail car bearings or wheels are identified by sensing an infrared radiation from the hot surface and determining whether features of the sensed signals are indicative of hot rail car surfaces. The features may include the signals themselves, with distances or correlations being established between the signals and signals of known hot bearings or wheels. The features may be analyzed in a feature or decision space, with boundaries being established that identify hot bearings or wheels, or that establish false positive features or noise. The identification may also be implemented as a matched filter.
US08157211B2
The invention relates to an aircraft toilet facility, particularly an aircraft toilet facility on a single passenger-deck aircraft. The invention provides a first toilet unit situated at least partially in the space below the floor of a passenger deck of the aircraft, and a second toilet unit situated at least partially in the space above the ceiling of the passenger deck. The first toilet unit is proximate the second toilet unit, and both the first toilet unit and second toilet unit are accessible from the passenger deck.
US08157207B2
Nozzle exit configurations and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a jet engine exhaust nozzle having an internal flow surface and an exit aperture, with the exit aperture having a perimeter that includes multiple projections extending in an aft direction. Aft portions of individual neighboring projections are spaced apart from each other by a gap, and a geometric feature of the multiple can change in a monotonic manner along at least a portion of the perimeter. Projections near a support pylon and/or associated heat shield can have particular configurations, including greater flow immersion than other projections.
US08157197B2
A system and method for producing a spool having a length of tubular fabric wound thereupon is disclosed, the tubular fabric being substantially spirally wound upon a core with consecutive windings of the extended length tubular fabric being located close adjacent each other, and with consecutive rows of the extended length tubular fabric overlaying each other on the hollow core. The winding operation simultaneously controls both the lateral position at which the tubular fabric is wound onto the core and the rotation of the core to achieve the tight and highly compact winding operation, with the speed of the winding operation being controlled according to the amount of the tubular fabric which is available at any given time. The tubular fabric is suitable for use in the manufacture of paint roller covers.
US08157195B2
A method of mechanically refining lignocellulosic material in a refiner having opposing refiner plates including: introducing the material to an inlet in one of the opposing refiner plates or array of plate segments; rotating at least one of the plates with respect to the other plate, wherein the material moves radially outward through a gap between the plates due to centrifugal forces created by the rotation; passing the material over bars in a refining section of a first one the plates and through grooves between the bars, wherein the bars each include a sidewall with an irregular surface, and discharging the material from the gap at a periphery of the refiner plates.
US08157194B2
A method separates a rubber material and a steel chord material in tires, tire blanks and carcasses from one another in a simple manner. In the method, rubberized steel chord is fed to a separating device. Then a powdered separating material is fed to the separating device. The steel chord and the rubber are separated by way of interactions between rotating tools and the separating material in the separating device. The separated rubber particles are encapsulated by the separating material. The rubber particles are discharged from an opening in the separating device.
US08157184B2
A first expansion valve is provided in an outdoor unit, and a second expansion valve is provided in an indoor unit. A pipe line connects a first joint pipe of the first expansion valve and a second joint pipe of the second expansion valve. When a refrigerant flows in from the second joint pipe and flows out from the first joint pipe, the first and second expansion valves are in a full open state due to pressure of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant flows in from the first joint pipe and flows out from the second joint pipe, the first and second expansion valves are in semi-closed state (flow rate controlling state). In a cooling mode, the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant just before an indoor heat exchanger, and in a heating mode, the first expansion valve expands the refrigerant just before an outdoor heat exchanger. In both heating and cooling mode, a large amount of refrigerant flows through the pipe line to reduce pressure loss.
US08157176B2
Various embodiments relating to a modular marking apparatus and method are disclosed.
US08157169B2
In an example embodiment, a method of identifying a firing solution to a target is provided. In this method, an elevation of the target and a height of the target relative to an initial height of the projectile are sensed. A clear line of sight from the projectile to the target is also sensed. Based on the elevation, the height, and the clear line of sight, an acceptable firing solution is identified. An signal indicating that the projectile can be launched can then be initiated based on the identification of the acceptable firing solution.
US08157168B2
A data collection device can include at least one of a bar code reader unit, an RFID reader unit, and a card reader unit. A data collection device can be operative to receive and process radio signals. A data collection device can be configured so that operation of the data collection device is responsive to radio signals.
US08157163B1
An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transactions responsive to data bearing records including account data read from user cards. The banking machine may accept checks and dispense cash to users. The machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the machine in exchange for the deposited checks.
US08157153B2
A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.
US08157150B2
A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.
US08157147B2
Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical staples, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical staples containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image.
US08157145B2
A status module for use with a pneumatically powered surgical instrument includes at least one sensor and a housing structured and arranged to releasably connect to the pneumatically powered surgical instrument. At least one contact is connected to the pneumatically powered surgical instrument. Each individual contact is structured and arranged to be in electrical communication with a different sensor when the housing is connected to the pneumatically powered surgical instrument. The at least one sensor is fluidically coupled to the pneumatically powered surgical instrument. A circuit is in electrical communication with the least one contact and at least one of a plurality of indicators.
US08157144B2
A stapler has a drive train that drives a stapling head toward a base part in a driving stroke and away from the base part in a return stroke. To accommodate thick workpieces to be stapled, without jamming, the drive train includes a coupling constructed so that its effective connection between coupled parts is releasable and so that it loses its effective connection during the driving stroke to prevent jamming.
US08157128B2
A dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a top, a bottom, and a wall defining an elongated cavity open at the top and extending along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes a face member defining a viewing window. The face member is snap-fitted to the dispenser housing wall. The indicating device further includes an indicator member having a surface visible through the viewing window. The surface includes dosage indicia. The indicator member is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An indicator actuator has at least a portion disposed in the cavity. The actuator is adapted to be moved by an actuation of the container, with the actuator adapted to rotate the indicator member upon a predetermined number of actuations of the container.
US08157121B2
The present invention relates to a disposable container of liquid food products or a cap thereof, having two independent round straw holes to be inserted by two ends of one bent drinking tube, wherein one of the straw holes is provided on a raised block which is on the top surface of the container or cap. The diameters of the straw holes tightly match the diameters of the drinking tube at its two ends, so that the drinking tube can be inserted into the container and pulled out repeatedly. The drinking tube used in the present invention is both for the purpose of drinking and closing the container.
US08157119B2
A can end having a countersink bead, an inclined chuck wall and a strong seam, resists distortion from its circular profile when subjected to thermal processing or when packaging carbonated beverages. This high hoop strength affects the manner in which the can end ultimately fails when placed under extreme abuse conditions, even if buckle pressure performance is within industry specified standards. The can end of the invention has control features introduced which control the failure mode whilst maintaining specified buckle pressure performance. In one embodiment, the can end has a two part wall and a control feature that comprises expansion of the countersink bead to act as a trigger for local peaking, together with a groove in the chuck wall which prevents the peaking force from being concentrated at a single point which could result in leaking by the production of a pin hole.
US08157110B1
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for supporting and holding items including surfboards, fishing rods, beach items and tabletops in horizontal positions raised above ground surfaces such as at the beach, and be easily transported, assembled, and disassembled when not being used. The racks can include a pair of horizontal beams. Each of the beams can have legs pivotally attached to ends of each beam. The legs can have storage positions with the legs folded up and parallel to the beams, and extended positions with the legs perpendicular to the beams and having lower ends staked into the grounds. The rack can support tabletops and surfboards in horizontal flat positions on top of the assembled horizontal beams. Fishing rods can be stored in horizontal positions in cradle shaped concave recesses so that the fishing rods can be between the surfboards/table tops and the horizontal beams. A storage bag can be used to carry and transport a folded tabletop and folded legs and beams.
US08157096B2
A foldable air cushion includes a main air tube piece composed by a main body and buffer walls; and side air tube pieces configured adjacent to the main air tube piece and each composed by a side body and folding portions. A bending line is configured between the main body and the buffer walls, and the side body and the folding portions. A folding line is configured between the main air tube piece and the side air tube pieces, while the folding areas are configured on the side air tube piece adjacent to the intersection of the bending line and the folding line. When the main air tube piece is bended along the bending line, the side bodies of the side air tube pieces are folding along the folding areas, and the side air tube pieces are folded along the folding line, a containing space will be formed between the main air tube piece and the side air tube pieces. Therefore, the foldable air cushion has the protection effect of six-side buffering for the article held in the containing space, and effectively reduces the manufacturing cost.
US08157094B2
A container apparatus includes a base plate, a sidewall and at least three wheels. The base plate has a first side and a second side. The sidewall is arranged on the first side of the base plate such that the base plate and the sidewall form a room. This room has an aperture opposite to the base plate the sidewall comprises a mating structure. The mating structure is substantially regularly spaced. The at least three wheels are arranged on the other side of the base plate.
US08157093B2
A packing unit includes a pallet, a structural base, and a fixing device. The pallet mounts an article thereon. The structural base has a fixed portion and is detachably attached to the article. The fixing device fixes the article to the pallet and includes an article fixing member slidably supported by the pallet. The article fixing member is movable between a fix position at which the article fixing member is engaged with the fixed portion of the structural base of the article to fix the article to the pallet and a release position at which the engagement of the article fixing member and the fixed portion is released.
US08157085B2
A device for monitoring a conveyor belt in which a sensor can be fixed easily to the body without using any special fixing device and the properties of the conveyor belt can be detected with high precision. The device for monitoring the conveyor belt comprises a body to be detected embedded in a conveyor belt running endlessly, and a sensor provided oppositely thereto in the body. The sensor detects the variation in properties of the conveyor belt by detecting variation of the body to be detected due to the variation in properties of the conveyor belt. The sensor is secured to a shaft which supports a hollow roller for guiding the conveyor belt in the conveyance direction rotatably on the body in the roller thus making the sensor itself nonrotatable.
US08157078B1
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes an environmental condition monitoring system including a plurality of sensors configured to monitor environmental conditions inside the housing of the cash recycler. In some arrangements, the temperature and/or humidity within the housing will be monitored. Upon sensing that the conditions are outside of a predetermined threshold, an indication will be sent to a controller that will adjust operation of the cash recycler based on the indications received from the sensors.
US08157064B2
Disclosed is a shock absorber for a drawer. The shock absorber includes a body filled with fluid, a piston member inserted into the body while being coupled with a rod, and a buffering member installed in the body to prevent the body from being broken by receiving pressure change of fluid when the piston member moves forward and backward. According to the shock absorber, high impact force generated when the drawer is closed can be absorbed and efficiently distributed, so that the drawer can be silently operated.
US08157061B2
An elevator installation has braking equipment for braking and holding an elevator car which moves in vertical direction within guide tracks or rails. The braking equipment consists of at least two brake units each comprising a normal force regulation device that sets a normal force (FN) in correspondence with a normal force value determined by a brake control unit and/or a locking device that locks the brake unit in a set braking position and which preferably maintains the set braking position in the case of an interrupted energy supply. The braking equipment provides a gentle braking or holding of the elevator car, which corresponds with the operational state of the elevator installation, with a low energy requirement.
US08157057B1
A safety apparatus for releasably securing persons wearing a body harness to scaffolding is provided. The scaffolding has a plurality of horizontal and vertical bars. The safety apparatus comprises a front frame assembly releasably securable between a first two adjacent bars of the scaffolding. A rear frame assembly is releasably securable between a second two adjacent bars of the scaffolding with the rear frame assembly spaced from the front frame assembly. A cable is retractably connected between the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly with the body harness releasably connectable to the cable.
US08157046B2
A collision detection apparatus includes (i) a bumper reinforcement, (ii) a side supporting member as a side member or a crash box, (iii) a deforming body, and (iv) a strain detecting device. In this collision detection apparatus, frictional force exerted on the interface between the deforming body and the bumper reinforcement or the side supporting member is increased. In the collision detection apparatus, degradation in the detection accuracy of a strain detecting device is suppressed.
US08157041B2
A motorcycle includes an engine having a substantially vertical cylinder assembly and disposed in a front half of a vehicle body frame, an inverted type rear cushion unit disposed behind the engine in substantially vertical posture, an air cleaner disposed behind the rear cushion unit and below a rider's seat, and an intake air passage connecting air an intake port formed in a rear portion of the cylinder assembly and the air cleaner each other. The intake air passage, i.e., connecting pipe, is arranged so as to be overlapped with an upper portion of the rear cushion unit in a side view of the motorcycle. A cross section shape of the connecting pipe is a vertically long shape in which its longitudinal size is greater than its lateral size.
US08157037B2
An automotive drive system includes a transmission comprising a plurality of gears, an electric motor having a rotor and being coupled to the transmission such that operation of the electric motor causes actuation of the gears, and a sensor assembly coupled to and located on the exterior of at least one of the transmission and the electric motor, the sensor assembly being configured to detect movement of at least one of the rotor and the plurality of gears and generate a signal representative thereof.
US08157034B2
A vehicle drive assembly is provided. The vehicle drive assembly includes an engine, a transmission operably coupled with the engine, an output shaft operably coupled with the transmission, a differential operably coupled with the output shaft, an axle shaft rotatably coupled to the differential, at least one wheel selectively coupled to the axle shaft via a rotatable axle stub, an electric wheel motor operably coupled to the at least one wheel via the rotatable axle stub, and a coupling device operably coupled with the electric wheel motor for selectively coupling the axle stub with the axle shaft.
US08157025B2
A drive connection for a downhole drilling motor includes a tubular outer housing with an inner mandrel. The outer housing has a motor end, a bit end and defines an interior bore. An angular offset is provided toward the bit end of the outer housing. The inner mandrel, positioned within the interior bore of the outer housing, includes a motor end section, a bit end section and an intermediate section connecting the motor end section and the bit end section. The intermediate section has an upper articulating engagement that is coupled to rotate with the motor end section and a lower articulating engagement that is coupled to rotate with the bit end section. The motor end section, intermediate section and bit end section rotate together, with the upper articulating engagement and the lower articulating engagement accommodating rotation that is offset due to the angular offset.
US08157024B2
Embodiments include ball piston steering devices and methods for use of ball piston devices. In one aspect a ball piston steering device includes a sleeve in fluid communication with a fluid source and a ball received within the sleeve. The ball is movable within the sleeve between a recessed position and an extended position.
US08157015B2
A subsea wellhead assembly that includes a wellhead housing, a production tree, a tubing hanger adapted to land in the wellhead assembly inside the wellhead housing, and a bore formed through the production tree having an inner diameter greater than the tubing hanger outer diameter. A hanger adapter may be included having an annular body disposed on the tubing hanger upper surface and a flange member projecting radially outward from the annular body.
US08157012B2
Systems and methods for the production of hydrocarbons from a wellbore. One or more combination tools can be disposed along a casing string inserted into a wellbore. Each combination tool can contain a body having a bore formed therethrough; a sliding sleeve at least partially disposed in the body; one or more openings disposed about the body at a first end thereof; and a valve assembly and a valve seat assembly at least partially disposed within the bore at a second end thereof. While initially permitting free bi-directional flow of fluids within the casing string, the sliding sleeve within each combination tool can be manipulated to close the valve within the tool, thus permitting pressure testing of the casing string. The sliding sleeve can be further manipulated to open the one or more openings thereby permitting hydraulic fracturing and production of a hydrocarbon zone surrounding the combination tool.
US08157007B2
The method of the invention comprises inserting into the well or the piping to be cased, a tube (1) including tube sections previously connected end to end, proceeding with the radial expansion of the tube using an inflatable bladder (3) so that the wall thereof bears against that (C) of the well or the piping; wherein the method is characterized in that the expansion is achieved not on the entire length of the tube but only at certain areas (4) thereof which are spaced from each other by non-expanded portions (5), so that the total length of the expanded areas (4) is substantially smaller than the total length of the non-expanded areas (5), the number of expanded areas (4) being at least equal to three. The invention can be used in the field of water or crude oil production.
US08157006B2
The disclosure provides a fracturing isolation sleeve for a wellhead assembly including a fracturing adapter and tubing head. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can telescopic to different lengths to fit different assemblies without necessitating switching the sleeve or portions thereof. The sleeve can be coupled to the wellhead assembly by threaded and non-threaded connections. The sleeve upper portion can be threadably engaged with the wellhead assembly, and/or the sleeve lower portion can be threadably engaged with a packoff bushing rotationally coupled to the wellhead assembly through an anti-rotation mechanism. Further, the sleeve can include a retaining nut to be threadably engaged with the wellhead assembly without necessarily rotating the sleeve upper or lower portions. The sleeve can be also coupled with the wellhead assembly through a mandrel coupled to the sleeve having an actuating cam surface to actuate a lock ring with the wellhead assembly.
US08157005B2
A casing mandrel for an independent screwed wellhead includes a seal bore for receiving a fixed-point packoff connected to a high-pressure mandrel of a pressure isolation tool, and a pin thread adapted for engagement with a box thread of a tubing head supported by the casing mandrel.
US08157003B2
An environmentally and economically more efficient petroleum production/refining/utilization system for managing carbon emissions at all stages of the petroleum lifecycle is provided. The system of the current invention integrates the release of carbon from refined low value, high polluting petroleum products such that those sources of carbon may be utilized in a manner beneficial to the efficiency and environmental footprint of the overall petroleum processing lifecycle.
US08156994B2
A frame includes longitudinal members secured to one another. The longitudinal members support a spline that is normally open in a first position to provide a cavity. A fabric, such a mesh screen, is arranged over the frame so that the perimeter of the screen is received within the cavities of the longitudinal members. A movable platen is actuated to engage the spline. The splines are forced into the cavities to a second position in which the perimeter of the screen is pinched between the splines and the longitudinal members. A radius nose of the splines is retained in a channel of the longitudinal members securing the screen without tearing it when under load.
US08156990B2
An apparatus for providing uniform axial load distribution for laminate layers of multilayer ceramic chip carriers includes a base plate configured to support a plurality of green sheet layers thereon, the base plate having at least one resiliently mounted load support bar disposed adjacent outer edges of the base plate. The load support bar is mounted on one or more biasing members such that the top surface of the support bar extends above the top surface of the base plate by a selected distance.
US08156977B2
A tire is configured having first and second shoulder rows of shoulder tread elements opposite respective first and second interior rows of interior tread elements, separated respectively by circumferentially extending, zig-zag shaped first and second grooves within a tire tread region. Each groove is defined by opposed shoulder tread elements and interior tread elements and includes a circumferentially continuous see-through central groove portion extending parallel to a circumferential centerplane of the tread. The see-through circumferential grooves communicate with angular intermediate and shoulder lateral grooves having a relatively wide mouth dimension adjacent to a respective circumferential grooves. Staggered in and out shoulder regions within the shoulder tread elements facilitate gripping edges and prevent mud clogging of the shoulder grooves.
US08156974B2
An interchangeable handbag system includes a stand alone foundation handbag having an inner storage accommodating surface and an outer decorative surface. The foundation handbag may have regions, such as a hollow interior, front panel, a rear panel and a bottom panel connected by at least one edge to form a hollow container open at a top end thereof. Alternately the foundation handbag may be a simple flexible open-top container with a closed bottom, where the hollow interior, front and rear regions are part of the continuous container. The handbag system includes one or more reversible and/or non-reversible outer slip covers that fit over the foundation bag in a nested arrangement. The slip covers may fit over all and/or alternately a portion of the foundation bag and/or another slip cover. The slip covers and foundation bag are connected by one and/or multiple fastening structures.
US08156968B2
Disclosed is a rotary valve and rotary disk fluid dispensing system that sanitizes valve ports using UV radiation during non-use. Steam and ozinated water can also be used for stripping and disinfecting portions of the dispenser that can be accessed by the public. The system also uses detectors including hall detectors and a camera to inspect for blockage of valve ports, tampering or improper operation of the rotary valve disc.
US08156953B2
The present invention relates to a method for regulating a pressure in a hydraulic system for operating at least one actuator in a subsea installation, having a fluid supply line (102) connected to a source of pressurized fluid (101) at a remote location delivering fluid at a constant pressure to the subsea installation, comprising first and second control valves (103, 105) controlled by an electronic control unit (107), and at least one pressure sensor (106) and an accumulator (104) arranged between the first and second control valve (103, 105), where the pressure in the fluid supply line (102′) to the actuator is regulated by regulating the pressure in the accumulator (104) by adding fluid from the source of pressurized fluid (101) through the first control valve (103) if the pressure is too low or releasing pressure through the second control valve (105) to a fluid return line (120) if the pressure is too high and thereby establishing the desired pressure for operating the actuator. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method.
US08156950B2
Megasonic cleaning systems and methods of using megasonic pressure waves to impart cavitation energy proximate a surface of a microelectronic substrate are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a megasonic cleaning system includes a process tank for containing a liquid, a support element for carrying a substrate submerged in the liquid, and first and second transducers positioned in the tank. The first transducer is further positioned and/or operated to initiate cavitation events in a bulk portion of the liquid proximate a surface of the substrate. The second transducer is further positioned and/or operated to control an interface of fluid friction between the substrate and the bulk portion of the liquid.
US08156946B2
Disclosed herein is an animal nail filing apparatus. The apparatus includes a body having a first end, a second end, and at least one sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. A first parabolic-shaped recess is present in the first end of the body and has an abrasive surface for filing a nail of an animal. The first parabolic-shaped recess defines an axis of rotation extending between the first end and the second end of the body through its apex. The body is rotatable by hand about this axis of rotation. A second parabolic-shaped recess may also be present, preferably in the second end of the body. The second parabolic-shaped recess has an abrasive surface and may not be recessed as deeply into the body as the first parabolic-shaped recess.
US08156942B2
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method and apparatus for delivering a medical stent to a treatment site for forming a conduit between a blood vessel and a heart chamber. The apparatus comprises a hollow cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, the stent being positioned within the body; and an actuator for expelling the stent from the body to form the conduit.
US08156933B2
A nebulizer apparatus according to the present invention has an enclosure including a primary chamber of ambient air, a medicant chamber and a secondary chamber. The secondary chamber is for containing water and includes an ultrasonic transducer and is in communication with the primary chamber. The apparatus further has a first switch for activating pump means for evacuating air from the primary chamber after which the transducer is activated for a predetermined time. The pump stops after a predetermined pressure is achieved. The apparatus has a valve that opens allowing a dose of powdered medicine in the medicant chamber to move into the vapor-rich primary chamber to seed and form a cloud laden with medicine. A mouthpiece is attached to said primary chamber to allow the patient to suck and inhale the cloud. The mouthpiece may further include a one way valve that seals the mouthpiece during evacuation and upon the patient sucking the tubing of the mouthpiece the valve opens to allow the cloud to be inhaled.
US08156926B2
A filtration system is disclosed. The filtration system includes a valve lid defining a chamber. The chamber is configured to extend substantially in a second direction. The filtration system also includes a filter element associated with a lower portion of the chamber. The filtration system further includes a passageway in flow communication with the lower portion of the chamber. The passageway is configured to provide flow communication for a mixture of oil vapor and crankcase fumes flowing into the chamber substantially in a first direction and substantially upward direction. The first direction is generally orthogonal to the second direction. The chamber is configured such that the flow of the mixture into the chamber results in at least a portion of the oil vapor collecting in the filter element, and at least a portion of the crankcase fumes flowing through the filter element.
US08156922B2
An electrical actuating arrangement for an internal combustion engine includes an electric drive motor disposed in a housing body. The electric drive motor includes a motor housing with a drive side closed by a plastic front plate. A mounting flange is disposed on a drive side of the electric drive motor, the mounting flange being integral with the motor housing. The plastic front plate extends at least partially radially beyond the motor housing and is configured to seat via a clamping fit in a corresponding recess of the housing body so as to radially fix the electric drive motor.
US08156913B2
The subject invention provides a coolant cross-over for circulating an engine coolant between a first engine component, e.g., a first cylinder head, and a second engine component, e.g., a second cylinder head. The coolant cross-over defines a first outlet in fluid communication with the first engine component, a second outlet in fluid communication with second engine component, and further defines a passage interconnecting the first outlet and the second outlet. The coolant cross-over comprises a polymer. A sleeve comprises polyaromatic sulfide and is disposed within the passage for separating the engine coolant from the nylon which forms the coolant cross-over to prevent physical, thermal and/or chemical degradation of the polymeric coolant cross-over by the engine coolant.
US08156910B2
A camshaft assembly method may include locating a first lobe member of a camshaft assembly on a first shaft of the assembly. A locking pin may be inserted into a first radial bore in the first lobe member and a second radial bore of the first shaft. The locking pin may have an annular wall defining a pin bore extending from a first end of the locking pin to a second end of the locking pin. A deforming member may be forced into the pin bore to displace the annular wall in an outward radial direction and into a frictional engagement with the first radial bore. The forcing may include a deforming member entering the pin bore at the first end of the locking pin and exiting the pin bore at the second end of the locking pin.
US08156898B2
An apparatus for acclimating an aquatic organism, contained in a partially water filled plastic bag, to an environment in an aquarium includes an aquarium frame comprising a first portion exterior to the aquarium and a second portion interior to the aquarium. A bag holder is operable to hold a top of the plastic bag in an open position. The bag holder is positioned on the second portion where the top of the plastic bag is above a top level of water in the aquarium and a substantial portion of the plastic bag is below the top level. A dripping cup is operable to release water obtained from the aquarium into the plastic bag. The dripping cup is joinable to the first portion, whereby the aquatic organism is acclimated to a chemistry and temperature of the water in the aquarium.
US08156896B2
The present invention is directed towards a clump recognition animal litter that enables a user to visually identify and dispose of all used litter portions from unused litter, regardless of clump size and clump location within the litter. The clump recognition animal litter comprises a clumping component and a color-indicating material. The litter clumps and displays a color in response to wetness.
US08156893B2
An apparatus and method of fabricating a color filter using an ink-jet technique includes inclining an ink-jet head having a plurality of nozzles at a predetermined angle, moving the ink-jet head in a lengthwise direction of the color filter that is divided into a plurality of working regions, ejecting color ink into a plurality of pixels, moving the ink-jet head to the other adjacent working region after a work in a predetermined working region is completed, and ejecting color ink, wherein the ink-jet head is symmetrically arranged with its mirror-image in adjacent working regions and thereby ejecting the color ink.
US08156889B2
A method for dispensing a foamed material onto a substrate surface, including: generating a relative movement between the substrate surface to be coated and an exit opening of a material dispensing apparatus, mixing at least two material components in a mixing device to provide a free-flowing, foamable dispensing material, generating a pressure differential between the mixing device and the dispensing region located downstream in the direction of flow from a discharge cross-section of the exit opening, conveying the dispensing material from the mixing device for the dispensing material to the exit opening, and discharging the dispensing material from the exit opening onto the substrate surface. The dispensing material be kept under such a pressure in the region adjacent to and upstream from the discharge cross-section of the exit opening that the dispensing material in this region has a foaming rate that is less than 10% of the foaming rate which ensues at the end of the foaming process.
US08156880B2
The present invention relates to a keel construction for a floating vessel, where a drop keel (3) can be adjusted from a retracted/extended position to an extended/retracted position for the purpose of varying the steering and gravity point of the floating vessel and through its construction also to be able to absorb impact in the event of a grounding with the drop keel (3). The drop keel (3) is connected with at least one around a fixed point extended and rotating element (7), where the extended and rotating element (7) is connected in the keel house (1) and further is connected with a fluid cylinder (6). An additional fluid cylinder (5) in the keel house (1) is connected to an upper end of the drop keel (3), which fluid cylinders (5, 6) can be controlled in order to readjust the drop keel (3) from a retracted position to an extended position (and vice versa) or to absorb the impact that the drop keel (3) is exposed to.
US08156872B2
A system for transporting cargo includes a cargo terminal having a pair of longitudinal sides, at least one of the pair of longitudinal sides disposed adjacent to and spaced a predetermined distance from a railway track and at least one railcar positioned at a predetermined acute angle relative to the at least one of the pair of longitudinal sides of the cargo terminal and having one end thereof disposed in close proximity thereto so as to enable loading or unloading such cargo through such one end of such at least one railcar. A network of at least two cargo terminals and a method of intermodal cargo transporting are also provided.
US08156869B2
The present invention relates to a method of producing propellant charges (2) of multi-perforated stick propellant with maximized charge weights for sub-calibre, armour-piercing, high-velocity projectiles (3), which are provided, for example, with six to eight, fixed stabilizing fins (5-10). The invention also encompasses a multi-perforated stick propellant (11-12) intended for this purpose and a propellant charge produced from multi-perforated stick propellant according to the methods.
US08156867B2
Methods and apparatus for a multiple part missile according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a first missile part having a first groove formed in a surface of the first missile part and a second missile part having a second groove. A snap ring may be configured to engage the first groove and the second groove.
US08156864B2
A workpiece deforming press, including a safety device, comprises a press housing for housing therein a plurality of dies and punches arranged in a horizontal plane, wherein a press housing delimiting wall comprises a top horizontal guide bearing a sliding slide, wherein said sliding slide bears, through a linear actuator, a first overturning plane, supported by a fulcrum and adapted to be actuated by a linear actuator, and wherein said sliding slide further bears a second overturning plane supported by a fulcrum and adapted to be actuated by a cylinder-piston unit.
US08156859B2
A machine for toasting a marshmallow loaded on a pick and concurrently melting at least a portion of a chocolate bar provided on a separate support. A housing has an internal heat source, a rotatable pick holder shaped to removably and securely receive a pick and support the marshmallow in proximity to the heat source, and a coupling to rotate a so engaged pick. The coupling can be a manual control gearingly coupled to the pick holder. A moveable cover can support the heat source and place it in proximity with a marshmallow-bearing portion of the pick when in a closed position yet move aside for loading and unloading ingredients. A method for making s'mores toasts marshmallows while actively melting chocolate and provides for selective rotation of the marshmallow within the housing during the toasting step by moving a control that is safely disposed exterior of the housing.
US08156857B2
Equipment for yeast rehydration, in particular in dry, moist or in liquid dispersion form, which comprises a containment tank (2) closed by a cover (70) intended to receive a measured dose of yeasts to be rehydrated; first and second supply means (3, 4) adapted to respectively insert a rehydration liquid and nutritive substances in the tank (2); a circulation duct (14) placed in connection between at least one outlet opening (15) and at least one return opening (16, 16′) of the containment tank (2), intercepted by pumping means (17) for making the fluid mixture flow between the openings (14, 16). The equipment comprises means for insufflating air (32) inside the tank (2) susceptible for creating an over-pressure of a value that is regulated through suitable vent means (18).
US08156854B2
A firearm includes a receiver and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver. The bolt carrier is moveable between a firing position and a rearward position. A rod is fixed relative to the bolt carrier and a hand guard is coupled to the receiver about the rod. A handle assembly is slideably supported by the hand guard and is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion and away from the receiver to define a forward assist motion. The handle assembly receives the rod during both of the charging and forward assist motions. An arm is coupled to the base and is moveable between a disengaged position spaced from the rod and an engaged position abutting the rod. When the arm is in the engaged position, the handle assembly is moved to move the rod and the bolt carrier in either of the charging and the forward assist motions.
US08156851B2
This invention includes a system for cutting food products, such as potatoes, into proportional length pieces. In a one embodiment, the system includes a cutting assembly, sensors upstream of the cutting assembly and a programmable logic controller. The cutting assembly preferably includes a housing defining a passageway, at least two separately actuatable stops extendable into the passageway to provide an abutment to hold the food product in place, and at least two separately actuatable blades for slicing the food product into pieces. The controller cooperates with the sensors to determine the length of each food product and, based on a length determinative algorithm, selectively actuate one of the stops and at least one of the blades to determine how many times the food product will be sliced and location of the cut(s) relative to the leading end of the food product.
US08156848B2
A tool head includes a working slide which can be adjusted relative to a basic body, and an electric adjusting motor which acts on the working slide via gears. The motor includes a stator and a rotor which runs round in the stator, bears an output shaft and is mounted in two pivot bearings arranged at a distance from one another, wherein one of the pivot bearings is arranged with an outer ring in a basic body-mounted stator housing and with an inner ring directly or indirectly on the output shaft.
US08156845B2
A wrench includes a driving head, an axle hole formed at an end of the driving head, an accommodating portion disposed in the axle hole for accommodating pawls, a control ring contained in the axle hole and having an end extended out of the axle hole and coupled to a wrench handle, and a ratchet section and a smooth section defined on an external periphery of the control ring, and the ratchet section is provided for latching the pawls to define a fixed state of latching the wrench handle with the driving head and can be rotated into a secured status, and the smooth section is provided for pushing the pawls to release the fixed state of latching the control ring, so as to allow the wrench handle to be turned with respect to the driving head for a quick rotation.
US08156844B2
A socket driving device which includes a drive head portion and a hand-grippable drive body portion. The drive head portion has a socket portion for driving a target nut that includes a central fastener-receiving passage. The socket driving device further includes a key portion for engaging a target bolt on which the target nut is to be driven by the socket portion and a key support assembly for positioning the key portion in an operative position relative to the socket portion. The key support assembly includes a support frame secured to the drive body portion and/or the drive head portion and includes a support arm portion extending along the drive head portion. The key portion held relative to a free end region of the support arm and biased toward the socket portion.
US08156842B2
The invention relates to a rotary oscillation damper having an input part and an output part which can be moved relatively and to a limited extent with respect thereto against the influence of at least one energy store. The at least one energy store is in this case supported on one side on a counter bearing and on its other side acts on in each case at least one movement profile, which runs in the circumferential direction, of the input part and output part, in such a manner that, during a relative rotation of the input part and output part with respect to one another, the energy store absorbs energy, and emits it again when the relative rotation is reversed.
US08156840B2
There is provided a robot for carrying a substrate in which a contact type vacuum seal is cooled, the vacuum seal is prevented from exceeding a heat resistance temperature, and a trouble of leaking the atmosphere into a carrying chamber maintained in airtight is prevented from being brought about.In a drive apparatus of a robot for carrying a substrate containing a group of arms under a vacuum environment, a drive apparatus 1 for driving to rotate a group of arms 40 is arranged between to an atmospheric side and a vacuum side and is driven on the atmospheric side, the drive apparatus is provided with a contact type vacuum seal 30 between a stationary member and an output member, further, an oil seal 21 is provided on the atmospheric side of the contact type vacuum seal between the stationary member and the output member, a ring-like space 50 is formed by the contact type vacuum seal and the oil seal between the stationary member and the output member, and the stationary member is respectively provided with a supply port 51 of a cooling circulation path from the atmospheric side to the ring-like space and a discharge port 52 of the cooling circulation path from the ring-like space to the atmospheric side.
US08156831B2
An apparatus comprising a power take-off shaft includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft. The outer shaft includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The inner shaft includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery. A notch is configured around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the inner shaft, and a self-lubricating material is disposed on at least a portion of the notch.
US08156828B2
Method for sampling individual rod-like articles of the tobacco-processing industry from an article massflow via a sampling unit. The article massflow includes a plurality of rod-like articles arranged longitudinally and axially parallel to each other and is conveyed along a conveying section at a predetermined conveyor speed. The method includes moving the sampling unit parallel to a conveyor direction of the article massflow, capturing at least one individual rod-like article from the article massflow with the sampling unit, and removing the captured at least one individual rod-like article from the article massflow in a direction at an angle to the conveyor direction of the article massflow.
US08156819B2
A method is provided for checking a knocking device which is intended for cleaning a surface of a heat exchanger element arranged on an inside of a boiler housing of a garbage incineration plant. The knocking device has a knocking ram guided through a wall of the boiler housing and movable in a direction toward the inside of the boiler. The heat exchanger element is deflected out of its position of rest into a deflection position by the knocking ram, and the force required for deflecting the heat exchanger element and/or the attenuation behavior of the heat exchanger element released after deflection are/is determined.
US08156808B2
A stiffness detector transmits acoustic waves to a paper sheet at a predetermined angle to excite Lamb waves. The stiffness detector receives leaky waves of the Lamb waves propagated through the paper sheet at different angles with respect to the paper sheet by a plurality of reception sensors. The stiffness detector is configured to specify a maximum leak angle at which a leak amount of the acoustic waves from the paper sheet becomes maximum based on outputs from the plurality of reception sensors in the reception module and to judge a degree of fatigue of the paper sheet based on the specified maximum leak angle.
US08156806B1
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) for a spinning aerial vehicle that spins about a spin axis having a substrate defining a plane, the substrate fixed to the vehicle with the plane essentially orthogonal to the spin axis so that the substrate spins about the spin axis as the vehicle does, at least one generally planar gyroscope coupled to the substrate, the gyroscope defining a gyro input axis that is essentially parallel to the plane and generating a gyro output signal, at least one generally planar accelerometer coupled to the substrate, the accelerometer defining an accelerometer input axis that is essentially parallel to the plane and generating an accelerometer output signal, and a system for demodulating the gyro output signal with a phase-sensitive demodulation referenced to the accelerometer output signal. Also featured is a method of providing guidance information for a spinning aerial vehicle that spins about a spin axis using the described system.
US08156800B2
Methods and apparatus to evaluate subterranean formations are described. An example method of evaluating a subterranean formation includes, obtaining a first sample from a first wellbore location. Additionally, the example method includes obtaining a second sample from a second wellbore location different than the first wellbore location. Further, the example method includes mixing the first sample with the second sample in a flowline to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture. Further still, the example method includes measuring a parameter of the mixture to evaluate the subterranean formation.
US08156798B1
A method and apparatus for monitoring liquid volume change consists of a cylindrical cell assembly (80) capable of withstanding high pressure and high temperature with a sealed movable piston (24) separating a pressurization fluid (11) from a sample (25). A top magnet (72) moves with piston (24) and its movement is measured by a magnetometer (10). Heat is provided via a heater (52) and pressure is controlled via pressurization fluid (11).
US08156795B2
An apparatus (402) and method for measuring a surface energy of a test surface (12), which includes a viscoelastic polymer layer (20), disposed on a moveable component (34), that is compressed against the test surface (12) with a compressive force. The moveable component (34) is then moved relative to the test surface (12) at a predetermined velocity, and a drive force applied to the moveable component (34) is measured. The surface energy of the test surface (12) is then determined based at least in part on the compressive force, the predetermined velocity, and the measured drive force.
US08156793B2
An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.
US08156783B2
An error-correction method for an acceleration sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a seismic mass. The error-correction method which makes it possible to correct systematic errors at low expense includes the following steps: applying a voltage in order to deflect the seismic mass; measuring a first current caused by the deflection of the seismic mass; measuring a second current caused by the deflection of the seismic mass; and determining a correction variable on the basis of the first current and the second current.
US08156781B2
When a punch is downwardly pressed, an inner circumferential surface of a first rack blank bites into a top surface of a second rack blank. A blank material upwardly flows due to a reaction force and is used to form rack teeth. Thus, a filling degree of the teeth with the material is enhanced. At the time when the forming of the rack teeth is finished, a gap is left between the inner circumferential surface of the first rack blank and the outer circumferential surface of the second rack blank. Thus, a die is not put into a sealed condition. Consequently, a forming load is small so that the lifetime of the die is lengthened. Also, the top surface of the second rack blank bites into a bore hole portion of the first rack blank so that the first rack blank and the second rack blank are joined together. Accordingly, the rigidity of the entire rack teeth is increased.
US08156778B2
The framer, also referred to as the scrambler/Reed-Solomon encoder (SRS), is a part of the transmitter and accepts user and control data in the form of one or more logical channels, partitions this data into frames, adds error correction codes, randomizes the data through a scrambler, and multiplexes logical channels into a single data stream. The multiplexed data is then passed to the constellation encoder as the next step in the formation of the VDSL symbol. The deframer, also referred as the descrambler/Reed-Solomon decoder (DRS), is part of the receiver and performs the inverse function of the framer. Disclosed is a highly configurable hardware framer/deframer that includes a digital signal processor interface configured to provide high level control, a FIFO coupled to data interfaces, a scrambler and CRC generator, a Reed-Solomon encoder, an interleaver, a data interface coupled to a constellation encoder, a data interface coupled to a constellation decoder, a deinterleaver, a Reed-Solomon decoder, descrambler and CRC check, an interface to external data sync, methods for control of configuration of data paths between hardware blocks, and methods for control and configuration of the individual hardware blocks in a manner that provides compliance with VDSL and many related standards.
US08156776B2
A card type mechanical key including a card member having a card surface and an edge portion. The card member includes a mechanical code pattern formed by partially eliminating the card surface or the edge portion and functioning as a verification code mechanically verifiable by a lock device. A fitting member is fitted to the mechanical code pattern. A concealment sticker is adhered removably to the card member in a state in which the fitting member is fitted to the mechanical code pattern of the card member so as to conceal the mechanical code pattern and the fitting member.
US08156773B1
Improved manhole cover locks are disclosed that fit into existing access recesses in the covers and engage the rim of the manhole cover housing at one end thereof and latchingly engage the underside of the manhole cover thereof. A tamper proof bolt provides adjustability to the latch from the top of the lock.
US08156772B2
The invention relates to a plate lock having a lock body and a hinged bar hoop. A first end of the hinged bar hoop is permanently secured to the lock body and a second end of the hinged bar hoop can be latched to the lock body. The hinged bar hoop has a plurality of hinged bars which are pivotally connected to one another via a respective hinged connection. The hinged bars have a first eye and a second eye, wherein the respective hinged connection between two hinged bars has at least one hinged pin in order to connect the first eye of the one hinged bar to the second eye of the other hinged bar. The respective hinged bar has at least one bent metal wire or at least one folded sheet metal part which extends between the first eye and the second eye.
US08156766B2
The present invention significantly modifies the currently known fining apparatus (finer). The basic shape is changed from a cylindrical shape to an elliptical shape, a somewhat rectangular shape, variations on a gabled roof shape, or variations on a gothic arch shape, such that the flow is more uniform and the seeds have less distance to rise to the surface. Baffles of a novel design are optionally included in an embodiment of the present invention to further increase fining performance. Prior art baffle designs are optionally included in an embodiment of the present invention to trap seeds and serve as structural elements. The present invention improves the fining capability of the apparatus without increasing the cost of construction materials. In fact, the cost would be reduced for the same fining performance by shortening the length of the finer.
US08156763B2
Provided is a method of producing a glass, including, in order to obtain an excellent refining effect: preparing a raw glass batch including: an antimony compound containing pentavalent antimony; and an oxidizing agent (a cerium oxide, a sulfate, a nitrate); and melting the raw glass batch. In preparing the raw glass batch, it is preferable that the antimony compound be premixed with the oxidizing agent. When the nitrate is used as the oxidizing agent, the raw glass batch is prepared so as to include the antimony compound in an amount of more than 0.5 parts by mass and at most 3 parts by mass, in terms of an amount of antimony pentoxide, per 100 parts by mass of a base glass composition expressed in terms of an amount of an oxide.
US08156749B1
A portable sprinkler system for an air conditioner cooling system includes a fluid source coupled to the sprinkler system, a plurality of spray nozzles fluidly connected by conduit, a step-down transformer, a solenoid, and an in-line filter connected in series, a protective cover enclosing the sprinkler system, and an electricity source providing electricity to the system. A plurality of shields are coupled to the housing of the air conditioner cooling system, the shields arranged to deflect air turbulence.
US08156746B2
A lean direct injection fuel nozzle for a gas turbine is disclosed which includes a radially outer main fuel delivery system including a main inner air swirler defined in part by a main inner air passage having a radially inner wall with a diverging downstream surface, an intermediate air swirler radially inward of the main inner air swirler for providing a cooling air flow along the downstream surface of the radially inner wall of the main inner air passage, and a radially inner pilot fuel delivery system radially inward of the intermediate air swirler.
US08156745B2
An aircraft gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle basesheet includes longitudinally extending plurality of basesheet segments. Each of the basesheet segments includes a panel body between segment leading and trailing edges and slidable sealing joints with slidingly un-restrained center surfaces between adjacent segment leading and trailing edges. Segmented first and second basesheet side edges first and second segment side edges of the basesheet segments respectively. Slidably sealingly engaged overlapping flanges at the segment leading and trailing edges include tacked together transversely spaced apart first and second distal ends of the overlapping flanges. Leading and trailing edge ribs supporting the overlapping flanges are clipped together with longitudinally spaced apart and transversely extending forward and aft slits in retainers. A spine includes transverse stiffeners with first and second stiffener distal ends attached to longitudinally spaced apart sets of transversely extending first and second spine tabs of the spine.
US08156744B2
An annular gas turbine engine combustion chamber including an outer wall and an inner wall connected by a wall forming the chamber bottom is disclosed. The walls delimit sources of combustion with axes inclined relative to the axis of the chamber. The chamber-bottom wall, of frustoconical shape, is pierced with orifices for the fuel injection systems, the planes of the orifices being perpendicular to the axes of the sources of combustion. The combustion chamber also includes heat-protection baffles centered on each of the orifices with a shoulder by which they rest against a flat surface portion along the periphery of the orifices. The chamber-bottom wall is conformed in a succession of adjacent flat facets having a common edge, with one facet per orifice, and the shoulder of the deflectors pressing against the plane of the facets.
US08156741B2
An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a compressor arranged in an intake tract of an internal combustion engine for precompression of air passing through the intake tract to the compressor. A switchable air guiding device is arranged upstream of the compressor, wherein the switchable air guiding device supplies an air flow to the compressor in at least two different ways. The air guiding device has at least two components, wherein the at least two components are substantially made from plastic material.
US08156737B2
A system includes an electrical heater and a particulate matter (PM) filter that is arranged one of adjacent to and in contact with the electrical heater. A control module selectively increases an exhaust gas temperature of an engine to a first temperature and that initiates regeneration of the PM filter using the electrical heater while the exhaust gas temperature is above the first temperature. The first temperature is greater than a maximum exhaust gas temperature at the PM filter during non-regeneration operation and is less than an oxidation temperature of the PM.
US08156734B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a metering valve arranged in an exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine for metering a reagent or a precursor of a reagent, comprising a cooling device to prevent excess temperatures. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method. During metering breaks of the regular metering process, a targeted predetermined minimum amount is metered for the cooling of the metering valve, if required.
US08156733B2
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method to operate an internal combustion engine equipped with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with memory, an exhaust system including a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), upstream of a Selective Catalyst Reducer (SCR). A doser is in the DPF and actuated by commands from the ECU. The method includes sensors at the DPF and SCR electronically connected to the ECU to transmit data signals indicative of operating conditions at the DPF and SCR. The method includes sensing the temperature at an outlet of the DPF and an inlet at the SCR, determining whether that temperature is at least a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, and introducing heat to the SCR to raise its temperature to a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time, such as light off temperature, to operate more efficiently. Heat may be introduced in the exhaust stream by engine thermal management strategies as well.
US08156728B2
A method, device and computer program product are provided for diagnosing of a NOx-reducing catalyzer that can be regenerated and/or of a three-way valve for directing the flow of exhaust gases into a bypass pipe, and/or of a clean-up catalyzer. All the components can be included in one and the same exhaust emission control system. The diagnosing of the NOx-reducing catalyzer and of the three-way valve is carried out by method steps comprising measurement of the drop in pressure across the NOx-reducing catalyzer. The diagnosing of the clean-up catalyzer is carried out by method steps comprising measurement of the increase in temperature in the clean-up catalyzer. In the event of reduced functionality of the NOx catalyzer, a deSOx is carried out. A fault code is generated in the event of reduced functionality of the three-way valve or of the clean-up catalyzer.
US08156726B1
A semiclosed diesel fueled Brayton cycle power system is provided using CO2 and steam as the working fluid. Combustion occurs in a combustor between diesel fuel and O2 with CO2 present as a diluent. During combustion, a heated, high pressure working fluid of CO2 and steam is formed. The heated working fluid is expanded in a turbine and power is withdrawn from the fluid. The fluid is then used in a regenerator to heat cooler, compressed CO2 before the compressed CO2 is transferred to the combustor. The expanded working fluid is cooled conventionally by seawater in a cooler, condensing steam in the working fluid to water. The water is separated from the gaseous CO2. The gaseous CO2 is recycled, and the water is used to backfill the system's diesel fuel tank.
US08156720B2
A grapple apparatus for handling cotton modules includes a frame comprising first and second portions. The second portion is selectively movable relative to the first portion between an opened position and a closed position. The frame defines a module-holding space when the second portion of the frame is in its closed position. At least one powered roller device is connected to the frame and is selectively active to rotate an associated cotton module located in the module-holding space relative to said frame about a module axis of rotation. A method for handling cotton modules includes positioning a frame adjacent a cotton module and moving a second portion of the frame relative to a first portion of the frame from an opened position to a closed position to define a module-holding space in which the cotton module is received and retained. The method further includes activating at least one powered roller device that is connected to the frame to rotate the cotton module in the module-holding space relative to the frame about an axis of rotation.
US08156718B2
A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of providing a containment compartment that is substantially free of an antimicrobial agent; positioning a suture within the containment compartment, said suture comprising one or more surfaces having an antimicrobial agent disposed thereon, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; placing the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package; and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the suture to the containment compartment, while retaining an effective amount of said antimicrobial agent on the suture, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment.
US08156717B2
A method and an apparatus for wrapping a stack (12, 13) of superposed sheets, brochures and/or folders with a wrapping sheet (15). The stack (13) is travelling in a first direction (4) on a first conveyor (2) defining a conveying path. A supply of wrapping sheets (14) is placed in line with the first conveyor (2). At the downstream end of the first conveyor (2) a rotating waver wheel (10) is arranged. This waver wheel pulls a top sheet (15) from the supply of wrapping sheets (14) and turns the wrapping sheet (15). Downstream of the first conveyor (2) a second conveyor (3) is provided defining a gap (5) between the first and second conveyors in which the wrapping sheet is inserted. As the stack (13) engages the wrapping sheet (15), the rotating waver wheel (10) folds the sheet around the stack.
US08156716B2
Beverage bottling or container filling plant having a beverage bottle or container labeling machine, and a beverage bottle or container labeling machine having a vacuum drum. 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.
US08156715B2
A packaging for reams of cut paper involving tear tapes made of plastic or paper maternal inserted into the ream wrap. The tear tapes may be pulled to tear off and open one end of the wrapped ream, leaving the remaining packaging intact to serve as a storage and dispenser for partial reams of paper.
US08156709B2
Method of constructing and installing a direct smelting unit comprising a smelting vessel (11). The vessel is prefabricated off site in three modules (11A, 11B, 11C) which are then transported to the installation site where they are hoisted by a crane and deposited sequentially on top of one another and joined together by welding to form a unitary vessel. The vessel modules are prefabricated so as to be internally lined with water cooling panels connected to water inlet and outlet connectors (62) on the exterior of the circumferential wall sections of those modules. A vessel access tower is formed in modules brought together to envelop the tower and carrying water supply and return piping which is connected to the water inlet and outlet connectors (62) of the cooling panels.
US08156707B2
Structural members widely adaptable for use to build various composite structures and assemblies having horizontal and vertical supports, such as columns, beams and rails, are shown and described. The composite structural members include a longitudinal channel having a web and first and second legs. Each leg includes a plane that extends from a side of the web and is inclined relative to the web, and a cylinder is located at an edge of the leg that is spaced from the web. Various fittings can be used to engage at least one of the cylinders of the channel to fix the channel in position relative to a second, third and/or fourth channel to form the column, beam or rail. Further, select brackets can be used to attach together columns, beams and rails of the assembly.
US08156704B2
A bundle of laminated shingles is provided. The bundle includes a plurality of shingles having an overlay laminated with an underlay. The overlay has a tab portion with cutouts normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion. The headlap portion has a lower zone adjacent the tab portion and an upper zone adjacent said lower zone. The lower zone has substantially no granules adhered thereto. The bundle defines a central area that substantially encompasses the lower zones of the stacked shingles. The shingles are stacked such that every other of the shingles is inverted and turned 180 degrees relative to an adjacent shingle. The shingles are double-layered, wherein the lack of granules in the lower zones of the stacked shingles results in the central area of the bundle having a height substantially identical to a height of a remainder of the bundle outside of the central area.
US08156701B2
A floor support has: a first elastic member that is disposed on a floor slab, and is elastically deformable, and damps vibrations; a supporting member supported on the first elastic member, and extending in a direction opposite the floor slab; a flooring material supported on the supporting member, and disposed with a gap between the flooring material and the floor slab; a second elastic member that is supported by the first elastic member, the supporting member or the flooring material at a supporting surface inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and is elastically deformable, and damps vibrations; and a mass body supported at the second elastic member, and displaced by elastic deformation of the second elastic member, and damping vibrations.
US08156699B2
An improved vision panel provides a nail in retention method for holding half the panel in place during installation using inwardly extending retention arms that also provide threaded fasteners for attaching the halves of the frame together about the door, support for the glass pane, and when used with special fasteners having partially non-threaded shanks, a compression limiting spring biasing of the frame elements together.
US08156698B2
The present invention provides a system for window blast protection. The system includes a first material, which is either elastomeric or non-elastomeric, which is bonded to a second material, which is elastomeric when the first material is non-elastomeric, and is non-elastomeric when the first material is elastomeric. The system also includes a cover for protecting the materials, where the cover releases the materials in response to the pressure impact of an explosive blast. The second material is anchored to the inside of the cover. When the system is in use, the system further includes a bonding agent for bonding the first material to a film attached to the inner surface of the window and an anchoring means for anchoring the outside of the cover to a frame or wall surrounding the window.
US08156693B2
A wildlife deterrent for a utility support structure member between two conductors includes a bracket for attachment to the supporting member, a center support piece with a variable height arm connector, and two adjustable arms pivotally attached to the arm connector. No tools are required for the adjustments or attachments. Since the effective lengths of the support and arms are adjustable, either by elongation or using different length parts, the same angle of the arms can be achieved no matter what the separation between the conductors, and the gap between the arms and the conductor can be optimal for both deterrence and flashover prevention. The different pieces forming the deterrent can be selected by the lineman to quickly build an optimal deterrent in the field.
US08156690B2
An enclosed structure includes a base perimeter structure with a plurality of base plates, an exterior wall structure and a roof structure. The exterior wall structure includes a plurality of sidewall panels. The roof structure includes a plurality of roof panels. The enclosed structure has a substantially enclosed interior structure space. The enclosed structure can be prepared using plastic molding methods and may be used as a temporary emergency structure, such as a temporary emergency dwelling.
US08156686B1
A method for bioactive treatment of biological material from a plant source by exposure to one or more electromagnetic pulses are described. The biological material is in a target irradiation area. At least one electric pulse is generated. At least one electromagnetic pulse is then generated responsive to the at least one electric pulse. The at least one electromagnetic pulse generated to have parameters in common with that of natural lightning's electromagnetic pulses. The biological material is irradiated with the at least one electromagnetic pulse for bioactivation of the biological material for enhancement of the one or more growth characteristics thereof.
US08156676B1
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using a rear pistol handle on a rifle with a rapidly extendable and height adjustable monopod for enhancing stability and shot accuracy, where the monopod is retracted and concealed inside the rear grip handle when not used, and supports and stabilizes the firearm when the monopod is extended. A spring biased button can be depressed to allow for springs on top of retracted telescoping cylinders to spread apart and extend out from beneath a grip handle on the rifle. The invention can be used to create a triangulation configuration effect when used with a forward bipod, such as a forward grip bipod.
US08156674B2
A frame block for use in displaying typically flat planar rectangular objects such as photographs comprises two parallel planar areas, at least one such area having a plurality of grooves and associated ridges. The grooves and ridges each have a predetermined width and an associated length. The grooves are cut into a surface of the frame block and have a predetermined depth for receiving a clear plastic protector frame for an object to be displayed. The grooves and ridges form an area for display in which a two- or three-sided clear plastic protector frame may be mounted, each of which protects the object to the displayed. When standing on a side with the grooves horizontally aligned to said side, the frame block area is adapted to receive a three-sided protector and associated object at a location within the area selected by a user, two opposite sides of the three-sided protector being received into two horizontally aligned grooves. Similarly, when lying down, the frame block area is adapted to receive a two-sided protector frame and associated object at a location within the area selected by the user, one side of the two-sided protector being received in one groove.
US08156670B2
This utility model relates in general to Advertising medium but more particularly to an Automated Rotating Billboards structures. The billboard structure comprising a billboard frame having lighting facility consisting of plurality of lighting fixtures secured thereto and being provided with a covering for securing advertisement thereon, the frame being supported by an upstanding post fixedly attached on its bottom portion thereof. The upstanding post comprising of a lower stationary post member and upper rotating post member. The upper post member is being adapted to rotate using an electric motor wherein the billboard is connected. With rotating billboard, it can be seen from all angles thus more efficient and convenient to use.
US08156666B1
A method for rehabilitating a land area comprises the step of using an excavating machine to extract dirt desired to be dispersed over the land area from another area, such as a ditch. The extracted dirt is mixed with water to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped to a high-pressure spray nozzle, and is then sprayed in a thin layer over the land area desired to be rehabilitated. The slurry can also be pumped to the land area at a controllable depth to achieve a desired land profile thereat.
US08156662B2
This invention discloses systems, apparatuses and methods for drying or dehydrating high moisture content feedstock to dry or low moisture products. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets, flakes or other desired form for the final product. The systems, apparatuses and methods of this invention also provide for prevention of release of HAP, including VOC, emissions from manufacturing facilities in conjunction with or independent of the above treatment of high water content feedstock.
US08156651B2
A method for producing an outer layer for a roll having a structure having MC carbide dispersed at an area ratio of 20-60%, comprising the steps of (1) centrifugally casting a melt having a composition comprising, by mass, 2.2-6.0% of C, 0.1-3.5% of Si, 0.1-3.5% of Mn, and 8-22% of V, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurity elements, to produce a cylindrical body comprising an inner layer having concentration MC carbide, an MC-carbide-poor outer layer, and a concentration gradient layer between the inner layer and the outer layer, in which the area ratio of MC carbide changes, and (2) cutting the cylindrical body to a depth at which the area ratio of MC carbide is 20% or more.
US08156637B2
Apparatus for forming high temperature superconductor (HTS) continuous conductor elements from a substrate, comprises a punch cutting tool for punching from a continuous strip material at successive operations of the punch cutting tool successive parts of the length of each of a plurality of continuous serpentine conductor elements; a feed system for feeding in steps the continuous strip material through the punch cutting tool between operations of the punch cutting tool; and a plurality of synchronized take-up spools for taking up each of the conductor elements from the punch cutting tool.
US08156634B2
A method of assembling an electronic component in accordance with the invention comprises providing an electronic component having a body and a core and applying a film over at least a portion of the body and core so that the film secures the body and core to one another.
US08156632B2
According to the present disclosure, a system for sensing attributes of tissue in at least one direction is provided. The system includes a thermal conductivity probe having a sensor configured to measure thermal conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction, and an electrical conductivity probe having a sensor configured to measure electrical conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction, a power supply operatively coupled to the thermal conductivity probe and being configured to supply power to the thermal conductivity probe, an impedance analyzer operatively coupled to the electrical conductivity probe, and a computer operatively coupled to at least one of the power supply, the multimeter and the impedance analyzer.
US08156626B1
A tab removal device for efficiently and securely removing tabs from objects such as soda or beer cans. The tab removal device generally includes a handle and a trigger member which are pivotally secured to each other in a crossing manner by a pivot member. A bias member is provided which compresses when the trigger member is activated and will act to revert the trigger member to its original position absent force. A horizontal member is attached to the handle by a fastener and acts to house a clamp member, which includes teeth at its second end. The horizontal member will also include a frontal opening for insertion of the tab of a can. The trigger member will generally include teeth at its second end which, when activated, will compress and grip the tab of the can against the teeth of the clamp member and pull the tab off the can.
US08156624B2
Apparatus and method for stringing aerial cables through tower structures using aircraft without requirement that a person be present on the tower while the aircraft is performing the stringing operation are described. An elongated needle-like threading member to which a sock line is attached and having spaced-apart projections emanating therefrom at different directions around the threading member, is directed by the aircraft pilot through a block having a pulley suspended an insulator of other tower structure, the projections in cooperation with a frame member attached to the block and facing toward the incoming threading member, preventing threading member from being pulled rearwardly under tension from the sock line. A grappling hook or other holding device adapted for holding and releasing the threading member and attached to an aircraft haul line, permits the threading member to be hauled forward through the block once the aircraft flies to the other side of the tower and reattaches the holding device to the threading member.
US08156612B2
An angle-adjustable hinge provided with a first member provided with a case portion holding an approximately disc-shaped gear member having a non-circular through hole as to freely rotate, a second member having a fitting shaft portion detachably inserted to the through hole of the gear member, a wedge-shaped window portion formed on the case portion, and a floating wedge member, movably disposed within the wedge-shaped window portion, in which one side face is a toothed face to engage with the gear member and another side is a contact face to contact a wedge face of the wedge-shaped window portion, to restrict the gear member from oscillation in one direction against the case portion by the engagement of the toothed face with the gear member and the contact of the contact face and the wedge face.
US08156607B2
A mop wringer includes a ratchet type mechanism so that a user may press a spring-biased foot step to wring strands of a mop swab disposed in a mop receptacle in a pail via gear connection, release the foot step to return to its initial condition, and repeatedly perform the above two steps until the mop swab is dried.
US08156605B2
The invention relates to a drive device (10), especially for a window wiping device, comprising at least one shaft (13). Until now, only stop mechanisms which are very complicated in terms of production are known, with which a wiper arm can be blocked in the idle position thereof. In order to reduce this complexity, the inventive drive device comprises a strip and/or a cord which can be wound around the at least one shaft (13) with a defined tension.
US08156603B2
A cleaning tool that includes an elongate cleaning element holder and a cleaning element to be attached to the cleaning element holder is provided. The cleaning element holder has a grip to be held by a user and two holding elements extending parallel in a longitudinal direction from the grip. The holding elements are adapted to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element to thereby hold the cleaning element. The two holding elements of the cleaning element holder can be rotated in parallel toward each other around a longitudinal axis of the cleaning element holder on a rotation axis disposed between the holding elements. As a result, through the rotation of the two holding elements inserted into the insert region, the sectional shape of the cleaning element can be changed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element holder.
US08156601B2
A tooth cleaning apparatus having a tooth scrubbing assembly and a handle through which a cleaning portion of the tooth scrubbing assembly can be placed in operative relationship to a user's teeth and borne against surfaces of a user's teeth. The tooth scrubbing assembly is configured so that at least one of a) the cleaning portion of the tooth scrubbing assembly is preformed in a curved shape to conform to a curved arrangement of inside surfaces of a user's front teeth and b) a part of the tooth scrubbing assembly is flexible to allow conforming of the cleaning portion of the tooth scrubbing assembly to the curved arrangement of inside surfaces of a user's front teeth under a pressure as applied by a user during a tooth cleaning operation.
US08156587B2
The invention relates to a holding device for supporting the hands of a patient resting on an examination couch. In accordance with the invention, the holding device for supporting the hands of a patient resting on an examination couch comprises gripping zones which are distanced from one another, said gripping zones each being grippable with a hand of the patient, with the holding device being moveable independently of further devices surrounding the patient.
US08156582B2
A patient repositioning system includes a drive unit, which is adapted for mounting to a head end of a patient support, and a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly is mounted to a headboard, which releasably mounts to the drive unit. The clamp assembly is mounted in the headboard in a stowed position and is configured for deployment from the headboard for coupling to a panel on the patient support. The drive unit includes a housing and a winding assembly supported in and enclosed by the housing. The winding assembly includes at least one tether, which is adapted to couple to the clamp assembly when the headboard is mounted to the drive unit and when the clamp assembly is deployed from the headboard. The tether is further optionally adapted to decouple from the clamp assembly when the clamp assembly is moved to its stowed position in the headboard.
US08156577B1
Disclosed herein is a novel feature of a toilet for reducing the density of the fluid in the bottom portion of a bathroom fixture to eliminate spray when desired. When not desired, for example, when a user is seated upon the bathroom fixture, this feature may be deactivated. In one form, when the anti-spray feature is turned off, the bubbles will have substantially disappeared in less than a few seconds. The bathroom fixture (toilet) is provided with an air source, such as an air pump, compressed air cylinder, or compressor, coupled by way of an air line or hose to an air diffuser chamber. When the air source is activated, a substantial portion of the water in the air diffuser chamber will be displaced by the air provided by the air source. The vertical region of bubbles within the standing water reduces the density of the water in that region, such that splash is virtually eliminated.
US08156573B2
A garment, and methods of using the garment, including a main body portion, a collar attached to the main body portion, and a hood attached to the main body portion adjacent to the collar. The collar includes first and second flaps that define a collar pocket. The hood is moveable between a non-deployed position where it is received within the collar pocket and a deployed position where it is not received within the collar pocket.
US08156571B2
A baseball glove 10 is provided with an indicia apparatus 12 which allows the user to view recorded data when desired. The baseball glove 10 includes a transparent member 34 which is coupled to and spaced from the back wall 14 of the glove so that an accessible open area 36 is formed between the wall and transparent member. A first planar shaped member 42 is provided having predetermined recorded indicia 44 thereon which is slidably held under the transparent member 34 so that the indicia thereon is visible. A second planer shaped member 46 is coupled to the glove above and adjacent the transparent member 34 so that it can be pivoted to conceal or reveal the recorded indicia on the transparent member as desired. A coupling member 50 is provided so that the second planar shaped member 46 can be coupled to cover the transparent member 34 and conceal the recorded indicia 44 when desired.
US08156569B2
A helmet is wearable on a user's head for mitigating neck injury. The helmet incorporates an outer member which defines a concavity; an inner member, at least a portion of which is located within the concavity; and a path-motion guide mechanism which couples the inner member to the outer member. The path-motion guide mechanism permits guided relative movement between the inner member and the outer member in response to an impact force. The guided relative movement is constrained to one or more predetermined paths and comprises, for each of the one or more predetermined paths, relative translation and/or rotation between the inner and outer members.
