US08158982B2
A polysilicon thin film transistor device includes a gate metal pattern including a gate electrode and a gate line formed on a substrate, the gate metal pattern having a stepped portion, a gate insulating film formed on the gate metal pattern, a polysilicon semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating film, the polysilicon semiconductor layer including an active region, lightly doped drain regions, a source region, and a drain region, a source electrode connected to the source region and a drain electrode connected to the drain region on the polysilicon semiconductor layer, and a pixel electrode connected with the drain electrode.
US08158975B2
Electric characteristics and reliability of a thin film transistor are impaired by diffusion of an impurity element into a channel region. The present invention provides a thin film transistor in which aluminum atoms are unlikely to be diffused to an oxide semiconductor layer. A thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer including indium, gallium, and zinc includes source or drain electrode layers in which first conductive layers including aluminum as a main component and second conductive layers including a high-melting-point metal material are stacked. An oxide semiconductor layer 113 is in contact with the second conductive layers and barrier layers including aluminum oxide as a main component, whereby diffusion of aluminum atoms to the oxide semiconductor layer is suppressed.
US08158974B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel semiconductor device which is excellent in stability, uniformity, reproducibility, heat resistance, durability and the like, and can exert excellent transistor properties. The semiconductor device is a thin-film transistor, and this thin-film transistor uses, as an active layer, a polycrystalline oxide semiconductor thin film containing In and two or more metals other than In and having an electron carrier concentration of less than 1×1018/cm3.
US08158970B2
The invention is an organic luminescence transistor device including: a substrate; an assistance electrode layer provided on a side of an upper surface of the substrate; an insulation film provided on a side of an upper surface of the assistance electrode layer; a first electrode provided locally on a side of an upper surface of the insulation film, the first electrode covering an area of a predetermined size; an electric-charge-injection inhibiting layer provided on an upper surface of the first electrode, the electric-charge-injection inhibiting layer having a shape larger than that of the first electrode in a plan view; an electric-charge injection layer provided on the side of an upper surface of the insulation film at an area not provided with the first electrode or the electric-charge-injection inhibiting layer and on an upper surface of the electric-charge-injection inhibiting layer; a luminescent layer provided on an upper surface of the electric-charge injection layer; and a second electrode layer provided on a side of an upper surface of the luminescent layer.
US08158969B2
The present invention is intended to provide a top emission type organic light emitting display device which prevents the organic film from being oxidized during the formation of the upper transparent electrode and can emit light at a low voltage. The top emission type organic light emitting display device includes: a substrate; an organic light emitting layer; and upper and lower electrodes sandwiching the organic light emitting layer, where the lower electrode is arranged between the substrate and the organic light emitting layer, the upper electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the substrate with respect to the lower electrode, light emitted from the organic light emitting layer is taken out from the upper electrode side, and an organic layer which is mainly composed of an organic material having a heterocyclic group containing one or more nitrogen atoms, is included between the organic light emitting layer and the upper electrode.
US08158968B2
Methods and associated structures of forming microelectronic devices are described. Those methods may include method of forming a layered nanotube structure comprising a wetting layer disposed on a nanotube, a Shottky layer disposed on the wetting layer, a barrier layer disposed on the Shottky layer, and a matrix layer disposed on the barrier layer.
US08158964B2
A switching element that includes a first semiconductor layer, the first semiconductor layer having a first portion and a second portion; a second semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor layer having a first portion and a second portion; an insulating layer disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer; a first metal contact in contact with the first portion of the first semiconductor layer forming a first junction and in contact with the first portion of the second semiconductor layer forming a second junction; a second metal contact in contact with the second portion of the first semiconductor layer forming a third junction and in contact with the second portion of the second semiconductor layer forming a fourth junction, wherein the first junction and the fourth junction are Schottky contacts, and the second junction and the third junction are ohmic contacts.
US08158963B2
Programmable resistive RAM cells have a resistance that depends on the size of the contacts. Manufacturing methods and integrated circuits for lowered contact resistance are disclosed that have contacts of reduced size.
US08158961B2
A container (101) for contact lenses is provided which comprises a chamber (105) adapted to store an ophthalmic lens in a fluid medium, a window for viewing a lens disposed in the chamber, and a UV light source adapted to illuminate the lens with UV radiation.
US08158960B2
A device is disclosed herein which may include a plasma generating system comprising a source of target material droplets and a laser producing a beam irradiating the droplets at an irradiation region, the plasma producing EUV radiation, wherein the droplet source comprises a fluid exiting an orifice and a sub-system producing a disturbance in the fluid which generates droplets having differing initial velocities causing the spacing between at least some adjacent droplets to decrease as the droplets travel to the irradiation region.
US08158950B2
Digital images or the charge from pixels in light sensitive semiconductor based imagers may be used to detect gamma rays and energetic particles emitted by radioactive materials. Methods may be used to identify pixel-scale artifacts introduced into digital images and video images by high energy gamma rays. Statistical tests and other comparisons on the artifacts in the images or pixels may be used to prevent false-positive detection of gamma rays. The sensitivity of the system may be used to detect radiological material at distances in excess of 50 meters. Advanced processing techniques allow for gradient searches to more accurately determine the source's location, while other acts may be used to identify the specific isotope. Coordination of different imagers and network alerts permit the system to separate non-radioactive objects from radioactive objects.
US08158949B2
A radiation detector characterized by includes a photoelectric conversion element, a scintillation layer which converts radioactive rays to fluorescence, the scintillation layer being formed on the photoelectric conversion element, and a reflective film formed on the scintillation layer, the reflective film containing light-scattering particles for reflecting the fluorescence from the scintillation layer and a binder material binding the light-scattering particles, and having depletion portions without being filled with the binder material, the depletion portions being formed in a periphery of the light-scattering particles.
US08158941B2
The present invention provides a novel way of operating sensing elements or bolometers in the resistive hysteresis region of a phase-transitioning VO2 (or doped VO2) films. The invention is based on a novel principle that minor hysteresis loops inside the major loop become single-valued or non-hysteretic for sufficiently small temperature excursions. This single valued R(T) branches being characterized by essentially the same temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) as the semiconducting phase at room temperature. These non-hysteretic branches (NHB) can be located close to the metallic-phase end of the major loop, thus providing for tunable resistivity orders of magnitude lower than that of a pure semiconducting phase. Operating the Focal Plan Array in one of these NHBs allows for having high TCR and low resistivity simultaneously. Means for measuring of the sensor R(T) characteristic is provided together with the means of achieving and controlling the correct sensor positioning at the operating temperature inside one of these NHBs.
US08158937B2
A particle beam system is offered which can prevent contamination of the inside of the objective lens, the objective lens being located at the front end of the optical column. The particle beam system has an optical column equipped with a particle beam source for emitting a particle beam and a beam passage pipe through which the beam passes. The system further includes a vacuum chamber connected with the front end portion of the column. The beam passed through the pipe is released from the front end of the column. An inner pipe is detachably disposed inside the beam passage pipe located at the front-end side of the column.
US08158927B2
The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.
US08158913B2
A susceptor structure includes a layer of conductive material supported on a non-conductive substrate. The conductive layer includes a resonant loop defined by a plurality of microwave energy transparent segments and, optionally, a microwave energy transparent element within the resonant loop.
US08158909B2
An igniter for igniting combustible gases in a hot zone, such as in a solid oxide fuel cell, comprising a subassembly including an electrical resistance heating tip comprising SiC, metal leadframe clips formed of a nickel-based superalloy and attached to the heating tip, wire leads formed of a nickel-chromium alloy and connected to the leadframe clips for supplying electric current to the heating tip, and a nickel-based braze alloy comprising palladium and cobalt for connecting the leadframe clips to the heating tip and to the wire leads; an alumina ceramic body for receiving the brazed subassembly; and a potting compound comprising zirconia for potting the subassembly into the alumina ceramic body.
US08158904B2
A method and apparatus is provided for removing material from an outer surface of a workpiece such as a catheter or other medical device. The method begins by generating a laser beam having an intensity profile and directing the laser beam onto the outer surface of the workpiece. After the laser beam is generated, its intensity profile is adjusted by a component such as a diffractive optical element (DOE) or a holographic optical element (HOE) so that material can be removed from the workpiece by ablation in a prescribed manner.
US08158903B2
In a method of repairing a structural component, especially a stator-side structural component such as a housing or a guide vane ring of a gas turbine, a damaged section is separated-out along a separating line and removed from the structural component, and a new section that replaces the removed damaged section is connected with the structural component by welding along the separating line to produce a weld seam. The damaged section is separated-out from the structural component so as to minimize the length of the separating line and thus the weld seam. Depending on the material thickness distribution of the component along the separating line, material is removed from the structural component to provide the most uniform possible material thickness along the weld seam. After connecting the new section with the structural component by welding, at least the removed material is renewed by laser powder deposit welding.
US08158902B2
A system for sorting metals from a batch of mixed material scrap includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the metal pieces and the processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the metal and non-metallic pieces into separate containers.
US08158901B2
The sliding key mechanism includes a main body fixed inside a slot on a housing, a sliding actuator connected to a side of the main body for containing a sliding head of a sliding switch, a key portion connected to the other side of the main body for driving the sliding actuator simultaneously when the key portion slides so that the sliding actuator slides the sliding head of the sliding switch, and two elastic components connected to both ends of the main body respectively, and the two elastic components being bent when the main body is fixed inside the slot on the housing so that the two elastic components contact against the housing elastically.
US08158894B2
A housing having at least one electrical component situated therein and at least one electrical feed line, the housing having at least one through-opening, the electrical feed line being guided through the through-opening from an external environment into the interior of the housing, and there being an electrical connection between the electrical component and the electrical feed line.
US08158890B1
Provided is an interleaved or wavy spatial arrangement of the micro-vias providing the electrical pathways for the power and ground leads are described. The spatial arrangement increases the coupling pairs between power and ground vias or leads. This spatial arrangement is maintained even as the micro-vias transition across a plane from a direction of travel. Thus, the charge from the decoupling capacitor is able to more efficiently be delivered as the inductances are minimized through this design.
US08158883B2
The present invention is directed to provide a computing system comprises plurality of apparatii mounted on the wall or floor adjacent to or embedded inside the LAN jack or a main power outlet. The apparatii are connected at the back side through Ethernet cable, optical fiber or main lines to the building LAN and connected at the front side through cables or wirelessly to display, keyboard, mouse or other peripheral devices. In a typical embodiment of the present invention power to the computing apparatus is supplied through the LAN cable. Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes a wall or floor mounted housing part comprising of an integrated LAN connector. This common housing enables easy installation of the said computing apparatus module and plurality of other compatible devices that may be plugged into that same housing.
US08158879B2
An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrochemical cell comprising: a first conductive layer; a metal oxide layer formed on the first conductive layer, the metal oxide layer comprising a plurality of adjacent metal oxide cells, spaced from one another; a functional dye layer formed on the metal oxide layer; a second conductive layer; and an electrolyte between the functional dye layer and the second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent, and wherein the metal oxide layer is formed from a metal oxide particle dispersion liquid.
US08158875B2
The invention provides an electronic musical device for performing music and/or managing music interpretation through modification of rhythm, tone and timbre, in real time and by setting music attributes using MIDI data. The electronic device has an input interface unit for enabling a user to input music data. The input module comprises an ergonometric console with an assortment of press buttons, each of which is assigned at least one musical function. A musical function is triggered by pressing a button, which performs a tonal sequence in the form of melodies and/or arpeggios. The electronic music device provides allows a user to interact with the music data, by entering music input and/or settings data through a touch screen, control the output of a music data stream, use existing music scale, generate new scales or derive scale from the existing scales, and store and retrieve the data as needed.
US08158871B2
An audio recording is processed and evaluated. A sequence of identified notes corresponding to the audio recording is determined by iteratively identifying potential notes within the audio recording. A rating for the audio recording is determined using a tuning rating and an expression rating. The audio recording includes a recording of at least a portion of a musical composition.
US08158865B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015484. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015484. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015484 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015484 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08158855B2
Plants are produced that express an amino acid sequence that, when administered to a fish, produce an antigenic or immune response in the fish. The amino acid sequence in one embodiment is an antigen from an organism that causes pathology in fish. The plant tissue may be fed to the fish, or mixed with other materials and fed to fish, or extracted and administered to the fish.
US08158849B2
A method of forming a film resistant to blocking including the steps of providing a polymeric film having a first and second surface, applying an anti-blocking agent in a fluid or molten state to at least the first surface of the polymeric film so as to form a treated film, gathering the treated film, and separating the gathered film so as to result in the detachment of at least some portion of the gathered film that was in contact with itself.
US08158844B2
A reduced-pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes a reduced-pressure source, a treatment manifold for placing proximate the tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a sealing member for placing over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a reduced-pressure bridge and a moisture-removing device on at least portion of the reduced-pressure bridge. The reduced-pressure bridge includes a delivery manifold operable to transfer the reduced pressure to the treatment manifold, an encapsulating envelope at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient-facing side, and a reduced-pressure-interface site formed proximate one end of the reduced-pressure bridge.
US08158838B2
The novel C dialdehyde compound which can be efficiently utilized in the synthesis of carotenoid compounds based on the sulfone chemistry, the preparation method of the same, and the expeditious and practical synthetic processes for lycopene and β-carotene by the use of the above novel compound are disclosed. The syntheses of lycopene and β-carotene are characterized by the processes of the coupling reaction between two equivalents of geranyl sulfone or cyclic geranyl sulfone and the above C dialdehyde, the functional group transformation reactions of the diol in the resulting C 40 coupling products to X's (either halogens or ethers), and the double elimination reactions of the functional groups of the benzenesulfonyl and X to produce the fully conjugated polyene chain of the carotenoids.
US08158834B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogenolysis product of a polyhydric alcohol in an efficient manner. The present invention provides a process for producing a hydrogenolysis product of a polyhydric alcohol in a batch manner in which the hydrogenolysis reaction is carried out while removing water retained in a liquid phase of a reaction system.
US08158828B2
The present invention relates to a novel class of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). The SERM compounds are applicable for use in the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including prevention and treatment of cancers such as prostate and breast cancer, osteoporosis, hormone-related diseases, hot flashes or vasomotor symptoms, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
US08158820B2
The invention relates to substituted phenoxyacetic acids (I) as useful pharmaceutical compounds for treating respiratory disorders, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and processes for their preparation.
US08158801B2
The present invention provides dye compounds optimally excited at about 400 nm and have a Stokes shift of at least about 80 nm. These dyes find use in detection of analyte in a sample and the preparation of dye-conjugates.
US08158794B2
Certain imidazoquinolines with a hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl substituent at the 2-position, and an aryl or heteroaryl substituent at the 7-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, methods of making and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for preferentially inducing IFN-α biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US08158793B2
The present invention is directed to a method for demethylating 14-hydroxy substituted alkaloid derivatives, in particular of 14-hydroxy-17-methyl-4,5-epoxymorphinane-6-on-derivatives. This is achieved by reacting a starting compound with a compound of general formula R1OOC—N═N—COOR2 in a suitable solvent.
US08158781B2
Crystalline polymorphous forms of rifaximin (INN) antibiotic named rifaximin α and rifaximin β, and a poorly crystalline form named rifaximin γ, useful in the production of medicinal preparations containing rifaximin for oral and topical use and obtained by means of a crystallization 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 determinate temperature and for a determinate period of time, followed by a drying carried out under controlled conditions until reaching a settled water content in the end product, are the object of the invention.
US08158778B2
The present invention provides the means for suppressing the production of decomposition reactant, isomerization reactant, colored material, and so on when a saccharide solution is desalted, thereby suppressing the production of impurities and preventing coloration of an ion exchange resin and decrease in the desalting capacity of the ion exchange resin.The desalting of a saccharide solution is performed by using an anion exchange resin supporting a carbonate ion and/or a hydrogencarbonate ion.
US08158772B2
Methods for identifying animal species involving amplifying a DNA fragment by PCR using a DNA in a sample as a template and animal-specific DNA sequences as a primer pair, the animal-specific DNA sequences derived from a ATP synthase subunit 8 gene or a region proximal thereto of a mitochondrial genome; and detecting the amplified DNA fragment.
US08158767B2
An isolated protein having at least 90% homology with the dimeric protein having the following amino acid sequence with the proviso that at the C-terminal end of the monomeric forms, 2 to 10 amino acid distance from Z2, a Cys is present for forming the dimeric or multimeric protein, Z1 is a signal peptide for protein transport to the ER and/or through the plasma membrane or NH2 or a derivative of an NH2 group such as an alkylated, or acylated derivative, or polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety, Z2 is an amino acid residue with up to 20, in particular 10 or 8 amino acids which are selected of substantially non-hydrophobic naturally occurring amino acids or COOZ3 wherein Z3 is hydrogen, a metal ion, a hydrocarbon moiety substituted or non-substituted with heteroatoms.
US08158765B2
A method of manufacturing water-treatment particles comprises respectively preparing a particle-fabricating solution that comprises chitinous composition and a forming solution first. Next, a complex solution is prepared by adding calcium sulfite into the particle-fabricating solution. Finally, the complex solution is pumped into the forming solution to form water-treatment particles. In addition, water-treatment particles manufactured by the method above are also disclosed in the specification.
US08158764B2
The present invention relates to new morphine-6-glucuronide derivatives, to pharmaceutical compositions thereof and uses thereof.
US08158728B2
Materials and Methods are provided for fabricating microfluidic devices. The materials include low surface energy fluoropolymer compositions having multiple cure functional groups. The materials can include multiple photocurable and/or thermal-curable functional groups such that laminate devices can be fabricated. The materials also substantially do not swell in the presence of hydrocarbon solvents.
US08158720B2
Crosslinkable polymer compositions are provided that may be useful for, among other things, reducing, stopping, or diverting the flow of fluids in subterranean formations. The crosslinkable polymer compositions may comprise an aqueous fluid, a chitosan-reacting polymer, chitosan, and a gelation-retarding additive comprising an acid derivative. Various methods of use are also provided.
US08158718B2
Polyethylene naphthalate fibers that are characterized in that the fibers have a crystal volume of from 100 to 200 nm3 obtained by wide angle X-ray diffraction of the fiber and a degree of crystallization of from 30 to 60%. It is preferred that the fibers have a maximum peak diffraction angle of wide angle X-ray diffraction of from 23.0 to 25.0°. The production method thereof is characterized in that a particular phosphorus compound is added to the polymer in a molten state, the spinning speed is from 4,000 to 8,000 m/min, and the molten polymer immediately after discharging from the spinneret is allowed to pass through a heated spinning chimney at a high temperature exceeding a temperature of the molten polymer by 50° C. or more, and is drawn.
US08158710B2
A composition, comprising a blend of 10 to 45 weight percent of a polyester selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(1,4-cyclohexyldimethylene cyclohexyl dicarboxylate), or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; and 55 to 90 weight percent of a poly(ester-ether)copolymer, each based on the total weight of the polyester and the poly(ester-ether)copolymer; wherein the poly(ester-ether)copolymer comprises units derived from terephthalic or a chemical equivalent thereof, units derived from butane diol or a chemical equivalent thereof, and 25 to 65 weight percent of units derived from poly(oxytetramethylene)glycol or a chemical equivalent thereof, based on the weight of the copolymer; wherein the composition retains at least 50% of at least one of tensile strength, modulus, stress at maximum strain, or the elongation at break is larger than 150% after being exposed to a temperature of 140° C. for 70 hours, as measured by ASTM D-638.
US08158709B2
Plastic mixtures comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and impact-resistant poly(meth)acrylate
The present invention relates to a plastics mixture comprising at least one thermoplastic polyurethane A) and at least one impact-modified poly(meth)acrylate B), where the impact-modified poly(meth)acrylate comprises a hard phase whose glass transition temperature is at least 70° C. and a tough phase whose glass transition temperature is at most −10° C., the average particle size of the tough phase is at most 130 nm, and at least a portion of the tough phase has covalent linkage to the hard phase.
US08158707B2
Base compositions for silicone compositions with viscosity <500,000 mPas are continuously produced by, in a first stage, homogeneously mixing and kneading organopolysiloxanes (A) and prehydrophobized oxidic reinforcing fillers (B) in a continuous kneading cascade with kneading chambers arranged alongside one another, and in a second downstream stage, the compositions produced in the first stage of the process are subjected to aftertreatment in a mixing apparatus where the compositions have been subjected to a mixing procedure with introduction of shear force.
US08158705B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a polymer composition that can decrease the thickness of an inner liner while maintaining air permeation resistance. The polymer composition of the present invention includes 0.1 to 50 parts by mass of an organic derivative of a clay mineral based on 100 parts by mass of a polymer mixture containing 99 to 60% by mass of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer and 1 to 40% by mass of a polyamide-based polymer that contains polyamide in the molecular chain and has a Shore D hardness of 70 or less.
US08158703B2
A paintable primer composition comprising a dispersion, or chip is disclosed. the chip is produced from a dispersion comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a phthalate ester of a C1-C6 alkylated aromatic alcohol, a surfactant and other components selected from a metal carbonate, a white metal oxide pigment, an alkaline earth metal salt of a C9-C20 aliphatic fatty acid, a lower alkyl methacrylate polymer, a solvent and a rust inhibitor. The paintable primer composition is particularly suitable for painting surfaces, such as metals, composite materials and thermoplastic polyolefins including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer or ethylene-propylene rubbers. Painting of polyethylene surfaces may be assisted by precoating with an adhesion promoter comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon, a co-polymer of a C2-C6 alkene and a vinyl ester and a chlorinated polyolefin.
US08158700B2
Provided is a composition comprising at least one polymer having a degree of unsaturation of no more than about 50 mol %; a filler selected from the group consisting of carbon black, silica, and mixtures thereof; and a polymeric additive comprising a functional end group reactive with said filler, wherein said polymeric additive has a degree of unsaturation of no more than about 50 mol % and a number average molecular weight between about 1,000 and about 25,000. The composition may optionally contain one or more polymers having a degree of unsaturation of more than 50 mol %. The composition may be particularly useful as a component for a tire.
US08158695B2
The present invention is a composition, which may be used to form contact lenses, comprising at least one silicone containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, at least one high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer and at least one diluent with an alpha value of about 0.5 to about 1 and a Hansen solubility parameter of less than about 10.
US08158694B2
The present invention provides a one-component dental adhesive composition which can exhibit excellent adhesion to both materials of a dental ceramics and an organic composite containing an inorganic compound, and is excellent in can-stability. More particularly, the present invention provides a one-component dental adhesive composition comprising 1 to 60 parts by weight of (a) a silane coupling agent, 1.0 to 20.0 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the (a) component of (b) an acidic group-containing polymerizable monomer, and 28 to 99 parts by weight of (c) a volatile organic solvent.
US08158692B2
The present invention provides a polyurethane foam for an automobile steering wheel. More particularly, the present invention relates to polyurethane foam formed by using a predetermined amount of a polyol having various functional groups and OH values and a predetermined amount of isocyanate having a certain function, along with water as a foaming agent, thereby preventing the environmental problems caused by use of the conventional fluorine-based or pentane-based foaming agent and also improving durability such as water resistance.
US08158690B2
The invention relates to an active ingredient composition which has a high content in thermosensitive foaming agents and one or more polyolefin resins, the portion which is larger in quantity being a metallocene and optionally the remaining resins being polar or nonpolar nonmetallocene polyolefin resins. All polyolefin resins add up to at least 10% by weight of the formulation and have a melting point between 80 and 170° C. The reduced dust active ingredient composition according to the invention is used for the masterbatch production of foamed plastics.
US08158686B2
The use of copolymers obtained by free-radical polymerization of a mixture of i) 30 to 80% by weight of N-vinyllactam, ii) 10 to 50% by weight of vinyl acetate, and iii) 10 to 50% by weight of a polyether, with the proviso that the total of components i), ii) and iii) equals 100% by weight, as solubilizers for slightly water-soluble substances.
US08158681B2
The present invention relates to new methoxylated aromatic compounds. It also relates to novel compositions comprising methoxylated aromatic compounds as well as to the use of these compositions as a medicament, in particular as a medicament for the treatment, co-treatment or prevention of inflammatory disorders.
US08158680B2
The present invention relates to the use of one or more esters of 2-hexyldeconal having fatty acids of the general formula (I) R1-COOH, wherein R1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in and/or for the production of cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations.
US08158671B2
The invention is directed to indole and indoline cyclopropyl amide derivatives as EP4 receptor antagonists useful for the treatment of EP4 mediated diseases or conditions, such as acute and chronic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also included.
US08158652B2
Compounds of a formula (I) [wherein, A represents formula (III-1) R3 is a hydrogen, lower alkyl et al; m is 0 or 1; R1 is a hydrogen atom, halogen atom et al, R2 is a hydrogen et al; p is 0 to 4; X is a carbon atom or nitrogen atom; and X1 to X4 is a lower alkyl et al], or pharmaceutical acceptable salts thereof. These have a potency antagonistic to binding to histamine H3 receptor, or have a potency inhibiting the constant activity of histamine H3 receptor, and are useful in the therapy of obesity, diabetes et al.
US08158638B2
Problem to be SolvedTo provide a novel compound inhibiting the effect of HSP90, in particular a novel compound inhibiting the function of HSP90 as a chaperone protein and having antitumor activity.SolutionThe present invention provides a pyrazolopyrimidine compound represented by the formula (1) having various substituents which inhibits the ATPase activity of HSP90 and which has antitumor activity, an HSP90 inhibitor comprising the compound represented by the formula (1), a medicament comprising the compound represented by the formula (1), an anticancer agent comprising the compound represented by the formula (1), a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound represented by the formula (1) and a method for treating cancer using the compound represented by the formula (1).
US08158630B2
An application of 2,5-dihydroxymethyl-3,6-dimethyl pyrazine and its derivatives in the preparation of drugs for the treatment of, prevention of, and/or protection from heart failure wherein the structural formula of the compound is as follows:
US08158627B2
The invention relates to compositions, conjugates and methods comprising pyridazine compounds and cholinesterase inhibitors for modulation of cellular pathways (e.g., signal transduction pathways), for treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), for research, drug screening, and therapeutic applications.
US08158622B2
Compounds represented by Formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase and are useful in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of diabetes, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis or tissue ischemia e.g. myocardial ischemia, and as cardioprotectants.
US08158617B2
The present invention relates to a serotonin 5-HT2C receptor activator containing a compound represented by the formula wherein ring A is a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle optionally having substituent(s), and ring B is a 7- to 9-membered ring optionally having substituent(s) other than an oxo group wherein the combination of m and n (m,n) is (1,2), (2,1), (2,2), (3,1), (3,2) or (4,1), or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof, and a fused heterocyclic compound having a serotonin 5-HT2C receptor activating action and the like.
US08158616B2
The present invention relates to azetidine and cyclobutane derivatives, as well as their compositions, methods of use, and processes for preparation, which are JAK inhibitors useful in the treatment of JAK-associated diseases including, for example, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, as well as cancer.
US08158613B2
In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical formulation for topical administration on a mammal, comprising a unit dose of a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier medium therefor, said formulation being solid at ambient temperature and having a softening point of not higher than 35° C., such that when the formulation is placed in continuous contact with the skin of a mammalian patient, it is softened to a consistency to effect substantial application of the unit dose of said therapeutic agent onto a desired skin area of the mammalian patient within a time period of less than 10 minutes.
US08158610B2
A method of reducing the incidence of post-operative adhesions in or associated with a body cavity, which comprises introducing into the body cavity a composition containing an aqueous solution or suspension or gel formulation containing the polysaccharide dextrin.
US08158605B2
The present invention is directed toward compounds of Formula (I) as follows: wherein, R is H, R5C(O); R1 is where the crossing dashed line illustrates the bond formed joining R1 to the molecule of Formula (I); R2 and R3 are independently OH or H, provided that R2 and R3 are not simultaneously OH; R4 is H or R5C(O), provided that R and R4 are not simultaneously H; and R5 is a C3-C26 alkenyl, or a pharmaceutical salt thereof. Methods of making and using these compounds are also disclosed.
US08158604B2
The invention provides compounds having the following general formula (I): wherein X, R1, R2, R7 and Z are as described here.
US08158603B2
The invention stems from the discovery that sFRP and fragments thereof can bind to members of the Wnt family of proteins and cause an increase in Wnt biological activity. Furthermore, fragments of sFRP that do not contain the CRD domain are shown to bind to Wnt proteins and modulate Wnt biological activity. Accordingly, the invention provides these sFRP fragments and variants of these fragments, as well as vectors and host cells containing nucleic acid sequences encoding the sFRP fragments and variants.
US08158599B2
The present invention relates to oncolytic adenoviruses having therapeutic applications. Recombinant chimeric adenoviruses, and methods to produce them are provided. The chimeric adenoviruses of the invention comprise nucleic acid sequences derived from adenoviral serotypes classified within the subgroups B through F and demonstrate an enhanced therapeutic index.
US08158597B2
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, such as obesity and obesity-related conditions, are provided.
US08158587B2
A novel compound having histone deacetylase-inhibiting activity which is a cyclic tetrapeptide derivative represented by the general formula (1) given below and a pharmaceutical composition comprising such compound as an active ingredient. (In the formula, the cyclic tetrapeptide moiety has a known structure; R1 and R2 each independently represents an alkylene group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which may be branched; X represents a group or bond selected from among —CO—, —O—, —S— or —SO—; Y represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, a phenyl group (including a substituted form), a pyridyl group (including a substituted form), an alkyl group (including a halogen-substituted form; hereinafter the same shall apply) containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkyloxy group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkylcarbonyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkyloxycarbonyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkylthiocarbonyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a mono- or dialkylamino group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; when Y is a phenyl group (including a substituted form) or a pyridyl group (including a substituted form), it may form a further cyclic structure bound to R2.)
US08158583B2
Pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising a meal related insulin peptide and an insulinotropic peptide.
US08158580B2
Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing a cyclodextrin and a therapeutically effective amount of a glycopeptide antibiotic or a salt thereof. Also disclosed are methods of treating a bacterial disease in a mammal by administering such pharmaceutical compositions.
US08158567B1
A composition and method are provided. The composition is free of a non-botanical lathering agent and may include a botanical agent, a conditioning agent, a skin soothing agent, an antioxidant, an emulsifying agent, a chelating agent, and a preservative. The composition may be a skin cleansing composition free of a non-botanical lathering agent. The composition may be applied to the skin. The composition may be rinsed from the skin after it has remained on the skin for a period of time.
US08158566B2
The present invention relates to a multiphase personal care composition. The multiphase personal care composition comprises an aqueous structured surfactant phase, a structuring system, and a benefit phase. The aqueous structured surfactant phase comprises from about 5% to about 16%, by weight of the multiphase personal care composition, of a lathering surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, cationic surfactants or mixtures thereof and a structuring system. The structuring system comprises a non-ionic emulsifier having an HLB of from about 1.4 to about 13; about 0.05% to about 5%, by weight of the multiphase personal care composition, of an associative polymer; and an electrolyte. The benefit phase comprises from about 5% to about 30%, by weight of the multiphase personal care composition, of hydrophobic benefit material.
US08158563B2
A sealant composition, comprising an alkali metal silicate and a calcium containing inorganic compound, wherein the particles of the calcium containing compound have a mean particle size that is submicron, is useful for sealing cracks, fissures and voids in subterranean wells, thereby restoring zonal isolation. The mean particle size of the calcium containing compound is preferably smaller than 100 nm.
US08158562B2
A cross-link delaying or retarding composition, a cross-linking system including the cross-link delaying or retarding composition, or a fracturing fluid including a cross-linking system and a cross-link delaying or retarding composition are disclosed along with methods for making and using the compositions.
US08158560B2
The present invention relates to novel arylpyrrolines having the formula (I) and their use as insecticides, as well as to processes for the preparation of the arylpyrrolines wherein L, A1 to A4, Y1 to Y3, R1 to R3 are as defined in the specification of the patent application.
US08158540B2
Ballistic resistant fabrics and articles that retain superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The fabrics are formed from high performance fibers coated with a nitrile rubber binder polymer having an acrylonitrile content of from about 15 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, and are optionally coated with a binder that is a blend of a nitrile rubber and a fluorine-containing material.
US08158539B2
The following disclosure provides a structural mat for manufacturing a moldable structural hardboard body. The structural mat has a nucleated/coupled binder and a fibrous material. The nucleated/coupled binder material has a first binder material combined with a nucleating agent; and a second binder material combined with a coupling agent. The first binder material is combined with the nucleating agent to make a discrete nucleated/binder material. The second binder material is combined with the coupling agent to make a discrete coupled/binder material. The discrete nucleated/binder material and the discrete coupled/binder material are blended together. The fibrous material is blended with the discrete nucleated/binder material and the discrete coupled/binder material to form the structural mat.
US08158528B2
A method for forming a pattern of a semiconductor device comprises: forming a stacked film including an underlying layer, an antireflection film and a photoresist film over a semiconductor substrate; coating an over-coating composition over the photoresist film to form an over-coating film; performing an exposing and developing process with a cell mask on the photoresist film where the over-coating film is formed to form a photoresist pattern; forming a silicon-containing-RELACS layer over the antireflection film including the photoresist pattern where the over-coating film is formed; removing the over-coating film and the silicon containing RELACS layer on the photoresist pattern to form a spacer of the silicon containing RELACS layer at sidewalls of the photoresist pattern; removing the photoresist pattern; and etching the antireflection film and the underlying layer with the spacer of the silicon containing RELACS layer as a mask to form an antireflection pattern and an underlying pattern.
US08158525B2
The plasma etching method includes: an etching step of placing, on a stage in a chamber, a substrate in which a prescribed mask pattern is formed by a protective film on a surface of a material to be etched, generating a plasma in the chamber while supplying processing gas to the chamber, and etching a portion of the material corresponding to an opening portion in the mask pattern; a voltage measurement step of, during the etching in the etching step, measuring a voltage at the surface of the material on a side where the mask pattern is formed, through a conductive member that is placed in contact with the surface of the material on the side where the mask pattern is formed; and a control step of controlling an etching condition in the etching step in accordance with a measurement result obtained in the voltage measurement step.
US08158515B2
A method and structure of connecting at least two integrated circuits in a 3D arrangement by a through silicon via which simultaneously connects a connection pad in a first integrated circuit and a connection pad in a second integrated circuit.
US08158511B2
A method of depositing a metal seed layer with underlying barrier layer on a wafer substrate comprising a plurality of recessed device features. A first portion of the barrier layer is deposited on the wafer substrate without excessive build-up of barrier layer material on the openings to the plurality of recessed device features, while obtaining bottom coverage without substantial sputtering of the bottom surface. Subsequently, a metal seed layer is deposited using the same techniques used to deposit the barrier layer, to avoid excessive build up of metal seed layer material on the openings to the features, with minimal sputtering of the barrier layer surface.
US08158504B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to a silicon semiconductor device, and a conductive paste for use in the front side of a solar cell device.
US08158503B2
A multilayer interconnection substrate is disclosed that includes a multilayer interconnection layer having at least a first interconnection layer and a second interconnection layer stacked with an insulating layer provided therebetween, and a connection via configured to electrically connect the first interconnection layer and the second interconnection layer. The connection via includes an internal conductor and a metal film covering the internal conductor. The internal conductor is an aggregate of metal particles.
US08158501B2
The present invention relates to a compound semiconductor substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention provides the manufacturing method which coats spherical balls on a substrate, forms a metal layer between the spherical balls, removes the spherical balls to form openings, and grows a compound semiconductor layer from the openings. According to the present invention, the manufacturing method can be simplified and grow a high quality compound semiconductor layer rapidly, simply and inexpensively, as compared with a conventional ELO (Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth) method or a method for forming a compound semiconductor layer on a metal layer. And, the metal layer serves as one electrode of a light emitting device and a light reflecting film to provide a light emitting device having reduced power consumption and high light emitting efficiency.
US08158500B2
An improved field effect transistors (FETs) and methods of manufacturing the field effect transistors (FETs) are provided. The method of manufacturing a zero capacitance random access memory cell (ZRAM) includes comprises forming a finFET on a substrate and enhancing a storage capacitance of the finFET. The enhancement can be by either adding a storage capacity to the finFET or altering a portion of the finFET after formation of a fin body of the finFET.
US08158499B2
Provided are a wire structure, a method for fabricating a wire, a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate, and a method for fabricating a TFT substrate. The wire structure includes a barrier layer formed on a substrate and including copper nitride and a copper conductive layer formed on the barrier layer and including copper or a copper alloy
US08158498B2
A p-channel MOS transistor includes a gate electrode formed on a silicon substrate in correspondence to a channel region therein via a gate insulation film, the gate electrode carrying sidewall insulation films on respective sidewall surfaces thereof, and source and drain regions of p-type are formed in the substrate at respective outer sides of the sidewall insulation films, wherein each of the source and drain regions encloses a polycrystal region of p-type accumulating therein a compressive stress.
US08158491B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly sophisticated functional IC card that can ensure security by preventing forgery such as changing a picture of a face, and display other images as well as the picture of a face. An IC card comprising a display device and a plurality of thin film integrated circuits; wherein driving of the display device is controlled by the plurality of thin film integrated circuits; a semiconductor element used for the plurality of thin film integrated circuits and the display device is formed by using a polycrystalline semiconductor film; the plurality of thin film integrated circuits are laminated; the display device and the plurality of thin film integrated circuits are equipped for the same printed wiring board; and the IC card has a thickness of from 0.05 mm to 1 mm.
US08158488B2
Methods for forming dielectric layers, and structures and devices resulting from such methods, and systems that incorporate the devices are provided. The invention provides an aluminum oxide/silicon oxide laminate film formed by sequentially exposing a substrate to an organoaluminum catalyst to form a monolayer over the surface, remote plasmas of oxygen and nitrogen to convert the organoaluminum layer to a porous aluminum oxide layer, and a silanol precursor to form a thick layer of silicon dioxide over the porous oxide layer. The process provides an increased rate of deposition of the silicon dioxide, with each cycle producing a thick layer of silicon dioxide of about 120 Å over the layer of porous aluminum oxide.
US08158481B2
Methods for fabricating a CMOS structure use a first gate stack located over a first orientation region of a semiconductor substrate. A second gate material layer is located over the first gate stack and a laterally adjacent second orientation region of the semiconductor substrate. A planarizing layer is located upon the second gate material layer. The planarizing layer and the second gate material layer are non-selectively etched to form a second gate stack that approximates the height of the first gate stack. An etch stop layer may also be formed upon the first gate stack. The resulting CMOS structure may comprise different gate dielectrics, metal gates and silicon gates.
US08158478B2
In a method of making a semiconductor device, a gate dielectric is formed over the semiconductor body. A floating gate is formed over the gate dielectric, an insulating region over the floating gate, and a control gate over the insulating region. The gate dielectric, floating gate, insulating region, and control gate constitute a gate stack. A stress is caused in the gate stack, whereby the band gap of the gate dielectric is changed by the stress.
US08158474B2
A semiconductor device, such as a PMOS transistor, having localized stressors is provided. Recesses are formed on opposing sides of gate electrodes such that the recesses are offset from the gate electrode by dummy spacers. The recesses are filled with a stress-inducing layer. The dummy recesses are removed and lightly-doped drains are formed. Thereafter, new spacers are formed and the stress-inducing layer is recessed. One or more additional implants may be performed to complete source/drain regions. In an embodiment, the PMOS transistor may be formed on the same substrate as one or more NMOS transistors. Dual etch stop layers may also be formed over the PMOS and/or the NMOS transistors.
US08158469B2
A method of fabricating an array substrate includes forming a gate line and a gate electrode; forming a gate insulating layer, an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer, an inorganic material insulating layer and a heat transfer layer on the gate line and the gate electrode; irradiating a laser beam onto the heat transfer layer to crystallize the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer into a polycrystalline silicon layer; removing the heat transfer layer; patterning the inorganic insulating material layer using a buffered oxide etchant to form an etch-stopper corresponding to the gate electrode forming an impurity-doped amorphous silicon layer and a metal layer on the etch-stopper and the polycrystalline silicon layer; patterning the metal layer to form a data line, a source electrode and a drain electrode and forming a pixel electrode on the passivation layer.
US08158467B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines and data lines on a first substrate defining a plurality of pixel regions, a thin film transistor within the pixel regions, a pixel electrode within the pixel regions, and at least one TiOx layer provided with the thin film transistor.
US08158466B2
An array substrate including a substrate having a pixel region, a gate line and a gate electrode on the substrate, the gate electrode being connected to the gate line, a gate insulating layer on the gate line and the gate electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer, an auxiliary pattern on the oxide semiconductor layer, and source and drain electrodes on the auxiliary pattern, the source and drain electrodes being disposed over the auxiliary pattern and spaced apart from each other to expose a portion of the auxiliary pattern. Further, the exposed portion of the auxiliary pattern exposes a channel region and including a metal oxide over the channel region. Also included is a data line over the gate insulating layer, the data line crossing the gate line to define the pixel region and being connected to the source electrode, a passivation layer on the source and drain electrodes and the data line, the passivation layer having a drain contact hole exposing the drain electrode, and a pixel electrode on the passivation layer, the pixel electrode being connected to the drain electrode through the drain contact hole.
US08158465B2
A “vertical” coffee-stain method for producing self-organized line structures and other very fine features that involves disposing a target structure in a solution made up of a fine particle solute dispersed in a liquid solvent such that a “waterline” is formed by the upper (liquid/air) surface of the solution on a targeted linear surface region of the substrate. The solvent is then caused to evaporate at a predetermined rate such that a portion of the solute forms a self-organized “coffee-stain” line structure on the straight-line portion of the substrate surface contacted by the receding waterline. The substrate and staining solution are selected such that the liquid solvent has a stronger attraction to the substrate surface than to itself to produce the required pinning and upward curving waterline. The target structure is optionally periodically raised to generate parallel lines that are subsequently processed to form, e.g., TFTs for large-area electronic devices.
US08158464B2
To provide a semiconductor device in which a defect or fault is not generated and a manufacturing method thereof even if a ZnO semiconductor film is used and a ZnO film to which an n-type or p-type impurity is added is used for a source electrode and a drain electrode. The semiconductor device includes a gate insulating film formed by using a silicon oxide film or a silicon oxynitride film over a gate electrode, an Al film or an Al alloy film over the gate insulating film, a ZnO film to which an n-type or p-type impurity is added over the Al film or the Al alloy film, and a ZnO semiconductor film over the ZnO film to which an n-type or p-type impurity is added and the gate insulating film.
US08158456B2
The formation of through silicon vias (TSVs) in an integrated circuit (IC) die or wafer is described in which the TSV is formed in the integration process prior to metallization processing. TSVs may be fabricated with increased aspect ratio, extending deeper in a wafer substrate. The method generally reduces the risk of overly-thinning a wafer substrate in a wafer back-side grinding process typically used to expose and make electrical contacts to the TSVs. By providing deeper TSVs and bonding pads, individual wafers and dies may be bonded directly between the TSVs and bonding pads on an additional wafer.
US08158438B2
The invention relates to a method for the determination of the concentration of a non-volatile analyte in an aqueous sample medium, with the use of an optical sensor which contains a luminescent dye and is calibrated at the user site by means of a single-point-calibration. To enable the user to completely dispense with all calibration media a luminescence measurement value is obtained at the user site with the sensor in contact with the aqueous or bloodlike sample medium, which value is referenced to the relative characteristic obtained at the factory site and to a measured dry calibration value obtained at the user site, the concentration of the non-volatile analyte being deduced from these data.
US08158436B2
The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.
US08158432B2
System (50) for marking a fluid by a marker, the fluid flowing from a source to a destination, the system including a sensor (58) for determining a value of a fluid property and a fluid flow controller (54) for admitting a selected amount of the marker to the fluid, wherein the selected amount is determined according to the fluid value and a predetermined concentration of the marker in the fluid in the destination.
US08158426B2
Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.
US08158419B2
The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies and methods for producing human sequence antibodies which bind to human antigens with substantial affinity.
US08158414B2
The present invention relates to unique strategies and constructs for producing a nucleic acid product that down-regulates or prevents expression of a desired target polynucleotide. Such construct may include an expressing cassette having two convergently-oriented promoters each operably linked to a polynucleotide, but not to a terminator. The two polynucleotides are fully identical in sequence over at least 23 nucleotides.
US08158413B2
Methods of eliciting humoral responses, methods of immunization, and methods of vaccination using lentiviral vector are disclosed. Additionally, immunogenic compositions and vaccines for West Nile Virus are disclosed.
US08158408B2
A biosensor includes a substrate with areas of active receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of the active areas is defined on the substrate by an oxidizing photo-masking process.
US08158405B2
A method of treating a liquid sample having microbiological target species therein to concentrate the species and collect lysate is disclosed. The liquid sample comprises non-target microbiological particles, inorganic particles, and microbiological target species. The liquid is passed through a prefilter medium to allow the target species to pass through as filtrate and retain non-target microbiological products and inorganic particles thereon. The filtrate is contacted with a main filtration medium adapted to retain the target species thereon as retentate. The retentate is lysed to form a lysate containing target material that was enveloped within the microbiological target species. The microbiological species may comprise cell containing or viral material. Target materials comprise intracellular nucleic acids, or in the case of viral sampling, nucleic acids encased within the protein sheath or coating of the virus.
US08158386B2
A method for obtaining agonist, antagonist and inverse agonist, to a given physiological receptor is disclosed. For the method, use is made of in silico design synthetic immunogens, which are caused to act in vitro on human lymphocyte-containing cell populations. A preferred receptor is human CD152, particularly the regions of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 that elicit antibodies serving as antagonist, inverse agonist and agonist, respectively. Also provided is a method in the treatment of human peripheral lymphocytes for use in the screening of CD152 ligands that yield pharmacological effects.
US08158380B2
Charged and neutral small fluorescent molecules based upon the styryl scaffold are useful as imaging agents for misfolded proteins such as amyloid plaque. Charged molecules are prepared using pyrrolidine catalyzed reactions by solution-phase synthesis. Neutral styryl molecules are prepared using acetic anhydride catalyzed reactions, Horner-Emmons reactions or Wittig reactions.
US08158373B2
A method of detecting cancer in a subject is provided. One step of the method includes obtaining a bodily sample from the subject. Next, the level of pro-prion protein (pro-PrP) in the bodily sample is detected. The level of pro-PrP in the bodily sample is then compared to a control level. An increased level of pro-PrP in the bodily sample as compared to the control level indicates that the subject has cancer or an elevated risk of having cancer.
US08158371B2
A method of detecting an immune response to a paratuberculosis-specific antigen, comprising incubating a sample from a subject with the paratuberculosis-specific antigen and detecting the presence of an antibody in the sample as an indication of an immune response to the paratuberculosis-specific antigen. The antigen may be obtained from a novel M. paratuberculosis strain JTC303. The antigen may be obtained from the JTC303 culture filtrate. Also provided are antibodies to the paratuberculosis-specific antigen, and a diagnostic kit for the detection of an immune response to a paratuberculosis-specific antigen in a mammal.
US08158370B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and treatment of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys infection.
US08158369B2
The present invention provides a kit and method for diagnosing a cancer using a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or 3 or a partial sequence thereof, a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or 4 or a partial sequence thereof, or an antibody binding specifically to a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or 4 or a partial sequence thereof. This makes it possible to find a CT antigen useful for testing, diagnosis, or treatment of a digestive system cancer and to develop a novel cancer diagnostic technique using the CT antigen.
US08158367B2
A cancer diagnostic method using a glycan array that contains Gb5 and Globo H, Bb2, Bb3, and/or Bb4.
US08158362B2
Polymorphisms in the FLAP and LTA4H gene are shown by genetic association analysis to be susceptibility markers for myocardial infarction (MI) and ACS, as well as stroke and PAOD. Pathway targeting for treatment and diagnostic applications in identifying those who are at risk of developing MI, ACS, stroke or PAOD, in particular are described. The invention also provides methods of prophylaxis therapy for MI in human subjects having a race including black African ancestry by administering to the subject a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of MI therapeutic agent that inhibits leukotriene synthesis in vivo. The invention also provides for compositions comprising a leukotriene synthesis inhibitor and a statin and methods of using these compositions to reduce C-reactive protein in a human subject at risk of MI, ACS, stroke and/or PAOD.
US08158361B2
The present invention concerns a gene product largely homologous to the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). It further refers to mRNA coding for such epithelial growth factor receptor. The present invention provides such an epithelial growth factor receptor which is characterized in that either exons 12 to 14 or exons 12 to 15 are deleted. These novel variants of the epithelial growth factor receptor can be used for a diagnosis, stratification, therapy guidance of a tumor or therapy guidance of tumor surgery.
US08158360B2
Methods of utilizing biomarkers to identify patients for treatment or to monitor response to treatment are taught herein. Alterations in levels of gene expression of the biomarkers, particularly in response to FGFR3 inhibition, are measured and identifications or adjustments may be made accordingly.
US08158357B2
An aqueous composition comprising a denaturing agent, a chelator, a buffering agent and a protease for the extraction of nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such as saliva, such that the extracted nucleic acid is stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature and can be directly utilized in an amplification reaction without further processing. In particular, said composition comprises SDS, Cyclohexanediamine tetraacetate, Tris-HCl and proteinase K. A method and kit for the amplification of DNA directly from a bodily fluid, comprising said composition, is further provided.
US08158351B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for determining inflammatory diseases including myocardial infarction as a typical example, which involves identifying polymorphisms associated with myocardial infarction and using the gene polymorphisms, an oligonucleotide that can be used for the method, a kit for diagnosing inflammatory diseases, a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases, and the like. The present invention provides a method for determining an inflammatory disease, which comprises detecting at least one type of gene polymorphism existing in a proteasome subunit α type 6 gene.
US08158348B2
Apparatus and methods are described for pharmaceutical grade manufacture extrachromosomal nucleic acids from cell lysates using flotation to separate and eliminate undesired insoluble cellular debris including chromosomal DNA from the lysates. A gas is introduced to controllably generate bubbles that reduce the density of the cell debris and create a buoyant flocculent phase that can be readily separated from, and thus provide, a substantially clarified fluid lysate phase that is enriched in extrachromosomal DNA but substantially depleted of cellular proteins and chromosomal DNA.
US08158346B2
Nucleosides and nucleotides are disclosed that are linked to detectable labels via a cleavable linker group.
US08158324B2
A positive-type photosensitive resin composition, including: (a) a novolac resin; (b) a polymer including, as a main component, a structure represented by formula (1) and/or formula (2): (wherein R1 and R2 may be the same or different and each represent an organic group having at least two carbon atoms and a valence of 2 to 8, R3 and R4 may be the same or different and each represent hydrogen or a monovalent organic group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, —NH—R5 in formula (1) and —CO—R6 in formula (2) each represent a polymer end group, R5 and R6 each represent a monovalent organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms which includes an unsaturated hydrocarbon group, n is in the range of 10 to 100,000, l and m each represent an integer of 0 to 2, and p and q each represent an integer of 0 to 4, provided that p+q>0; (c) a quinone diazide compound; (d) an alkoxymethyl group-containing compound; and (e) a solvent.
US08158315B2
A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, a hole blocking layer, a ground plane layer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and where the hole blocking layer includes a SN containing compound and an aminosilane.
US08158312B2
A charged particle beam exposure method that includes preparing of exposure data for a plurality of device patterns; obtaining of an integral of forward scattering components in an exposure intensity distribution with each of the device patterns near the center of the exposure intensity distribution as domain of integration; correcting of the shape of each of the plurality of device patterns by correcting the exposure data, so that the integral is equal to a reference value; and appropriating of mask patterns within an exposure mask to each of the device patterns following the correction, such that the center of gravity of each of the device patterns matches the center of gravity of the mask pattern appropriated thereto.
US08158307B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a color filter, including: forming a first color pattern in a repeating pattern on a support; forming, on the support, a second color pattern in a repeating pattern in regions where the first color pattern is not formed; removing at least one portion of one of the first color pattern and the second color pattern by dry-etching, the portion being in a region where a third color pattern is to be formed; and forming, on the support, the third color pattern in the region where the portion of one of the first color pattern and the second color pattern has been removed. The present invention also provides a color filter manufactured by the method, and a solid-state image pickup element using the color filter.
US08158306B2
A photomask set includes at least two masks that combine to form a device pattern in a semiconductor device. Orthogonal corners may be produced in a semiconductor device pattern to include one edge defined by a first mask and an orthogonal edge defined by a second mask. The mask set may include a first mask with compensation features and a second mask with void areas overlaying the compensation features when the first and second masks are aligned with one another, such that the compensation features are removed when patterns are successfully formed from the first and second masks. The compensation features alleviate proximity effects during the formation of device features.
US08158297B2
The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system having fuel cells, a supply flow path for supplying a fuel gas from a fuel supply source to the fuel cells; a variable gas supply device for regulating a gas condition of the supply flow path; a first control device for driving and controlling the variable gas supply device; an off-gas flow path configured to release a fuel off-gas from the fuel cells to the outside through a discharge valve; a second control device for driving and controlling the discharge valve; and a defect detection device for detecting a defect of the discharge valve. By using a gas supply command amount for the variable gas supply device, the defect detection device detects a valve opening defect that the discharge valve does not return from an open state to a closed state.
US08158289B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that includes PEM fuel cells. Each fuel cell has an operating temperature of at least 120° C. The fuel cell stack has a cathode inlet to receive a flow of ambient air and a cathode outlet to provide a cathode exhaust flow. The fuel cell system includes a fuel processing reactor that has inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with a catalyst that is suitable for convening a hydrocarbon into a gas that contains hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The outlet is in fluid communication with an anode chamber of the fuel cell, and the inlet of the fuel processing reactor is in fluid communication with the cathode outlet.
US08158280B2
An electrochemical cell is provided with an enhanced pressure relief vent formed in a closed end of the cell container that achieves effective venting of gas from the closed end of the container. The electrochemical cell including a container having a first end, a second end, a side wall extending between the first and second ends, and an end wall extending across the first end. The cell has a positive electrode, a negative, and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, all disposed in the container. The cell further includes a pressure relief vent having a reduced thickness groove formed in the end wall of the container. The reduced thickness groove is formed having eight segments extending radially from a central location. A cover is welded on the end wall of the container via at least three welds, wherein the angular spacing between two adjacent welds is greater than 120°.
US08158268B2
A metal-coated polyimide film is excellent in long-term adhesion reliability, exhibits various dimensional stabilities, and is particularly suitable for FPC, COF and TAB applications. The metal-coated polyimide film comprises a non-thermoplastic polyimide film; and a metal layer being directly formed on one surface or both surfaces of the non-thermoplastic polyimide film without using an adhesive, wherein the non-thermoplastic polyimide film contains a non-thermoplastic polyimide resin having a thermoplastic polyimide block component.
US08158266B2
Provided is a technology capable of improving the reliability of a semiconductor device using a SiOC film as an interlayer film. In the invention, by forming an interlayer film from a SiOC film having a Si—CH3 bond/Si—O bond ratio less than 2.50% or having a strength ratio determined by the FT-IR of a Si—OH bond to a SiO—O bond exceeding 0.0007, a strength ratio of a SiH bond to a SiO—O bond at a wavelength of 2230 cm−1 exceeding 0.0050 and a strength ratio of a Si—H bond to a SiO—O bond at a wavelength of 2170 cm−1 exceeding 0.0067, the interlayer film has a relative dielectric constant of to 3 or less, and owing to suppression of lowering in hardness or elastic modulus, has improved mechanical strength.
US08158265B2
Provided is an addition-curable silicone composition including A: a diorganopolysiloxane having a structure represented by a formula (1): (R1)(R2)2SiO((Ar)2SiO)nSi(R2)2(R1) (where R1 represents an aliphatic unsaturated group, R2 represents identical or different, unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups, Ar represents identical or different, unsubstituted or substituted aryl groups that may or may not contain a hetero atom, and n represents an integer of 1 or greater), B: an organosilicon compound containing at least two hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon atoms per molecule, and containing no aliphatic unsaturated groups, in an amount that is sufficient to cure the composition in the presence of the hydrosilylation catalyst described below, and C: a platinum group metal-based hydrosilylation catalyst. A cured product of this addition-curable silicone composition has superior transparency, a high refractive index, and favorable strength properties, and the composition can therefore be used as an optical element encapsulating material.
US08158264B2
A method of forming an easy-to-clean metal or metallized substrate, the method comprising forming a layer comprising silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate by plasma deposition; and applying an at least partially fluorinated composition comprising at least one silane group to at least a portion of a surface of the layer comprising the silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen; and an easy-to-clean article made by the method are disclosed.
US08158263B2
A low emissivity glazing on a pane of glass, includes a set of thin layers formed by vacuum deposition assisted by magnetron, the set of thin layers including at least one metal layer reflecting infra-red rays between one or more dielectric layers located between the metal layer and the glass sheet, the metal layer being provided with a protective barrier coating, including a layer of titanium oxide or sub-oxide, deposited in a weakly oxidizing atmosphere at reduced pressure via a conducting titanium oxide cathode.
US08158262B2
A multi-layer thin film having as a primary component, a coating of highly doped zinc oxide, and optionally, a color suppression underlayer and a protective metal oxide overcoat. The film stack is preferably deposited on a transparent substrate by atmospheric chemical vapor deposition. The film stack exhibits a desirable combination of properties including high visible light transmittance, relatively low solar energy transmittance, low emissivity, and high solar selectivity.
US08158261B2
A glass-ceramic composite encapsulation material composed of glass matrix materials of SiO2, Al2O3, BaO and B2O3, and at least one glass filler selected from the group consisting of kaliophilite (KAlSiO4), leucite (KAlSi2O6), magnesium oxide (MgO). The glass-ceramic composite encapsulation material according to the invention comprises a high temperature type glass matrix (softening point: 750-850° C.) and a intermediate temperature type glass matrix (softening point: 650-750° C.), and glass filler mixed therein, wherein said glass filler in the high temperature type glass matrix comprises 5% to 20% by volume of the total volume of said glass matrix and glass filler, and the glass filler in the intermediate temperature type glass matrix comprises 0% to 40% by volume of the total volume of said glass matrix and glass filler, and wherein said glass filler has an effect of adjusting the expansion coefficient.
US08158257B2
The present invention is directed to an improved catalyst support and to the resultant catalyst suitable for treating exhaust products from internal combustion engines, especially diesel engines. The support of the present invention is a structure comprising alumina core particulate having high porosity and surface area, wherein the structure has from about 1 to about 8 weight percent silica in the form of cladding on the surface area of said alumina core. The resultant support has a sulfur tolerance efficiency (η) of at least 1000 μg/m2.
US08158255B2
A plate-like polycrystalline particle is produced by forming inorganic particles into a self-supported, sheet-like shaped body with a predetermined thickness, firing the shaped body, and crushing and classifying the fired shaped body by passing through a mesh having openings with a predetermined size. The inorganic particles are composed of an oxide having a perovskite structure and grow into crystal grains with an isotropic and polyhedral shape. Since grain growth in the thickness direction is limited and grain growth in the surface direction of the sheet is promoted, it is possible to obtain crystal grains having a high aspect ratio and a high degree of orientation. Therefore, in the plate-like polycrystalline particle, in most parts, the number of crystal grains present in the thickness direction of the particle at any one point is one, and a high aspect ratio and a high degree of orientation are achieved.
US08158248B2
In porous ceramic for slide member including independent pores having a pore size of 5 μm or more, the independent pore is flattened body having minor axis in a direction perpendicular to a sliding surface, and a cross sectional area (S1) of an independent pore at a cross section perpendicular to the sliding surface is 95% or less of an area (S2) of a complete round having a diameter which is the same length as a major axis of the cross section of the independent pore, and in a cumulative distribution curve of pore sizes of independent pores in a plane parallel to the sliding surface, a ratio (P75/P25) of a pore size of cumulative 75% by volume (P75) to a pore size of cumulative 25% by volume (P25) is 1.9 or less. The porous ceramic can be suitably used as slide member such as seal ring.
US08158246B2
A sound insulator of the invention includes a sound absorption layer 202 and an air-impermeable resonance layer 203, which are bonded to each other via an adhesive layer 204. The sound absorption layer 202 has a thickness in a range of 5 to 50 mm and an area-weight of not greater than 2000 g/m2. The sound absorption layer 202 has a two-layer structure of a high-density sound absorption layer 202a and a low-density sound absorption layer 202b, which have different densities. The high-density sound absorption layer 202a is bonded to the air-impermeable resonance layer 203 via the adhesive layer 204 and has a density in a range of 0.05 to 0.20 g/cm3 and a thickness in a range of 2 to 30 mm. The low-density sound absorption layer 202b is bonded to the other face of the high-density sound absorption layer 202a, which is opposite to the air-impermeable resonance layer 203, via an adhesive layer 202c and has a density in a range of 0.01 to 0.10 g/cm3 and a thickness in a range of 2 to 30 mm. The structure of this sound insulator effectively reduces a noise level in a voice-tone frequency band, especially in a high frequency domain, thereby efficiently enhancing the clarity of conversion in a vehicle interior.
US08158241B2
The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture having differently colored layers which, when viewed from the edge, change color depending on the angle of view. The articles can be used in decorative or eye-catching displays suitable for displaying information or promoting objects.
US08158238B2
An electrostatic chuck having excellent chucking force and holding force is provided. The electrostatic chuck includes a laminate structure in which a first insulating layer, a first electrode layer, an interelectrode insulating layer, a second electrode layer and a second insulating layer are successively laminated on a metal base in an order of increasing distance from the metal base. The second electrode layer includes a pattern electrode having a plurality of opening portions within a flat area, and a shortest distance X between mutually opening portions and a length L of a line segment formed by feet of perpendiculars when barycenters of the adjacent opening portions are projected to a virtual line which is a straight line parallel to the shortest distance X satisfy L/X≧1.5 and L<2.6 mm.
US08158232B2
A chair pad has foldable panels for movement and shipment. A hard wood chair pad forms from multiple elongated rigid planks, processed like hardwood flooring. The chair pad provides a substantially rigid surface that folds easily for transport and shipping. The rigid planks utilized in the chair pad, similar to hardwood flooring planks, have sufficient thickness such that when they are bonded in an adjacent side by side abutting manner along the longer lengthwise edges similar to some hardwood flooring and further bonded to a backing in an adjacent side by side manner, the planks form a substantially rigid surface. The planks connect adjacently lengthwise along their long side edges.
US08158229B2
An automotive glazing (10) comprising a single ply of annealed or semi-toughened glass (12) having a film of plastic material (16) bonded to a major surface of the glass ply by a contact adhesive (14).
US08158228B2
Laminate containing a first layer and a second layer attached to the first layer, said second layer comprising high tenacity yarns, characterized in that the first layer is made out of a material selected out of the group consisting of a metal, a plywood, a solid thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, and a composite material containing carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, and the high tenacity yarns have a tenacity of at least 0.5 GPa and are positioned in a grid structure. The laminate is damage resistance and is suitably used for the manufacture of air freight containers.
US08158227B2
A solvent resistant label for attachment to a container that includes a solvent therein includes at least one, and preferably two solvent resistant outer surface layers that are resistant to the solvent in the container. A combination of the solvent resistant label and container also constitutes part of this invention.
US08158221B2
An ink for use in combination with, for example, an ink-jet printer. The ink comprises a carrier, a colorant in the carrier, and a component selected from a group consisting of amines, amides, and combinations thereof.
US08158216B2
Vapor plasma deposition of titanium (Ti) metal onto a substrate forms a structured surface that exhibits enhanced cell attachment properties. Initially deposited round nanoparticulate surface structures develop tentacles with a spine or thorn-like appearance upon continued deposition under special conditions. The density and size of the formed spinulose particles can be controlled by timing the deposition intervals. A significant increase in osteoblast, fibroblast and endothelial cell attachment is observed on Ti spinulose surfaces compared to attachment on nanoparticulate surfaces lacking spinulous nanostructure.
US08158215B2
A method of manufacturing magnetic recording media with a high areal recording density, in which there write bleeding during magnetic recording is eliminated by reducing insofar as possible the coercive force and remanent magnetization in areas between magnetic tracks, is provided. The method of manufacture can produce magnetic recording media 10, in which a magnetic layer 3 is provided on at least one surface of a nonmagnetic substrate 1, and a magnetically separated magnetic pattern 3a is formed in this magnetic layer 3; by implanting atoms into the magnetic layer 3 with a uniform distribution in the thickness direction of the magnetic layer 3, and partially rendering nonmagnetic the magnetic layer 3, nonmagnetic portions 5 which magnetically separate the magnetic pattern 3a are formed.
US08158214B2
A photocurable ink composition set includes ink composition A and ink composition B. Ink composition A contains a dendritic polymer and an monomer expressed by general formula (1): CH2═CR1—COO—R2—O—CH═CH—R3. Ink composition B contains a coloring agent and a monomer expressed by general formula (1). In the formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 represents an organic moiety having a carbon number in the range of 2 to 20, and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an organic moiety having a carbon number in the range of 1 to 11.
US08158213B2
An aqueous polymerizable monomer composition including an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer and a polyvalent metal ion in an amount sufficient to neutralize 10 to 90% of a carboxyl group of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer in the form of a solution or dispersion in water in an amount of 20 to 85% by weight based on the whole amount of the composition, a gas barrier film including an ionically crosslinked polycarboxylic acid polymer film formed by subjecting a coating film of the aqueous polymerizable monomer composition to a polymerization treatment and having an oxygen transmission rate of at most 50×10−4 cm3(STP)/(m2·s·MPa) as measured under conditions of a temperature of 30° C. and a high relative humidity of 80%, and a production process of the film.
US08158197B2
A tantalum nitride film-forming method comprises the steps, according to the CVD technique, 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 film-forming chamber to thus form a film of a halogenated compound represented by the following general formula: TaNx(Hal)y(R, R′)z (in the formula, Hal represents a halogen atom), reacting the halogenated compound film with a hydrogen atom-containing gas by the introduction thereof into the chamber 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, and a high compositional ratio: Ta/N, can ensure high adherence to the electrical connection-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.
US08158192B2
The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a hydrophilic coating on a biomedical article, which comprises treating the biomedical article for a time period of ≦5 minutes with a solution of an organic solvent comprising a polyanionic compound with a number average molecular weight Mn of >5000, wherein the solution comprises less than 10% by weight of water, and wherein the solution is devoid of a cationic polymer.The coated biomedical articles obtainable by the process of the invention have desirable characteristics regarding adherence to the substrate, durability, hydrophilicity, wettability, biocompatibility and permeability and are thus especially useful in the field of ophthalmic devices.
US08158176B2
The present invention relates to the use of carbon monoxide as a process aid to ameliorate the loss of red color of fat-beef-trimmings while they are heat treated to produce finely textured beef. Finely textured beef, sometimes known as fat reduced beef, is produced from trimmings. The finely textured beef may be exposed to an elevated level of carbon monoxide before, during, or after the finely textured beef is heated to improve the final color of the finely textured beef product.
US08158174B2
Various packages for food products are provided herein. In one embodiment, a food package includes a rectangular substantially planar rigid bottom wall; two slanted side/side walls extending angularly upwardly from the bottom wall, and a rectangular opening opposite the bottom wall, the opening larger in area than the rectangular rigid bottom wall. A top side wall and a bottom side wall extend upwardly from the bottom wall; and a flexible film extends over the opening and seals the opening. The side walls are configured to engage and hold the food product, each side wall being angularly ramped and extending downward and inward toward the bottom wall, and having at least one well which extends downwardly from the angularly upward extending side wall.
US08158166B2
Antimicrobial compositions based on a combination or blend of plant essential oils is of enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness; by adding to the combination of at least two plant essential oils, and preferably adds a small but antimicrobial enhancing effective amount of an enhancer selected from the group consisting of polyionic organic enhancers and polyionic inorganic enhancers. One preferred blended oil composition is a mixture of plant essential oils wherein at least one of the oils is oregano oil. The oil blend is used as a major component in the finished product anti-microbial.
US08158165B2
The invention provides the use of at least one plant selected from plants of the family Zingiberaceae in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of allergic diseases. The plant is optionally selected from the genera Siphonochilus, Kaempferia, Cienkowskia and Cienkowskiella and the species is optionally selected from Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Siphonochilus natalensis, Kaempferia aethiopica, Kaempferia natalensis, Kaempferia ethelae, Cienkowskia aethiopica and Cienkowskiella aethiopica. The allergic disease is selected from asthma and atopy.
US08158164B2
This invention relates to the provision of an edible composition for the treatment of cutaneous signs of ageing, in particular those associated with loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles and sagging. Thus the inventive composition provides skin benefits selected from the group consisting of enhancing collagen deposition in the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and reducing sagging. Thus the invention provides an edible composition for treating aged skin, the composition comprising: (a) 2 to 1000, preferably 5 to 750, most preferably 10 to 500 mg anthocyanidin and derivatives thereof; and (b) 1 to 20, preferably 5 to 15, most preferably 2 to 10 mg lutein and derivatives thereof; wherein the weight ratio of anthocyanidin to lutein is at least 1:1, preferably at least 10:1 and more preferably at least 25:1, even more preferably at least 50:1, most preferably at least 100:1; wherein the composition excludes copper in the form of separately or in combination copper gluconate and copper oxide; and further excludes separately or in combination with the copper exclusion Nandina domestica or an extract thereof. The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for providing the aforesaid skin benefits using the inventive composition.
US08158157B2
A multi-part substitution infusion fluid for an extracorporeal blood treatment and methods for using same are provided. Generally, the multi-part substitution fluid comprises a first solution composed of electrolites but without divalent cations and a second solution comprising divalent cations. Another embodiment includes a third solution comprising a matching citrate/citric acid anticoagulant. The described methods of using the multi-part substitution infusion fluids significantly reduce risks associated with various extracorporeal blood treatments.
US08158147B2
The present invention relates to a modified release composition of at least one form of tramadol which is a delayed and extended release composition for oral administration suitable for once daily dosing. That composition comprises a core comprising at least one form of tramadol selected from the group consisting of tramadol, racemic mixtures thereof, enantiomers thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations thereof in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. That composition further comprises a modified release coating which substantially surrounds said core. The compositions of the invention provide delayed and extended release of said at least one form of tramadol such that the mean plasma concentration of the at least one form of tramadol reaches a therapeutically effective level at a time which is after at least about 3 hours after first administration.
US08158136B2
Disclosed are cosmetic compositions containing water, at least one non-polar and/or polar oil, and an emulsification system comprising a polyoxyethylene oxide C12-C24 fatty acid ester; a sucrose fatty acid ester of vegetable origin, and a glyceryl and/or sorbitan C12-C24 fatty acid ester, and methods of making and using the compositions.
US08158132B2
This invention describes a novel agent for the targeted control of a mammalian cell activity, in particular the agent is used to control the interaction of particular cell types with their external environment. The agent has applications as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of a variety of disorders. An agent according to the invention comprises three Domains B, T and E linked together in the following manner: Domain B-Domain T-Domain E where Domain B is the Binding Domain which binds the agent to a Binding Site on the cell which undergoes endocytosis to produce an endosome, Domain T is the Translocation Domain which translocates the agent (with or without the Binding Site) from within the endosome across the endosomal membrane into the cytosol of the cell, Domain E is the Effector Domain which inhibits the ability of the Recyclable Membrane Vesicles to transport the Integral Membrane Proteins to the surface of the cell.
US08158127B2
A compound comprising at least a structural entity which binds secretory phospholipase A2 IIA (sPLA2 IIA) or parts of it and more preferably human sPLA2 IIA and which a.) blocks at least one or more sPLA2 IIA function on cell surfaces or in a solution, preferably blood or other body fluids or from tissues, most preferably in vivo, b.) and/or depletes sPLA2 IIA from a solution, preferably blood or other body fluids or from tissues, most preferably in vivo.
US08158126B2
Methods for modeling cancer cell migration, screening drugs for effects on tumor cell migration, and detecting the potential for tumor cell migration relating to the fusion of a bone marrow derived stem cell with a genetically altered cell (FIG. 1). Antibodies against ubiquitin are shown to inhibit tumor cell migration.
US08158125B2
B-cell epitope peptides of HSP 65, particularly the peptides comprising the amino acid sequence substantially as denoted by SEQ ID: NOs. 1-5 and their biologically functional homologues and derivatives thereof. Also included are polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against them and their compositions for passive immunization against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Also encompassed are diagnostic uses of these antibodies, for identifying people at risk of developing arthritis or diabetes, and a method of monitoring progress of the disease conditions and disease prognosis.
US08158124B2
Compositions and methods for making and using anti-LPA agents, for example, monoclonal antibodies, are described.
US08158123B2
The present invention features methods of treating a bone resorption disease or a bone generating disease, methods for prognosing and/or diagnosing a bone resorption disease or a bone generating disease, methods for identifying a compound that modulates bone resorption disease development or bone generating disease development, methods for determining the efficacy of a bone resorption disease therapy or a bone generating disease therapy, and oligonucleotide microarrays containing probes for genes involved in osteoclast development.
US08158119B2
A method of delivering cardiac stem cell and treating damaged cardiac tissue is provided. The method involves isolation of subject's cardiac circulation from the subject's systemic circulation and perfusing a solution comprising stem cells into the cardiac circuit.
US08158118B2
A method of enriching mesenchymal precursor sells including the step of enriching for cells based on at least two markers. The markers may be either i) the presence of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells, ii) the absence of markers specific for differentiated mesenchymal cells, or iii) expression levels of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells. The method may include a first solid phase sorting step utilizing MACS recognizing expression of the antigen to the STRO-1 Mab, followed by a second sorting step utilizing two color FACS to screen for the presence of high level STRO-1 antigen expression as well as the expression of VCAM-1.
US08158114B1
The present invention is directed to a series of water soluble polymeric citrate esters that have two different molecular weight ester chains, one solid and one liquid, which when combined into a single molecule make a polymer that is solid, but has very unique flow properties. These materials find applications as additives to aqueous, hydroalcoholic or emulsion formulations in personal care products where there is a desire to have a structured film (provided by the solid fatty group) and flow properties, (provided by the liquid fatty group).
US08158113B2
Disclosed is a method of reducing the appearance of coloring streaks in a composition that has a colorant comprising adding a guar gum containing compound to said composition.
US08158110B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for prevention of graft rejection in lung transplant recipients and for treatment of subjects with pulmonary disorders. Specifically, the methods and compositions of the invention provide a means for inhibiting immune response mediated inflammatory processes in the lungs. The method of the invention comprises the administration of aerosolized cyclosporine for prevention of acute and/or chronic refractory rejection in lung transplant patients. The invention further provides for the use of aerosolized cyclosporine to treat subjects having immunologically mediated inflammatory pulmonary disorders including, but not limited to, asthma, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis and allergic rhinitis. The present invention, by enabling a method for the use of aerosolized cyclosporine for inhibiting pulmonary inflammation leading to prevention of graft rejection and treatment of pulmonary disorders, provides a safer and less toxic treatment than those methods that utilize systemic administration of cyclosporine.
US08158109B2
The present subject matter provides foamable suspension gels that foam after release from a container. The foamable suspension gels contain at least one pharmaceutically active agent that is sparingly soluble to insoluble in water, a second pharmaceutically active agent, and optionally a third active agent.
US08158108B2
Certain surfactants suitable for use alone to dissolve a water-insoluble component in compositions is described for providing VOC-free compressed gas aerosol compositions. The compositions include water-insoluble component(s), a surfactant and water. The water-insoluble component(s) can be active agent(s), such as fragrance(s) and/or an insecticide(s). The surfactant is present as a single surfactant which, in the absence of a solvent, dissolves or disperses the water-insoluble component(s) and provides a homogenous blend in water which provides a stable compressed gas emulsion. The surfactant is an anionic surfactant or a nonionic surfactant, in particular nonionic alkylpolyglycosides; nonionic cocoglucoside; nonionic alkylene oxide extended chain alkylpolyglycosides; anionic sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), nonionic C13-C15 oxoalcohol ethoxylate with 8 ethylene oxides (EO), nonionic C12-C14 secondary alcohol ethoxylate with 7EO or 12EO, polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogenated castor oil wherein the PEG is PEG-60 or PEG-40, polyglyceryl-10 laurate and polyglyceryl-6 caprylate.
US08158102B2
A system, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid pumps the liquid into a container of the substance to produce a solution. The container may be part of a container assembly including a port assembly for coupling with the container to produce an inlet and/or and outlet port for the container. The container assembly may be received within a receiving chamber for causing the coupling. The solution may be permitted to flow out of the outlet port when the solution rises within the container to a level of the outlet port so that the substance is partially diluted before flowing out of the outlet port.
US08158098B2
Provided herein are processes for obtaining sylvinite and/or sylvite from sea water, sea bitterns and/or sea salts. The processes comprise reacting sea water, sea bitterns and/or sea salts with calcium hydroxide and/or calcium oxide.
US08158092B2
Provided is iron silicide powder in which the content of oxygen as the gas component is 1500 ppm or less, and a method of manufacturing such iron silicide powder including the steps of reducing iron oxide with hydrogen to prepare iron powder, heating the iron powder and Si powder in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to prepare synthetic powder containing FeSi as its primary component, and adding and mixing Si powder once again thereto and heating this in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to prepare iron silicide powder containing FeSi2 as its primary component. The content of oxygen as the gas component contained in the iron silicide powder will decrease, and the iron silicide powder can be easily pulverized as a result thereof. Thus, the mixture of impurities when the pulverization is unsatisfactory will be reduced, the specific surface area of the iron silicide powder will increase, and the density can be enhanced upon sintering the iron silicide powder.
US08158088B2
A mixed extractant solvent that includes at least one dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compound, 4′,4′,(5′)-di-(t-butyldicyclohexano)-18-crown-6, at least one modifier, and, optionally, a diluent. The dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compound is 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(octyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(decyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(dodecyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(2-ethylhexyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(3,7-dimethyloctyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(4-butyloctyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, or combinations thereof. The modifier is a primary alcohol. A method of separating cesium and strontium from an aqueous feed is also disclosed, as are dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compounds and an alcohol modifier.
US08158087B2
A microstructure for chemical processing and manufacture is disclosed. The microstructure includes a plurality of microchannel walls constructed of glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic or combinations of these materials, which define at least one microchannel for accommodating chemicals to be processed. At least one coating layer including a catalyst support and a catalyst is adhered to the plurality of microchannel walls. A method of manufacturing a microstructure for chemical processing and manufacture is also disclosed.
US08158085B2
An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system. The controller rotates the cartridge and operates the banks of valves and the waste tube system in response to the required sequence of dispensing various reagent solutions and flushing appropriate vials in order to form the desired polymer chain within each vial.
US08158075B2
This invention intends to enable silicon compound to be removed from waste etching solution at a high removal rate and waste etching solution to be recycled without disposing it. The etching solution reproducing apparatus includes: temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of taken out waste etching solution; atomizing means for atomizing waste etching solution adjusted in temperature by the temperature adjusting means; precipitating means for collecting waste etching solution atomized by the atomizing means and precipitating silicon compound in the waste etching solution; and separating means for separating silicon compound precipitated from the waste etching solution by the precipitating means so as to obtain reproduced etching solution.
US08158070B1
An apparatus is disclosed for hydroprocessing two hydrocarbon streams at two different pressures. A hydrogen stream is compressed and split. A first split compressed stream is further compressed to feed a first hydroprocessing unit that requires higher pressure for operation. A second split compressed stream is fed to a second hydroprocessing unit that requires lower pressure. Recycle hydrogen from the second hydroprocessing unit is recycled back to the compression section.
US08158051B2
An intermediate sealing element and method for unsealing a vacuum membrane from one tool surface and transferring it to another tool surface without damaging the vacuum membrane. The intermediate sealing element forms a continuous path around the periphery of a vacuum membrane and is sealed directly to one or more vacuum membranes and a tool surface using any means known in the art to create an airtight seal between two surfaces. The intermediate sealing element is able to withstand high temperatures and high pressure without altering its structural characteristics. Because of its durability, the intermediate sealing element can be removed from the tool surface without tearing or elongating, subsequently allowing the vacuum membranes to be detached from the tool surface without tearing or elongating.
US08158045B2
A method for manufacturing a composite material utilizes a tooling material having a desired shape. The surface of the tooling material is coated with a composite film that includes a conductive filler material. A composite composition is introduced into contact with the surface of the tooling material to form a desired shape. The composite composition is processed to produce the composite material, and the composite material has a conductive composite surface layer that includes the conductive filler material.
US08158044B2
A method for forming a composite article includes injecting first and second compositions into a die head at different points so as to produce a partially mixed composition that is discharged from the die head. The second composition contains less filler material than the first composition.
US08158029B2
A method (10) for the production of synthesis gas includes humidifying an oxygen-containing stream (40) by contacting the oxygen-containing stream (40) with a hot aqueous liquid (58) to produce a humidified oxygen-containing stream (42), and feeding the humidified oxygen-containing stream (42) into a gasifier (20) in which a carbonaceous material (44) is being gasified, thereby to produce synthesis gas.
US08158013B2
The invention relates to a process for bonding by molecular adhesion of two substrates to one another during which the surfaces of the substrates are placed in close contact and bonding occurs by propagation of a bonding front between the substrates. The invention includes, prior to bonding, a step of modifying the surface state of one or both of the surfaces of the substrates so as to regulate the propagation speed of the bonding front. The surface can be modified by locally or uniformly heating or roughening the surface(s) of the substrate(s).
US08158009B2
A flow diverter, vacuum control and tilting of the liquid filtering system are used alternatively or in conjunction to reduce foam production in a filtered liquid sample. A liquid filtering system includes an upper sample reservoir, a filter and a lower storage bottle. A vacuum is applied below the sample filter to draw sample liquid through the sample filter into the storage bottle. A flow diverter may be used to direct flow of the filtered liquid sample onto a sidewall of the storage bottle or guide flow to a bottom of the storage bottle. The vacuum may be regulated to reduce foaming. The liquid filtering system may be tilted to direct fluid to the sidewall of the lower storage bottle and reduce foaming.
US08158006B2
In order to remove fluorine from a zinc containing solution before zinc electro-refining in lower cost, fluorine is removed by adsorption from a zinc containing solution (leached solution) utilizing the character of the predetermined iron compound or zinc compound which can adsorb fluorine in an acid solution and desorb fluorine in an alkaline solution. The fluorine adsorbent/desorbent having adsorbed fluorine is treated in an alkaline solution, to desorb the fluorine. This makes it possible to regenerate the fluorine adsorbent/desorbent. Further, an electrolytic solution for zinc electro-refining can be prepared in lower cost, thus total zinc refining costs can be reduced.
US08158001B2
A wafer-shaped hollow fiber module adapted for in-line use in a piping system. The piping system may include two standard bolted flange connections, and at least one wafer-shaped hollow fiber module sealed between the two standard bolted flange connections. The wafer shaped hollow fiber module includes: a cylindrical housing having an open end and a closed end having a first sealing surface and an inlet port; at least one side port through the cylindrical housing; an end cap united to the open end having a second sealing surface and an outlet port.
US08157999B2
A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.
US08157998B2
Disclosed is a device for separating radioisotope thallium-201. The device includes an evaporation unit for a solution vial, a first glass vial connected to a first valve and a second valve, an ion exchange column connected to a third valve, a second glass vial connected to a fourth valve and a fifth valve, a collection vial for receiving solution from the fifth valve, a product vial with a membrane filter and a vacuum unit connected to the first valve, the fourth valve and a sixth valve. This device can separate out high-concentration thallium-201 solution from which radioisotope thallium-201 can be obtained.
US08157995B2
Systems and associated methods for treating contaminant-containing wastewater are provided. The systems generally include a reducing zone for reducing the oxidation-reduction potential of the water and a clean-up zone comprising zero valent iron for removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the contaminant-containing water. The systems are operable to remove one or more contaminants from the contaminant-containing water and are operable for extended durations without clogging due to the formation of iron hydroxides.
US08157994B2
Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.
US08157992B2
A cleaning device for cleaning lubricating oil which circulates in a lubricating oil circuit has an intake to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit, through which a part quantity of the lubricating oil circulating in the lubricating oil circuit is to be fed to the cleaning and a return to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit for the returning of the cleaned lubricating oil into the lubricating oil circuit. The device includes a closed cleaning circuit in which the intake terminates, a feed device for the circulating a mixture of a circulating oil contained in the cleaning circuit and the lubricating oil to be cleaned fed to the cleaning circuit through the intake, and at least one cross-flow filter arranged downstream of the feed device seen in the feed direction, which is provided with at least one filter membrane past which flows the mixture of circulating oil and lubricating oil to be cleaned, wherein a part of the mixture flows through the filter membrane into a filtrate chamber connected with the return.
US08157991B2
A retention basin enclosure includes a plurality of prefabricated concrete vertical wall segments, a baffle unit and at least one steel connecting dowel. Each wall segment includes a horizontal top end that defines a notch and two vertical edges that define at least one cylindrical bore. The baffle segment includes a vertical edge surface that defines a plurality of cylindrical bores and a horizontal planar member from which a plurality of protrusions extend upwardly therefrom so that the baffle segment reduces water flow velocity. Two baffle vertical wall members each have a planar vertical surface that defines a plurality of cylindrical bores disposed so that at least one of the cylindrical bores defined by concrete baffle segment can be placed in alignment with at least one of the cylindrical bores defined by the planar vertical surface.
US08157989B2
A filter includes a housing having a cavity. A media pack, which includes a filter media, is arranged within the cavity and includes a central opening extending between opposing ends of the media pack. A center tube is arranged within the central opening and extends out of the central opening beyond one of the ends to provide a first end. A relief valve is supported on the first end. The filter cartridge assembly is installed into the housing with the relief valve in sealing engagement with a tapping plate of the housing. The relief valve performs the function of a seal between the filter cartridge assembly and the tapping plate in addition to performing pressure relief functions.
US08157977B2
A protective cover of a gas sensor includes an inner protective cover which covers at least an end portion of a sensor element, an outer protective cover which covers the inner protective cover, and an intermediate protective cover which is installed between the inner protective cover and the outer protective cover. A1/A2≧1 provided that A1 represents a total opening area of the inner gas inlet holes provided for the inner protective cover, and A2 represents a total opening area of the outer gas inlet holes provided for the outer protective cover.
US08157976B2
Apparatus for cathodic vacuum-arc coating deposition. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber, at least one input duct projecting from a first end wall of the mixing chamber, and an output duct projecting from a second end wall of the mixing chamber. Coupled with each input duct is a plasma source adapted to discharge an ion flow of a coating material into the mixing chamber, which is subsequently directed to the output duct. A first solenoidal coil disposed about a side wall of the mixing chamber creates a first magnetic field inside the mixing chamber for steering the ion flow. A second solenoidal coil is disposed adjacent to the first end wall and aligned substantially coaxially with the output duct. The second solenoidal coil creates a second magnetic field inside the mixing chamber for steering the first ion flow. The electrical currents flow through the first and second solenoidal coils in opposite solenoidal directions.
US08157975B2
A sputter target for sputtering a silicon-containing film is provided. The target includes a silicon-containing sputter material layer, and a carrier for carrying the sputter material layer, wherein the sputter material layer contains less than 200 ppm iron.
US08157965B2
[Problem] It provides a sheet forming machine which can make the thickness in the width direction of a sheet forming body be uniform, and also can obtain a sheet forming body which is integrated in stripe shapes by using different raw materials or raw materials of different colors in the width direction of one sheet forming body.[Solution Means] A sheet forming machine for making a sheet forming body by dehydrating a raw material slurry supplied from a raw material supply tank while transporting the raw material slurry by a sheet forming belt, characterized in that the sheet forming belt has a sheet forming zone with ascending inclination, which is configured to be able to transport the raw material slurry while storing the raw material slurry, partition plates each having a shape extending in the transport direction of the raw material from a beginning end of the sheet forming zone are provided above the sheet forming belt at the sheet forming zone so as to partition the sheet forming zone in the width direction, and the length in the extending direction of the partition plate is equal to or greater than ⅙ of the width of the sheet forming belt.
US08157951B2
A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece includes a reactor chamber, an electrostatic chuck within the chamber having a top surface for supporting a workpiece and having indentations in the top surface that form enclosed gas flow channels whenever covered by a workpiece resting on the top surface. The reactor further includes thermal control apparatus thermally coupled to the electrostatic chuck, an RF plasma bias power generator coupled to apply RF power to the electrostatic chuck, a pressurized gas supply of a thermally conductive gas, a controllable gas valve coupling the pressurized gas supply to the indentations to facilitate filling the channels with the thermally conductive gas for heat transfer between a backside of a workpiece and the electrostatic chuck at a heat transfer rate that is a function of the pressure against the backside of the workpiece of the thermally conductive gas. The reactor further includes an agile workpiece temperature control loop including (a) a temperature probe in the electrostatic chuck, and (b) a backside gas pressure controller coupled to an output of the temperature probe and responsive to a specified desired temperature, the controller governing the gas valve in response to a difference between the output of the temperature probe and the desired temperature.
US08157949B2
A method of durably grafting a decorated cotton fabric to a cotton clothing such as jeans or denim is comprised of ; 1) first step of printing a pattern with first stencil on a clothing that covers a supporting plate of an automatic printing machine, 2) second step of pasting an alkali solution along the outer line of the pattern on the clothing with second stencil, 3) third step of pasting a grafting glue along the outer line of the pattern on the clothing with third stencil, 4) fourth step of pasting a water-soluble glue on one side of a fabric, 5) fifth step of pasting a burn out gel on fourth stencil that is overlapped over the fabric attached clothing, 6) sixth step of taking out the fabric attached clothing from the supporting plate of the automatic printing machine and drying the fabric attached clothing on a dryer at 160 ° C. over 2 minutes, 7) seventh step of heating and pressing the fabric attached clothing between a heating press and press longer than 5 minutes at 160 ° C. The left over of the burn out from the grated fabric can be removed by washing with washing machine. This technology can be applied to other artificial fabrics.
US08157948B2
A method of manufacturing an article comprises providing a first sheet, wetting the first sheet with a liquid precursor to provide a first wet sheet, and irradiating the first wet sheet in a pattern corresponding to a first cross section of the article such that the liquid precursor is at least partially converted to a solid in the first cross section. A second sheet is disposed adjacent to the first sheet. The method further comprises wetting the second sheet with the liquid precursor to provide a second wet sheet, and irradiating the second wet sheet in a pattern corresponding to a second cross section of the article such that the liquid precursor is at least partially converted to a solid in the second cross section. In particular the liquid precursor may be converted to a metal, ceramic, semiconductor, semimetal, or a combination of these materials.
US08157941B2
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing plastic packaging in tubular form, which process comprises a wrapping step during which a laminate (11) is wrapped, an abutting step during which the edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are butted together and a fastening step during which said edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are welded together, characterized in that a bead (12) of plastic in the molten state is extruded and deposited on the internal face of the packaging so as to cover at least the weld zone (10) defined between the edges. The energy needed to produce the weld (10) comes from the plastic bead (12).The invention also relates to packaging obtained from the aforementioned process and to a device for implementing said process.
US08157939B2
A method for manufacturing of a fiber reinforced laminate is provided that includes building up a part of the laminate to a determined thickness using at least one layer of fiber material placing a laterally extended layer on top of the partially completed laminate, the layer having in a first lateral direction a greater stiffness than in a second lateral direction and having in the first lateral direction a greater stiffness than the other layers constituting the laminate, building up a new part of the laminate to a determined thickness, and in case the thickness of the laminate built up pursuant is not as large as a desired thickness of the completed laminate, repeating steps placing a laterally extended layer and the building up a new part until the thickness of the laminate built up is equal to the desired thickness of the completed laminate.
US08157933B2
This hot rolled steel contains, in terms of mass %, C: 0.01 to 0.1%, Si: 0.01 to 0.1%, Mn: 0.1 to 3%, P: not more than 0.1%, S: not more than 0.03%, Al: 0.001 to 1%, N: not more than 0.01%, Nb: 0.005 to 0.08%, and Ti: 0.001 to 0.2%, with a remainder being iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein a formula: [Nb]×[C]≦4.34×10−3 is satisfied, a grain boundary density of solid solution C is not less than 1 atom/nm2 and not more than 4.5 atoms/nm2, and a grain size of cementite grains precipitated at grain boundaries within the steel sheet is not more than 1 μm.
US08157928B2
A main object thereof is to provide a non-oriented electrical steel sheet being excellent in surface characteristics and having both excellent mechanical characteristics and magnetic characteristics necessary for a rotor of rotating machines such as motors and generators which rotate at a high speed, and a method for producing the same. To achieve the object, the present invention provides a non-oriented electrical steel sheet comprising in % by mass: 0.06% or less of C; 3.5% or less of Si; from 0.05% or more to 3.0% or less of Mn; 2.5% or less of Al; 0.30% or less of P; 0.04% or less of S; 0.02% or less of N; at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ti, Zr and V in the predetermined range; and a balance consisting of Fe and impurities; and having a recrystallized fraction being less than 90%.
US08157926B2
There is provided a method of manufacturing a permanent magnet in which Dy and/or Tb adhered to the surface of a sintered magnet containing a lubricant can be efficiently diffused and in which the permanent magnet having high magnetic properties can be manufactured at good productivity. The permanent magnet is manufactured by executing a first step of adhering at least one of Dy and Tb to at least a part of a surface of a sintered magnet made by sintering iron-boron-rare earth based alloy raw meal powder containing a lubricant; and a second step of heat-treating the sintered magnet at a predetermined temperature to thereby disperse at least one of Dy and Tb adhered to the surface of the sintered magnet into grain boundary phase of the sintered magnet. At this time, as the sintered magnet, there is used one manufactured in an average grain size within a range of 4 μm˜8 μm.
US08157924B2
A warewasher for washing wares includes a housing defining an internal space with at least one spray zone for washing wares. A liquid delivery system provides a spray of liquid within the spray zone. A tank includes an inlet that is connected to a hot water source for filling the tank with hot water. The liquid delivery system receives water from the tank. An exhaust vents heated air from the housing. A final rinse system is connected to a cold water source. A heat recovery system is located between the final rinse system and the cold water source. The heat recovery system transfers heat from the exhaust air to the cold water provided from the cold water source. A valve associated with the hot water source selectively supplements the water exiting the heat recovery system with hot water from the hot water source.
US08157920B2
A dishwasher appliance is provided, and includes a control device configured to direct one of a series of automatic wash programs to be executed by the dishwasher appliance. Each successive automatic wash program within the series corresponds to an increased soil level of dishware to be washed with respect to the previous automatic wash program within the series. The control device is further configured to determine an elapsed time between a first and second uses of the dishwasher appliance and to select the one of the series of automatic wash programs in response thereto upon the second use, whereby, as the determined elapsed time between first and second uses increases, the selected automatic wash program within the series correspondingly progresses along the series. Associated methods are also provided.
US08157919B2
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.
US08157908B2
A materials system and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by Three Dimensional Printing. The materials system includes a transition metal catalyst that facilitates the reaction of an acrylate-containing binder with a particulate material.
US08157907B2
A coating composition comprising zeolite nanocrystals, a zeolite precursor solution, and wetting agents in a mixture of solvents is provided. The coating composition can be used to form a transparent layer having a low refractive index on a substrate for antireflection effect.
US08157902B2
The present invention is broadly directed to non-thermal plasma-based systems for reducing the amount of particulate matter in a gas stream, as well as to methods for using such systems. The present invention is particularly directed to such non-thermal plasma-based particulate matter reduction systems with self-cleaning surfaces. Particularly contemplated are self-cleaning surfaces that reduce particulate matter buildup such as is likely to cause the reduction of non-thermal plasma production in the system, and therefore the ability of such systems to reduce the amount of particulate matter in the gas stream.
US08157897B2
A system for removing matter from a filtering device is disclosed. The system may have an impact wave generating device. The system may further have a vacuum source to draw matter away from the filtering device.
US08157896B2
An airnet constructed of a filtering fabric sewn in the shape of a windsock is connected to the discharge end of a fan. Actuation of the fan causes ambient air to flow through the fan and into the airnet. The air passes through the filtering fabric of the airnet and particulate matter in the ambient air is trapped and retained within the airnet. The airnet and fan combined form a portable air filtration system capable of filtering the ambient air in confined spaces, such as bathrooms being finished or remodeled, in a relatively quick and efficient manner.
US08157894B2
An impact filter suitable for a kitchen exhaust hood is provided with a grease trap to capture grease particles and channel the particles away. The trap can be of different configurations. The filter can be used in various processes to clean air streams, such as filtering processes for removing grease and other cooking exhaust particles and other processes for removing grease particles.
US08157889B2
A magnetic metal powder having fluidity is provided which is composed of FePt nanoparticles synthesized by the polyol synthesis method that possess fct (face-centered tetragonal) structure and exhibit crystal magnetic anisotropy from immediately after synthesis. Specifically, there is provided a magnetic metal powder having fluidity which is composed of magnetic metal particles whose main components and the contents thereof are represented by the following general formula (1): [TXM1−X]YZ1−Y (1), where T is one or both of Fe and Co, M is one or both of Pt and Pd, Z is at least one member selected from the group composed of Ag, Cu, Bi, Sb, Pb and Sn, X represents 0.3˜0.7, and Y represents 0.7˜1.0, the balance being impurities unavoidably incorporated during production, which magnetic metal powder has a volumetric ratio of ferromagnetic structure (face-centered tetragonal ratio) as measured by Mossbauer spectroscopy in the range of 10˜100%, saturation magnetization σs of 20 emu/g or greater, and average primary particle diameter by transmission electron microscopic observation (TEM) of 30 nm or less.
US08157878B2
A dust collector system including a plurality of air filters that are at least partially self-cleaning via a pulsed air system. The dust collector system presents a self-aligning, tool-free assembly for providing the pulsed air. The pulsed air system includes an air distribution assembly including an air distribution manifold having a plurality of purge pipes and a frame for supporting at least some of the purge pipes, wherein at least two or more of the purge pipes are coupled together in a generally unitary assembly; and a positioning assembly for selectively positioning and removably locking the air distribution manifold in either of a service position or an operational position.
US08157877B2
A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes (A) abrasive grains having a pore volume of 0.14 ml/g or more, and (B) a dispersion medium.
US08157876B2
A wiresaw cutting fluid composition of the present invention comprises about 25 to about 75% by weight of a particulate abrasive suspended in an aqueous carrier containing a polymeric viscosity modifier that comprises a polymer including a majority of non-ionic monomer units (preferably 100 mol % non-ionic monomer units), has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least about 5 kDa, and is present in the composition at a concentration sufficient to provide a Brookfield viscosity for the composition in the range of about 50 to about 1000 cP, e.g., 50 to about 700 cP, at about 25° C. at a spindle rotation rate of about 60 rpm. In one embodiment, the viscosity modifier comprises a polymer having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least about 200 kDa. When a viscosity modifier of 200 kDa or greater Mw is utilized, a preferred wiresaw cutting method the cutting fluid is circulated and applied by pumps and nozzles operating at a relatively low shear rate of not more than about 104 s−1.
US08157873B2
The present lipid-based wax compositions commonly include a polyol fatty acid ester component (made up of partial and/or completely esterified polyols). Generally, at least a portion of the polyol fatty acid ester has been subjected to a transesterification reaction. Lipid-based wax compositions having a melting point of about 48° C. to about 75° C. can be particularly advantageous for use in forming candles. The wax may contain other components such as mineral wax, plant wax, insect wax, and/or other components. The polyol fatty acid ester component can include triacylglycerols such as those derived from plant oils (soybean oil, palm oil, etc.). The polyol ester component may be characterized based on one or more of its physical characteristics, such as SFI-40, SFI-10, typical crystal structure, IV, melting curve, and/or other properties.
US08157866B2
A method and apparatus of performing a procedure relative to the glenohumeral joint. Resection of the glenoid and/or the humerus can proceed through an incision formed near the glenohumeral joint. The incision can be formed generally near a superior-lateral portion near the glenohumeral joint and allow less invasive access to the glenohumeral joint and the portions that form the glenohumeral joint. A stem is positioned into a resected humerus through the incision. A humeral head is coupled to the stem within the incision after the stem has been coupled to the patient's humerus.
US08157863B2
A method of augmenting a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises forming a first opening in an annulus of the intervertebral disc and forming a second opening in the annulus of the intervertebral disc. The method further comprises providing a space creation instrument including an expandable spacing device and introducing the spacing device through the first opening and into the nucleus pulposus. The method further comprises introducing a material delivery instrument through the second opening and into the nucleus pulposus and expanding the spacing device to create a space within the nucleus pulposus. The method also comprises injecting a biocompatible material from the material delivery instrument and into the space within the nucleus pulposus.
US08157860B2
Several unique intracardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intracardiac pressure vents presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms but also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombus or other embolic material from entering the arterial circulation.
US08157854B2
Method and system for delivery of coated implants is provided. One embodiment encompasses a coated implant delivery system. This system includes an implant delivery device having a first end, a second end, and an inner lumen, wherein the first end has a releasable implant retention region with an accessible surface having a coated implant adhesion-resistant treatment. In another embodiment a method of deploying a coated releasable implant at a target site of a vessel using an implant delivery system is provided. This method includes inserting a portion of an implant delivery device having a releasable implant into the vessel, advancing the implant delivery device to the target site, deploying the releasable implant from the delivery device, and withdrawing the inserted portion of the implant delivery device from the vessel. The implant delivery device in this embodiment has a releasable implant retention region with an accessible surface having a coated implant adhesion-resistant treatment and wherein the releasable implant has a first coating that faces the accessible surface of the releasable implant retention region.
US08157853B2
A method of deploying an implantable stented device in an anatomical location of a patient, including the steps of providing a delivery system with first and second stent engagement structures at its distal end, attaching a first structural element of the stented device to the first stent engagement structure and attaching a second structural element of the stented device to the second stent engagement structure, advancing the stented device to an implantation site, and sequentially disengaging the first structural element of the stented device from the first stent engagement structure of the delivery system and then disengaging the second structural element of the stented device from the second stent engagement structure.
US08157841B2
A method includes inserting an implant having a support member and a retention member movably coupled to the support member such that at least a portion of the support member of the implant is disposed between a first spinous process and a second spinous process. The implant is rotated relative to the first spinous process and the second spinous process about an axis substantially normal to a mid-line axis of a spinal column while the portion of the support member is disposed between the first spinous process and the second spinous process. In some embodiments, the implant is rotated such that an inner surface of an end portion of the retention member is between an outer surface of the end portion of the retention member and the first spinous process. The retention member is translated relative to the support member.
US08157840B2
A method of inserting an interspinous-process implant includes using an insertion tool. The insertion tool includes an inner shaft disposed at least partially within an outer shaft. The inner shaft is longitudinally displaceable relative to the outer shaft and rotatably engagable with the implant. The implant is alignable with a first engagement portion on the tool, advantageously when a second engagement portion associated with the inner shaft is retracted.
US08157836B2
A system including an implantable fastener for fastening layers of tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a proximal anchor member and a distal anchor member each being movable from a reduced profile position to a deployed position. The anchor members are mesh structures capable of moving to the deployed position by reducing the axial spacing between opposite ends of the anchor members.Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also disclosed. One of the methods includes placing the distal anchor member through a hole formed in the wall of the esophagus and through a hole formed in the gastric wall. The distal anchor member and the proximal anchor member are then placed in their deployed positions to fasten the wall of the esophagus and the gastric wall together between the anchor members.
US08157818B2
The integrated medical apparatus includes an operator handle end and a multi-prong grasping member positioned within and movable relative to a grasper lumen that extends from the handle end, wherein the grasping prongs are moved between an open and closed position by relative axial movement between the prongs of the grasping member and the grasper lumen. The medical apparatus includes a contractible snare and a plurality of axially moveable snare pushing arms. At least two of the snare pushing arms include a snare holding and release mechanism, wherein the snare pushing arms are configured to advance the snare in an open, encircling position to a final deployed position where the snare can be released through the activation of the holding and release mechanism of the pushing arms, and finally tightened in a conventional fashion, such as pulling on an end of the snare at the handle end.
US08157815B2
Integrated systems and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
US08157808B2
The invention relates to an insertion instrument for an endoprosthesis (1), which comprises a neck part (12) and a shaft part (10) which is to be inserted into a medullary cavity, comprising a clamping device (2) which is provided with a holding fork (25) and a thrust bearing (26), which are embodied in such a manner that the endoprosthesis (1) is held fixedly in a clamped state and is released in an unclamped state, in addition to a striker device (3). The aim of the invention is to simplify the safe and precise insertion thereof such that a guide rail (23) for a striker element is arranged in a fixed manner on the clamping device (2) and is oriented in such a manner that a path, which is determined by the guide rail, leads to an end face of the endoprosthesis (1) which is held in the clamping device (2).
US08157803B1
System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing a bone using an intramedullary nail interlocked with a buttress member disposed on the bone.
US08157800B2
An apparatus for lengthening of extremities includes at least two supporting rings, a plurality of spikes mounted in each of the at least two supporting rings by spike-fixating elements, the at least two supporting rings connected with one another by threaded rods, which are displaced into rectilinear movement by automated drives connected with a portable block for power supply and control. Each automated drive includes a screw pair composed of a threaded rod and a threaded insert mounted via two bearings that are spaced from one another, and movable through a reducer with a stepper motor. The portable block is provided with elements for controlling a speed and a direction of movement of each of the automated drives, and a unit is provided for calculation and indication of displacement supplied by each of the automated drives.
US08157799B2
The invention concerns a bipolar coagulation probe (10) having an electrode tip (14) which has an end face (16) in which a pole (17) of a first electrode (18) and a pole (19) of a second electrode (20) are integrated. In accordance with the invention the bipolar coagulation probe (10) includes a temperature control unit (26) with a temperature control medium for temperature control of the end face (16).
US08157793B2
In a manipulator, an actuator block contains motors and rotary shafts extending from the motors. A working unit of the manipulator contains a connecting portion, attachable to and detachable from the actuator block. The connecting portion has pulleys connectable to ends of the rotary shafts, and has a locking plate movable by alignment pins. The locking plate has slits, which are engaged with plate-shaped portions formed on the upper ends of the pulleys. A coil spring is placed between the locking plate and a top plate.
US08157791B2
A system and method for post-operation care for a liposuction procedure including a compression garment and a set of absorptive garments that includes a first absorptive garment and a second absorptive garment. The compression garment includes a first portion and each absorptive garment includes an absorptive material, a fluid resistant material, and a fastener. The first absorptive garment is coupled to the body of the patient and fastened to envelop the first portion of the absorptive garment and the second absorptive garment is couple to the body of the patient and fastened to the first portion of the absorptive garment upon removal of the first absorptive garment.
US08157774B1
Apparatus and methods for collecting stem cells from an umbilical cord utilize a plurality of needles that are inserted into the umbilical cord. The needles may be fenestrated, and may have a common output to a line via which the stem cells are collected. A negative pressure source, such as a vacuum, may be used to draw the cells through the needles and the line. Apparatus for holding the umbilical cord, compressing the umbilical cord, positioning the plurality of needles in relation to the umbilical cord, guiding insertion of the needles toward and into the umbilical cord, withdrawing blood from the umbilical cord, and/or collecting blood withdrawn from the umbilical cord may be provided. One or more one-way check valves may be used to control fluid flow. Additionally or alternatively, a shunt may be used during blood collection to prevent backflow through the needles.
US08157765B2
A medical catheter assembly including either a reinforced balloon bolster or the combination of a balloon bolster and a wire-basket bolster. According to one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a low-profile replacement PEG device comprising a feeding tube, an external bolster, an end cap and an internal bolster. The internal bolster comprises a first expandable structure and a second expandable structure. In one embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure comprises reinforcing members. In another embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure is a wire basket bolster. The feeding tube has a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen, extending parallel longitudinally. The external bolster is fixed to the external end of the feeding tube and has a feeding lumen aligned with that of the tube and an inflation lumen aligned with that of the tube.
US08157758B2
A connector system is provided for use in priming a fluid circuit. The system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to couple with one end of a conduit. The first connector has a gas permeable membrane, a main lumen extending from the gas permeable membrane, and a second lumen. The second lumen has a first end configured to couple with a fluid source and a second end in fluid communication with the main lumen. The second connector is configured to couple with an end of a cannula. The second connector has an end configured to be inserted through the gas permeable membrane into the first connector, whereby fluid communication can be established between the main lumen of the first connector and the cannula lumen.
US08157756B2
A knee orthodic is provided with two load-bearing joints (12, 14), each joint having a proximal leg (16.1, 16.2) and a distal leg (18.1, 18.2). The knee orthodic, may be adapted more easily to a changing knee width. This is achieved in that the proximal legs (16.1, 16.2) are connected by a proximal joint (24) and the distal joints (18.1, 18.2) are connected by a distal joint, said proximal legs (16.1, 16.2) being connected pivotally and fixably relative to one another in the proximal joint (24) in the form of a rotary joint about a proximal joint pivot axis (P).
US08157738B2
A method and an apparatus for an ultrasound system provide compression of ultrasound signal samples after analog to digital conversion and before beamforming. The analog ultrasound signals received from an array of ultrasound transducer elements are digitally sampled by a plurality of analog to digital converters (ADCs) to produce a plurality of sequences of signal samples. Each sequence of signal samples is compressed to form a corresponding sequence of compressed samples. The resulting sequences of compressed samples are transferred via a digital interface to an ultrasound signal processor. At the ultrasound signal processor, the received sequences of compressed samples are decompressed. The typical processing operations, such as beamforming, downconversion and detection, are applied to decompressed samples. This abstract does not limit the scope of the invention as described in the claims.
US08157737B2
The present invention provides a method and device for spatial compound imaging. The method comprises steps of receiving a component image C(i, j), where i denotes a steering scan cycle, and j a steering angle of the component image; computing a differential image by subtracting a component image C(i−1,j) from the component image C(i, j) with the same steering angle from a previous steering scan cycle; pre-processing said differential image; compounding the pre-processed differential image and a previous compounded image to form a new compounded image.
US08157732B2
A detection-rate calculating unit calculates a detection rate representing a ratio of number of interval data representing a time interval of one cycle of a waveform of at least one of a pulse and a heart rate, generated within a predetermined reference time to a sum of the number of the interval data and number of error data representing a content of an error occurred while the interval data is generated. When the detection rate is larger than the first threshold, an index calculating unit calculates an autonomic-nervous index representing an autonomic-nervous activity state, based on the interval data generated within the reference time.
US08157728B2
A vaginal speculum includes an upper blade member and a lower blade member that is movably connected with respect to the upper blade. The lower blade member includes an integrated handle portion having a receiving cavity configured for interchangeably receiving one of a first illumination assembly and a substantially different second illumination assembly. The first illumination assembly differs from the second illumination assembly by at least one structural and/or functional aspect, such as the form of power supply, the type of light source and physical size of the assembly housing.
US08157727B2
An endoscopic device and method of use for facilitating movement of an elongate insertion element through a tortuous passageway includes a tissue engaging section having an outer wall with a plurality of openings that communicate with at least one of a source of vacuum and a source of irrigation, and a porous fabric extending over at least a portion of the tissue engaging section. The tissue engaging section can be appended to an accessory channel formed on an outer surface of the elongate insertion element, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the tissue engaging section is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the insertion element, or can be in the form of an elongate helical ribbon disposed around at least a portion of the insertion element. The movement of the device is effected by applying suction to draw tissue to the device, thus straightening the passageway. The suction can be removed or reduced and then the device can be further advanced along the passageway.
US08157720B2
A supplemental blood flow system for assisting with blood circulation in a patient. The system includes a supplemental blood flow device implantable in the patient and a controller for directing electrical power to the supplemental blood flow device and controlling the flow rate of blood through the device. The controller includes first and second power inlets and a power outlet. The power outlet is adapted to be coupled to an electrical line leading to the supplemental blood flow device. A portable programming module may be coupled to at least one of the first and second power inlets and operable to allow pump operating parameters stored in the controller to be changed according to the needs of the patient.
US08157711B2
This invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell having a handle that can be dropped down between nested left and right stacks of weight plates. The weight plates can comprise individual weights or a pair of weight plates, one from each stack, can be connected together to form a single weight. A selector is provided to allow the user to select a desired number of weight plates from each stack and couple such weight plates to the handle to provide an adjustable weight dumbbell. Each weight includes a weight frame having at least one carrier to which a commodity weight can be fastened. The dumbbell can be shipped by the manufacturer with empty weight frames to reduce shipping costs. When the dumbbell with empty weight frames reaches a destination, the dumbbell can be completed by securing commodity weights to the carriers on the respective weight frames.
US08157710B2
This is an exercise apparatus and system charactered generally by the presence of a user interface member haying a point of attachment to the apparatus that is posttionable at different locations along an arcuate path determined, dicated and/or supported/braced bv an arcuate guide The central axis of the arcuate oath mav intersect the ball joint of a user. The arcuate oath and the arcuate guide mav lie in spaced substantially parallel planes and the user interface member be one of a rigid arm with a handio or forearm interface, or a flexible member with a froo handle at its end forming the user interface. A flexible linkage forms pan of the operative connection betwoen the user interface and a weight stack or other apparatus providing adjustable resistance, with the flexible linkage being reeved through a centering cuiley proximate the central axis of the arcuate member.
US08157708B2
Sensing applications for exercise machines are described. An example sensing application for profiling a workout session of an exercise machine comprises a user interface to input physical characteristics or workout parameters. A sensor is operatively coupled to the exercise machine to generate an output signal in proportion to a magnitude of a force imparted on the exercise machine in response to an impact to the exercise machine. A control system processes the output signal to determine a magnitude of a peak or trough value of the output signal, where the control system is to process the peak or trough value of the output signal to profile the exercise session.
US08157703B2
The object of the present invention is to suppress the generation of abnormal noise from a transmission system that occurs when a vehicle is turning. A front wheel output shaft is directly linked with the transmission system, and a rear wheel output shaft is linked to the transmission system via a transfer clutch. When the front wheel output shaft rpm Nf and the rear wheel output shaft rpm Nr separate from each other beyond a specified value (α2) while turning a corner, and then the accelerator pedal is released and the engine rpm Ne and turbine rpm Nt approach each other beyond a specified value (β2), and then if vibration at a specified vibration frequency appears in the front wheel output shaft rpm Nf (γ2), the duty ratio Rd of the clutch pressure control valve 52 is decreased (δ2). Next, as the duty ratio Rd decreases, when it is determined that vibration in the front wheel output shaft rpm Nf has been eliminated (ε2), normal slip control is restored, and control is performed so that the duty ratio Rd is increased again (ζ2). By doing this, it is possible to suppress vibration of the front wheel output shaft, and thus suppress the generation of abnormal noise from the transmission system.
US08157700B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, an intermediate member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and five torque transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gear sets include first, second and third members. The plurality of interconnecting members each continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of the planetary gear sets with another one of the first, second and third members of the planetary gear sets, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08157699B2
An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed.
US08157698B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08157686B2
The invention relates to a device (1) for the transmission of power between a shaft (2) of a heat engine (3) and a wheel (5) axle shaft (4) of a motor vehicle. The inventive device (1) comprises at least one electrical machine (6, 7) comprising a machine shaft (8, 9) and a mechanical pump (11) comprising a pump shaft (55). The shaft (2) of the engine (3) and the machine shaft (8, 9) are connected to the pump shaft (55) by means of a mechanism (12) comprising two free wheels. The connection between the pump (11) and the shafts (8, 9) of the transmission device is such that the pump (11) can be driven in any vehicle operating mode.
US08157679B2
A projectile-based system for impeding the escape of a game animal, whereby the projectile is an arrow or a crossbow bolt, the system comprising an environmental engagement device, a retention device, and a tether, with the environmental engagement device suitably adapted to pass through the game animal and thereafter to engage with the environment, the retention device suitably adapted to engage with the game animal and become secured thereto, and the tether suitably adapted to attach the environmental engagement device to the retention device, the tether being suitably adapted to withstand without breaking the forces applied by the game animal to the tether in the course of attempting an escape, thereby retaining the game animal to the environmental engagement device, whereby the engagement of the environmental engagement device with the environment substantially impedes the escape of the game animal.
US08157672B2
A golf club head with an increased moment of inertia (MOI) about the X axis and the Z axis. Generally, the MOI about the Z axis is at least about 4400 g·cm2 and the MOI about the X axis is at least about 2500 g·cm2. The radius of the bulge of the club face is increased while the radius of the roll is reduced to compensate for the gear effect produced by the increased MOIs. The bulge curvature is generally between about 0.016 cm−1 and about 0.028 cm−1, and the roll curvature is between about 0.033 cm−1 and about 0.066 cm−1. The roll curvature is greater than the bulge curvature.
US08157671B1
A golf club head is described, in one embodiment, including a body with an exterior surface defining a first body volume of at least about 400 cm3. The body has a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, and a back portion. A face positioned at the front portion of the body and is configured to receive an impact. A top portion silhouette profile located along a perimeter of the top portion is further described. The top portion silhouette profile defines the outer bounds of the top portion in an X-direction and Y-direction. At least one indentation is located on the bottom portion below the crown silhouette profile. The removal of the at least one indentation from the bottom portion creates a second body volume that is at least 12 cm3 larger than the first body volume.
US08157669B2
A shaft for a golf club having a total length and a total weight. The shaft includes first and second tubular portions. The first and second tubular portions are formed of first and second materials, respectively. The second tubular portion has a proximal end and a tip end. The tip end has an outside diameter of less than 0.400 inches. The distal end of the first tubular portion is co-cured to the proximal end of the second tubular portion. The shaft has a resistance to twisting about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, when tested under a torsional stability test and measured at an approximate midpoint of the total length of the shaft, of less than 2.0 degrees in a torsional stability test. The shaft when measured from the tip end of the shaft in a balance point test device has a balance point of less than 46 percent.
US08157667B2
The golf swing training aid for simulating the feeling of creating a divot during a practice golf swing includes a flexible mat including an upper surface and a leading edge. A flexible ball support member is spaced from the leading edge for temporarily supporting a golf ball therebetween. The support member resiliently flexes away from the leading edge as the golf ball is struck by a golf club permitting the golf club to travel below the upper surface immediately beyond the leading edge and provide a divot feedback to a golfer. The upper surface or the ball support member comprises resiliently flexible plastic and can also include a ball alignment feature. The flexible mat includes an upper pad overlying a turf layer disposed above a resiliently flexible base layer. The flexible mat comprises a U-shaped recess where the ball support member is disposed within.
US08157662B1
An L-shaped billiard table system comprising a pocket-specific ball return feature.
US08157661B2
A bellows for a joint arrangement may include pleats, an axis and a joint end, a zone of the joint end being produced by blow molding and forming a receiver for a retaining ring. The receiver, in the proximity of the pleats, has a plurality of outward-pointing bulged portions that form a recess and at least one inclined receiving edge.
US08157655B2
A secured gaming table device that uses TITO and RFID to use and exchange vouchers, winnings from slot machines, promotions, and coupons; provide cashless payout from a gaming table; provide transaction receipts; link gaming tables; and connect and use systems in use, such as the TITO System and Player Tracking System, for credit transfer to and from game vouchers, player tracking cards, promotional coupons, cash, RFID chips, and non-RFID chips, among others, thereby expanding the use of credit transfer to include gaming tables. The secured gaming table device includes a gaming printer, barcode reader or scanner, bill validator, interface, and keypad, among others; and connects to host systems for the issuance and redemption of vouchers and/or promotional coupons at a gaming table.
US08157651B2
A game system comprises image obtaining means, direction calculation means, first rotation means, and display control means. The image obtaining means obtains an image taken by an imaging device. The direction calculation means calculates a direction originally determined from the image of an imaging target included in the image taken by the imaging device. The first rotation means rotates an operation target in accordance with the calculated direction. The display control means generates an image in accordance with the rotation of the operation target performed by the first rotation means and displays the generated image on a screen of a display device.
US08157644B2
Disclosed is a gaming system for awarding a bonus to a player of a wager-based game of chance. The gaming system includes one or more gaming devices configured to play games of chance and one or more host devices in communication with the gaming devices over a network. The host device(s) are configured to: i) receive an indication of a bonus award to be provided to a player of the gaming device, ii) receive or retrieve a selection parameter, and iii) select one of a plurality of weighted pay tables stored in a storage medium using the selection parameter. Each weighted pay table includes a plurality of awards and a plurality of probabilities, where each award has an associated one of the probabilities. The host device(s) are further configured to: iv) randomly determine one of the plurality of awards in the selected weighted pay table in accordance with the plurality of probabilities, and v) provide the randomly determined award as the bonus award for the player. Generally, each weighted pay table has an expected value (EV), which can be determined and adjusted by an operator of the gaming establishment.
US08157639B2
According to a gaming system of the present invention, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the slot machines, as a cumulative value, and transmits cumulative-value information based on the cumulative value obtained by the counting to the slot machines. The slot machine determines the number of special symbols that can be displayed to the symbol display, based on the received cumulative-value information.
US08157638B2
A method includes displaying a button graphic on a touch screen video display device associated with a gaming machine. The button graphic defines a button display area on the touch screen video display device which may be touched to cause a touch screen controller associated with the touch screen video display device to generate a game feature input. In response to the game feature input, a game feature in a game offered through the gaming machine is modified in some fashion. In addition to displaying the button graphic, the button graphic is modified to add a first message regarding the game feature. This modification of the button graphic is performed in association with a modification of the game feature, and the first message includes text indicating that the game feature has been modified.
US08157635B2
A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. One aspect relates to accumulating outcomes. Another relates to incentives provided to player program member(s). In some embodiments, the person does not need to be qualified. In one embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location, in another at a redemption location. In one embodiment, a player is required to take an action in order to redeem an outcome. In some embodiments, game play and/or redemption and/or any action must occur in a specified time, respectively. In one embodiment the electronic game is not located at a gambling location, in another it is not located at a redemption location. According to another aspect, redemption systems and methods are provided for facilitating determination and validation of bonus awards by a bonus game operator. According to one embodiment, processing of redemption occurs at a gambling location using equipment connected to a bonus game operator, that retrieves awards corresponding to player entries.
US08157632B2
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a wagering game with multiple levels. A player can place an initial wager on a first wagering game which uses a first paytable. If the player wins the first game, then the initial wager is paid using the first paytable. The initial wager stays alive and is the initial wager is then bet on a second wagering game which pays a player win on the initial wager using a second paytable. The second paytable is typically more player favorable than the first paytable. Before the second wagering game, a second wager can be placed on the second wagering game which would pay using the first paytable. Thus, multiple wagers can be placed simultaneously which each use different paytables.
US08157631B2
A gaming device having a primary game and a secondary game is provided. The gaming device includes a primary game, such as blackjack or 21 operable on a wager by a player, and an optional secondary game that is operable on a secondary game wager by a player. After placing a secondary game wager and satisfying certain criteria in the primary game, one or more players are provided with a secondary game card to be used in the secondary game. The secondary game is resolved after a player has accumulated a plurality of secondary game cards over the course of several sequentially played rounds of the primary game.
US08157630B2
A game of skill and chance is provided in which a random element selection device is used to indicate an element a player or computer is to remove from a grid of objects. When a predetermined outcome in the game is obtained, then the player is a winner if the outcome is attained within a predetermined period. A player may play against the odds or may play against other players.
US08157624B2
The present disclosure includes various method, device, and system embodiments for meat processing. One such method embodiment includes obtaining animal data for an animal selected to have a solution introduced into its circulatory system in a rinsing process and determining an insertion location based on the animal data. This method embodiment also includes establishing a fluid conduit from a reservoir through the insertion location into the circulatory system of the selected animal by inserting a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir through the insertion location. The method further includes activating flow of a solution from the reservoir through the fluid conduit to introduce the solution into the circulatory system of the animal.
US08157617B2
Semiconductor wafers are CMP polished by polishing the rear side of the semiconductor wafer by means of CMP with a material removal with a profile along the diameter of the wafer wherein material removal is higher at the center than at the edge of the rear side; and polishing the front side of the wafer by means of CMP with a material removal with a profile along the diameter of the wafer wherein material removal is lower in the center of the front side than in an edge region of the front side.
US08157610B1
A small stuffed animal (10) is worn on the wrist of a user (14) and is held on via long arms featuring hook and loop fasteners. When the user wishes to activate the toy, the user places the animal's mouth close to the user's ear. A sensor (50) detects this action, and triggers one of many entertaining audio messages stored in the toy, thus creating the sensation of the animal whispering in the user's ear. In addition, the toy has a sensor (30) that can detect the presence of nearby location transmitters. This allows the toy to appropriately choose the audio messages to match the current location. Also, rather than waiting for the user to randomly discover the location driven messages, the toy alerts the user that it has an interesting message waiting.
US08157607B2
A throwing disc includes an elliptical, continuous, flexible frame which changes shape during flight. The flexible frame defines a central opening through the thickness thereof. The flexible frame has an arched shape with a height that changes during flight and which defines a three dimensional cavity situated at the bottom side of the frame to provide lift to the throwing disc during flight.
US08157606B2
A fabricating method of an electron-emitting device is provided. The fabricating method of the electron-emitting device includes at least following procedures. Firstly, a substrate is provided. Next, a first electrode and a second electrode are formed on the substrate. Afterward, a conductive layer covering the first electrode and the second electrode is formed on the substrate. Then, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a gap are formed by patterning the conductive layer. The gap is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. After that, a plasma process is performed at the first conductive layer and second conductive layer.
US08157603B2
An electrical screw terminal comprising a metal tunnel through which an elongate passage runs designed to receive a connection strip and comprising a tapped hole passing through a wall of said tunnel. The terminal comprises a telescopic screw passing through the tapped hole and comprising an operating head designed to be actuated to command said screw, a tightening head designed to clamp an electrical conductor and the connection strip. The telescopic screw comprises at least a first section having an external thread designed to collaborate with the tapped hole and having an internal thread designed to collaborate with an external thread of at least a second cylindrical section. The operating head comprises a single driving profile to drive said sections together in rotation via drive means.
US08157600B2
A modular jack assembly having a housing and a plug interface contact (PIC) sled subassembly insertable into the housing. The PIC sled subassembly provides an electrical and mechanical interface between PICs and a male-type plug receivable in an opening in the housing. The PIC sled subassembly is defined in part by multiple slots formed in the PIC sled subassembly that receive the PICs. The design of the PICs compensates for independent near-end cross-talk vectors and far-end cross-talk vectors to obtain a desired level of electrical characteristics.
US08157597B2
A structural improvement for a contact pin, in which a contact pin is provided with a main body, from one end of which extends a connecting portion, and a contact portion extends from the other end. The contact portion is provided with tapered sections which form a terminal. Accordingly, when using the contact pin, combination of the tapered sections and the terminal of the contact portion enables accommodating electrical portions of different types of batteries and forming a corresponding electrical contact therewith, thereby achieving practical advancement enabling universal use of the single contact pin to accommodate many kinds of specifications.
US08157578B2
An universal plug adapter with multiple retractable pin plugs, comprising: a main body, at least a set of pin plug, an orientation guide rod allowing sliding of pin plug and a slide block restricting the shift of pin plug; the pin plug comprises of at least a pair of pins of international standard size, of which a single pin plug can be pushed every time; a sliding groove is set laterally onto the slide block; the groove is deep upwards and shallow downwards; the pin plug is provided with a bulge; when the pin plug is pushed, the bulge moves along the groove of the slide block groove; given the different depth of the groove, the bulge pushes the slide block to shift, such that the bulges on other pin plug cannot be aligned with the center of the groove, so other pin plugs not yet pushed are restricted in original position.
US08157575B1
A combination terminal includes a first logic circuit that is configured to interface with a first device using a first protocol. The combination terminal also includes a second logic circuit configured to interface with a second device using a second protocol. The combination terminal includes a retractable portion that includes a first plurality of contacts and retracts based upon an insertion of the second device; connects a first portion of the first device with the first logic circuit; and selects an active logic circuit. The combination terminal includes a static portion comprising a second plurality of contacts and connects the second device with the second logic circuit; and connects a second portion of the first device with the first logic circuit using the second plurality of contacts. The first device is connected to the first logic circuit using the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts.
US08157573B2
A connector includes contact portions of signal contacts that are provided in pairs and contact portions of ground contacts arranged in a row in a contact arrangement direction that is orthogonal to a housing fitting direction. The respective contact portions of each of the pairs of signal contacts are disposed between the contact portions of the ground contacts adjacent in the contact arrangement direction. The connection portion of one of the signal contacts of each pair and a first connection portion of each ground contact are alternately arranged in a row in the contact arrangement direction. The connection portion of the other of the signal contacts of the pair and a second connection portion of each ground contact are alternately arranged in a row in the contact arrangement direction.
US08157568B2
An ophthalmologic ball model having a set of ocular parts of a human anatomy comprises of molded components of a ductile resin such as soft silicone, polyurethane resin, fluorine resin, synthetic rubber, natural rubber or a combination of these resins; said parts are transparent or are colored and are patterned; said parts are in a solid form or a sheet form which can be attachable or removable; and such a structure is adopted as a model as to be transformed by pressure.
US08157555B2
An extrusion feed device for a composite resin capable of forming a composite resin extruded material having a variety of layer configurations not necessarily symmetrical. A plurality of cylindrical flow passages (3) and (4) for feeding a molten resin, an opening/closing valve (7) capable of opening/closing a center flow passage (36) and a cylindrical flow passage (4a), and a center opening/closing valve (39) capable of opening/closing the center flow passage are provided at the upstream side end part (2a) of a discharge passage (2) for delivering the composite resin extruded material. A main resin (30a) forming an outside layer is always fed from the cylindrical flow passage (3), and the other molten resin (30b) and/or (30c) as an auxiliary resin is fed, at a proper timing, from the cylindrical flow passage (4) and the center flow passage (36) on the inside into the molten resin (30a) on the outside by controlling the opening/closing valve (7) or the center opening/closing valve (39). Thus, the composite resin mass in a variety of forms can be provided by involving, for example, multiple types of resins in the main resin layer in the state of being not involved in each other.
US08157551B2
A face of a base of an orbiting scroll member is aligned with a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing includes a back pressure pocket and a seal for sealing the back pressure pocket to entrap a compressed fluid. There is a tap for tapping fluid at a discharge pressure into said back pressure pocket.
US08157550B2
In a scroll compressor, a fixed scroll (3) and a movable scroll (5) each having a spiral body are engaged with each other, grooves (13, 14) extending along the spiral shape of the spiral body are formed on the forward end surface of the spiral body of at least either one of the fixed scroll and movable scroll, and tip seals (11, 12) are disposed in the grooves so as to project from the forward end surface and be slidable on the bottom plate surface of the other scroll facing the forward end surface. The tip seals have large projection parts (17, 18) with a larger amount of projection from the forward end surface and small projection parts (19, 20) with a smaller amount of projection from the forward end surface, and the large projection parts and small projection parts are arranged alternately in the direction along the spiral shape of the spiral body. The scroll compressor does not produce an excessive load at the end of the wall of the scroll while achieving the same sealability as in the case of conventional structures, i.e., the efficiency of the compressor can be improved.
US08157539B2
By inserting a protruding portion (8b), which is installed to a center position of a rear end surface (8x) of a fixed body (8), into a hole (4a), which is provided to a center position of an end surface (4x) on a side of a fixed body (8) of a fixed shaft (4) that is connected to a fixed body (3), the fixed bodies (3) and (8) and the fixed shaft (4) are connected. As a result, a sleeve (5) can be removed only by dismantling the fixed body (3).
US08157537B2
Apparatus, methods, and system for wireless remote monitoring and controlling a sucker rod pump for producing hydrocarbons, providing self-adjusting methods for operation over a wide-range of operating conditions according to algorithms that automatically compensate for offset and amplitude drift in sensor data, automatically identify pump off conditions, and automatically optimize hold down time.
US08157536B2
A rotating speed adjustment circuit for a heat dissipation fan includes a first node, a second node, a reception end for receiving a first control signal, a first resistor coupled to a voltage source and the first node, a second resistor coupled to the first node and the second node, a third resistor coupled to the second node and a ground end, a capacitor coupled to the first node and the ground end, a transistor coupled to the reception end, the second node and the ground end, an oscillator for generating an oscillating signal, and a comparator for comparing a signal of the first node and the oscillating signal, so as to output a second control signal to control a rotating speed of the heat dissipation fan.
US08157535B2
An inflatable product includes an inflatable body having an exterior wall defining at least one air chamber therein, at least one electrical air pump unit, an electrical switch connected electrically to the electrical air pump unit, and at least one controller. The controller is operable manually to activate the electrical air pump unit so as to perform a selected one of inflation, full deflation, and partial deflation of the air chamber in the inflatable body.
US08157533B2
A wind turbine blade comprising an active elastic member arranged with access to the surface of the wind turbine blade is provided. The active elastic member is deformable from a first shape to a second shape and the lift coefficient of the airfoil with the active elastic member in the first shape is larger than the lift coefficient of the airfoil with the active elastic member in the second shape. Furthermore, a wind turbine comprising such a wind turbine blade and a method of operating a wind turbine comprising such a wind turbine blade are provided.
US08157529B2
A blade structure of a torque converter, having a plurality of blades, is produced according to processes. The processes has (a) stamping a plane plate into a first shape, the first shape has (i) the plurality of circumferentially arranged blades, (ii) ring-shaped first connecting portions, each of which integrally couples the adjacent blades together at an outer circumference side of the blade structure, and (iii) ring-shaped second connecting portions, each of which integrally couples the adjacent blades together at an inner circumference side of the blade structure, (b) curving a surface of the stamped blade, (c) inclining the blade at a predetermined angle with respect to the first and second connecting portions while inclining the first and second connecting portions, and (d) adjusting a distance between the adjacent blades and shrinking the first shape in a radial direction by the inclination of the first and second connecting portions.
US08157528B1
Methods of constructing plasma actuating cascade arrays for actively controlling airflow over rotorcraft blades are described herein. These methods may include providing plasma actuating cascade arrays that include dielectrics and electrodes. The electrodes and dielectrics are electrically operated to generate plasma clusters, and to induce directional airflows in response to the plasma clusters. The methods may also include configuring the plasma actuating cascade arrays based, at least in part, on characteristics of the rotorcraft blades and characteristics of flight regimes and scenarios.
US08157525B2
An airfoil assembly for a turbine engine, that may comprise: an airfoil that includes at least one panel opening formed therein; and an aperture panel that includes at least one cooling aperture; wherein the panel opening and the aperture panel are configured such that, upon installation of the aperture panel within the panel opening, a substantially smooth outer surface of the airfoil is formed and at least one of the cooling apertures of the aperture panel forms an exit passageway from at least one hollow internal cavity within the airfoil.
US08157524B2
An axial flow fan includes a hub rotatable about a central axis. The hub includes a front face and a cylindrical portion. The axial flow fan also includes a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical portion of the hub, and an aperture through the front face of the hub. The aperture is at least partially defined by a first surface oriented non-parallel with the front face. The axial flow fan further includes a lip having a second surface adjacent the first surface that at least partially overlaps the aperture and provides a tortuous passageway through the aperture.
US08157510B2
Embodiments of the invention provide an impeller assembly having a flexible impeller and a method of replacing a removable drive mechanism. The impeller assembly includes an impeller having an outer portion defining a substantially cylindrical shape, at least one flexible blade extending radially outward from the outer portion, and a first bore extending a first axial length. The impeller assembly also includes a tubular insert supported at least partially within the first bore. The tubular insert has a second bore defining a substantially cylindrical shape with a first radial distance from an axis passing through the center of the impeller, and a key portion radially extending from the second bore. The key portion defines a second radial distance from the axis larger than the first radial distance.
US08157508B2
Blower apparatus has: an air duct having suction and supply openings; a blower fan for creating a flow of air in the duct; and an electrostatic atomizer. The atomizer includes a hollow body exposed to the air in the duct. The body is provided therein with an electrostatic atomization chamber, and has a barrier, an inlet and an outlet. The barrier is put in the duct so that a part of the air flowing in the duct collides with the front of the barrier and thereby pressure-increased air is obtained. The inlet is located at the front side of the barrier so that the pressure-increased air can enter the chamber through the inlet. The outlet is located at the rear side of the barrier so that all the pressure-increased air higher than that of the air flowing in the duct, from the chamber can flow out into the duct.
US08157506B2
A device for supplying ventilation air to a turbine rotor of a gas turbine engine including a first turbine disk, a second turbine disk, and a downstream shell ring together forming a one-piece drum is disclosed. The second turbine disk includes cavities machined in the rim to house the turbine blades, where the blades are axially retained by axial retaining segments. The downstream shell ring has at least one aperture drilled therethrough, downstream of the rim, which places an internal volume of the drum in fluid communication with at least one of the cavities via a passage formed in the segments.
US08157496B2
A substrate processing apparatus includes a cassette placing table; a first transfer mechanism having a first substrate holding hand capable of advancing/retreating and using this first substrate holding hand to transfer a substrate with respect to the cassette; a substrate processing unit for executing a predetermined process on a substrate; a second transfer mechanism having a second substrate holding hand capable of advancing/retreating and pivotable at a vertical axis, and using the second substrate holding hand to transfer a substrate with respect to the first transfer mechanism and the substrate processing unit; a moving mechanism for moving the first transfer mechanism in an arrangement direction of the cassettes; and a control unit for controlling transfer of a substrate between the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism in a position where the first transfer mechanism is opposed to a cassette.
US08157495B1
A pipe handler comprising a skid and a base having a base longitudinal axis. The base is adjustably mounted on the skid. The pipe handler comprises a means for adjusting the base, a boom, and a means for moving the boom between a position substantially parallel to the base longitudinal axis and a position substantially perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis. The pipe handler includes a pipe gripper that is pivotally attached to the boom. The base of the pipe handler is adapted to be adjusted in any direction relative to the skid when the boom is in any position from substantially parallel to the base longitudinal axis to substantially perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis. The method also includes engaging a pipe with a pipe gripper, moving the boom in a direction toward a pipe rotation mechanism, adjusting the base, and releasing the pipe from the pipe gripper.
US08157488B2
Shaft tool with an adjustable cutting diameter, which permits improved handling. A rotating shaft tool, in particular a multi-stage reamer, with a first shaft part, equipped with a first cutting head comprising e.g. several cutting blades and a recess in the first shaft part, in which a second shaft part is positioned in the axis of the first shaft part, the second shaft part having a second cutting head with e.g. several blades and the diameter of the first cutting head being adjustable. The second shaft can be rotated in the first shaft part and the rotation in relation to one another creates a fixed connection between the shaft parts. This permits the connection between the two shaft parts and thus in particular the diameter of the first cutting head to be modified even though the shaft tool is inserted into e.g. a spindle of a machine tool.
US08157484B2
An apparatus for pumping free-flowing materials, having a receptacle coupled to a vacuum pipe and a pumping gas pipe, at least one filter, at least one supply pipe, and at least one drainage pipe for a material being associated with the receptacle. The apparatus includes a vertically extending cylindrical pump chamber configured to pneumatically pump liquids, powder, suspensions and pastes. Further, a device is mounted in an upper region of the pump chamber configured to separate liquid and powder. The device further includes a filter element and a float member. The float member is configured as a sealing element above, and a lower region of the pump chamber is coupled to the at least one supply pipe and the at least one drainage pipe for at least one of a liquid, a powder, a suspension, and a paste.
US08157481B1
A method of installing a foundation system for securing the tendons of a TLP to the ocean floor. The foundation system is installed in templateless operations in which a pile is secured to the ocean floor and a tendon receptacle is secured to the pile such that the load from a tendon secured therein is transferred to the ocean floor through coaxially aligned load paths of tendon-to-tendon receptacle-to-pile-to-ocean floor.
US08157480B2
A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.
US08157475B2
The present invention relates to a reinforcement liner installation mold for a corrugated steel plate structure. The reinforcement liner installation mold for the corrugated steel plate structure according to the present invention is mounted on one surface of a corrugated steel plate and forms a reinforcement liner when concrete is placed inside the mold the placed concrete cures. The mold includes a plurality of unit mold panels, each having a rectangular front panel part and two side panel parts integrally formed along the opposite lengthwise edges of the front panel part. The plurality of unit mold panels is sequentially fastened to the corrugated steel plate by a plurality of anchor bolts and a plurality of nuts along the outer surface of the corrugated steel plate in a lengthwise direction.
US08157460B2
A printer that uses roll paper as the printing medium and has a manual feed button and an automatic paper cutter detects if the manual feed button was operated. If the manual feed button was operated, the paper is advanced a prescribed length, and the paper is cut by the automatic paper cutter after advancing the paper stops.
US08157455B2
The optical connector, comprising: a first plug having a first ferrule for holding a first multiple optical fiber; a second plug having a second ferrule for holding a second multiple optical fiber; a first housing on which the first plug is detachably fixed; a second housing which is detachably fixed on the first housing and on which the second plug is fixed in such a manner that each edge face of optical fibers of the first multiple optical fiber and each edge face of optical fibers of the second multiple optical fiber are mutually adjusted, and the first housing has a first ferrule positioning member for positioning the first ferrule in relation to the second ferrule.
US08157448B2
There is a requirement to provide bearings in relatively low speed non continuous situations such as with regards to turnover stands for engine and winding assembly. Previous bearings incorporating rolling elements are relatively expensive and over specified for such activities. By providing annulus members in a bearing cluster upon rocker members such that the annulus members can articulate in order to provide an appropriate bearing. Lubricating oil generally passes between the annulus members in a laminar stack such that the members can radially slide past each other to accommodate for eccentricities in a shaft supported by the bearing.
US08157447B2
A groove configuration that improves angular stiffness in a fluid dynamic bearing is provided. A primary groove and a secondary groove are formed on a journal bearing or thrust bearing surface. The secondary groove apex induces a heightened pressure response at a localized area to counteract angular displacement. The primary groove extends a greater circumferential distance about the bearing surface as compared to the secondary groove. The secondary groove apex is also situated closer to an axial end of the journal bearing, or closer to an outer diameter of the thrust bearing, as compared to the primary groove apex. Bearing wear is prevented or minimized under gyroscopic loading. The improved angular stiffness may result in the heads of a storage device being accurately aligned with disc storage tracks. Discs may thus be designed with increased track densities, allowing for smaller discs and increased storage capacity of discs.
US08157444B2
The bag for receiving refuse may include a bag body, the bag body including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a rim defining a mouth. The bag may also include a first strip of material disposed on the inside surface of the bag body proximate the rim. The strip may include an inside surface, an outside surface that faces the inside surface of the body, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The bag may also include a front wall, a back wall, and a hem, the hem including a drawstring. The strip may include a printed design. The design could be letters, numbers, pictures, writing, or any other design. When the bag is inserted into a trash receptacle such that the rim of the bag is folded over the rim of the receptacle, the printed design is visible from outside the receptacle.
US08157440B2
The invention provides a total gas temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of gas in a gas flow. A gas temperature sensor in accordance with the invention comprises a measurement chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; an outlet valve located at the gas outlet, operable to seal the gas outlet when in a closed position, and a temperature sensing element located in the measurement chamber. The sensor is simple to manufacture, is robust, provides for a low recovery correction and does not suffer from significant boundary layer problems.
US08157438B2
A thermopile, utilizing the Seebeck effect, is placed into a blackbody cavity or other ambient heat source, where the hot junctions are inside the heat source, and the cold junctions are outside the heat source, and thereby produces a voltage.
US08157436B2
A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.
US08157431B2
An HMA plant which uses combination direct exhaust heated and indirectly steam heated pre-heating drum in combination with a sealed indirect hot oil heated rotary shaft mixer, where the steam given off from the heated HMA is maintained, separated from the sulfur containing exhaust of a hot oil heater, so as to minimize the production of acid in liquid form.
US08157429B2
An optical sheet includes a base layer, a light-condensing layer and a plurality of light-reflecting portions. The light-condensing layer includes a plurality of light-condensing portions formed on a second surface of the base layer along a first direction extending from a first side surface to a second side surface perpendicular to the first side surface. The light-condensing portions extended in a second direction crossing the first direction at an angle with respect to the side surface. The light-reflecting portions are formed in the first surface along the second direction and corresponding to a plurality of recesses where the light-condensing portions meet each other. The center of the light-reflecting portion is off set from the recesses along the first direction.
US08157426B2
A high mast lighting system, comprising a mast, a pole plate disposed within the mast and a winch assembly coupled to the pole plate, wherein at least a portion of the winch assembly extends through an opening in the pole plate.
US08157419B2
An LED module or assembly is disclosed, the assembly having at least one LED component mounted on a support or circuit board and an optical element which encloses the at least one LED component and defines an interior space in which the at least one LED component is housed. A vent device is defined within the optical element for permitting gases generated from operation of the at least one LED component to be vented to atmosphere. The vent device prevents outside moisture from entering the interior space, but permits the gases to pass out to atmosphere for minimizing the likelihood of fogging of the optical elements in the interior space of the assembly.
US08157415B2
A method for making a light emitting diode lighting module includes steps of: (a) packaging a plurality of light emitting diode dies respectively on a plurality of die-mounting parts of a metal lead frame to form a plurality of light emitting diodes, respectively; and (b) cutting off supporting parts of the lead frame so as to form a connecting structure through which the light emitting diodes are connected to each other in one of serial, parallel, and serial-and-parallel connecting manners.
US08157405B1
A traffic barricade light is described. A housing comprises a collar, a bottom side, a height, a width and a depth. The housing is divided along an axis positioned within the depth. The housing comprises at least two angled walls on opposing shoulders of the housing within the depth at an oblique angle relative to the bottom side of the housing. Each angled wall comprises a recess and a passage from the recess to a compartment within the housing. A solar panel is coupled to each angled wall. The solar panels are electrically coupled in parallel with each other and with at least one rechargeable battery stored within the housing. A regulator circuit is electrically coupled between the at least two solar panels and the at least one rechargeable battery. A light source is electrically coupled to the battery. A lens is coupled to the collar.
US08157398B2
A projector including a light source unit, a display device and a projector control means, wherein the light source unit includes a fluorescent plate 130 including fluorescent material layers 131 disposed adjacent for emitting light in predetermined wavelength ranges by absorbing light, a diffusion plate 140 including a diffusion layer 141 disposed adjacent to the fluorescent material layers 131 for emitting light in a diffusing fashion, a light source for shining light on the layers 131, 141, a driving device for rotating the plates 130, 140, and a light cut-off plate 160 having a light cut-off portion 161, the light cut-off plate 160 capable of rotating together with the plates 130, 140 and movable so that the light cut-off portion 161 covers an area on the diffusion plate 140 where light is to be shone by the locked state being released when the diffusion plate 140 comes off.
US08157397B2
A foldable reflector screen includes a flexible, cloth-like reflective element having an inside and an outside, a supporting and tensioning structure arranged to support the reflective element on the outside, and a carrier element including at least one lamp and mounting the supporting and tensioning structure. The reflector screen has an open state in which the reflective element forms an essentially rotationally symmetrical body having an axis of rotation and has a light outlet opening. The reflective element comprises at least two reflective sections. The two reflective sections have in each case a different geometrical shape in a section containing the axis of rotation of the reflective element.
US08157390B2
The invention discloses a projecting system. The projecting system includes two sets of lens. The first set of lens has a first focal length for focusing an incident ray of light to form a first image. The second set of lens has a second focal length for projecting the first image to form a second image. The two sets of lens are separated by a lens-apex distance relative to the light path between the two sets of lens. The second focal length is smaller than or equal to the lens-apex distance. A difference between the second focal length and the lens-apex distance is smaller than or equal to a half of the first focal length.
US08157384B2
An image display device includes a light source, a diffractive optical element adapted to diffract a light beam emitted from the light source, and a light modulation element adapted to modulate a diffracted light beam obtained by the diffractive optical element, and a diffraction characteristic of the diffractive optical element is controlled based on a diffractive optical element control signal provided to the image display device.
US08157370B2
A method of recording an image by applying an aqueous ink by an inkjet method, including: forming a blocking layer on a recording medium, the blocking layer having a polymer component and being capable of blocking permeation of a solvent in the aqueous ink into the recording medium; forming a fixation layer on the blocking layer, the fixation layer having resin particles and a material that fixes a component in the aqueous ink; and recording an image by applying the aqueous ink onto the fixation layer by an inkjet method, the aqueous ink having a pigment, resin particles, water-soluble organic solvent and water, wherein the glass transition temperature of the polymer component in the blocking layer (Tgb), the glass transition temperature of the resin particles in the aqueous ink (Tgi) and the glass transition temperature of the resin particles in the fixation layer (Tgc) satisfy the relationship of Tgb
US08157360B2
An ink jet type recording apparatus comprises a connection member which has a passage for leading ink to a recording head from an ink cartridge. In the passage, a valve member having a magnetic body is provided. A rotation member has a permanent magnet and is rotatable between a first position and a second position. When the rotation member is located in the first position, an attraction that can move the valve member in an opening direction of the passage acts between the magnet and magnetic body, and hence, the valve member opens the passage. When the rotation member is located in the second position, the attraction that can move the valve member does not act between the magnet and magnetic body, and hence, the valve member closes the passage.
US08157356B2
There is inexpensively and simply provided a highly reliable printing head including a printing element substrate which is located with high positioning precision and therefore causes no occurrence of ink leak regardless of the printing head having a large printing width. An ink jet printing head comprises a plurality of printing element substrates, in each of which a plurality of ejecting openings, printing elements and an ink supply opening are provided, a support member and an ink supply member. The support member is formed of a first member and a second member that is integral with the first member so as to surround the first member, and the support member and the ink supply member are bonded in such a manner that bonding faces of the first member and the second member, and the second member are not in contact with the opening.
US08157347B2
An ink jet recording head comprising a discharge port for discharging an ink; and a sealing tape for sealing the discharge port; wherein the sealing tape includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer constituted of an acrylic crosslinked polymer formed by crosslinking an alkyl(meth)acrylate ester copolymer with a metal chelate compound, and is peelably adhered, through the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, to a part where the discharge port is formed.
US08157338B2
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space, a drawer type door withdrawably disposed on the cabinet, the drawer type door opening and closing the storage space, a lower receiving member connected to the drawer type door, the lower receiving member being withdrawn together with the drawer type door, an upper receiving member withdrawably disposed above the lower receiving member, and a restraint member disposed on the drawer type door, the restraint member being rotated according to a user's selection to selectively restrain the upper receiving member and to allow the upper receiving member to be selectively interlocked with the drawer type door, thereby selectively withdrawing the upper receiving member.
US08157337B2
A storage assembly 10 which has a plurality of unique storage components 12, 14, and 800 which may be selectively connected in order to provide an optimal storage solution for a wide variety of applications.
US08157328B2
A vehicle head restraint system for a vehicle seat has a support rod with a lateral portion. A head restraint is moveable relative to the lateral portion in a fore/aft direction. A first locking plate and a second locking plate are each moveably mounted to the head restraint to engage the support rod to lock the head restraint relative to the support rod. A rotary link is pivotally connected to the head restraint and interconnects the first and second locking plates. A biasing member is mounted to at least one of the first and second locking plates to bias the head restraint towards a retracted position. An actuator on the head restraint moves one of the first and second locking plates. The rotary link moves the other of the first and second locking plates for disengaging the first and second locking plates from the support rod.
US08157326B2
A seat comprising a seat pan (12) and a support structure, wherein the seat pan (12) is pivotally coupled to the support structure (8) about a first pivot axis (pi) provided across substantially the front of the seat pan (12), such that the seat pan (12) may be pivoted about the said first pivot axis (pi) in use, and the angle of the seat pan (12) relative to the support structure (18) may thus be adjusted. The seat further comprises a backrest (14), the backrest being coupled (p2) to substantially the rear of the seat pan (p12). Also provided is pneumatic apparatus for use with a seat, comprising one or more inflatable cushions for supporting a user in use. Further provided is an armrest comprising: a first pivot axis about which the armrest may be pivotally coupled to a seat, the first pivot axis being arranged to orient sideways out of the seat and thereby enable upward and downward rotation of the armrest in use; and a second pivot axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the armrest, the armrest being rotatable about the second pivot axis in use.
US08157311B2
An interior system of a vehicle includes an instrument panel substrate having a driver side, a passenger side, and a center section between the driver and passenger sides. The instrument panel substrate has an opening on the passenger side. A trim panel is mounted to the instrument panel substrate covering the opening and comprising a connector hub having a plurality of electrical connectors for mobile electronic devices. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the trim panel is releasable and pivotable after mounting in order to access a rear side of the trim panel. The trim panel may further include a cradle on the rear side to receive a printer, a paper holder on the rear side to receive and supply paper for the printer, and an elongated slot aligned with the cradle for feeding printed paper from the printer to a front side of the trim panel.
US08157299B2
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.
US08157294B2
A fitting for a whirlpool joins a pair of pipes. The fitting includes a coupling from which one of the pipes extends, the coupling having a flexible member adapted to cause a seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to seal against themselves, and a first thread. A nut engages the coupling and has a second thread for engaging the first thread and a surface for engaging the flexible member and causing the seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves while the second thread engages the first thread. The first thread and the second thread have an angle whereby the flexible member causes the seal to sealingly engage the first and second pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves in a quarter turn of the nut.
US08157290B2
An Inflatable curtain airbag for a vehicle comprising an airbag body (1) rolled or folded to form a longitudinal airbag package with several attachment portions (6) and an indication element (2) for indicating a twisted attachment status of the airbag at the vehicle structure. The indication element (2) is arranged in a releasable manner along at least parts of the longitudinal extension of the package.
US08157287B1
The convertible wheelchair includes a seat and a plurality of chair legs extending downward from the seat. Each leg includes a wheel to permit movement of the convertible wheelchair. A reclining backrest is pivotally mounted to the back of the wheelchair, which provides a flat, horizontal surface for a user to rest thereon. Both the seat and the backrest include a pair of panels selectively extendable towards the lateral side in order to form a bed. In this configuration, a caregiver can easily maneuver the user into any position required for ablutions and lavatory functions. Each panel and the handlebars on the backrest may include extendable legs to stabilize the bed.
US08157286B2
A stroller comprises a pair of support racks, a handlebar, a linking rack, a pair of folding drivers, a folding control set, a plurality of front wheels and a rear wheel set. The handlebar is bent and slidable on the front tube and has two ends close to the front tube to hold the folding drivers and the folding control set inside at corresponding locations. The folding control set controls the folding drivers to allow the handlebar to slide on the support racks. The handlebar can pull the rear tube through the linking rack to move towards the front tube for folding. Extension and folding can be accomplished singlehanded. The front wheels are fastened to the lower end of the front tube and can be set in a selected direction in advance. The rear wheel set contains a synchronous brake means to brake two rear wheels synchronously.
US08157283B1
The fifth wheel release tool apparatus has a cable having a cable first end spaced apart from a cable second end, a handle affixed to the cable first end. a pulley moveably disposed on the cable, the pulley entrapped on the cable, a first hook connected to the pulley, a second hook affixed to the cable second end, whereby the first hook is removably hooked to a release handle of a fifth wheel, the second hook removably hooked to any desired fixed object, allowing a user to pull the release handle by way of pulling the apparatus handle. The flexible cable allows a user to operate the apparatus from any angle or position and thereby further allows latch release in what may be crowded conditions.
US08157277B2
A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member.
US08157275B2
A collapsible skateboard includes an upright handle having lower portion on which is fixedly mounted a bracket, a connector having a curved slot having a lower end formed with a horizontal recess, an upper end formed with a vertical recess, and a circular hole under the vertical recess, an adjust pin inserted into the vertical recess of the connector and the elongated hole of the bracket, a pivot pin fitted through the circular hole of the connector and the circular hole of the bracket, a spring having an upper end connected to the adjust pin and a lower end to the pivot pin, and a platform on which is fixedly mounted the connector, whereby the skateboard can be easily folded up as desired.
US08157271B2
A floating chuck mechanism provided at a workhead that is arranged at a processing apparatus for sandwiching a cylindrical-shaped workpiece by means of two center members along a rotational axis, the floating chuck mechanism causing the workpiece to rotate about the rotational axis and correcting an eccentricity between the rotational axis and a center of an outer diameter of the workpiece, includes a chuck body portion including plurality of clamp jaws for holding the workpiece from the outer peripheral side thereof, and a chuck base portion fixed to the workhead so as to rotate therewith, the chuck base portion including a fixed portion fixed to the workhead and a slide portion slidable along a slide surface perpendicular to the rotational axis. The chuck body portion is fixed to the slide portion and sliding along the slide surface so as to correct the eccentricity.
US08157270B2
A baffle seal for a thrust reverser of a gas turbine engine includes a seal body of a resilient material. The seal body has a relatively flat central portion with opposed front and back sides. A raised sealing rim extends at least partially around the central portion. An outer periphery of the sealing rim extends beyond an outer periphery of the central portion so as to define an exposed sealing surface.
US08157264B2
An apparatus for playing a game comprising a playing surface having a first area and a second area, a projectile, and at least two propulsion devices. First and second sets of playing pieces are provided, each playing piece having a lower peg portion, and a substrate overlaying and spaced above the playing surface and extending across both the first and second areas of the playing surface. In a game, the playing pieces are located on the substrate above the first area of the playing surface, with their peg portions extending below the substrate, and each propulsion device is capable of propelling the projectile such that the projectile can impact with a peg portion of a playing piece and thereby dislodge the playing piece.
US08157262B2
The recording apparatus includes: a recording head having a recording surface; a conveyor unit having three rollers, and a conveyor belt looped around the rollers; and a roller moving mechanism. The mechanism moves at least one of the three rollers so as to allow the conveyor unit to shift between a first state and a second state. In the first state, an image can be formed by the recording head to a recording medium. A conveyor surface faces the recording surface with a predetermined gap therebetween, and the three rollers are in a predetermined relative positional relation so as to apply tension to the conveyor belt. In the second state, a gap larger than the predetermined gap exists between the conveyor surface and the recording surface, and the three rollers are in a relative positional relation different from the predetermined relative positional relation.
US08157261B2
A paper sheet conveying device is equipped with a conveying path (2) formed of conveying roller pairs and a controlling section conveying rollers. The conveying path (2) is composed of a first-half conveying path (2A) and a last-half conveying path (2B). The first-half conveying path (2A) has a first-half driving mechanism for controlling the rotational speed of the lower conveying rollers and a first-half vertically moving mechanism for vertically moving the upper conveying rollers. The last-half conveying path (2B) has a last-half driving mechanism for controlling the rotational speed of the lower conveying rollers and a last-half vertically moving mechanism for vertically moving the upper conveying rollers. The controlling section is configured so as to control the first-half driving mechanism, the first-half vertically moving mechanism, the last-half driving mechanism and the last-half vertically moving mechanism depending on the position of the paper sheet being conveyed.
US08157260B2
A roller module is adapted for use with an automatic document feeder, and is adapted for feeding of a document sheet therethrough. The roller module comprises a first roller, a second roller disposed adjacent to and parallel to the first roller and cooperating with the first roller to define a nip, a driven component co-rotatable with the first roller, and a driving component rotatable for abutting against and driving the driven component to rotate, thereby permitting feeding of the document sheet through the nip. During rotation of the driving component, the document sheet is brought into contact with the first and second rollers for a predetermined time period to perform skew correction before the driving component rotates the driven component.
US08157253B2
A positioning device for positioning an object includes a base with a platform and a first positioning unit slidably mounted to the platform. The first positioning unit includes a sliding piece slidable along a direction perpendicular to the platform. The sliding piece defines a substantially V-shaped hole along a direction parallel with the platform for the object extending through the hole. The opening of the “V” of the V-shaped hole faces to a direction perpendicular to the platform.
US08157251B2
A vibration damping mount assembly having a vibration damping mount main body and a tubular bracket. The tubular bracket is made of lightweight material composed of non-ferric metal or synthetic resin, and has an inside peripheral face including an upper tapered face and a lower tapered face that gradually expand in diameter towards openings at either axial end from an axially medial section. A flanged portion of a second mounting member is axially juxtaposed against an open end of the upper tapered face, while the lower tapered face is pressed against a rubber fitting, with the lower tapered face locked in contact against an annular mating face of the rubber fitting thereby providing dislodging of the vibration damping mount main body from the tubular bracket.
US08157249B2
The air disperser (1) includes an air inlet (2), a pipe (3) defining an air outlet area equipped with one or more atomizers (4), an outer wall (7) and a space (8) defined by the pipe wall (9) and the outer wall (7) of the air disperser. The space (8) has a plurality of guide vanes (10a-10l) positioned substantially vertically in the axial direction and substantially on the radii between the pipe wall (9) and the outer wall (7) of the air disperser. At least one (10e) of the guide vanes is covering at least 90% of the full radius from the pipe wall (9) in the direction towards the outer wall (7) of the air disperser, and the rest of said guide vanes being distributed on radii along the circumference of the pipe (3).
US08157248B2
A carbonate spring producing system includes a gas-liquid separator which is connected on the downstream side of a carbonic acid gas dissolver which connects to a carbonic acid gas supply means and hot water supply. A liquid lead-out pipe is connected to the gas-liquid separator. Preferably an un-dissolved carbonic acid gas lead-out pipe is connected on the upstream sides of the gas-liquid separator and the carbonic acid gas dissolver. The un-dissolved carbonic acid gas lead-out pipe includes a control valve, a compressor, and a liquid level detection means. The control valve controls a flow rate of un-dissolved carbonic acid gas from the gas-liquid separator. An amount of un-dissolved carbonic acid gas in the gas-liquid separator is monitored, so that the un-dissolved carbonic acid gas in the hot water can be separated and removed by the gas-liquid separator. The separated and removed un-dissolved carbonic acid gas can be re-dissolved.
US08157238B2
The present invention discloses a stay device for a vehicle comprising a mount having a ball formed protrudely on a front surface thereof and a wire passage formed therein and extended into the ball; a body coupled to the mount through the ball of the mount, the body having a wire passage formed therein; a plate spring provided for pressurizing the body; a body cover for wrapping the body and the plate spring; and a pivot ball assembly having a ball protrudely formed on a rear surface thereof, the pivot ball assembly being coupled to the body.
US08157232B2
A display panel driving mechanism for electronic device supports a lower side of a display panel (1), which is arranged on a front plane of an electronic device, to be freely turned around a first shaft (5a) which moves by following a slider (4) driven in to and fro directions. The mechanism shifts a second shaft (9a), which is provided on a member (9) attached on an upper side of the display panel (1), along a guide groove (2a) provided on a member (2) fixed to a case.
US08157225B2
The invention relates to a monopod device for use with a camera, which uses one or more constant force helical springs to counterbalance the weight of a camera and lens, as well as a camera tilt mechanism, the combination of which effectively provides weight compensation that significantly reduces the lifting force required by a user to move the camera and provides stable image capture, camera control, and a reduced footprint when compared to existing tripods.
US08157218B2
A method is disclosed of detecting a railway vehicle, comprising using the time difference between receiving at first and second points a signal sent from the vehicle at a given time to produce an indication of the location of the vehicle.
US08157217B1
A spacecraft radiator system designed to provide structural support to the spacecraft. Structural support is provided by the geometric “crescent” form of the panels of the spacecraft radiator. This integration of radiator and structural support provides spacecraft with a semi-monocoque design.
US08157215B2
A door opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the door from the inside of a fuselage. A door pivotally supported at an opening portion of the fuselage includes first and second position restricting links each having one end pivotally supported on the fuselage with a door driving link having one end pivotally supported on the door. The other end of the second position restricting link is pivotally supported on a middle portion of the door driving link. The door opening/closing operation lever is provided at one end with a grip with the other end pivotally supported on the other end of the door driving link. The middle portion of the door opening/closing operation lever is pivotally supported on the other end of the first position restricting link. By pulling the grip toward the inside of the fuselage and thereafter pushing downward, the door can be closed.
US08157210B2
In conventional aircraft cargo compartments panels or similar flat floor elements are fastened to floor beams or similar supporting elements that are installed in the body of the aircraft. Subsequently functional units such as roller elements latches or PDUs are mounted and connected to one another by way of appropriate control conductors. In the present invention it is proposed to fasten the floor elements permanently to the supporting beams so as to form prefabricated floor modules and to install these floor modules in the aircraft.
US08157209B2
The present invention relates to a method for insulating an aircraft cabin 6 and for the cooling or heating of cabin air in an aircraft, respectively with the method comprising the steps of: introducing aircraft cabin air into an aircraft cabin wall 6; guiding this aircraft cabin air along a section of this aircraft cabin wall 6; and leading this aircraft cabin air away from the aircraft cabin wall 6.
US08157203B2
Methods and apparatus for a transforming aerial vehicle according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a launch system configured to rotate the aerial vehicle about its longitudinal axis. A lifting surface pivotally connected to the aerial vehicle may be positioned such that the rotation of the aerial vehicle causes the lifting surface to generate a lifting force on the aerial vehicle. This lift causes the aerial vehicle to rise gyroscopically before the lifting surface is rotated to a second position such that the aerial vehicle transforms from a gyroscopic mode to a fixed-wing aerial vehicle. The lifting surface may then be rotated again to allow the aerial vehicle to land as an auto gyro.
US08157202B2
A container comprising a housing that is configured to rotatably mount a filament supply spool, and a filament guide mechanism mountable within a channel of the housing, where the filament guide mechanism comprises a filament pathway configured to guide the filament from the filament supply spool rotatably mounted in the interior chamber, and a sensor configured to detect the presence of the filament through at least a portion of the filament pathway.
US08157201B2
A container for the dispensing of wire or cable has an external carton which receives a reel of cable supported by two caddies. Each caddy has an inwardly extending substantially cylindrical bushing which is received in a central hole of a respective cable reel flange. The cylindrical bushings are disposed on an axis which is a first distance from an upper surface of a bottom panel of the carton. The largest radius of the reel flanges is preselected to be smaller than this first distance such that the reel may freely rotate inside of the carton on the bushings. Cable is pulled through a slot in the carton's front panel. Left and right panels of the carton each have an arbor hole formed therein which may receive an axial rod, the rod also extending through the reel and caddies. The axial rod may be used to join two or more cartons together and may further serve as a support for attachment to a dolly, hand truck, or four-wheeled cart. In one embodiment, cable may be pulled through one or more pass-through slots formed in the tops and bottoms of stacked containers, such that cable from multiple containers is drawn through one slot on the top of the stack.
US08157198B2
There are provided a tape reel, a recording tape cartridge, a take-up reel, and a drive device at which, when a recording tape is wound on a hub, fluctuations in an axial direction of the hub can be suppressed and occurrence of tape edge damage can be prevented. At a tape reel having a hub on which a recording tape T is wound and flanges which are provided at both end portions of the hub, a large diameter portion, whose diameter is larger than diameters of both end portion sides of the hub, is formed at the hub. The large diameter portion is offset, from a widthwise direction central portion of the hub, toward the one flange side or the other flange side.
US08157190B2
There is provided an air atomizing type coating apparatus which is constituted by a main body (2) having a first feed tube passage hole (6) extended forward from a cartridge mount portion (5), a passage change-over mechanism (11) attached to the front side of the main body (2) to change over positions of a second feed tube passage hole (14) and a second wash fluid passage (15), a spray nozzle (22) attached on the front side of the passage change-over mechanism (11), and a paint cartridge (30) to be set in the cartridge mount portion (5). Upon shifting the passage change-over mechanism (11) to a coating position, the first and second feed tube passage holes (6) and (14) are brought into communication with each other, a coating operation can be performed by inserting a paint cartridge (30). On the other hand, upon shifting the passage change-over mechanism (11) to a washing position, the first and second wash fluid passages (9) and (15) are brought into communication with each other, permitting a supply of a wash fluid to the spray nozzle (22).
US08157188B2
A container for a volatile liquid in a liquid dispensing device comprises a body and a neck extending from the body to define an opening. A retention structure is integral with the container body and is adapted to be releasably engaged with two opposing sidewalls of a housing of the dispensing device. The sidewalls are spaced apart in a first direction, and the retention structure is inhibits motion of the container in two opposing directions generally transverse to the first direction. The retention structure may be located on a side of the container body. A capillary member extends from inside the container to an exterior of the container. The volatile liquid migrates along the capillary member from the reservoir to the exterior of the container where it is evaporated from the surface of the capillary member by forced airflow generated by a motorized fan mounted in the housing.
US08157182B2
The invention relates to a vacuum handling device (46) for fixing or transporting work pieces (44) comprising a plurality of components, wherein at least one of the components is provided with an RFID tag (10) and the RFID tag is provided with an RFID chip (14) and an antenna (12), wherein a switching element (16) is provided for the galvanic isolation of the RFID chip and antenna between the RFID chip and the antenna.
US08157162B2
A cash deposit apparatus has a user interface module that provides a user interface at a first external side of the apparatus and allows a user to interact with a cash processing transaction of the apparatus. A cash processing module processes cash deposited by the user and determines a value related to the processed cash, and has a service interface for providing access to the cash processing module. A cash storage module stores cash as processed by the cash processing module and has a cash storage interface for providing access to the cash storage module. The cash processing module and the cash storage module are independently configurable.
US08157160B2
A meter for flowing material, e.g., water, has a meter register having an electronic display, e.g., an LED or LCD display, and a mechanical read-out display driven by a stepper motor to record units of water that flowed through the meter. In the event of an electrical power failure, the LED or LCD readout values are lost, however, the mechanical read-out values remain. Further, signals are transmitted to a microprocessor of a meter register to change the rotation of the stepper motor so that the meter register can be used with different types of meters. Still further, a meter generator co-acting with a meter register forwards an electrical pulse signal after a quantity of material or utility passes through a water meter to a microprocessor of a remote reader. The remote reader includes an odometer coupled to a stepper motor.
US08157159B2
The flipping trash can is adapted especially for use in fast-food restaurants or the like. The trash can includes a pedal-operated, spring-biased lid. When the lid is opened, a tray (with trash thereon) is positioned on a tray receiving mechanism that flips the tray so that trash thereon is deposited in a trash bin. The mechanism is designed to then move the empty tray to a storage area for retrieval and reuse. A sound-emitting, electronic device may be attached to the lid and is programmed to emit the phrase “Thank You” when the lid opens. The receptacle can be designed in different configurations (animals, spaceships, autos, etc) to attract attention and enhance aesthetics.
US08157134B2
In a piston pump, the improvement of providing a locating disc on the piston extending radially outwardly from the piston to engage a chamber wall of the piston chamber and with the locating disc having an opening axially therethrough permitting fluid flow both in an inward direction and an outward direction.
US08157131B2
A refill cartridge disposable within a spray bottle during usage thereof. The refill cartridge includes a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir. The cartridge body includes first and second openings, the second opening being defined by a projection of the cartridge body. A cap is connected to the cartridge body to substantially cover the first opening. The cap includes a cap base having a primary opening. A cap boss is connected to and extends from the cap base and defines a passage concentrically aligned with the primary opening. The refill cartridge additionally includes a plug having a plug body including a plug neck and a flared portion, with the plug neck defining a distal end. The plug is engageable with the cap and the cartridge body and is moveable relative to the cap and cartridge body between a sealing position and a dispensing position.
US08157127B2
A method and kit for draining a flexible container holding a product having a viscosity of between 10 Pa·s and 200 000 Pa·s. The method includes using a flexible container (3); optionally, moving the container (3) to be drained to a drainage site; ensuring the viscous product (2) can flow from container (3) through at least one outlet (9); exerting a pressure on at least one defined area of container (3) using a pressurizing device which preferably includes at least one pressure member (5) and/or a pressure fluid to maintain container (3) in an inflated or partially-inflated state; and removing the pressure once the container has been drained. The drainage kit includes the viscous product (silicon mastic), a flexible container (3) and a draining device including at least one pressure member and/or pressure fluid.
US08157125B2
Improved solid pharmaceutical dispensing systems and methods provide direct transfer of doses from bulk blister packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a positioning mechanism that alters the spacing between portions of a de-blister apparatus. The de-blister apparatus comprises a de-blister roller, cylinder or elongated cylindrical toothed gear which pushes against a first side of packaging material to remove individual doses from a conventional blister package. The apparatus may operate under manual or automatic control and preferably includes adjustable or movable package holding rollers which are preferably aligned with portions of packaging material between the rows of blister cavities at a side of the packaging material opposite the side at which the roller or cylinder is located. The de-blister apparatus enables the rapid removal of solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products from blister cavities and provides a convenient mechanism for altering the device in order to accommodate different sizes of packaging material.
US08157124B2
A soap dish has a plurality of apertures for the passage of water. An imperforate tray is fabricated of a moisture impervious material for the retaining of water in the tray. A primary region supports the tray. A secondary region is laterally spaced from the primary region. A coupling assembly includes an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism has an internal end and an external end. The internal end is operatively coupled with respect to the primary region. The external end is operatively coupled with respect to the soap dish. The coupling assembly is adapted to allow the movement of the soap dish with respect to the tray between an inoperative orientation and an operative orientation and through an intermediate orientation.
US08157123B2
The container includes a base and a detachable cover. To releasably attach the base and cover, the base includes a first closure portion and the cover includes an engagable second closure portion. In one aspect, the first and second closure portions are configured for engagement in both a fully engaged position and an intermediately engaged position. In the intermediately engaged position, the container can be further configured to vent steam during, for example, microwaving. In another aspect, the container including the first and second closure portions can be configured for simplified engagement of the base and cover, preferably by enabling engagement via a downward push applied to the center of the cover. In yet another aspect, the first and second closure portions can be configured with diverging flanges that simplify detachment of the base and cover.
US08157122B2
A lidded container comprising a container body with side walls, a bottom, and a top end with an opening comprising means to retain a lid, and an upstanding edge around the opening having its outer sides in line with the side walls of the container. The upstanding edge is provided with at least one recess, which preferably inclines over the width of the upstanding edge from the opening downwardly to the edge's outer sides.
US08157106B2
A container is shown with a sump and a strainer separating the container interior from the sump. The sump is provided with a drain for draining liquid in the container from any solid material.
US08157099B2
A material separator for separating at least two different materials of differing densities and/or sizes of particles. The material separator generally includes a tank containing a flocculent, a circulation system for circulating flocculent within the tank and a pair of conveyors for moving two different materials out of the tank. The tank may include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. At least a portion of each of the conveyors is located in the upper chamber to catch materials fed into the flocculent. Each of the conveyors may include a mesh belt that permits the flocculent to flow through the conveyor. The tank may include a clean out valve that permits fines and other debris accumulated within the upper chamber to pass into the lower chamber. The flocculent circulation assembly may include a nozzle that can be constructed in various configurations to create flows of flocculent of various velocities and trajectories. In one embodiment, the lower chamber includes a drag line assembly that removes fines and other accumulated debris from the lower chamber.
US08157098B2
Described herein is a serving tray that includes a removable cartridge that houses an audio player. In a preferred embodiment, the serving tray includes an item supporting portion having a periphery, and a wall extending upwardly from at least a portion of the periphery of the item supporting portion. In other preferred embodiments, the audio player of the removable cartridge includes a receiver and/or memory for storing digital content.
US08157088B2
A media storage apparatus includes a frame, a shaft, and a plurality of retainers for retaining a plurality of portable planar storage media. The plurality of retainers is supported by the shaft and rotatable about the shaft from a selectable position to a selected position. The apparatus further includes a retainer selection mechanism, coupled to the frame, that traverses the frame to cause selected ones of the plurality of retainers traversed by the retainer selection mechanism to rotate in sequence from the selectable position to the selected position.
US08157082B2
Example segment bodies and scrapers for conveyor belt scrapers are disclosed. An example segment body for a conveyor belt scraper includes a mounting body that can be connected to a segment carrier in a rotationally fixed manner, a holding portion that is designed for applying force from at least one wear element, a support portion in contact with the holding portion and the mounting body, and at least one spring element provided between the holding portion and the mounting body, which interacts with the mounting body and the holding portion in such a way that a force can be transmitted from the at least one spring element to the holding portion.
US08157076B2
A servo valve for shifting a transmission between a park and out of park position includes a valve housing and a park servo. A first and second solenoid is disposed in the valve housing for transmitting a respective first or second signal to shift the transmission to the respective first or second state of operation. The park servo is fluidly connected to the transmission and is responsive to the first and second signals to shift the transmission to the respective positions. Fluid pressure within the valve housing moves a valve member therein to move a piston within the park servo to shift the transmission to the corresponding position. A third solenoid transmits a third signal in combination with the second signal to latch and hold the valve member in the corresponding position.
US08157075B2
Provided is a wet friction material that includes a ring shaped flat metal core and a plurality of segment-type friction material substrates joined onto one or both of surfaces of the ring shaped flat metal core with an adhesive and spaced apart along an entire circumference of the ring shaped flat metal core to form a plurality of oil grooves extending in a radial direction of the core metal by a clearance between adjacent ones of the above segment pieces. One or both of outer peripheral corner portions of each of the plurality of segment-type friction material substrates is chamfered to form a chamfered part such that a width of the oil grooves adjacent the chamfered part of the corner portions is larger than a width of a thinnest portion of the above plurality of the oil grooves.
US08157071B2
The clutch of the present invention has a reaction plate, a friction plate, a friction layer, and at least one non-compressible member. The friction plate is disposed adjacent the reaction plate for frictionally engaging the reaction plate to transfer a driving torque between the reaction plate and the friction plate when the compression force is applied. The friction layer has at least one groove. The at least one non-compressible member is disposed in the at least one groove for preventing further compression of the friction layer by the reaction plate. The at least one non-compressible member is adhered to the friction plate or press fit within the friction layer.
US08157069B2
In an overrunning clutch (1), an annular space is formed between an inner raceway (3) and an outer raceway, in which annular space is arranged a cage (5) which has cut-outs (4) for holding clamping bodies (2), with each cut-out (4) being delimited by transverse webs (10) which run in the axial direction, and with in each case one spring element (6), which projects into a cut-out (4) and exerts a force on a clamping body (2), adjoining the transverse webs (10). At that side of the transverse web (10) which faces away from the spring element (6), at least one retaining lug (4), which serves to retain a clamping body (2), extends into a cut-out (4).
US08157068B2
A luggage container comprising a foldable flat member. To the inner surface of the foldable flat member I releasable attached a number of pockets in which articles may be stored and/or displayed. A single, flat, foldable member can be folded into a generally rectangular shape or laid flat or hung vertically.
US08157060B2
An elevator installation has an elevator car that moves in a vertical direction along guide tracks and is braked or held at standstill by a braking equipment. The braking equipment includes at least two brake units, at least one of the brake units, but preferably each of the brake units, is provided with a wear-compensating device which, when the brake unit is opened or released, sets a clearance distance between a brake lining and an associated brake surface, which clearance arises on opening of the brake unit, in correspondence with a substantially constant value. Thereby, use may be made of customary and thus economic brake materials which may wear during braking.
US08157053B1
A closet stool for use in providing access by a user to items stored in the closet and including a pair of support members each including a substantially horizontally disposed leg having inner and outer ends and a pair of brackets each for supporting an inner end of the respective substantially horizontally disposed legs from an inner wall of the closet with the legs extending in parallel and spaced from each other. The pair of support members further include a pair of substantially vertically disposed post members each having upper and lower ends. The upper end of each post member is for coupling with the outer end of a respective leg. The lower end of each post member is for resting on a floor surface of the closet. A foot support pad extends between and is supported by the legs.
US08157052B2
In an acoustic structure, sound absorbing effect is achieved by interference between incident waves falling in an opening portion and reflected waves radiated from the opening as a result of resonance occurring within a hollow member in response to the incident waves, and a sound absorbing region is formed, for example, in a frontal direction of the opening portion. Sound scattering effect is achieved through interaction between the above-mentioned interference and interference between the incident waves and sound waves radiated from the opening portion, and a sound scattering region is formed, for example, near the sound absorbing region. A sound scattering effect is achieved by flows of gas molecules being produced in an oblique direction, not normal to the opening portion and reflective surface, due to a phase difference between the sound waves radiated from the opening portion and the sound waves radiated from the reflective surface.
US08157043B2
There is provided a motorized cycle comprising a frame, a seat mounted upon the frame, a plurality of suspensions mounted to the frame, a plurality of wheels each coupled to a suspension wherein the operation of the motorized cycle is based on the physical position and movements of the rider. Also provided is a suspension system for a motorized cycle comprising a plurality of suspensions each coupled to the frame of the motorized cycle, and a plurality of wheels each coupled to a suspension such that each wheel is able to move relative to the other wheels and the frame. According to another aspect, there is provided a rider positioning system for a motorized cycle comprising handle bars and a seat wherein the movement of the handle bars affects the movement of the seat. There is also provided a control system for operating a motorized cycle comprising a control board including software, a plurality of sensors providing inputs to the control board, a plurality of wheels wherein each wheel is instructed by the control board to accelerate or decelerate to maintain the center of gravity of the motorized cycle.
US08157042B2
A working vehicle with a cabin in which, to lift a cabin upward, a lift arm of a hydraulic lifting mechanism can be easily connected to a cabin. The working vehicle has a travel body having an engine mounted on it, the cabin having an operation seat for an operator, a steering wheel, etc., a link mechanism for connecting a working section to the travel body, the hydraulic lifting mechanism for lifting the working section connected to the link mechanism off the ground, and a lifting rod for detachably connecting the lifting arm of the hydraulic lifting mechanism and the link mechanism. A cabin support body is placed at the lower end of the front of the cabin. The hydraulic lifting mechanism is placed below the rear of the cabin. The upper face side of the hydraulic lifting mechanism is opened by rotating the cabin about the cabin support body. The working vehicle has a projection body engaging the cabin from below, and the projection body is detachably connected to the lifting arm.
US08157022B2
An apparatus string for use in a wellbore has a plurality of activation modules having first and second ends and containing devices to be activated/initiated downhole. An apparatus string also has a plurality of initiator modules where at least initiator is operatively connected to each activation module and is addressable. Each initiator module may have a safety initiator which when the initiator module is addressed initiates the firing of the shaped charges in the gun module to which it is operatively connected. A wireless transmitter is operatively connected in and integral to the apparatus string for use in transmitting signals to address any initiator module in the apparatus string.
US08157020B1
A flame suppression device adaptable to conventional barbeque grills for emergency use while grilling food comprises a water reservoir holding approximately two (2) gallons of water is located at the base of the grill is herein disclosed. A manual operated pump provides pressurized water from the reservoir into a tube which is routed to a valve and then to a plurality of nozzles located directly above the cooking surface and above the heating element. To operate while grilling, a person would open the valve to release water to extinguish any unwanted flames.
US08157013B1
A tensioner system for an offshore drilling rig for drilling a well with recoil controls is disclosed herein. The tensioner system can include removable independently operable riser tensioner assemblies. Each removable independently operable riser tensioner assembly can include a bidirectional riser recoil valve and a hydraulic cylinder connected thereto. The hydraulic cylinder can power a rod engaged with a clevis and a blind end clevis. The clevis can engage a tension ring on a drilling riser. A fluid containment storage can be connected to the bidirectional riser recoil valve and the hydraulic cylinder, and can have a goose neck for connecting to a flexible jumper. A controller can be connected to the bidirectional riser recoil valve for regulating flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough to control a disconnect process of the drilling riser by controlled raising or lowering of the drilling riser.
US08157010B2
A method of preparing and using a subterranean formation stabilization agent. The stabilization agent includes a guanidyl copolymer and may be admixed with a fracturing fluid and optionally brine. The stabilization agent is effective in preventing and/or reducing, for example, clay swelling and fines migration from a subterranean formation contacted with the stabilization agent.
US08157008B2
A method of preparing a wellbore for production includes running a wellbore clean-out string, including a cement evaluation tool and a wellbore cleaning tool, into a wellbore, acquiring data relating to at least one property of a cement bond of the wellbore, using the cement evaluation tool, and simultaneously cleaning the wellbore, using the wellbore cleaning tool, as the clean-out string is run into the wellbore in order to acquire first and second sets of data while running the string into the wellbore. The first and second sets are combined to form first and second logs of cement bond, which are used to produce an enhanced log of the cement bond.
US08157004B2
An arbor arranged for attachment to overhead support, such as a top drive or main rig hoist, is arranged to resiliently support a main body. The main body is arranged to support a wedge-lock type pipe gripper assembly on a second arbor that is resiliently supported by the main body. The two arbors are rotationally connected but only indirectly connected axially and, to a limited extent, can move independently. The actuator, or linear motor, that actuates the wedge-lock system has the ability to force release of the wedge-lock system when it has been set by massive pipe loads. The forced release actuation is independent of the load supporting features of the main body. Full range actuation of the main body linear motor will not actuate the wedge-lock release system.
US08157001B2
An integrated cooling system includes a first layer having a contact area configured for coupling to a heat source, wherein the first layer has a fluid path passes adjacent to the contact area where the heat source is in thermal contact with first layer. Coupled to the first layer is a second layer to which a number of air fins are attached. A pump is connected to the fluid path forming a closed path for circulating a fluid through the first layer. Within the first layer, the fluid path will contain a plurality of fluid fins which control the flow of a fluid within the fluid path. Within the fluid path, a structure providing a double-counter flow adjacent to one or more electronic devices. Additionally the fluid path can include a microchannel plate structure. The system can include a programmable controller connect the an air-mover, pump and temperature sensing device.
US08156998B2
The present invention is a patterned metal thermal interface. In one embodiment a system for dissipating heat from a heat-generating device includes a heat sink having a first surface adapted for thermal coupling to a first surface of the heat generating device and a thermal interface having at least one patterned surface, the thermal interface being adapted to thermally couple the first surface of the heat sink to the first surface of the heat generating device. The patterned surface of the thermal interface allows the thermal interface to deform under compression between the heat sink and the heat generating device, leading to better conformity of the thermal interface to the surfaces of the heat sink and the heat generating device.
US08156995B2
Door elements having FinRay structures are described herein. An example door element described herein is movable between a closed position in which the element extends across a doorway to at least partially block the doorway, and an open position where at least a portion of the element moves to a non-blocking position relative to the doorway. The door element includes a first flexible side element to transmit tensile forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The door element includes a second flexible side element to resist compressive forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second side elements are coupled to each other at their distal ends. The element includes a plurality of connecting ribs flexibly coupled to the first and second side elements to transmit tensile forces between the first and second side elements. An actuator applies a longitudinal tensile force to the proximal end of the first side element, where the resulting deformation of the second side element is transmitted to the first side element by the connecting ribs in movement of the door element to the open position.
US08156992B2
A garage door is connected to a track extending from a front wall of the garage to a side wall within the garage. The garage door is horizontally moveable along the track, such as with a chain-driven mechanism, from a generally closed position within the garage vehicle entrance of the garage to a generally open position away from the garage vehicle entrance and disposed adjacent to a side wall of the garage. A second horizontally moving garage door may be used in conjunction with the first garage door to cooperatively close the garage vehicle entrance.
US08156988B2
The invention relates to a fiber strip multiapplicator head of the type supplying multiple independent application strips, to be compacted jointly in an area (2) by means of a roller of flexible material, the independent strips being led through hollows defined by the structural formation of a body (3) in the sides of which assemblies are arranged, which assemblies comprise respective master rollers (4) for pulling the strips synchronized with the respective cutting systems (5).
US08156985B2
Demand is growing for affordable advanced sensor systems for use in counter-terrorism, criminal forensic analysis, and medical diagnosis. Next generation, million RPM class laser interferometry and spectrometry scanning systems are the ideal solution for this need due to their inherent ability to detect and identify microscopic quantities of evidence and resolve microscopic detail however a means to produce these systems with sufficient precision efficiently and inexpensively has been elusive. The scanning head is the heart of the system and in order for scanning heads of million RPM rotational speed class to be precisely aligned and balanced at operational speed they must be assembled while rotating. To facilitate this, a fully integrated feed-back based assembly system that measures and corrects optical alignment and balance of the scanning head during final assembly has been devised that subsequently enables economical high-precision, high production rate assembly.
US08156984B2
The invention relates to an ultrasonic welding device for welding foil-like materials and includes an ultrasound sonotrode, an anvil, an adjusting unit for adjusting a relative position between the ultrasound sonotrode and the anvil, and a regulating unit which regulates, via the adjustment unit, a width of a working gap between the ultrasound sonotrode and the anvil. The anvil is mounted to be movable with respect to the ultrasound sonotrode on a movable mounting. The adjusting unit has a first wedge element connected to the anvil, a second wedge element, and an actuator. The actuator is connected to the second wedge element, and the second wedge element moves relative to the first wedge element to execute a position change of the anvil relative to the ultrasound sonotrode.
US08156982B2
If a plurality of part film webs are each stored on different supply shafts, considerable effort is necessary to use a plurality of part film webs within one apparatus. If the part film webs are stored as a plurality of part film webs on a common supply shaft, various problems can arise. Preferably a plurality of part film webs can be used in an apparatus for the transfer of a transfer layer to a sheet. Ideally, the supply shaft and/or collecting shaft is/are constructed as a friction shaft, so that the transfer of the rotational movement of the friction shaft to the transfer film supply roll and/or transfer film collecting roll is carried out via a frictional connection between shaft and roll, which can be overcome by tensile forces of the transfer film web. Therefore, a plurality of transfer film rolls having different diameters are provided on the friction shaft.
US08156981B2
The invention pertains to a combination of a substrate (6) and a wafer (15), wherein the substrate (6) and the wafer (15) are arranged parallel to one another and bonded together with the aid of an adhesive layer (8) situated between the substrate (6) and the wafer (15), and wherein the adhesive is chosen such that its adhesive properties are neutralized or at least diminished when a predetermined temperature is exceeded. According to the invention, the adhesive layer (8) is only applied annularly between the substrate (6) and the wafer (15) in the edge region of the wafer (15).
US08156976B2
An off-road tire for motorcycle comprises a tread portion provided with a plurality of blocks including an axially outmost shoulder block, a pair of sidewall portions, and a pair of bead portions, the shoulder block comprising a tread face with an axially outer edge corresponding to a tread edge and a lateral face extending from the tread edge to an radially inner edge located on the sidewall portion, the lateral face with a swelling portion swelling axially outside of the tire than a reference line which connects the tread edge and the radially inner edge, in a cross section including a tire axis, and the radial height of the radially inner edge of the lateral face from the bead base line being in a range of from 30 to 50% of the tire section height.
US08156975B1
The invention is a protective cover for an object stored outdoors. The cover is weather-proof, and a photographic image of plants, vegetation, ground cover or foliage is applied to the outer surface of the cover, whereby the appearance of the outer surface of the cover is designed to emulate the exterior appearance of outdoor plants, vegetation, ground cover and foliage, thereby serving to camouflage objects which are being protected by the cover. A low reflectivity texture is imparted to the outer surface of the cover.
US08156973B2
A wood working machine is described that includes a mounting plate assembly for supporting a cutting tool, the mounting plate assembly including a base plate, first and second spaced apart intermediate plates on the base plate, and first and second guide plate elements pivotally supported on respective first and second intermediate plates, and a cutting tool support plate slidably disposed between the first and second guide plate elements, the guide plate elements including means defined therein for positioning each of the guide plate elements at selected angular intervals with respect to the respective first and second intermediate plates, whereby the cutting tool support plate is slidably movable on the base plate between the guide plate elements at a prescribed angle. The mounting plate assembly may include laser sources providing crossed laser beams for accurately positioning the tool bit of the cutting tool near a work piece, and light sources for illuminating the tool bit. A digital sensor may be included for precise positioning of the work piece held beneath the base plate on a movable carrier. Work holding fixtures such as a mortising plate or multiangle work holder may be optionally attached to the moveable carrier to hold the work piece in alternative ways.
US08156971B2
An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.
US08156963B2
A faucet includes a spout body formed by joining an upper body and a lower body to one another. A one-piece spout tube is secured to the upper body. For example, only a cartridge seat and an aerator of the faucet are used to hold the spout tube in the upper body. Water supply hoses connected to the cartridge seat bring hot and/or cold water from a water supply source to a valve cartridge interfaced with the cartridge seat. The water flows from the water supply source, through the water supply hoses, the cartridge seat, the valve cartridge, and the spout tube, and out the spout body through the aerator. The valve cartridge allows a user to control a flow rate and/or temperature of the water delivered through the spout tube and out the spout body.
US08156960B2
A valve for controlling pressure in a system is provided. The valve includes a housing, a servo spool and a piston positioned within the housing with the piston and the servo spool being movable relative to each other. The piston defines a first orifice configured to communicate with a supply of pressurized fluid and a second orifice configured to communicate with a portion of the system exterior to the valve. A first chamber is arranged such that force due to fluid pressure in the first chamber is configured to move the piston in a first direction. The first chamber includes a third orifice configured to communicate with a controlled pressure in the system. A second chamber is at least partially defined by the housing and the piston and includes a fourth orifice configured to communicate with a low pressure fluid source. A biasing element is arranged in the second chamber. First and second fluid passages are provided in the servo spool and are configured such that in at least one relative position of the piston and the servo spool the first passage provides communication between the first orifice and the second orifice and in at least one other relative position the second passage provides communication between the second orifice and the fourth orifice.
US08156945B2
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations an abrasive exterior is attached to a body about obtuse to a right-angle of a trapezoid geometry of the body. In some implementations, the body includes a pocket along a longitudinal axis of the body and in some implementations the body includes a groove along a lateral axis.
US08156929B1
A damper for an air gun has a gas spring at least partially disposed within a compression tube. The damper includes a damping component contacting the gas spring and the compression tube. The damping component damps vibrations in the air gun when the gun is fired.
US08156927B2
A combustion chamber structure for a direct injection diesel engine is provided which can increase recirculated amount of exhaust gas while avoiding generation of black smoke and deterioration of fuel efficiency as much as possible.Disclosed is a combustion chamber structure for a direct injection diesel engine having a cavity 10 on a top surface of a piston 9. The cavity is concave to provide a majority of the combustion chamber. Fuel is injected from a center of a cylinder top radially into an inner periphery of the cavity 10 to self-ignite. A depression 24 is formed at an outer periphery of the cavity 10 and is sunken relative to the top surface of the piston 9 to provide a step. The depression 24 has a bottom with an outer periphery gradually rising radially outwardly in modestly curved surface to the top surface of the piston 9. The inlet lip 11 is formed at a position lower than the top surface of the piston 9 by an inner periphery of the bottom of the depression 24 and a combustion chamber wall 12 rising from a bottom of the cavity 10.
US08156925B2
An exhaust gas recirculation system includes: a turbocharger (8) that includes a compressor (8a) and a turbine (8b); a throttle valve (7), provided in an intake passage (3) upstream of the compressor (8a); an EGR passage (11) through which a portion of exhaust gas from the exhaust passage (4) is recirculated to the intake passage (3) between the throttle valve (7) and the compressor (8a); and an EGR valve (13) that regulates a flow rate of exhaust flowing in the EGR passage (11). The exhaust gas recirculation system further includes valve control means that controls the opening degree of the throttle valve (7) and the opening degree of the EGR valve (13) so that the pressure in the intake passage (3) between the throttle valve (7) and the compressor (8a) is maintained at or above a predetermined pressure.
US08156923B2
Methods and systems are provided to address engine pre-ignition. One or more cylinders are alternately rich and lean operated for a duration to reduce engine thermal loading while maintaining an exhaust air-to-fuel ratio around stoichiometry.
US08156917B2
There is described a centralised lubrication system and a method for lubricating the cylinder faces in large diesel engines, in particular marine engines.The system includes at least one lubricating apparatus (2) having a rotating control shaft (18) for preferably running synchronously with the main shaft (44) of the diesel engine.In order to make a system that does not have a mechanical drive between the lubricating apparatus (2) and the main shaft (44), the system is constructed with an AC motor (36) driving the control shaft (18). Reference means (72, 78) are provided in association with the main shaft (44), indicating the angular position of the main shaft, and sensor means (74, 76, 80) detecting the position of the reference means. Furthermore, the system includes a control unit (40) receiving signals from the sensor means and which includes means for detecting angular position as well as angular speed of the reference means and thereby of the main shaft (44). The control unit (40) is connected with and controls the AC motor (36) for regulating the rotation of the control shaft (18) and thereby actuation of reciprocating pumps providing the cylinder lubrication.
US08156915B2
A piston for an internal combustion engine wherein the piston includes a piston body fabricated from a metal and a piston head fabricated from a ceramic or ceramic composite material, the ceramic or ceramic composite piston head is press fit to the piston body and secured by an internal circumferential locking ring.
US08156914B2
A balancer of an engine includes a rod and a balancer piston. A first end portion of the rod includes a joining portion which is arranged to be joined to a crankshaft of the engine at a position that is eccentric relative to a rotation axis of the crankshaft. A second end portion of the rod is arranged to reciprocate inside a cylinder according to a rotation of the crankshaft. The balancer piston is fixed to the second end portion of the rod. The balancer piston is arranged to reciprocate inside the cylinder, while rocking between a contact state in which the balancer piston is in contact with an inner wall surface of the cylinder and a non-contact state in which the balancer piston is separated from the inner wall surface. The balancer piston includes a cylindrical outer peripheral portion that is curved so as to swell toward the inner wall surface. The outer peripheral portion is arranged such that lines of intersection with planes perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the balancer piston define circles. The outer peripheral portion includes a contact start portion which is arranged to come into contact first with the inner wall surface when the balancer piston switches from the non-contact state to the contact state. A distance from a center of a maximum outer diameter circle with the largest radius among the circles to the contact start portion is larger than the radius of the maximum outer diameter circle.
US08156907B2
A cam housing 3 in accordance with the present invention includes: a body portion 4 that is provided separately from a cylinder head 1, supports a camshaft 2 for driving a valve 10 provided in the cylinder head 1, and is fixed to the cylinder head 1; a sub housing 20 that includes a mounting concavity 21 for mounting a lash adjuster 18 and is fixed to the body portion 4 with a mounting face 20A thereof forced against an outer face of the body portion 4, the mounting face 20A being different from the face wherein an opening of the mounting concavity 21 is provided; andan air vent 22 that penetrates the sub housing 20 between a wall surface thereof and the mounting face 20A thereof and thereby is provided in the sub housing 20, the wall configuring an inner space formed in the mounting concavity wherein the lash adjuster 18 is mounted.
US08156900B1
An electronic method and apparatus to externally sense and identify the position of live tissue within an animal claw, including opaque claws. The live tissue (quick) position is determined by electrical conductivity measurements along the claw, so that the claw can be cut or marked. A receptor electrode positioned on the claw measures conductivity resulting from either a source electrode placed on the animal, or from the electro-magnet field created by the ambient presence of radiated line voltage. A multi point contact electrode which does not require calibration, comprises alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections. A claw receptacle conforms the electrode to the claw.
US08156899B2
Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
US08156897B2
An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing an apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.
US08156892B2
Process chamber shields having specially profiled edges exhibit increased lifetime in PVD and CVD deposition chambers. Edge profiling reduces flaking and delamination of materials deposited onto the shields, thereby prolonging shield life, and, consequently, reducing costs associated with deposition. In one embodiment, a shield having an edge portion terminating in a rounded tip, where the tip has high curvature and a small thickness, is provided. In another aspect, a shield having a concave portion connecting with an edge portion, where an upper (inner) surface of the edge portion forms a tangent plane to the upper (inner) concave surface of the concave surface, is provided. In yet another aspect, a shield with a tapered edge portion is provided. Shields, having profiled edges in accordance with these aspects and in accordance with combinations of these aspects, can better support deposited films, particularly films containing compressively stressed materials, such as metal nitrides.
US08156890B2
A system for prevention of stirred up dross in continuous hot-dip plating bath of a metal sheet characterized by placing flow regulating members partially separated from each other under a sink roll at the two side wall surfaces of a hot-dip plating bath which axial ends of the sink roll face so that said members contact the wall surfaces and thereby suppressing the flow of hot dip metal ascending or descending along the wall surfaces.
US08156888B2
A method for fabricating a substitute component for bone, including the processes of: provision of a chemical spray including at least three of calcium chloride, hydrogen phosphate, hydrogen carbonate and water to form a combined solution; reaction and precipitation of the combined solution onto a substrate; allowing the precipitated particles to form a porous structure on the substrate; applying substantially isostatic pressure to the porous structure to form a compressed structure; and (optional) providing one or more through-holes in the compressed structure to promote osteoinduction.
US08156886B2
Device (10) or apparatus for launching at least one boat (12) from a structure (14), that is at least partially surrounded by water (16), into the water. The device (10) comprises at least one launch ramp (18) and means to effect translational displacement of said at least one launch ramp (18) when the device (10) has been mounted on said structure (14) in order to enable the position of said at least one launch ramp (18) to be changed before launching said at least one boat (12) into the water (16).
US08156884B2
A mooring system comprising a structure in a body of water; a vessel in the body of water; a first anchor in the body of water; a second anchor in the body of water; a first line connecting the first anchor and the vessel; a second line connecting the second anchor and the vessel; and a third line connecting the structure and the vessel.
US08156875B2
A table may include a table top that is capable of being folded-in-half. In particular, the table top may include first and second portions that are capable of being moved being moved between a folded position in which the first portion is disposed proximate the second portion and an unfolded position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally aligned in the same plane. The table may also include first and second legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top. In addition, the table may include a handle that facilitates carrying of the table. The handle may include a gripping portion that is sized and configured to be gripped by a user and the handle may be attached to the table top. The table may further include a handle retention assembly that secures the handle in a fixed position.
US08156871B2
A liner for a shaped charge is disclosed which comprises a plurality of portions, where at least one portion is composed of powder materials. In one embodiment, the liner comprises two portions that are composed of different powder materials, while alternative embodiments of the liner comprise three portions or four portions. When the shaped charge is used in a perforating gun, reactive powder materials may be added to the plurality of portions of the liner to optimize the penetration or the enhancement of the perforating tunnel.
US08156866B2
A printing machine in which the automation of the replacement of the barrier plate is easily performed, and in which further automation of replacement procedure, simplification of replacement procedure, and reduction of time required for replacement procedure are achieved is provided.The printing machine comprises an ink fountain member 2, an ink fountain roller 3, a pair of barrier plates 53 attracted to the fountain-forming face 37a of the ink fountain member 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the ink fountain roller 3 by a permanent magnet, and a barrier plate replacing device 85. The barrier plate replacing device 85 comprises a fountain-member turning device 36, a barrier plate stopper 110 for stopping the barrier plate rotated with the ink fountain roller 3 away from the fountain-forming face 37a by the turning of the ink fountain member 2 and turning the barrier plate in a direction away from the outer peripheral surface of the ink fountain roller 3, a moving body 88 capable of moving above the ink fountain 1 and being raised and lowered, and a barrier plate holding member 91 disposed in the moving body 88 to hold and release the barrier plate 53.
US08156863B1
A manually-actuated waste compressing system includes a waste receptacle; a waste bag; a lid removably mated to the waste receptacle and a compression implement. The manually-actuated compression implement includes an elongated dowel and a disc, and is centrally aligned within an inner perimeter of the waste receptacle and linearly reciprocated along a linear travel path of the waste receptacle to compress garbage contained within the receptacle. A light source is electrically communicated by a pair of contacts and alerts a user when an undesirable compression of the garbage is reached. The apparatus provides the benefit of compacting garbage without having to make direct contact therewith thus allowing more garbage to be stored within the waste receptacle before disposal. The light source additionally ensures that the apparatus may not be unduly damage by excessive pressure when compacting garbage.
US08156855B2
A firearm attachable bullet trap for use on a gas operated firearm having a compensator attached to the barrel. The bullet trap captures bullets from live rounds and provides an visual and tactile indication of live rounds having been fired. The bullet trap is designed for the shooting of blank rounds, but is adapted to handle live rounds having a bullet in a semi-automatic or automatic firearm.
US08156852B2
A cut target medium driving type cutting plotter, where a cut target medium to be cut is driven in a first direction and a cutting unit is driven in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby moving the cutting unit in a two-dimensional direction relative to the cut target medium to make the cutting unit to be selectively brought into press contact with and separated from the cut target medium to cut the cut target medium in a desired shape, the cut target medium driving type cutting plotter includes a cut target medium supporting sheet to removably support the cut target medium on a surface opposite to the cutting unit. Preferably, the cut target medium is driven in the first direction together with the cut target medium supporting sheet, and the cut target medium supported on the cut target medium supporting sheet is cut by the cutting unit.
US08156847B2
A driver including a handle, lever, swivel cap, shaft, and a tip mechanically connected to the lever configured to engage a screw. Engaging the lever causes the tip to either compress or expand so as to lock the screw to the driver. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cap can be translated releasing the lever, thereby releasing the screw from the tip. According to one embodiment, the cap is a swivel cap allowing for jeweler style use. Advantages of the present system and method, according to various embodiments, include a tip compressing a feature that is within an outer diameter of the screw allowing a driver, or a portion thereof, to have a maximum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum diameter of a screw.
US08156834B2
A linear actuator with a quick-release mechanism allows the unpowered, loaded linear actuator to immediately return to its initial position by operating a rotatable involute cam of the quick-release mechanism. The quick-release mechanism is connected with a remote monitoring system so the current position of the linear actuator can be detected from a distant place.
US08156830B2
A plurality of fluorescent lamps 30 are in a decentered layout so as to be placed in a peripheral part of an upper space of an environmental test chamber 11 above a sample loading surface 21. The irradiance distribution of light from the fluorescent lamps 30 over the sample loading surface 21 is in the range of ±25% relative to the irradiance at the center of the sample loading surface 21.
US08156829B2
Methods of modulating a characteristic of a pharmaceutical compound spray by acoustic measurement and control of the pharmaceutical spray are disclosed. The methods include analyzing a selected characteristic of a pharmaceutical compound spray utilizing acoustic measurement to develop corresponding acoustic data. The methods further include controlling the selected characteristic by applying acoustic excitation to the pharmaceutical compound spray in accordance with the acoustic data developed.
US08156826B2
An anti-pinch sensor (10,13,40,45) with an associated evaluation circuit (33,48) is disclosed, which is suitable in particular for recognizing an obstacle in the way of an actuating element (e.g., 9) of a motor vehicle (1). The anti-pinch sensor (10,13,40,45) comprises a sensor body, which contains a sensing electrode (17), for generating an external electric field with respect to a counter-electrode (25), and a pressure sensor (34,34′) decoupled from the sensing electrode (17), for detecting a mechanical pressure.
US08156809B2
Systems and methods for resonance detection are disclosed. For example, one method for resonance detection includes the step of transmitting an actuator signal to an actuator coupled to a surface of a device. The actuator signal is configured to cause the actuator to output a force to the surface. The method further includes the steps of receiving a response of the surface to the force; determining a resonant frequency of the surface based at least in part on the response; and outputting a signal indicative of the resonant frequency.
US08156807B2
This invention relates to a resonant device with detection in the piezo-resistive plane made using surface technologies on a bulk, which comprises a resonator connected to this bulk by at least one embedded portion, means of exciting this resonator and detection means comprising at least one suspended beam type strain gauge made from piezo-resistive material, in which each strain gauge has a common plane with the resonator, and is connected to this resonator at a point situated outside of this at least one embedded portion to increase the stress observed by this strain gauge.
US08156805B2
An inertial sensor has a transducer with a sense resonator. The sense resonator is oscillated. A signal responsive to the oscillation is provided. A first baseband signal and a second baseband signal are provided responsive to the signal responsive to the oscillation of the sense resonator. A signal for controlling a resonance frequency of the sense resonator is provided responsive to performing a Goertzel algorithm on the first baseband signal and the second baseband signal. One use of controlling the resonance frequency is to control an offset between the resonance frequency of the sense resonator and the frequency of the oscillation of drive masses in the sense resonator. Using the Goertzel algorithm is particularly efficient in controlling the resonance frequency.
US08156799B2
Fluid flow measurement device and method. In one embodiment, a tool comprises a rotating arm with a sensor pad to measure fluid flow into or out of the casing wall. The arm maintains the sensor pad in close proximity to the casing inner wall. The tool diameter is variable to allow the tool to traverse variable diameter casings and pass obstacles. The sensor pad comprises flow channels to direct the flow of fluid by electromagnetic sensors configured to detect conductive fluid flow.
US08156797B2
A tire pressure monitoring apparatus includes a valve assembly mountable in a vehicle wheel and a housing securable to the end of the valve assembly. A pressure sensor assembly is securable in the housing for monitoring tire pressure and providing an electrical signal indicative thereof. The pressure sensor assembly includes a flexible circuit board, and a battery held within a fold of the flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board is overmolded.
US08156796B2
A sensor arrangement (1) for a clutch device (22) comprising a housing (2) and a sensor part (5, 5′) with at least one sensor (17) for detecting the position of a movable part (3) of the clutch device (22). The housing (2) has a recess (6) for the sensor part (5, 5′) and the sensor part (5, 5′) is fastened to a stationary part (2, 20). The sensor part (5, 5′) may be positioned on the clutch device (22) from the outside through the recess (6) of the housing and detachably fastened to the stationary part (2, 20).
US08156791B2
An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.
US08156787B2
A metal compound (50) able to trap a sulfur component in exhaust gas is arranged in a flow path of the exhaust gas, a property of the metal compound (50) changing along with an increase of the amount of sulfur component trapped at the metal compound (50) is measured, and the cumulative value of the amount of SOX actually contained in the exhaust gas is calculated from the measured property. On the other hand, the assumed cumulative value of the amount of SOX, assumed to be contained in the exhaust gas when assuming that fuel or oil of a sulfur concentration assumed in advance is used, is calculated. It is judged if fuel or oil with a high sulfur concentration is being used from the actual cumulative value of the amount of SOX and the assumed cumulative value of the amount of SOX.
US08156780B2
In a method of cutting high-tensile workpieces, in particular sheet metals of martensite steel, the workpiece is subjected to a bending stress prior and during a shearing process. The bending stress causes a substantial component of a tensile force transverse to a desired cutting contour. Tensile stresses are superimposed to the shearing stresses, which favor the beginning of the workpiece separation. The bending stress is preferably selected so that the resulting tensile stress exists at a side facing the cutting tool.
US08156775B2
A cylinder lock includes a sleeve, and a key plug housed in the sleeve and having an output portion to output an interrupted motion of a clutch device by moving in an insertion and extraction direction by an insertion and extraction of a matching key. The key plug is formed by a pivoting spindle in which the output portion pivotally supports an input clutch element and an output clutch element of the clutch device in the output state by an insertion of the matching key.
US08156774B2
An anti-theft device for a bicycle that includes wheels disposed on a front fork and on a rear stay by a nut or bolt system and a saddle tube whose clamping axis comprises a nut or a bolt. The device includes a nut or bolt fitted with at least one ratchet notch; a support washer defining a peripheral surface including a raised portion; a saddle collar or clamp; at least one pin that is configured to move inside at least one guide passage defined in the support washer or the saddle collar or clamp; at least one mobile guided pin, configured to configured to move between first and second positions under the weight and rotation of the device, the first position being one in which the bicycle is in a vertical position stood on its two wheels, in which the device permits the tightening/screwing of the nut or the bolt but prevents loosening/unscrewing thereof, the second position being a position one in which the bicycle is stood upside down on its handlebars and saddle, in which the nut or bolt may freely rotate in both directions around its axis, and a seal configured to protect the mobile guided pins against environmental factors.
US08156770B2
A drum type washing machine is provided. The drum type washing machine includes a cabinet for forming an appearance; a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet and for storing washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for washing and dehydrating laundry, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force by which the drum is rotated. The washing machine can increase washing capacity with maintaining an entire size thereof by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet. The washing machine may include a supporting plate to rotatably support the rotational shaft, and a supporting unit to support the supporting plate, the supporting unit comprising a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet.
US08156768B2
An article of hosiery having a toe seam has been developed. The hosiery includes a foot portion and a first circumferential toe portion having a first stitch length. A second circumferential toe portion can be adjacent the first toe portion. The second circumferential toe portion has at least two knitted courses with each of the at least two knitted courses having a second stitch length that is less than the first stitch length. There is at least one thread in the first circumferential toe portion that forms the toe seam.
US08156765B2
A glass forming apparatus and a glass forming method of high economical merit and high production efficiency are provided. More specifically, the glass forming apparatus has dies, in which at least one die is divided into a heat exchange unit and a press unit, and in the glass forming apparatus and glass forming method, the plane precision is improved in the contact dividing surfaces of the heat exchange unit and the press unit.A glass forming apparatus includes a die having a press surface for pressing a glass material, in which the die has a plurality of dies, and at least one die is divided into a heat exchange unit and a press unit. Preferably, the surface precision of at least one part of each dividing surface in contact with the heat exchange unit and the press unit has a flatness (PV) of 500 μm or less, and the plane precision of at least one part of the dividing surface has a surface roughness (Ra) of 100 μm or less.
US08156761B2
A mixed quartz powder contains quartz powder and two or more types of doping element in an amount of from 0.1 to 20 mass %. The aforementioned doped elements include a first dope element selected from the group consisting of N, C and F, and a second dope element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, the lanthanides and the actinides. The “quartz powder” is a powder of crystalline quartz or it is a powder of glassy SiO2 particles. It is made form natural occurring quartz or it is fabricated synthetically. The “quartz powder” may be doped. The compounding ratio of the total amount (M1) of the aforementioned first elements and the total amount (M2) of the aforementioned second elements as the ratio of the number of atoms (M1)/(M2) is preferably from 0.1 to 20. Al as well as the aforementioned doped elements is preferably included in a mixed quartz powder of this invention.
US08156759B2
The present invention particularly relates to a novel type of hinge to be used for sequentially interconnecting different elemental jewelry units of a jewelry item. Type of hinge constructions used in jewelry making of prior art do not permit the jewelry item to retain during use its appropriate shape which is required for bringing out beauty value of the jewelry item like the diamond-studded necklace. The necklace may present itself as an ordinary metal chain, which, as if, “falls down loose”, giving a U-shape or any other unplanned shape. Hinge-construction of prior art does not restrict movement of different elemental jewelry units in different unplanned directions. The difficulty becomes more pronounced when very small size diamonds are used in the necklace. The novel type of hinge of the present invention provides two mating pairs for each elemental jewelry units permit each unit to have predetermined appropriate amounts of clockwise and anticlockwise rotational motions. This helps the jewelry item to take and retain its planned appropriate shape to achieve gracefulness and beauty, giving very attractive and impressive appearance. Hinge-construction of present invention can be used for making different jewelry items such as necklace, bracelets, pendants, earrings and the like.
US08156756B2
A fluid machine includes a casing, a compression mechanism for compressing refrigerant, an expansion mechanism for expanding refrigerant, and a rotary shaft connecting the compression mechanism and the expansion mechanism. The compression mechanism, the expansion mechanism and the rotary shaft are disposed in the casing. A heat insulator partitions an internal space of the casing into a first space with the expansion mechanism disposed therein and a second space with the compression mechanism disposed therein. The rotary shaft passes through the heat insulator. An elastically deformable seal element seals a clearance between an outer periphery of the heat insulator and an inner periphery of the casing.
US08156751B2
A system includes a power source, a compressor that operates in a reduced-capacity mode and a full-capacity mode, and an actuation assembly that modulates the compressor between the reduced-capacity mode and the full-capacity mode. A controller reduces the power source to a predetermined level prior to the power source being supplied to the actuation assembly for use by the actuation assembly in controlling the compressor between the reduced-capacity mode and the full-capacity mode.
US08156743B2
Disclosed is an arrangement for expanding an annular fluid flow and a center fluid flow, comprising a combustor including a venturi and a centerbody, the centerbody including an upstream end and a downstream end, and a venturi throat defined by the venturi and disposed upstream of 0.19 inches downstream of the downstream end of the centerbody.
US08156738B2
The invention relates to a hydrostatic transmission having two bent axis- or swashplate-type axial piston units which are operated alternately as a pump and as a motor, with the two axial piston units being adjustable together with a pivotable dual yoke or by means of a pivotable dual swashplate. In order to minimize the dead volumes of the two axial piston units, the rotational axes of the two axial piston power units are offset with respect to the pivot axis of the dual yoke or of the swashplate by a magnitude such that, at all pivot angles, the power unit pistons, at dead center, are located in the direct vicinity of the bore end of the cylinder block.
US08156735B2
A facility for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine (1) comprises catalytic oxidation means (3), a particle filter (4) placed downstream from the catalytic oxidation means (3), a reformer (5) to produce reformate. The reformate is introduced with the exhaust gases upstream of the catalytic oxidation means in order to obtain a pre-set recommended temperature Tcons of the gases heated upstream of the particle filter (4), so as to regenerate the particle filter (4) by raising the temperature of the gases, a calculated reformate flow Qref_calc is determined as a function of the recommended temperature Tcons, a discrepancy coefficient is determined as a function of the difference between the recommended temperature Tcons and a measured temperature Tmes upstream of the particle filter, and the reformer (5) is controlled with a recommended reformate flow Qref_cons as a function of the discrepancy coefficient a and the calculated reformate flow Qref_calc.
US08156732B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for regenerating an exhaust gas treatment device. A controller module directs an injector to provide reductant to an exhaust gas treatment device over a plurality of rich intervals during a regeneration cycle. In addition, the controller module directs the injector to reduce the reductant provided to the exhaust gas treatment device over a lean interval between the rich intervals to create a lean environment within the exhaust gas treatment device. In one embodiment, the controller module modifies the reductant provided during each rich interval, the number of rich intervals, the length of the rich intervals, and the length of the lean intervals in response to an exhaust gas state.
US08156731B2
An internal combustion engine in which a front end catalyst (12) and rear end catalyst (14) comprising NOx storing catalysts are arranged in an engine exhaust passage. When these catalysts (12, 14) should recover from SOx poisoning, SOx poisoning recovery proceeding is performed in which the temperatures of the corresponding catalysts (12, 14) are raised to the SOx release temperature and the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the corresponding catalysts (12, 14) is made rich. In this case, the frequency of performing the SOx poisoning recovery proceeding of the rear end catalyst (14) is made higher than the frequency of performing the SOx poisoning recovery proceeding of the front end catalyst (12).
US08156729B2
A method for operating an internal combustion engine for variable engine out NOx control talking into account the age of the SCR.
US08156724B2
A combustion chamber is provided, including an inner casing with a sliding surface and an outer casing with a sliding wall portion. The sliding surface and the sliding wall portion are slidably attached to each other. A cooling hole is located in the sliding wall portion. The cooling hole is at least partially located in the sliding wall portion such that it opens due to a sliding movement of the sliding surface relative to the sliding wall portion when the inner casing thermally expands and/or closes due to a sliding movement of the sliding surface relative to the sliding wall portion when the inner casing thermally contracts. Moreover, a gas turbine including an inventive combustion chamber is disclosed.
US08156712B2
A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole.
US08156706B2
A metal truss comprises elongated top chord members connected to each other at their ends. A first elongated bottom chord member is connected at its ends to the top chord members adjacent the free ends of the top chord members. A second elongated bottom chord member is connected at its ends to the top chord members, or directly to the first bottom chord member via spacers, such that the second bottom chord member is spaced below the first bottom chord member. At least one web member is positioned between and interconnecting at least one top chord member and the first bottom chord member. One end of the web member is connected to the at least one top chord member and the other end of the web member is connected to the first bottom chord member.
US08156705B2
A groutless tile system including groutless tiles, wherein each groutless tile includes a substrate, a durable surface disposed within a groove defined by the substrate, the durable surface having bottom surface, and a first coupling member disposed on an edge of the substrate. The first coupling member comprises a first bendable portion and a groove, the groove having an upper surface and a lower surface. The bottom surface of the durable surface is substantially coplanar with a point between the upper and lower surfaces of the groove.
US08156681B2
A novel quick release fishing rod holder, the fishing rod holder is a base portion forming a longitudinal tube having a curved entry thereinto; and a split-arm fishing rod retainer assembly, including a split-barrel portion formed of a cooperating pair of opposing semi-tubular walls split along a longitudinal opening therebetween, and a torque restraint mechanism operable between the opposing semi-tubular walls adjacent to opposing ends thereof, and a split-leg portion sized to be received into the tube of the base portion through the curved entry thereinto, wherein the split-leg portion includes a pair of legs each having one of the semi-tubular walls of the split-barrel portion positioned at a distal end thereof, and a curved insertion portion cooperating with the curved entry into the tube of the base portion. A biasing mechanism is positioned for biasing apart the walls of the split-barrel portion.
US08156673B2
A separable tag for bags or other containers, each tag comprising a laminar tag-like member having a series of layers, generally an upper and lower layer, the upper layer contains print materials such as for functioning as a coupon, and its is adhesively applied but peelable from a bottom layer of the tag that is securely affixed to the packaged food product. The tags may be formed continuously, but pulled free at a line of perforation, when applied manually or by machine to the bags.
US08156672B2
The present invention relates to an stormproof billboard and control method thereof, which includes a column, a billboard stent, a rotating element, a motor, an electromagnetic brake, an anemoscope, a trigger switch, and an electric control assembly, wherein the control element respectively connects with the electromagnetic brake, the motor and the trigger switch, the electric control assembly controls the work of the motor and the electromagnetic brake by the wind speed signal measured by the anemoscope and the signal of the trigger switch. By using above structure, the invention can change the windward section of the stormproof billboard by the wind speed and the wind direction, such that effectively reduces the wind load, makes the stormproof billboard more secure in use. The invention is easy to control and secure to use, makes the advertisement have a good effect, it is worth to use the stormproof billboard.
US08156668B2
A method and tool for stretching a fabric with a fastener eyelet socket to mate the fastener eyelet socket with a fastener stud, the method and tool aligning the socket with the stud for final fastening, the fabric stretching tool with a handle at one end and a shaft secured to the second end with a wedge-shaped tip located at a distal end of the shaft, a sloped surface defined on the wedge-shaped tip, and a semi-spherical concave cavity formed in the sloped surface of the wedge-shaped tip to mate with the fastener stud.
US08156660B2
A method and apparatus for drying clothes by adjusting the heat input into a drying chamber of a clothes dryer based on the airflow rate through the drying chamber.
US08156647B2
A method for manufacturing a multilayer printed wiring board includes preparing a first resin insulative material having a first conductive circuit on or in the first resin insulative material, forming a second resin insulative material on the first resin insulative material and the first conductive circuit, forming on a surface of the second resin insulative material a first concave portion to be filled with a conductive material for formation of a second conductive circuit, forming on the surface of the second resin insulative material a pattern having a second concave portion and post portions to be filled with the conductive material for formation of a plane conductor, and filling the conductive material in the first concave portion and the second concave portion such that the second conductive circuit and the plane conductor are formed.
US08156640B2
The protection of sensitive components on printed circuit boards by using planar transient protection material in one or more layers of a printed circuit board stackup is disclosed.
US08156639B1
A portable power motorized racking tool having a front plate and a back plate disposed opposite, a first and second handle on the front plate, a motor mount secured to the front plate with a motor mount extension protruding through a shaft hole, a motor with torque limiting clutch attached to the motor mount, a battery between the plates supported by 4 braces connected to the front and back plates containing the battery; a power cable connecting the battery to the motor, a start button with ignition wire connecting the start button to the battery secured to the front plate for actuating the motor, a rotatable shaft connected to the torque limiting clutch and contained by the motor mount extension, an install switch and a remove switch each connected to the motor for rotating the rotatable shaft, and a universal tool connected to the rotatable shaft.
US08156633B1
An HSA transport comb includes an alignment pin extending from the comb body into a tooling hole of the actuator arm, and a separator finger in contact with a suspension assembly of an HGA with the transport comb in a second angular orientation with respect to the actuator arm, but not in a first angular orientation. The transport comb includes a restraining tower extending into a mass-reduction opening of the actuator arm. The restraining tower includes a first lobe that fits within the mass-reduction opening with the transport comb in the first angular orientation, but not with the transport comb in the second angular orientation. The restraining tower also includes a first neck that fits within the mass-reduction opening with the transport comb in either angular orientation, and has a neck height that is greater than the actuator arm thickness.
US08156617B2
A carabiner with a generally C-shaped body includes a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of an opening. A primary gate is mounted to the second end. The primary gate is rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to a plane that bisects the C-shaped body. The primary gate is rotatable between a closed position with the primary gate engaged with the first end and the C-shaped body enclosing an interior region, and an open position with the primary gate located generally in the interior region. A secondary gate is attached to the primary gate and adapted to be displaced in the plane relative to the primary gate between a closed configuration that separates the interior region into a first portion and a second portion, and an open configuration that provides access to the interior region. The secondary gate can be displaced in the plane to extend across the interior region as the primary gate rotates between the open position and the closed position. Displacement of the secondary gate can include rotation and/or translation.
US08156609B2
A handheld cleaning appliance includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow in an airflow path leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The separating apparatus includes a cyclonic separator having at least one cyclone and a collector having a wall and a base member, the base member being held in a closed position by a catch and being pivotably connected to the wall. The appliance further includes a main body which incorporates an actuator for operating the catch. The actuator has a slidably mounted rod which is movable between an inoperative position and an actuating position in which the rod contacts part of the catch so as to allow the collector to be opened for emptying purposes. This arrangement allows the catch to be released without the user actually touching the collector.
US08156604B2
A windshield wiper device (10), particularly for a motor vehicle, is proposed. This windshield wiper device comprises a wiper bearing (14) supporting a wiper shaft (16), which has an undercut (48) in which a securing device (40) for axially fixing the wiper shaft (16) in the wiper bearing (14) is arranged. The securing device (40) can be displaced by the effects of a defined axial force component (F) on the wiper shaft (16), whereby the wiper shaft (16) can be displaced in relationship to the wiper bearing (14). According to the invention, the securing device (40) comprises a bushing section (42) with an indentation (50), which engages in the undercut (48) of the wiper shaft (16).
US08156600B2
A toothbrush including a head having an elastomeric support member is described herein. The elastomeric support member supports a plurality of upstanding projections. At least a portion of the upstanding projections include non-elastomeric projections and elastomeric projections.
US08156594B2
A decoration solar panel bridge supplying power sources, for commercial and residential applications, incorporates at least one solar panel in a decoration bridge comprising members of frame, cross brace and board. The wide boards including solar panels cover straight beams and cross braces as a partial or full surface of the bridge. The slice boards cover the top arc beams or alternative round beams as partial surfaces of the bridge. Each solar panel output power and dimension can be designed for desired power consumption and needed. The alternative frame members can be used to construct different shapes of the bridge and can replace the curve shape frame members. The decoration bridge includes optional members: safety fence members, supporting members and handrail members. Solar powered lights can be installed at the top of safety poles and solar powered light stands can replace the vertical spindle of handrails.
US08156593B2
A method for making a Goodyear shoe includes the steps of: stitching together a lower edge of an upper and a peripheral edge of an inner midsole so as to form a coupled section; placing a last into an assembly resulting from the previous step; placing an outer welt on an outer surface of the upper at the coupled section and stitching the outer welt, the upper, and the inner midsole together; placing a filler on a bottom surface of the inner midsole; bonding a thin sole to a bottom portion of an assembly that results from the previous step and stitching the thin sole to the outer welt; and bonding an outsole and performing edge-abrading. The method prevents a toe cap portion of the upper from tearing and creasing and dispenses with such steps as gripping the upper, driving wire nails, and trimming the lower edge of the upper.
US08156592B2
Disclosed herein is a washing machine including a balancer, which increases the speed of a rotation tub stepwise in a period in which an excessive vibration of a water tub occurs to pass the excessive vibration period without the vibration, and a method of controlling the same. The method of controlling the washing machine includes increasing the speed of the rotation tub stepwise in the period in which the excessive vibration of the water tub occurs; measuring current of a motor to detect an amount of unbalance while the speed of the rotation tub is increased stepwise; and controlling the speed of the rotation tub based on the detected amount of unbalance.
US08156586B2
The present invention relates to ambulance cots, cot systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides an ambulance cot comprising one or more control features (e.g., a notched ladder rail assembly (e.g., for preventing hot dropping of cot); a hand braking system; and/or team lift rails) and methods of using the same (e.g., to transport a subject (e.g., into and/or from an ambulance)).
US08156585B2
A bedding design enables a user to fold a portion of the bedding underneath itself to create a pouch. The pouch may provide warmth for a user's feet and lower legs when they are lying in bed. The bedding may include a comforter with optional sheets and/or blankets. The additional sheets and/or blankets may be folded in a similar manner, either separately or together with the comforter. The comforter may be designed with an additional flap attached thereto so that folding the flap to create the pouch does not change the appearance of the bedding on a bed.
US08161568B2
A cantilever has a probe portion and a cantilever portion having a free end portion from which the probe portion extends. A displacement detecting portion detects a displacement of the cantilever portion according to an interaction between a sample and the probe portion. An electrode portion is connected to the displacement detecting portion. An insulation film is formed over at least one of the electrode portion and the displacement detecting portion. A functional coating in the form one of a conductive film, a magnetic film, and a film having a light intensity amplifying effect is disposed on the insulation film.
US08161546B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus and method for partitioning data on a smartcard dependent on an entered password are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes maintaining multiple containers in a smartcard, associating a different personal identification number (PIN) with each of the multiple containers, and accessing contents of a container when an associated PIN for the container is provided by a user of the smartcard. Other embodiments are also described.
US08161545B2
A computer input system and method that includes a plurality of username keys and a plurality of password keys that can be selectively programmed by the user. When the user is required to enter a username or password to use the computer, a software program, a file, a network or a website, the user moves the cursor on the display to the proper field and touches one of the pre-programmed username and password keys to automatically input the username and password. The system includes a software program that creates a username and password recording page in which the user enters different usernames and passwords and then assigns them to different username keys and password keys on the keyboard. The system also creates a protected asset menu page that allows the user to list different protected assets and the combination of username and password keys needed to use, open or access them. The keyboard may include a security feature that prevents unauthorized use of the keyboard.
US08161543B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for establishing multiple tunnels for each virtual local area network is described. Upon receiving information over a first tunnel associated with a first virtual local area network, a determination is made whether the information is from a network device assigned to a second virtual local area network, which differs from the first virtual local area network. If the network device is a member of the second virtual local area network, a second tunnel associated with the second virtual local area network is created.
