US08159191B2
A rechargeable battery system having a plurality of cells in series circuits for high voltage applications. Cells, cell sets and cell packs in series circuits are protected from over-charging with self-discharging devices. The rechargeable battery system is protected from over-charging and over-discharging and charging is controlled to be resumed by an over-charge/over-discharge printed circuit board or the charger.
US08159168B2
A method for estimating a rotor position in an electrical machine is provided. The method is applicable to electrical machines that have magnetic saliency. The method includes extracting the rotor position from a demodulated output signal generated in response to an injected high frequency carrier signal and determining a position error compensation based upon a demodulation delay and a velocity or rotational frequency of the electrical machine. The method also includes estimating the rotor position by applying the position error compensation to the extracted rotor position.
US08159166B2
A motor drive circuit includes a transistor that is connected in parallel to a first voltage divider resistance that forms a voltage divider circuit between the source and the gate of a second interrupting MOSFET. If a reverse connection of the battery occurs, a compensation drive circuit turns on the transistor using an output from the battery so that the source and the gate of the second interrupting MOSFET are short-circuited. Thus, formation of a closed circuit that includes the battery and the inverter circuit is prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent both terminals of the battery from being short-circuited.
US08159164B2
A variable-delay-time control system for a motor is provided. The system includes a control unit, a driving unit, and a motor. The control unit is used to output at least one control signal according to at least one predetermined signal, and the control signal has a variable delay time. The driving unit is connected to the control unit, and is used to receive the control signal and generate a driving signal. The motor is connected to the driving unit, and conduction time of the motor is controlled according to the driving signal and the variable delay time. With the variable-delay-time control system of the present invention, the delay time of the control signal is variable, so the motor can operate at a high efficiency (for example, at a reduced current). Moreover, as the variable-delay time can be adjusted according to the predetermined signal, the motor can operate at a high efficiency in different operating states, thus improving the overall efficiency of the motor.
US08159161B2
To estimate an initial magnetic pole position, estimated control axes corresponding to the d-axis and q-axis are set as the γ-axis and δ-axis, and a with high frequency rotation voltage or alternating voltage on the γδ coordinate system applied to the motor. A high frequency current ih flowing in the motor is then extracted from a detected motor current (armature current) and a direct current component (ihγ×ihδ)DC of a product of the γ-axis and δ-axis components of the high frequency current ih is derived. Alternatively, the γ′-axis component ichγ and the δ′-axis component 66 of the high frequency current ih that are shifted by π/4 in electric angle from the γ-axis and the δ-axis are used to obtain a direct current component of their product (ichγ×ichδ)DC. The magnetic pole position is then estimated by computing the axial error Δθ between the γ-d axes utilizing the direct current components.
US08159150B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optical feedback control for an illumination device, wherein the control signal for each array of one or more light-emitting elements corresponding to a particular color, is independently configured using a modification signal whose frequency is different for each color. Electronic filters whose center frequencies are substantially equal to the modification signal frequencies of the drive currents for the light-emitting elements are used to discriminate between the radiant flux corresponding to each of the different colors of light-emitting elements, from a sample of the mixed radiant flux output collected by one or more optical sensors. The output of an individual electronic filter is substantially directly proportional to the radiant flux output of the light-emitting elements of the associated color, which together with the desired luminous flux and chromaticity of the output light, the controller can use to adjust the control signals.
US08159146B1
An illumination source for a camera includes one or more LEDs, and an electrical circuit that selectively applies power from the DC voltage source to the LEDs, wherein the illumination source is suitable for handheld portable operation. In some embodiments, the electrical circuit further includes a control circuit for driving the LEDs with electrical pulses at a frequency high enough that light produced has an appearance to a human user of being continuous rather than pulsed, the control circuit changing a pulse characteristic to adjust a proportion of light output having the first characteristic color spectrum output to that having the second characteristic color spectrum output. Some embodiments provide an illumination source including a housing including one or more LEDs; and a control circuit that selectively applies power from a source of electric power to the LEDs, thus controlling a light output color spectrum of the LEDs.
US08159142B2
A ballast comprising a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a switch circuit, and a plurality of lamp sets is provided. The switch circuit comprises a first switch and a second switch connected with the first one. The switches are connected with the first and second input terminals respectively. The lamp sets are connected in parallel with each other and have an arrangement sequence. Each of the lamp sets is coupled to the first and second switches and comprises a first lamp having a first filament. The filaments are connected in series according to the arrangement order so that at least one junction is formed in the at least one connection point. The first one of the first filaments is coupled to the first switch. The last one of the first filaments is coupled to the second switch. Thereby, the ballast can be implemented by less internal connection terminals and leads.
US08159138B2
A LED driving topology includes a LED array and a current source connected in series between two power inputs receiving a positive voltage and a negative voltage respectively. This topology increases the voltage difference across the LED array and hence has the capability of lighting up more serially connected LEDs, without requiring an additional boost circuit or a high voltage. In addition, the circuit of the current source can be made by a low-voltage manufacturing process.
US08159132B2
An organic EL display apparatus includes a display unit having a plurality of organic EL elements two-dimensionally arranged on a substrate, where the organic EL elements provide pixels, a sealing plate configured to be adhered to the substrate with an adhesive to cover the display unit, and a plurality of lead wires disposed on the substrate such that the lead wires are drawn outward from the display unit to the outside of the sealing plate. A linear bank is formed along an adhesion zone defined on the substrate to extend across the lead wires in a region where these lead wires are disposed. The sealing plate has its periphery adhered to the adhesion zone on the substrate along the adhesion zone on the substrate.
US08159131B2
A light emitting device and method of producing the same is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a transparent thermally conductive layer, a phosphor layer provided on the transparent thermally conductive layer, and at least one light emitting semiconductor arranged to emit light toward the transparent thermally conductive layer and the phosphor layer.
US08159129B2
The invention relates to a radiation emitting device, with a substrate (100) and a layer sequence disposed on top of it. Said layer sequence comprises a first electrode surface (200) with a first contact (210) for applying a voltage, at least one functional layer (300), which emits radiation during operation, and a second electrode surface (400). In the layer sequence, a plurality of partial regions is present that is modified in such a way that the emission of radiation visible to an external observer therefrom is interrupted. The distribution density of these partial regions varies depending on their distance from the contact.
US08159123B2
In a light emitting module arranging therein a plurality of LEDs, each LED includes: an LED chip; and an anode connected to the LED chip. The anode includes: a support surface supporting the LED chip; and an extending part extending with respect to the support surface, and the extending parts in the plurality of LEDs separate from each other.
US08159121B2
A field effect electron emitting apparatus comprising a substrate, a plurality of wires embedded in the substrate, at least a portion of each wire being exposed from the substrate and extending generally perpendicularly therefrom and including magnetic material, wherein the average wire spacing is less than 30 μm, the average spacing height ratio is between 1 and 3 and the average wire aspect ratio is greater than 3. Also a method of manufacturing an electron emitting apparatus, a field effect display having such a field effect electron emitting apparatus, an illumination apparatus having such a field effect electron emitting apparatus, and a backlight apparatus for a liquid crystal display having such a field effect electron emitting apparatus.
US08159118B2
An electron gun includes the following: a primary thermionic electron source, a secondary thermionic electron source and a focusing electrode disposed within a first housing that includes one or more reference members adjustably attached to a housing support connected to a first platform; an anode and one or more focusing coils disposed within a second housing comprising one or more insulating members adjustably connected to the first platform; and one or more deflection coils disposed within a third housing connected to the second housing and located opposite said first housing.
US08159114B2
A multistage flextensional transducer includes at least one inner elongate driver member within and mechanically coupled to an inner shell that is nested within an outer shell; the inner shell comprising a pair of contact portions abutting the driver member and a pair of transmission portions on opposite sides of the inner shell between the contact portions; the outer shell being arranged so that the transmission portions act as bridging driver members between the said inner and outer shells, flexure of the outer shell being driven, on actuation of the transducer, by movement of the bridging driver members. The transducer may act as a push or pull actuator or sensor, may magnify displacement and may employ smart materials as driver members. Also cylindrical modules containing thin flextensional actuators may provide axial displacement in a downhole environment and may move a device axially along a downhole pipe or close a valve opening or inch along the pipe.
US08159110B2
A fluid actuator includes a piezoelectric body (31), a fluid channel (2) having the piezoelectric body (31) on a part of the inner wall thereof and enabling a fluid to move inside, and a surface acoustic wave generation portion (101) for driving the fluid in the fluid channel by surface acoustic waves generated from a interdigital electrode formed on the surface of the piezoelectric body (31) facing the fluid channel (2). The surface acoustic wave generation portion (101) is arranged at the position offset from the center of the fluid channel (2). The fluid actuator can perform drive with a low voltage and drives the fluid in a narrow fluid channel in a single direction.
US08159109B2
A microresonator comprising a single-crystal silicon resonant element and at least one activation electrode placed close to the resonant element, in which the resonant element is placed in an opening of a semiconductor layer covering a substrate, the activation electrode being formed in the semiconductor layer and being level at the opening.
US08159105B2
When accommodating a cage stator coil in a stator core made up of distributed cores, an end side distributed core composing end side core at an end side in axial direction is made larger than a central side distributed core composing central side core. The cage stator coil is formed by compressing a central portion of an original cage stator coil. The end side segment core composing the end core is set at a central portion in an axial direction of the cage stator coil then the end side coil is moved to an end portion in the axial direction. The central side segment core composing the central core is set at the central portion in the axial direction of the cage stator coil thereafter.
US08159098B2
A motor control apparatus including: a motor including a rotating member and a stator; a housing member including a motor housing portion and a power system substrate housing portion, the motor housing portion enclosing the motor and extending in an axial direction of the rotating member, the power system substrate housing portion being integrally formed with the motor housing portion and being located is radially outside of the motor; a control system board supporting a component of a control circuit to control the motor, and including a first board portion facing the motor in the axial direction, and a second board portion extending radially from the first board portion; and a power system substrate supporting a component of a power supply circuit to supply power to the motor, the power system substrate being provided in the power system substrate housing portion.
US08159094B2
An electric motor having a housing, a stator mounted in the housing, and a rotor mounted in the housing for rotation relative to the stator about a central axis. A plurality of fluid flow passages extend through the rotor between opposite ends. An electro-magnetic drive system is adapted for driving rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. A fluid circulation system is in fluid communication with the fluid flow passages for providing fluid flow from the first end of the rotor to the second end of the rotor through at least one of the fluid flow passages and fluid flow from the second end of the rotor to the first end of the rotor through at least one other of the fluid flow passages. The rotor and components of the fluid circulation can be assembled to make a rotor assembly.
US08159089B2
A power supply circuit has: a DC/DC converter (M11, M12, L11, C11) which steps down an input voltage Vin to generate an output voltage Vout1 by rectifying and smoothing a pulsing switched voltage Vsw generated by turning on and off output switches (M11 and M12); and a charge pump (M11-M14, C12, C13) which steps up the input voltage Vin to generate an output voltage Vout2 by repeating charging and discharging of a charge accumulation capacitor (C12) by turning on and off charge transfer switches (M11-M14). First end of the charge accumulation capacitor is connected to a terminal from which the switched voltage Vsw is outputted. The output switches are also used as part of the charge transfer switches.
US08159087B2
The invention provides a power generation system having a power generator (1) configured to generate DC power; an electric power load (5); a current detector configured to detect a current flowing between a system power supply (8) and an interconnection point (9); and a switch (4) configured to switch to supply the DC power from the power generator (1) and AC power which is fed from the system power supply (8) through the interconnection point (9), to the electric power load (5).
US08159083B2
Disclosed herein are a variety of different electrical system topologies intended to mitigate the impact of large intermittent loads on a 12 volt vehicle power distribution system. In some embodiments the intermittent load is disconnected from the remainder of the system and the voltage supplied to this load is allowed to fluctuate. In other embodiments, the voltage to critical loads is regulated independently of the voltage supplied to the remainder of the system. The different topologies described can be grouped into three categories, each corresponding to a different solution technique. One approach is to regulate the voltage to the critical loads. A second approach is to isolate the intermittent load that causes the drop in system voltage. The third approach is to use a different type of alternator that has a faster response than the conventional Lundell wound field machine.
US08159072B2
The present invention includes a base, a rectification chip, a conductive element and a coupling collar. The base has an installation pedestal to hold the rectification chip. The conductive element has a root portion to hold the rectification chip. The coupling collar is located at one end of the base to hold a package. The coupling collar has a plurality of anchor portions in contact with the package. Each anchor portion has a convex portion and a concave portion extended to two ends of the coupling collar. The convex portion and concave portion of two neighboring anchor portions are formed in a staggered manner. The cross section area of the convex portion on the annular edge of the coupling collar is different from the cross section area of the inner wall of the coupling collar. Hence fabrication and assembly are easier. Turning and loosening of the package can be prevented.
US08159065B2
A semiconductor package having an internal cooling system is presented which includes a semiconductor chip and a through-electrode. The semiconductor chip has a circuit section. The through-electrode passes through an upper surface and a lower surface the semiconductor chip. The through-electrode is electrically connected with the circuit section of the semiconductor chip. The through-electrode also has a through-hole for allowing cooling fluid to flow therethrough.
US08159063B2
A substrate of a micro-BGA package is revealed, primarily comprising a substrate core, a first trace, and a second trace where the substrate core has a slot formed between a first board part and a second board part. The first trace is disposed on the first board part and has a suspended inner lead extended into the slot where the inner lead has an assumed broken point. The second trace is disposed on the second board part and is integrally connected to the inner lead at the assumed broken point. More particularly, a non-circular through hole is formed at the assumed broken point and has two symmetric V-notches away from each other and facing toward two opposing external sides of the inner lead so that the inner lead at two opposing external sides does not have the conventional V-notches cutting into the inner lead from outside. Moreover, the inner lead will not unexpectedly be broken and the inner lead can easily and accurately be broken at the assumed broken point during thermal compression processes.
US08159062B2
A method including forming an intermediate product, the intermediate product being configured to include a wiring substrate including a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of test electrodes, a first semiconductor chip mounted over the wiring substrate and including a plurality of first pads electrically connected respectively to the first electrodes, and a second semiconductor chip stacked over the first semiconductor chip and including a plurality of second pads electrically connected respectively to the second electrodes; encapsulating the first and second semiconductor chips; and performing electrical tests on the first and second semiconductor chips by use of the test electrodes, after the encapsulating of the first and second semiconductor chips.
US08159050B2
A single crystal silicon etching method includes providing a single crystal silicon substrate having at least one trench therein. The single crystal silicon substrate is exposed to an anisotropic etchant that undercuts the single crystal silicon. By controlling the length of the etch, single crystal silicon islands or smooth vertical walls in the single crystal silicon may be created.
US08159046B2
A capacitor includes a lower electrode; a dielectric layer formed on a predetermined portion of the lower electrode; an upper electrode formed on the dielectric layer; a hard mask pattern formed on the upper electrode; and an isolation layer having a shape of a spacer, formed on one sidewall of the hard mask pattern, the upper electrode, and the dielectric layer.
US08159043B2
A semiconductor device such as an ID chip of the present invention includes an integrated circuit using a semiconductor element formed by using a thin semiconductor film, and an antenna connected to the integrated circuit. It is preferable that the antenna is formed integrally with the integrated circuit, since the mechanical strength of an ID chip can be enhanced. Note that the antenna used in the present invention also includes a conducting wire that is wound round circularly or spirally and fine particles of a soft magnetic material are arranged between the conducting wires. Specifically, an insulating layer in which fine particles of a soft magnetic material are arranged between the conducting wires. Specifically, an insulating layer in which fine particles of a soft magnetic material are included is arranged between the conducting wires.
US08159041B2
A semiconductor device includes: a lower layer interconnection formed on a chip; an upper layer interconnection formed in an upper layer above the lower layer interconnection above the chip; an interconnection via formed to electrically connect the lower layer interconnection and the upper layer interconnection; a via-type electric fuse formed to electrically connect the lower layer interconnection and the upper layer interconnection. The fuse is cut through heat generation, and a sectional area of the fuse is smaller than a sectional area of the upper layer interconnection and a via diameter of the fuse is smaller than that of the interconnection via.
US08159036B2
A LDD layer of the second conduction type locates in the surface of a semiconductor layer beneath a sidewall insulator film. A source layer of the second conduction type is formed in the surface of the semiconductor layer at a position adjacent to the LDD layer. A resurf layer of the second conduction type is formed in the surface of the semiconductor layer at a position sandwiching the gate electrode with the LDD layer. A drain layer of the second conduction type is formed in the surface of the semiconductor layer at a position adjacent to the resurf layer. The resurf layer is formed in depth to have peaks of a first and a second impurity concentration in turn from the surface of the semiconductor layer. The peak of the first impurity concentration is smaller than the peak of the second impurity concentration.
US08159011B2
A charge transfer transistor includes: a first diffusion region and a second diffusion region; a gate for controlling a charge transfer from the first diffusion region to the second diffusion region by a control signal; and a potential well incorporated under the gate, wherein the first diffusion region is a pinned photodiode. A pixel of an image sensor includes: a photodiode for generating and collecting a photo generated charge; a floating diffusion region for serving as a photo generated charge sensing node; a transfer gate for controlling a charge transfer from the photodiode to the floating diffusion region by a control signal; and a potential well incorporated under the transfer gate.
US08159000B2
Disclosed is a light emitting diode (LED) package having an array of light emitting cells coupled in series. The LED package comprises a package body and an LED chip mounted on the package body. The LED chip has an array of light emitting cells coupled in series. Since the LED chip having the array of light emitting cells coupled in series is mounted on the LED package, it can be driven directly using an AC power source.
US08158999B2
A reinforced chip package structure includes a light emitting element, a base, and a package member. The base has a base deck and a jutting bearing deck on the base deck to hold the light emitting element. The base deck and the bearing deck are interposed by an elevation difference section. On the elevation difference section, there is an annular retaining structure. The package member is located on the base and covers at least the bearing deck and the retaining structure. The package member has an anchor structure corresponding to the retaining structure. The retaining structure and the anchor structure are coupled together to harness the base and the package member from moving against each other. Thus the base and package member form a reinforced bonding between them without separating from each other when subject to external forces, therefore provide improved protection for the light emitting element.
US08158993B2
A nitride semiconductor light emitting device is formed by: forming a resist pattern on a first nitride semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, the resist pattern having a region whose inclination angle relative to a substrate surface changes smoothly as viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the substrate surface; etching the substrate by using the resist pattern as a mask to transfer the resist pattern to the first nitride semiconductor layer; and forming an light emitting layer on the patterned first nitride semiconductor layer. The nitride semiconductor light emitting device can emit near-white light or have a wavelength range generally equivalent to or near visible light range.
US08158984B2
A thin film transistor (TFT), including a crystalline semiconductor pattern on a substrate, a gate insulating layer on the crystalline semiconductor pattern, the gate insulating layer having two first source/drain contact holes and a semiconductor pattern access hole therein, a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer, the gate electrode being between the two first source/drain contact holes, an interlayer insulating layer covering the gate electrode, the interlayer insulating layer having two second source/drain contact holes therein, and source and drain electrodes on the interlayer insulating layer, each of the source and drain electrodes being insulated from the gate electrode, and having a portion connected to the crystalline semiconductor pattern through the first and second source/drain contact holes.
US08158983B2
A substrate-free semiconducting sheet has an array of semiconducting elements dispersed in a matrix material. The matrix material is bonded to the edge surfaces of the semiconducting elements and the substrate-free semiconducting sheet is substantially the same thickness as the semiconducting elements.
US08158980B2
Semiconductor device having a pixel matrix circuit that includes a pixel TFT and a storage capacitor
In a CMOS circuit formed on a substrate 100, a subordinate gate wiring line (a first wiring line) 102a and main gate wiring line (a second wiring line) 113a are provided in an n-channel TFT. The LDD regions 107a and 107b overlap the first wiring line 102a and not overlap the second wiring line 113a. Thus, applying a gate voltage to the first wiring line forms the GOLD structure, while not applying forms the LLD structure. In this way, the GOLD structure and the LLD structure can be used appropriately in accordance with the respective specifications required for the circuits.
US08158952B2
A method of assembling a scintillation detector including placing a scintillator crystal in a casing, and forming a sealed casing having a controlled atmosphere different than ambient atmosphere, wherein the controlled atmosphere includes an inert gas and a trace gas in an amount of at least about 1 vol % and not greater than about 30 vol %, wherein the trace gas is selected from the group of materials consisting of hydrogen, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, and carbon monoxide. The assembling method further includes testing the sealed casing for leaks by detecting the presence of the trace gas.
US08158951B2
An apparatus and methods for evaluating the operation of pixelated detectors are provided. The method includes obtaining data values for each of a plurality of pixels of a pixelated detector and determining a data consistency metric for each of the plurality of detector pixels. The method further includes identifying, using the determined data consistency metric, any detector pixels that exceed an acceptance criterion as noisy pixels.
US08158948B2
A detector using scintillating crystals is provided. The scintillating crystal is based on cerium doped lutetium yttrium orthosilicate (Ce:LYSO). With calcium (Ca) doped into Ce:LYSO, the electrovalence of Ce is further uniformly distributed. The scintillating crystal obtains high stability with 2 to 10 times greater electrical degree than that of a general scintillating crystal. Thus, radiative induction to cancer cells is improved and distribution of the cancer cells is easily figured out.
US08158943B2
In at least one embodiment, an infrared (IR) detector for generating an image of an object is provided. The IR detector includes a plurality of thermal sensing elements that are arranged in an array of M columns and N rows. Each thermal sensing element is configured to receive at least one oscillating signal and detect at least a portion of a thermal output from the object. Each thermal sensing element is further configured to generate an electrical output signal that is indicative of at least a portion of detected thermal output and to modulate the electrical output signal with the at least one oscillating signal to generate a modulated output signal that is indicative of at least a portion of the image of the object.
US08158934B2
An electron capture dissociation apparatus comprises ion guide electrodes, an electron emitter, and an electron control device. The ion guide electrodes are arranged along a central axis and spaced circumferentially to circumscribe an interior space extending along the central axis. The electron emitter is disposed outside the interior space. The electron control device is configured for focusing an electron beam from the electron emitter toward the central axis, along a radial electron beam direction between two of the ion guide electrodes, and for decelerating the electron beam in a DC decelerating field of adjustable voltage potential directed along the electron beam direction.
US08158933B2
An IMS detector has a pin-hole or capillary inlet having a coating of an adsorbent material, such as polydimethylsiloxane, which is adsorbent to an analyte substance of interest. The analyte is adsorbed into the material until a heater is energized to heat the adsorbent material and release the adsorbed analyte substance for detection in a detector.
US08158931B2
Provided are methods for determining the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing DHT in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of DHT in the sample.
US08158926B2
The invention provides imaging apparatus and methods useful for obtaining a high resolution image of a sample at rapid scan rates. A rectangular detector array having a horizontal dimension that is longer than the vertical dimension can be used along with imaging optics positioned to direct a rectangular image of a portion of a sample to the rectangular detector array. A scanning device can be configured to scan the sample in a scan-axis dimension, wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array and the shorter of the two rectangular dimensions for the image are in the scan-axis dimension, and wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array is short enough to achieve confocality in a single axis.
US08158923B2
Light is converted to an electric signal by performing a light-to-frequency conversion of the light received during a first phase of operation. Following the first phase of operation, a light-to-time conversion is performed on light received during a second phase of operation. Following the second phase of operation a digital representation of the light is generated in response to the light-to-frequency conversion and the light-to-time conversion.
US08158915B2
A canard includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured for the coupling of radial forces to a fuselage of an air vehicle, and the first section is coupled to the second section via a hinge somewhere along the radial extent of the canard. An edge of the first section near the hinge provides a load support for the air vehicle within a launch canister.
US08158896B2
A weighing sensor according to the principle of electromagnetic force compensation, wherein a stop is provided on the load receiver for a lever or a component carried by it.
US08158892B2
A high-speed router backplane is disclosed. The router backplane uses differential signal pairs on multiple signal layers, each sandwiched between a pair of digital ground layers. Thru-holes are used to connect the differential signal pairs to external components. To reduce routing complexity, at least some of the differential signal pairs route through a via pair, somewhere along their path, to a different signal layer. At least some of the thru-holes and vias are drilled to reduce an electrically conductive stub length portion of the hole. The drilled portion of a hole includes a transition from a first profile to a second profile to reduce radio frequency reflections from the end of the drilled hole.
US08158881B2
Tandem photovoltaic cells, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.
US08158867B1
A novel maize variety designated PH12K7 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH12K7 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH12K7 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH12K7 or a locus conversion of PH12K7 with another maize variety.
US08158858B2
The promoters of a soybean lipid transfer protein LTP1 and fragments thereof and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in plants are described.
US08158852B2
The present invention relates to a method of producing a plant of the Capsicum genus that exhibits resistance to Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) pathotype 1.2.3, comprising providing a recipient plant of the Capsicum genus that is susceptible to PMMoV pathotype 1.2.3 or a part thereof, and introducing into the genome of the recipient plant or a part thereof or a progeny plant thereof a genomic region comprising a truncated L4 resistance allele, wherein the allele comprises genetic information capable of being expressed in the plant or plant part or progeny plant thereby conferring resistance to PMMoV pathotype 1.2.3 to the plant or plant part or progeny plant, and wherein genetic information that confers the SNFD phenotype is absent from the allele at least to such an extent that the SNFD phenotype is not expressed.
US08158846B2
A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.
US08158842B2
A process for the recovery of organic chemical feedstocks from biooil is presented. The process comprises separating the water soluble chemicals from biomass and recovering the primarily oxygenate compounds for use as feedstocks.
US08158832B2
Compounds and methods for controlling the surface properties are described. Compounds of the invention can form radicals upon exposure to irradiation, which can then react with nearby molecules to alter the surface properties of various substrates. The invention can provide surfaces that are resistant to dewetting, surfaces that have immobilized molecules such as carbohydrates and polymers immobilized, and surfaces that have metals deposited on the surface. The invention can be utilized in a wide range of application, such as sensors, microreactors, microarrays, electroless deposition of metals, and the like.
US08158830B1
An integrated process is provided for preparing 1,2,4,5-tetraminobenzene and salts thereof, starting in certain embodiments with nitration of 1,3-dihalobenzene. The process design eliminates costly intermediate drying and recrystallization steps. Handling of solid materials with possible skin sensitizing properties and toxicity is avoided, thereby eliminating human and environmental exposure.
US08158827B2
Disclosed are cationic lipid compounds and compositions of lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. The compounds can be used alone or in combination with other compounds to prepare liposomes and other lipid aggregates suitable for transfection or delivery of compounds to target cells, either in vitro or in vivo. The compounds are preferably polycationic and preferably form highly stable complexes with various anionic macromolecules, particularly polyanions such as nucleic acids. These compounds have the property, when dispersed in water, of forming lipid aggregates which associate strongly, via their cationic portion, with polyanions. Also disclosed are intermediates for preparing the compound and compositions of the invention and methods of using the compounds to introduce other compounds into cells.
US08158817B2
The invention relates to a process for the synthesis of a polyisocyanate composition comprising acylureas. According to the invention, a starting composition comprising a compound having at least two isocyanate functional groups is subjected to a reaction with at least two acid functional groups, with at least one of the acid functional groups having a pKa value of less than or equal to 3, and at least one of the acid functional groups having a pKa value of more than 3 and less than or equal to 6, at a temperature at least equal to 50 ° C., wherein the acid functional group having a pKa value of less than or equal to 3 and the acid functional group having a pKa value of more than 3 and less than or equal to 6 are present on two different acids or on the same acid.
US08158806B2
A synthetic diaminoketothiazole, its process of preparation and its use as a microtubule inhibitor, a probe for tubulin-microtubule system and a cytotoxic agent. Diaminoketothiazole of the formula (I) wherein Ar is 4-OMe-C6H5, Ar′ is C6H5.
US08158797B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I) that are useful antimicrobial agents and effective against a variety of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
US08158796B2
The present invention is directed to practical high-yielding synthetic processes to prepare compounds of general Formula III, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, XIV, and XV. Such compounds are useful as final products or can be used as intermediates and be further modified to prepare other desired products such as rho-kinase inhibitors. The present invention is also directed to certain novel compounds and/or novel solid forms of certain compounds.
US08158792B2
The present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I): or a form thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein, useful as tryptase inhibitors.
US08158789B2
The present invention is a compound of formula (I) or formula (II) which are suitable as NP-1 antagonists.
US08158784B2
The invention relates to a 1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-en-3-ylmethyl acetate of the formula (I), wherein said compound is useful as a synthesis intermediate for the production of mequitazine.
US08158770B2
This invention relates to cytidine deaminase inhibitors (Cytidine deaminase inhibitors) of cytidine deaminases and uses thereof.
US08158769B2
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel members of the Capsaicin/Vanilloid receptor family. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-hVR-1, anti-hVR-2, and anti-rVR-2 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US08158762B2
The invention concerns the prevention and treatment of complement-associated eye conditions, such as choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by administration of factor B antagonists.
US08158761B2
The present specification provides, inter alia, methods of using Wnt and FZD proteins, genes, FZD and Wnt-specific antibodies and probes in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and for screening test compounds for an ability to treat cancer. Also disclosed are compounds useful for treating cancer such as liver cancer.
US08158759B2
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to antigen binding proteins, in particular, antibodies which specifically bind to the human glucagon receptor. The disclosure provides nucleic acids encoding such antigen binding proteins and antibodies and methods of making and using such antibodies including methods of treating and preventing type 2 diabetes and related disorders by administering such antibodies to a subject in need of such treatment.
US08158757B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing and treating cancer. In particular, the present invention identifies LGR5 as a protein over-expressed in solid tumor stem cell. The present invention further identifies an interaction between RSPO1 and LGR5 as an alternative pathway for the activation of beta-catenin signaling. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides biomolecules that disrupt functional signaling via a LGR protein, including, in certain embodiments, molecules that inhibit the interaction between one or more RSPO proteins and one or more LGR proteins, such as LGR5. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating cancer comprising disrupting functional LGR signaling and inhibiting growth of a solid tumor comprising solid tumor stem cells.
US08158755B2
A method of producing gelatin particles, including immersing a discharge spout in a hydrophobic solvent, discharging an aqueous gelatin solution from a nozzle tip into the hydrophobic solvent, and lifting, after discharging, the nozzle from the hydrophobic solvent, which can produce particles having an object particle size in a high yield, and can produce gelatin particles that do not essentially require a classification operation.
US08158751B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection and quantification of Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia ewingii antibodies, antibody fragments, and polypeptides.
US08158742B2
Deoxybenzoin-phosphonate and other copolymer compounds, compositions and related methods.
US08158737B2
Provided is an easy method for production of a high-performance polyfunctional compound which can be used as an optical recording material, an optical waveguide material, a photo-alignment film material, or the like, in a simple manner. The method for production of a polyfunctional compound includes conducting a Michael addition of a compound (A) having a hydrogen atom of pKa≦15 to a (meth)acrylate or a (meth)acrylamide (B), in which at least one of the compounds (A) and (B) has a photoisomerization group and/or a liquid-crystalline group.
US08158734B2
A novel aqueous polymerization process for making fluoropolymers is disclosed in which non-ionic non-fluorinated emulsifier is used to produce fluoropolymer emulsions. The emulsifiers used in the invention are those that contain segments of polyethylene glycol and/or polypropylene glycol with repeating units of 3 to 100.
US08158733B2
Catalysts useful for polymerizing olefins are disclosed. The catalysts comprise an activator and a Group 4 metal complex that incorporates a dianionic, tridentate 2-(2-aryloxy)quinoline or 2-(2-aryloxy)dihydroquinoline ligand. In one aspect, supported catalysts are prepared by first combining a boron compound having Lewis acidity with excess alumoxane to produce an activator mixture, followed by combining the activator mixture with a support and the tridentate, dianionic Group 4 metal complex. The catalysts are easy to synthesize, support, and activate, and they enable facile production of high-molecular-weight polyolefins.
US08158726B2
The present invention provides poly(thioesters) and monomeric diesters, produced from di(hydroxyethyl)polysulfides and various mono- and di-basic carbonic acids or their anhydrides, and their derivatives. The new compounds combine properties of polyesters and polysulfides. The poly(thioesters) can be used as components in many compositions, including but not limited to adhesives, sealants, caulks, coatings, plastics, paints and elastomers. The monomeric diesters find use in compositions such as solvents and plasticizers.
US08158719B2
Polymerizable combinations, comprising at least one first component selected from the group of benzoxazine monomers and at least one second component selected from the group of aromatic esters are described. Further on the use of aromatic esters as additives to benzoxazine monomers as well as methods of coating a device by heating the above mentioned combination, and a device, coated by that way is explained.
US08158713B2
A waterborne coating composition is provided, comprising a vinyl copolymer with an optimized level of phosphorus-containing functional groups in conjunction with at least 20% by weight of the copolymer, of ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate or combinations thereof and one or more opacifying colorants, preferably titanium dioxide.
US08158702B2
A method for purifying a polymer comprising providing a first mixture comprising at least one solvent and at least one polymeric material, diluting the first mixture with veratrole to produce a second mixture in which the polymeric material is substantially dissolved at a temperature less than 100° C., performing at least one step selected from (i) contacting the second mixture with an aqueous wash solution, and (ii) filtering the second mixture.
US08158689B2
A hybrid absorbent foam includes an integrated hybrid foam layer having an open surface, a closed surface, and a foam body extending between the open and closed surfaces. The integrated hybrid foam layer has an open-cell content of at least 50%, while the closed surface provides a barrier to aqueous liquids. The integrated hybrid foam layer is formed as a single layer, and has a substantially uniform polymer composition throughout its thickness. The integrated hybrid foam layer combines the functions of liquid absorbency, retention, and barrier into a single layer, and is useful in a wide variety of absorbent articles.
US08158683B2
A dietary supplement composition comprising aronia extract containing at least 20% anthocyanins by dry weight. The aronia extract is derived from the aronia melanocarpa plant. The aronia extract comprises approximately 10%-30% of the dry weight of the composition. A vitamin, weight loss agent, or antioxidant is provided in the composition. The dietary supplement composition is administered orally to promote weight loss.
US08158675B2
Compounds represented by formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, X, Y, Y1, and Z are as defined herein, are useful for treating flaviviridae viral infections.
US08158670B2
Methods are provided for inhibiting stenosis following vascular trauma or disease in a mammalian host, comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective dosage of a therapeutic conjugate containing a vascular smooth muscle binding protein that associates in a specific manner with a cell surface of the vascular smooth muscle cell, coupled to a therapeutic agent dosage form that inhibits a cellular activity of the muscle cell. Methods are also provided for the direct and/or targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to vascular smooth muscle cells that cause a dilation and fixation of the vascular lumen by inhibiting smooth muscle cell contraction, thereby constituting a biological stent.
US08158669B2
The present invention describes an improved photodynamic treatment to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
US08158668B2
The present invention relates to methods for treating depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stress-related disorders, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine, hypertension, substance abuse and metabolic disorders such as eating disorders, diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity, dyslipidemia, disorders of energy consumption and assimilation, disorders and malfunction of body temperature homeostasis, disorders of sleep and circadian rhythm, and cardiovascular disorders which comprises administering to an individual a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I wherein R, Ar, R1, R1′, R2, and n are as defined in the specification and to their pharmaceutically active salts, racemic mixtures, enantiomers, optical isomers and tautomeric forms. The invention also relates to novel compounds of formula I, compositions containing them, and methods for their preparation.
US08158667B2
The topical treatment of cataracts in dogs is a composition having an aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI) in a topical carrier. The ARI is preferably 2R,4S-6-fluoro-2-methyl-spiro[chroman-4,4′-imidazolidine]-2′,5′-dione, referred to as 2R-methyl sorbinil, having the structure: The topical carrier is formed from EDTA and deionized water containing about 2.5% carbomer, 1.5% glycerin, 0.02% EDTA and 0.1% benzalkonium chloride mixed to form a uniform emulsion. The concentration of the ARI in the topical carrier is preferably about 5-6%. The treatment includes administering to a dog an effective amount of the composition for preventing the formation of cataracts, reversing the formation of cataracts, and for treating diabetic retinopathy and pathological conditions resulting from diabetes affecting the cornea, iris, ciliary bodies, etc. The composition is preferably administered in the form of about two to four eye drops daily.
US08158663B2
The present invention relates to thiazolidinylidene containing compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and X are as defined in the specification, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions.
US08158653B2
Substituted 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)phthalimides and 1-oxo-2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)isoindolines are disclosed. The compounds are useful, for example, in reducing the levels of TNFα in a mammal.
US08158646B2
An indoloquinoline wherein the quarternary N-5 atom is a straight C(1-5) chain, a branched C(1-5) chain, a heteroatom chain, a straight chain substituted terminally by a cycloalkyl or aromatic ring, a branched chain substituted terminally by a cycloalkyl or aromatic ring, a heteroatom chain substituted terminally by a cycloalkyl or aromatic ring; the 10 position is N—R10, O, S, S═O, CH2, or C═O, where R10 is a branched C(1-5) chain, a heteroatom chain, a straight chain substituted terminally by a cycloalkyl or aromatic ring, a branched chain substituted terminally by a cycloalkyl or aromatic ring, a heteroatom chain substituted terminally by a cycloalkyl or aromatic ring. In one embodiment the quarternary N-5 atom is —CH3 and the 10 position is N—(CH2)5—Ph.
US08158618B2
Compounds the following formula: wherein Z is as described in the specification, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, compositions comprising the same, and methods of treating bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, a mood disorder or schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder with said compounds.
US08158615B2
A composition for the treatment of Herpes Labialis which contains CTC-96 as the active ingredient is disclosed. Methods for using the composition are also disclosed. The composition may be used as a topical ointment.
US08158612B2
Compositions and methods for treating mammalian diseases or conditions characterized by undesirable angiogenesis by administering an effective amount of a compound of the formulae: wherein Ra is selected from —OCH3, —OCH2CH3 or —CCCH3; and Z is selected from >C(H)—OH, >C(H)—O-alkyl, >C(H)—O-sulfamate, where alkyl is a linear, branched and/or cyclic hydrocarbon chain comprising 1 to 10 carbons.
US08158602B2
Aspects of the present invention relate to the discovery of a novel hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolate. Embodiments include HCV peptides, nucleic acids encoding said HCV peptides, antibodies directed to said peptides, compositions containing said nucleic acids and peptides, as well as methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions including, but not limited to, diagnostics and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of HCV infection.
US08158596B2
Provided herein are methods of treating a cancer in a subject comprising administering a FOXP3 protein, a nucleic acid encoding a FOXP3 protein, or an inducing compound which induces FOXP3 protein expression. Methods of altering a phenotype of a cancer cell or tumor cell, methods of inhibiting growth of such cells, and methods of inducing apoptosis of these cells are also provided herein. These methods comprise contacting the cell with a FOXP3 protein, a nucleic acid encoding a FOXP3 protein, or an inducing compound which induces FOXP3 protein expression. Further provided herein are diagnostic methods, comprising comparing the expression or structure of a FOXP3 protein or FOXP3 gene in a test sample to that of a normal or prior sample. A method of screening a test compound for anti-cancer activity comprising administering to cells the test compound and measuring FOXP3 protein or FOXP3 gene expression is moreover provided herein.
US08158593B2
The invention provides GPR17 modulators, methods of screening and use thereof for diagnosis and therapy of diseases or dysfunctions involving GPR17 activation, particularly ischemic brain damage.
US08158590B2
This invention relates to compounds comprising one or more therapeutic and/or diagnostic moieties and one or more functional moieties linked together via one or more triazole-containing linkers and to their intermediates and methods of their preparation. The triazole-containing linker may optionally contain one or more conditionally-cleavable or conditionally-transformable moieties and one or more spacer systems in between said moiety/moieties and the one or more therapeutic and/or diagnostic moieties.
US08158575B2
Use of a polylysine, polyamidoamine or polypropylenimine dendrimer having naphthyl disulphonate terminal groups as a topically applied agent in prophylaxis or treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
US08158573B2
Disclosed are compounds that include two or more haptens conjugated by a spacer or a carrier. The haptens may include diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA), histimine-succinyl-glutamine (HSG), or combinations of DTPA and HSG. The compound also includes an effector molecule which may be conjugated to one or more of the haptens, the spacer/carrier, or both. The effector molecule may be conjugated by a number of linkages including an ester linkage, an imino linkage, an amino linkage, a sulfide linkage, a thiosemicarbazone linkage, a semicarbazone linkage, an oxime linkage, an ether linkage, or combinations of these linkages. Also disclosed are methods of synthesizing the compounds and/or precursors of the compounds.
US08158572B2
Household care compositions having a linear polydimethylsiloxane-polyether copolymers with amino and/or quaternary ammonium groups, obtainable by the reaction of organopolysiloxanes functionalized with secondary aminoalkyl groups with the reaction products formed from compounds containing epoxy groups and amines, the use thereof and process for preparation thereof.
US08158568B2
It is disclosed a cleaning liquid used in a process for forming a dual damascene structure comprising steps of etching a low dielectric layer (low-k layer) accumulated on a substrate having thereon a metallic layer to form a first etched-space; charging a sacrifice layer in the first etched-space; partially etching the low dielectric layer and the sacrifice layer to form a second etched-space connected to the first etched-space; and removing the sacrifice layer remaining in the first etched-space with the cleaning liquid, wherein the cleaning liquid comprises (a) 1-25 mass % of a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, such as TMAH and choline (b) 30-70 mass % of a water soluble organic solvent, and (c) 20-60 mass % of water. The cleaning liquid attains in a well balanced manner such effects that a sacrifice layer used for forming a dual damascene structure is excellently removed, and a low dielectric layer is not damaged upon formation of a metallic wiring on a substrate having a metallic layer (such as a Cu layer) and the low dielectric layer formed thereon.
US08158548B2
The invention describes the preparation of electrocatalysts, both anodic (aimed at the oxidation of the fuel) and cathodic (aimed at the reduction of the oxygen), based on mono- and plurimetallic carbon nitrides to be used in PEFC (Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells), DMFC (Direct methanol fuel cells) and H2 electrogenerators. The target of the invention is to obtain materials featuring a controlled metal composition based on carbon nitride clusters or on carbon nitride clusters supported on oxide-based ceramic materials. The preparation protocol consists of three steps. In the first the precursor is obtained through reactions of the type: a) sol-gel; b) gel-plastic; c) coagulation-flocculation-precipitation. The second step consists of the thermal treatments to decompose the precursors in an inert atmosphere leading to the production of the carbon nitrides. In the last step the chemical and electro-chemical activation of the electrocatalysts is performed. Precursors are obtained through reactions leading to: a) the complexation of a “soft” transition metal with a coordination complex acting as a ligand to obtain clusters; b) 3-D networking of the resulting clusters through suitable organic molecules and/or macromolecules.
US08158537B2
In one example embodiment, a method includes depositing one or more thin-film layers onto a substrate. More particularly, at least one of the thin-film layers comprises at least one electropositive material and at least one of the thin-film layers comprises at least one chalcogen material suitable for forming a chalcogenide material with the electropositive material. The method further includes annealing the one or more deposited thin-film layers at an average heating rate of or exceeding 1 degree Celsius per second. The method may also include cooling the annealed one or more thin-film layers at an average cooling rate of or exceeding 0.1 degrees Celsius per second.
US08158536B2
While a fine porous diamond particle film has been known as a high heat resistant and low dielectric constant film and also has high mechanical strength and heat conductivity, and is expected as an insulating film for multi-layered wirings in semiconductor integrated circuit devices, it is insufficient in current-voltage characteristic and has not yet been put into practical use. According to the invention, by treating the fine porous diamond particle film with an aqueous solution of a salt of a metal such as barium and calcium, the carbonate or sulfate of which is insoluble or less soluble, and a hydrophobic agent such as hexamethyl disilazane or trimethyl monochlolo silane, as well as a reinforcing agent containing one of dichlorotetramethyl disiloxane or dimethoxytetramethyl disiloxane, thereby capable of putting the dielectric breakdown voltage and the leak current within a specified range of a practical standard.
US08158535B2
A method for forming an insulating film includes a step of preparing a substrate, which is to be processed and has silicon exposed on the surface, a step of performing oxidizing to the silicon on the surface, and forming a silicon oxide thin film on the surface of the silicon, a step of performing first nitriding to the silicon oxide film and the base silicon thereof, and forming a silicon oxynitride film, and a step of performing first heat treatment to the silicon oxynitride film in N2O atmosphere. In such method, a step of performing second nitriding to the silicon oxynitride film may be further included after the first heat treatment, and furthermore, a step of performing second heat treatment to the silicon oxynitride film after the second nitriding may be included.
US08158534B2
Methods for reducing defects on the surface of a silicon oxynitride film are disclosed, in one embodiment, the methods include, forming a silicon oxynitride film on a semiconductor substrate and heating the silicon oxynitride film to increase a hydrophilicity of a surface of the silicon oxynitride film prior to treating the surface of the silicon oxynitride film with a hydrofluoric acid.
US08158531B2
This method of manufacturing a solar cell includes a step of forming a photoelectric conversion layer on a substrate with a plasma treatment apparatus including a first electrode provided in a treatment chamber, a second electrode and a gas supply source supplying gas into the treatment chamber. A recess portion having a bottom portion in the form of a curved surface is provided on another surface of the first electrode, while a plurality of through-holes are provided on the bottom portion of the recess portion.
US08158522B2
Methods of forming deep trenches in substrates are described. A method includes providing a substrate with a patterned film disposed thereon, the patterned film including a trench having a first width and a pair of sidewalls, the trench exposing the top surface of the substrate. The method also includes forming a material layer over the patterned film and conformal with the trench. The method also includes etching the material layer to form sidewall spacers along the pair of sidewalls of the trench, the sidewall spacers reducing the first width of the trench to a second width. The method also includes etching the substrate to form a deep trench in the substrate, the deep trench undercutting at least a portion of the sidewall spacers.
US08158521B2
A method of lowering the dielectric constant of an organosilicon low k dielectric layer while improving the hardness and thermal stability is provided. A deposited layer of carbon doped oxide, HSQ, or MSQ is cured and treated with a He plasma which improves hardness for a subsequent CMP step and lowers the dielectric constant. There is no loss of H2O or CH4 during the He treatment. The low k dielectric layer is then treated with a H2 plasma which converts some of the Si—O and Si—CH3 bonds near the surface to Si—H bonds, thereby further lowering the dielectric constant and increasing thermal stability that improves breakdown resistance. Moisture uptake is also reduced. The method is especially useful for interconnect schemes with deep sub-micron ground rules. Surprisingly, the k value obtained from two different plasma treatments is lower than when two He treatments or two H2 treatment are performed.
US08158518B2
Methods of forming contacts (and optionally, local interconnects) using an ink comprising a silicide-forming metal, electrical devices such as diodes and/or transistors including such contacts and (optional) local interconnects, and methods for forming such devices are disclosed. The method of forming contacts includes depositing an ink of a silicide-forming metal onto an exposed silicon surface, drying the ink to form a silicide-forming metal precursor, and heating the silicide-forming metal precursor and the silicon surface to form a metal silicide contact. Optionally, the metal precursor ink may be selectively deposited onto a dielectric layer adjacent to the exposed silicon surface to form a metal-containing interconnect. Furthermore, one or more bulk conductive metal(s) may be deposited on remaining metal precursor ink and/or the dielectric layer. Electrical devices, such as diodes and transistors may be made using such printed contact and/or local interconnects. A metal ink may be printed for contacts as well as for local interconnects at the same time, or in the alternative, the printed metal can act as a seed for electroless deposition of other metals if different metals are desired for the contact and the interconnect lines. This approach advantageously reduces the number of processing steps and does not necessarily require any etching.
US08158508B2
A new method and package is provided for the mounting of semiconductor devices that have been provided with small-pitch Input/Output interconnect bumps. Fine pitch solder bumps, consisting of pillar metal and a solder bump, are applied directly to the I/O pads of the semiconductor device, the device is then flip-chip bonded to a substrate. Dummy bumps may be provided for cases where the I/O pads of the device are arranged such that additional mechanical support for the device is required.
US08158502B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming silicon pillar 11 on substrate 10, forming a protective film which covers an upper end portion and a lower end portion of a side surface of silicon pillar 11, forming a constricted portion by anisotropic etching in a portion of the side surface of silicon pillar 11 which is not covered with the protective film after forming the protective film, removing the protective film after forming the constricted portion, forming gate oxide film 12 which covers the side surface of silicon pillar 11 in which the constricted portion is formed, and forming gate electrode 13 which covers gate oxide film 12.
US08158495B2
Silicon-based single-crystal portions are produced on a surface of a substrate, selectively in zones where a single-crystal material is initially exposed. To do this, a layer is firstly formed over the entire surface of the substrate, using a silicon precursor of the non-chlorinated hydride type, and under suitable conditions so that the layer is a single-crystal layer in the zones of the substrate where a single-crystal material is initially exposed and amorphous outside these zones. The amorphous portions of the layer are then selectively etched so that only the single-crystal portions of the layer remain on the substrate.
US08158493B2
Various embodiments may be used for laser-based modification of target material of a workpiece while advantageously achieving improvements in processing throughput and/or quality. Embodiments of a method of processing may include focusing and directing laser pulses to a region of the workpiece at a pulse repetition rate sufficiently high so that material is efficiently removed from the region and a quantity of unwanted material within the region, proximate to the region, or both is reduced relative to a quantity obtainable at a lower repetition rate. Embodiments of an ultrashort pulse laser system may include at least one of a fiber amplifier or fiber laser. Various embodiments are suitable for at least one of dicing, cutting, scribing, and forming features on or within a semiconductor substrate. Workpiece materials may also include metals, inorganic or organic dielectrics, or any material to be micromachined with femtosecond, picosecond, and/or nanosecond pulses.
US08158492B2
A device comprises a substrate, a micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure, and a dielectric film. The substrate has a first side and a second side, the second side opposite the first side. The MEMS structure is formed on the first side of the substrate. The cavity is formed in the substrate directly opposite the MEMS structure. The cavity has an opening formed on the second side. The dielectric film is attached to the second side of the substrate and completely covering the opening. In one embodiment, the MEMS structure is a diaphragm for a microphone. Another embodiment includes a method for forming the device.
US08158483B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes, forming isolation region having an aspect ratio of 1 or more in a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate insulating film, forming a silicon gate electrode and a silicon resistive element, forming side wall spacers on the gate electrode, heavily doping a first active region with phosphorus and a second active region and the resistive element with p-type impurities by ion implantation, forming salicide block at 500° C. or lower, depositing a metal layer covering the salicide block, and selectively forming metal silicide layers. The method may further includes, forming a thick and a thin gate insulating films, and performing implantation of ions of a first conductivity type not penetrating the thick gate insulating film and oblique implantation of ions of the opposite conductivity type penetrating also the thick gate insulating film before the formation of side wall spacers.
US08158473B2
To provide a semiconductor device which can reduce an electrical resistance between a plug and a silicide region, and a manufacturing method thereof. At least one semiconductor element having a silicide region, is formed over a semiconductor substrate. An interlayer insulating film is formed over the silicide region. A through hole having an inner surface including a bottom surface comprised of the silicide regions is formed in the interlayer insulating film. A Ti(titanium) film covering the inner surface of the hole is formed by a chemical vapor deposition method. At least a surface of the Ti film is nitrided so as to form a barrier metal film covering the inner surface. A plug is formed to fill the through hole via the barrier metal film.
US08158462B2
A manufacture method of a light emitting device is provided. Firstly, at least one circuit board is provided. A plurality of light emitting packages, a first undetermined power input end and a second undetermined power input end are disposed at the circuit board. The light emitting packages are electrically connected to the first undetermined power input end and the second undetermined power input end. Each of the first undetermined power input end and the second undetermined power input end has at least two first pads. The first pads of each of the first undetermined power input end and the second undetermined power input end are electrically isolated from each other. Next, the first undetermined power input end is selected to be a power input region for inputting an external power signal. Then, the first pads of the second undetermined power input end are electrically connected to each other.
US08158461B2
A mechanism for continuously referencing signals over multiple layers in laminate packages provides a continuous path for signals from one layer to another while using the ideal voltage reference for all areas of the package and still avoiding discontinuities in the voltage reference. A reference plane adjustment engine analyzes a package design and identifies an ideal top plane for all areas of the package, including areas under particular chip die(s) and areas that are not under a chip die. The reference plane adjustment engine then modifies the package design to reposition ground planes, source voltage planes, signal planes, and vias between layers to maintain a continuous voltage reference regardless of the top layer. The reference plane adjustment engine provides the resulting mixed voltage plane package design to a design analysis engine. A package fabrication system fabricates the package.
US08158449B2
A structure and a method for operating the same. The method includes providing a detecting structure which includes N detectors. N is a positive integer. A fabrication step is simultaneously performed on the detecting structure and M product structures in a fabrication tool resulting in a particle-emitting layer on the detecting structure. The detecting structure is different than the M product structures. The M product structures are identical. M is a positive integer. An impact of emitting particles from the particle-emitting layer on the detecting structure is analyzed after said performing is performed.
US08158448B2
A resonator and method of making a resonator are provided. A particular method includes etching a silicon substrate to form a resonator structure. The resonator structure includes at least one resonator beam. The method also includes converting at least a portion of the at least one resonator beam to dry oxide.
US08158443B2
There is a demand for improved turbidimetric immunoassays for human Cystatin C in biological samples, especially in human clinical samples of body fluids. The present invention provides a turbidimetric immunoassay method and reagent set enabling measurement of human Cystatin C by turbidimetric methods, resulting in a surprisingly stronger and faster turbidimetric signal than in the present state of the art. The increased and faster signal is accomplished by the use of new reagents and compositions, and enables shorter assay times and kinetic reading with a stronger signal, improving overall assay speed and quality. Improved robustness to lipid interference and improved linearity is achieved.
US08158441B2
The present invention concerns a method for detecting aggregate-forming circulating protein forms in a biological sample of human origin that may contain said aggregate-forming circulating protein forms, characterized in that it uses a non-protein agent I producing aggregation of the circulating forms of the noninfectious proteins involved in pathological aggregation processes of the central nervous system and/or a non-protein agent II for capturing the natural aggregrates of aggregate-forming circulating protein forms or the aggregates induced by said agents I.
US08158430B1
The present invention provides fluidic devices and systems that allow detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.
US08158428B1
A system for detecting defects in a combustion duct of a combustion system of a combustion turbine engine while the combustion turbine engine operates, wherein the combustion duct comprises a hot side, which is exposed to combustion gases and, opposing the hot side, a cold side. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a photodetector aimed at the cold side of the combustion duct, the photodetector being configured to detect a visible change to the cold side of the combustion duct.
US08158427B2
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.
US08158418B2
Chimeric alphaviruses and alphavirus replicon particles are provided, including methods of making and using same. Specifically, alphavirus particles are provided having nucleic acid molecules derived from one or more alphaviruses and structural proteins (capsid and/or envelope) from at least two or more alphaviruses. Methods of making, using, and therapeutic preparations containing the chimeric alphavirus particle, are disclosed.
US08158416B2
The present invention relates, in general, to a methodology for the generation of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses (Pringle, 1991) from cloned deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). Such rescued viruses are suitable for use as vaccines, or alternatively, as plasmids in somatic gene therapy applications. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules suitable as tools in this methodology and to helper cell lines allowing the direct rescue of such viruses. Measles virus (MV) is used as a mode for other representatives of the Mononegavirales, in particular the family Paramyxoviridae.
US08158409B2
A microfluidically-controlled transmission mode nanoscal surface plasmonics sensor device comprises one or more arrays of aligned nanochannels in fluid communication with inflowing and outflowing fluid handling manifolds that control the flow of fluid through the array(s). Fluid comprising a sample for analysis is moved from an inlet manifold, through the nanochannel array, and out through an exit manifold. The fluid may also contain a reagent used to modify the interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and/or a reagent required for the detection of an analyte.
US08158406B2
The present invention relates to a process for the enantioselective enzymatic reduction of keto compounds, in particular of 4-halo-3-oxobutyric acid esters, to the corresponding R-alcohols or S-4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid esters, respectively, using an R-specific oxidoreductase in the presence of a cofactor.
US08158401B2
The invention provides a method for isolating and culturing a previously unculturable microorganism, which comprises: (i) collecting a sample from an environmental source; (ii) counting/estimating the number of microorganisms in the sample; (iii) diluting the sample in an appropriate medium; (iv) adding a gelating agent such as to entrap one or more microorganisms within a sphere of the gelating agent; (v) coating the spheres containing the entrapped microorganism(s) with a natural or synthetic polymer to form a polymeric membrane; (vi) incubating the coated spheres in the original environment for an appropriate time; (vii) cutting the spheres and scanning for microorganisms colonies; and (viii) isolating the microorganisms, and repeating steps (iii) to (vii) until a pure clone of said previously unculturable microorganism is obtained.
US08158397B2
The present invention provides a novel cellulase nucleic acid sequence, designated 029cel, and the corresponding 029cel amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding 029cel, recombinant 029cel proteins and methods for producing the same.
US08158394B2
Bi-cistronic plasmids used for the expression of formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and modified phenylalanine dehydrogenase (PDHmod) are provided.
US08158392B1
The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desaturase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US08158376B2
This invention relates to fluorescent probes for identification of compounds binding to protein kinases, for measurement of the affinity of inhibitors of protein kinases, and determination of the active concentration of protein kinases binding to the probe. Bisubstrate-analog character of the probe enables the simultaneous evaluation of inhibitors targeted to both ATP binding site and/or substrate protein/peptide binding domain of the kinase. High affinity of the probe (Kd=1.0 nM towards cAMP-dependent protein kinase) affords the application of the enzymes at low concentration which leads to the substantial decrease of the consumption of the kinase. Due to the ability of the conjugates of oligo(D-arginine) with a ATP binding site targeted inhibitors of this invention to bind with high affinity to a wide spectrum of (basophilic) kinases, a single Fluorescent probe is applicable for assessment of inhibitory potency of compounds towards a great number of protein kinases.
US08158368B2
The invention relates to a method for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of infections or chronic diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs, particularly lower respiratory tract infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In said method, provasopressin (proAVP) or fragments or partial peptides thereof, especially copeptin or neurophysin II, is/are determined. The invention further relates to suitable biomarker combinations for in-vitro diagnosis.
US08158359B2
An apparatus and method for performing rapid DNA sequencing, such as genomic sequencing, is provided herein. The method includes the steps of preparing a sample DNA for genomic sequencing, amplifying the prepared DNA in a representative manner, and performing multiple sequencing reaction on the amplified DNA with only one primer hybridization step.
US08158354B2
The present invention provides a method for rapid solution capture purification of nucleic acids for subsequent analysis by electrospray mass spectrometry which is efficient and cost-effective relative to existing methods. The present invention also provides kits useful for practicing rapid solution capture of nucleic acids so that purified samples are in condition for analysis by electrospray mass spectrometry.
US08158350B2
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 76 to 77 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.
US08158343B2
This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively detect the presence of respiratory tract viruses-related immunological markers in a serum sample, which can be used for the diagnosis of respiratory tract infections. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of representative antigens used to detect the respective respiratory tract viruses-related immunological markers (antibodies) in blood for the diagnosis of respiratory tract infections.
US08158339B2
Provides are improved methods for storing platelets and compositions that contain stored platelets for use in transfusions. The method entails obtaining a platelet concentrate from blood obtained from an individual and holding the platelet concentrate in at refrigerated temperatures under an atmosphere having a pressure of from 3.5 to 5 bars comprising more than 65% xenon and for at least one week. Also provided is a refrigerated composition that contains a platelet concentrate, wherein the platelet concentrate contains xenon, and wherein the platelet concentrate has been isolated from an individual for at least seven days.
US08158333B2
A manufacturing method includes forming a stacked film including first/second/third layers on a substrate, forming a first resist pattern on the stacked film, forming a first film pattern by etching the first layer through the first resist pattern, removing the first resist pattern, partially covering the first film pattern with a second resist pattern, slimming the first film pattern exposed from the second resist pattern, forming a second film pattern by etching the second layer exposed from the first layer through the first film pattern, partially covering the second film pattern with a third resist pattern, removing the first film pattern exposed from the third resist pattern, forming sidewall spacers to the second film pattern and remained second layer, removing the remained second layer portion, followed by etching the third layer through the second film pattern and sidewall spacers to form a third film pattern.
US08158332B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes: forming a first resist pattern made of a first resist material on a workpiece material; irradiating an energy beam onto the first resist pattern, the energy beam exposing the first resist material to light; performing a treatment for improving resistance the first resist pattern after irradiation of the energy beam; forming a coating film on the workpiece material so as to cover the first resist pattern; and forming a second resist pattern made of a second resist material on the coating film after the treatment.
US08158323B2
A method of manufacturing toner including the steps of preparing a preliminary mixture by mixing a colorant and a release agent; preparing a raw material mixture by mixing the preliminary mixture with a binder resin and other raw materials; melt-kneading the raw material mixture using an open system roll type kneader; pulverizing the melt-kneaded raw material mixture into fine particles; and classifying the fine particles to prepare a toner.
US08158319B2
A toner for electrostatic charge image development, the toner includes a binder resin, the binder resin includes an amorphous polyester resin having alkenyl groups and a crystalline polyester resin, about 5% or more of the alkenyl groups have a branched structure, and the o crystalline polyester resin has an ester concentration (M) obtained by the following Equation of from about 0.04 to about 0.08: M=K/A Equation wherein, K represents the number of ester bonds in the crystalline polyester resin, and A represents the number of atoms that constitute the polymer chain of the crystalline polyester resin.
US08158311B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for managing a light exposure mask wherein: a mask inspection or a wafer inspection, in order to manage a contamination of a light exposure mask by a growing foreign matter, is not necessary; the method has general versatility regardless to the history of the mask; the method dose not increase time and cost for mask manufacturing and inspection; and the method is operated so that the mask can always be used in a clean state. Another object of the present invention is to provide a light exposure mask wherein a contamination by a growing foreign matter dose not occur. A method for managing a light exposure mask is characterized in that: calculating a sulfate ion adsorption amount on a surface of the light exposure mask, of after a elapse of a predetermined time, from a sulfate ion concentration actually measured in an environment of using the light exposure mask, a maximum amount of sulfate ions adsorbed on the surface of the light exposure mask, and a threshold value of an amount of sulfate ions present on the surface of the light exposure mask of which the foreign matter occurs on the surface of the light exposure mask; setting an usable period of the light exposure mask, which the foreign matter dose not occur; and using the light exposure mask while rewashing the light exposure mask before the usable period expires.
US08158310B2
A method of evaluating astigmatism of an irradiation system irradiating an electron beam is disclosed. In this method, a figure pattern consisting of plural (for example, four) concentric circles is formed on a reference sample “WP” and an image (scanned image) is formed based on an electron signal obtained by scanning the electron beam onto the reference sample “WP”. In the scanned image, the image has a blur in a region with its longitudinal direction parallel to the generating direction of the astigmatism and the size of the blur depends on magnitude of the astigmatism. Therefore, the direction and the magnitude of the astigmatism of the irradiation system of an irradiation apparatus can be detected based on the obtained scanned image.
US08158300B2
An electrochemical cell includes an anode including an anode catalyst, a cathode including a cathode catalyst, and a first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles between the anode and the cathode, such that the first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles is not in contact with the anode. The cathode may be a cathode assembly including a gas diffusion electrode, a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, and proton-conducting metal nanoparticles on the cathode catalyst.
US08158299B2
The invention relates to a bipolar plate for a fuel cell stack, which comprises at least a an anode-side sub-plate. An interior of the bipolar plate is enclosed by the sub-plates, with a fluid port area arranged having at least one fluid port, over which a fluid can be conveyed to the fluid channels. The fluid channels are arranged on at least one of the flat sides, as well as a manifold zone, over which the fluid can be distributed to its assigned fluid channels and an accumulation zone, over which the fluid can be carried away from the fluid channels to another fluid port area. At least one of the sub-plates has a uniform arrangement of raised support points in the manifold zone and/or accumulation zone. Apart from the peripherally situated support points, a negative support point of the same type is designed adjacent to each raised support point inside the manifold zone and/or the accumulation zone.
US08158294B2
Provided is a fuel cell system which is capable of suppressing deterioration in the performance and durability of a fuel cell stack or restoring deterioration in performance of the fuel cell stack. In addition, provided is a method of operating the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack in which a gas passage for an anode and a cathode and a heat transmission medium passage have a structure in which inlet-side regions of each of the passages substantially overlap with each other. Outlet-side regions of the anode gas passage, the cathode gas passage, and the heat transmission medium passage substantially overlap with each other as viewed from a direction in which the unit cells are stacked. The fuel cell system also includes at least one anode gas flow inverting device and a cathode gas flow inverting device.
US08158275B2
Fluorinated compounds of the invention are represented by the following general formula (I): (in formula (I), Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent a C10 or greater aromatic hydrocarbon or C4 or greater heterocyclic group, R1 represents hydrogen or a monovalent substituent, R2 and R3 each independently represent a monovalent substituent, and s1 and t1 each independently represent an integer of 0 or greater. When s1 is 2 or greater, the multiple R2 groups may be the same or different, and when t1 is 2 or greater the multiple R3 groups may be the same or different.)
US08158274B2
A welding material, to be used for welding a base metal made of an austenitic alloy comprising C≦2.0%, Si≦4.0%, Mn: 0.01 to 3.0%, P: more than 0.03% to not more 0.3%, S≦0.03%, Cr: 12 to 35%, Ni: 6 to 80%, sol. Al: 0.001 to 1% and N≦0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities to a base metal made of another austenitic alloy, which comprises C: more than 0.3% to 3.0%, Si≦4.0%, Mn≦3.0%, P≦0.03%, S≦0.03%, Cr: more than 22% to 55%, Ni: more than 30% to not more than 70%, sol. Al: 0.001 to 1% and N≦0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities can suppress the weld solidification cracking which occurs in an austenitic alloy having a high P content and showing fully austenitic solidification. Therefore, the said welding material can be widely used in such fields where a welding fabrication is required. The said welding material may contain a specific amount or amounts of one or more elements selected from Cu, Mo, W, V, Nb, Ti, Ta, Zr, Hf, Co, B, Ca, Mg and REM.
US08158258B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
US08158247B2
Light-emitting devices are prepared by coating a porous substrate using a polymer-assisted deposition process. Solutions of metal precursor and soluble polymers having binding properties for metal precursor were coated onto porous substrates. The coated substrates were heated at high temperatures under a suitable atmosphere. The result was a substrate with a conformal coating that did not substantially block the pores of the substrate.
US08158245B2
Thermoplastic composites having a core composite layer including a fibrous substrate and one or more high performance polymer, and a surface layer polymer applied to at least one surface of the core composite layer, which forms a polymer blend with the high performance polymer thereby imparting improved toughness and processing times, and methods for making and using same, are provided herein.
US08158244B2
Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
US08158243B2
A method for preparing a polymer-organoclay composite composition comprises combining a solvent and an unexfoliated organoclay to provide a first mixture, wherein the unexfoliated organoclay comprises alternating inorganic silicate layers and organic layers, and has an initial spacing between the silicate layers; exposing the first mixture to an energized condition of a sufficient intensity and duration to increase the initial spacing of the inorganic silicate layers, to provide a second mixture; contacting the second mixture with a polymer composition so that the polymer composition fills at least one region located between at least one pair of silicate layers, wherein the polymer composition is at least partially soluble in the solvent; and removing at least a portion of the solvent from the second mixture, wherein the inorganic silicate layers remain separated by the polymer after removal of the solvent.
US08158240B2
A stock shape for machining, which is composed of an extruded product of a resin composition comprising 30 to 94% by mass of a thermoplastic resin (A), 5 to 40% by mass of a carbon precursor (B) having a volume resistivity of 102 to 1010 Ωcm and 1 to 30% by mass of a conductive filler (C) having a volume resistivity lower than 102 Ωcm and has a thickness or diameter exceeding 3 mm, and a process for producing the stock shape by extrusion and solidification of the resin composition.
US08158235B2
Improved expanded PTFE materials and improved gasket materials made therefrom, the gaskets being capable of forming a seal with greater bolt load retention than is possible with existing PTFE gaskets. The expanded PTFE membranes of the invention can be tailored to exhibit a matrix tensile strength in at least one direction of at least 25,000 psi, a matrix tensile strength ratio in two orthogonal directions of between 0.25 and 4, an orientation index of 50° or less, and a density of 2.0 g/cc or less. The improved gaskets exhibit improved mechanical properties such as high bolt load retention, low creep, high tensile strength, low stress to seal and high crystallinity index.
US08158231B2
Provided herein is a self-adhesive radiant heat underlayment that may be utilized in flooring and/or outdoor applications. The heating underlayment has an adhesive backing that allows for conveniently adhering a flexible heating element place prior to applying a material over the top surface thereof. In one arrangement, a mesh grounding layer is provided to ground the flexible heating element to reduce unintended electrical tripping of the installed underlayment.
US08158225B2
The invention proposes a process for the production of a container made from glass, in the form of a hollow body open on both ends for pharmaceutical and medical applications, in particular in the form of a syringe barrel, where a glass drop (14) is dispensed from a melting unit, is placed into a mold (12) that is driven to rotate, and is formed by the effect of the centrifugal force, the mold being driven at a rotational speed of at least 5000 rpm, preferably approximately 50000 rpm.
US08158222B2
There is provided a method for manufacturing an inkjet recording medium, the method including forming an undercoat layer by coating an undercoat layer-forming liquid containing a binder resin and a water-soluble divalent metal salt, on a support; forming a coating film by coating a coating film-forming liquid containing at least inorganic fine particles and an acetoacetyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, on the undercoat layer; and applying a curing solution containing a water-soluble multifunctional compound having two or more amino groups in the molecule, onto the coating film, either simultaneously with the forming of the coating film, or before the coating film undergoes decreasing-rate drying during drying of the coating film.
US08158205B2
A method includes applying a coating precursor material over a substrate, the coating precursor material comprising a powder having an average particle diameter in a range of about 10 nanometers to about 10 microns comprising a fluoride eutectic, a metal capable of oxidizing at about 535° C. to about 800° C., one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a glass, a carbide, and a nitride, and optionally, a precious metal selected from silver, palladium, platinum, gold, rhodium, and alloys thereof, subjecting the coating to a sintering heat treatment, occurring at a first temperature in an inert or reducing atmosphere to sinter the metal of the precursor material, and exposing the coating to an oxidizing heat treatment performed in an oxidizing atmosphere at a second temperature that is less than the first temperature to oxidize a portion of the metal in the coating precursor material.
US08158200B2
Disclosed is a substrate-mediated assembly for graphene structures. According to an embodiment, long-range ordered, multilayer BN(111) films can be formed by repeated atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a boron-halide or organoborane precursor and NH3 onto a substrate followed by a high temperature anneal. Graphene can then be formed on an ordered BN(111) film by depositing carbon on the ordered surface of the BN(111) film.
US08158199B2
A method for making an individually coated and twisted carbon nanotube wire-like structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes; forming at least one conductive coating on the plurality of carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube structure; and twisting the carbon nanotube structure.
US08158195B2
A catalytic converter includes: a three-dimensional structural support having a plurality of cells partitioned by porous cell walls, in which a pore diameter of the cell walls is 10 μm to 50 μm and porosity of the cell walls is 40 vol % or more; and a catalyst-coated layer containing a catalyst component. The catalyst-coated layer is coated on surfaces of the cell walls of the three-dimensional structural support. 50 mass % or more of a total supported amount of the catalyst component on the three-dimensional structural support is present in a region from the surfaces of the cell walls of the three-dimensional structural support to surfaces of the catalyst-coated layer.
US08158194B2
Water-dispersible nanoparticles are prepared by applying a coating of a amphipathic dispersant to the surface of a hydrophobic nanoparticle comprised of a semiconductive or metallic material. The amphipathic dispersant is typically polymeric. Preferred polymeric dispersants are comprised of (1) a hydrophobic backbone with hydrophilic branches, (2) a hydrophilic backbone with hydrophobic branches, or (3) a backbone that may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, and substituted with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic branches. Monodisperse populations of water-dispersible nanoparticles are also provided, as are conjugates of the water-dispersible nanoparticles with affinity molecules such as peptides, oligonucleotides, and the like.
US08158191B2
Processes for tinting a transparent, abrasion-resistant coating that is coated on at least one surface of a substrate are provided. The processes include coating the substrate with a transparent, tintable, abrasion-resistant coating composition, curing the coating composition on the substrate, and tinting the cured coating by immersing the cured coating in a dye bath for a period of time.
US08158189B2
Disclosed herein is a method for producing display devices for forming deposited patterns conforming to pixels on a substrate by means of elongated evaporation sources and a deposition mask having regularly arranged apertures, the method including the steps of arranging the deposition mask and the substrate in such a way that the long sides of the apertures and pixels are parallel to the lengthwise direction of the evaporation sources irrespective of the direction in which the display panel regions are arranged within the substrate; and moving the substrate and the deposition mask relative to the evaporation sources, thereby forming the deposited patterns conforming to the pixels on the substrate.
US08158186B2
A chemical compound of the general formula I or II is useful as feed additive: wherein X=O or NR, and R=H, C1-C6-alkyl (optionally branched), C3-C6-cycloalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, and wherein R1, R2, are identical or different and in each case H, C1-C6-alkyl (optionally branched), C3-C6-cycloalkyl, allyl, aryl, or aralkyl; or R1 and R2 together are an C2- to C6-alkylene group (optionally C1-C6-alkyl substituted).
US08158181B2
Steviol glycoside isomers are provided having the formula: wherein R1 may be 1-β-D-glucopyranosyl or 2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, and R2 may be hydrogen, 1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2,3-bis(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, 2-(1-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-3-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl, or 2-(1-β-D-xylopyranosyl)-3-(1-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-β-D-glucopyranosyl. Methods for making steviol glycoside isomers are also disclosed. These compounds may be present in food and beverage products as non-nutritive sweeteners.
US08158180B2
The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of a flavoring concentrate, to a flavoring concentrate which can be prepared by a process according to the invention, to products comprising one or more flavoring concentrates according to the invention, and to processes for the concentration of flavoring and/or aromatic substances.
US08158178B2
The invention relates to a method for removing odor from vinegar comprising: a) increasing the pH of the vinegar with base to at least 6; b) maintaining said pH for at least 15 minutes at 40-90° C.; c) adding acid to obtain vinegar having pH between 6 and 8, if the pH of the vinegar of step b) is 8 or higher.
US08158175B2
Disclosed is a method for the real time measurement of acrylamide in a food product. Wavelength emission data is collected from a food product. The same food product is tested off-line in an analytical laboratory for levels of acrylamide pre-cursors or acrylamide. The wavelength emission data is then correlated with the off-line laboratory data.
US08158171B2
A method of lowering blood cholesterol in a non-diabetic human patient by at least 30% is described. The method involves orally administering for 30 consecutive days a fenugreek seed extract composition. Various methods of preparation and various formulations are described. Agents such as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, lubricants, binders, glidants, fillers, flavoring agents, vitamins, minerals, active agents other than fenugreek, herbal extracts other than fenugreek, carriers and mixtures thereof may be additionally incorporated into the fenugreek seed extract composition. Physiologically effective dosage forms (liquid and solid) containing fenugreek seed extract compositions are also disclosed.
US08158160B2
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutic quantity of a COX-2 inhibitor having an IC50-WHMA COX-2/COX-1 ratio ranging from about 0.23 to about 3.33 with reduced gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity. Also disclosed are methods for treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or acute pain with less side-effects and faster onset of action utilizing the disclosed pharmaceutical composition.
US08158155B2
A cellulose-based granule that functions as a carrier vehicle for an odor control agent is described. The granule has a relatively porous substrate body having a high-surface area of at least about 200 m2/gram, and metal-modified silica particles either adhered to or encapsulated within the cellulose-based substrate. Each of the metal-modified particles has adsorbed metallic ions that are adapted to bind a molecule of a gaseous compound, an odorous compound, or combinations thereof. The odor control granule is free-flowing (i.e., do not exhibit a tendency to agglomerate to each other) and exhibit powder-like characteristics, wherein the granules have an average powder density of 30 to 600 g/l according to DIN 53,468.
US08158150B2
An osmotic delivery system flow modulator includes an outer shell constructed and arranged for positioning in an opening, an inner core inserted in the outer shell, and a fluid channel having a spiral shape defined between the outer shell and the inner core. The fluid channel is adapted for delivery of an active agent formulation from the reservoir of the osmotic delivery system.
US08158144B2
The hair gluing product of the invention is a clear gel or crystallizing protective growth serum that dries down to form a peelable film over your natural hair and scalp. The invention allows for application of hair bonding glue without damaging natural hair or scalp. It contains aloe extract, tea tree oil, chamomile extract. It is available in an assortment of colors. The purpose of the gel or serum is to protect client's natural hair/scalp from being damaged by the use of hair bonding glue, which is used for weaving styles. When hair bonding glue is applied directly to the natural hair and scalp it has a tendency to cause breakage and leads to damage hair the invention will cover the natural hair and scalp, which will allow the hair bonding glue to be applied directly to the shield that appears after the invention dries on the hair/scalp.
US08158143B2
A drug release system is disclosed comprising a laminate structure comprising at least one layer comprising a matrix made from a shape memory material and at least one drug dispersed in the matrix, and layers from a shape memory material not containing a drug and sandwiching the at least one layer comprising the drug(s) on both surfaces, wherein the shape memory material of the layers not containing a drug, after triggering of the shape memory effect, controls the release rate of the drug(s). Another embodiment comprises at least one drug, a reservoir for receiving the drug(s), and at least one of a coating and a membrane closing the reservoir, wherein one of a material for the reservoir and a material for the coating or membrane is made from a shape memory material and wherein the shape memory material, after triggering the shape memory effect, controls the rate of release of the drug(s).
US08158139B2
The present invention provides a topical gel pharmaceutical formulation of insecticide suitable for treating an ectoparasite in a mammal, comprising: a) about 0.1-10% by weight of an insecticide; b) at least about 75% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of a lower alkyl alcohol, a ketone, a glycol and a mixture thereof, wherein the organic solvent contains at least about 40% by weight of the lower alkyl alcohol; and c) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic polymer, acrylates, methacrylates, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The present topical formulations encompass a non-flammable solvent for malathion effective in killing head lice. The present gel pharmaceutical formulation preferably contains malathion and optionally contains isopropyl myristate. The present invention further provides a process of preparing as well as a method of treating ectoparasites in a mammal using the same.
US08158138B1
Urea compositions useful for treatment of dermatological conditions. The compositions, which are free from perceptible solids, may include at least about 50 wt-% urea, zinc pyrithione, and lactic acid, and may be formulated as a topical gel.
US08158133B2
A pharmaceutical composition including at least a mixture of at least one oil, at least one surfactant and an aqueous phase, itself including at least one active substance, the pharmaceutical composition not being in the form of an emulsion, but in the form of an oily isotrope.
US08158117B2
The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for therapeutically controlling and/or reducing serum phosphate levels in animals and mammalian patients. The methods comprise administering to the patient an amount of a dendrimer composition effective to prevent absorption of substantial amounts of phosphate from the patient's GI tract. In a preferred version, a dose of between 2.5 and 15 grams per day is effective to prevent over 80% of phosphate present in the patient's GI tract from being absorbed. The dendrimer composition may comprise a hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroacetate or hydroanionic form.
US08158100B2
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of hydrogen peroxide through a continuous process, extracting hydrogen peroxide produced from reduction and oxidation of a working solution and recycling the oxidized working solution back to the reduction process, wherein the composition of the working solution, i.e. the composition of 2-alkylanthraquinone and 2-tetrahydroalkylanthraquinone, is optimized to increase the solubility of the quinones and to improve the reaction rate. The working solution comprises 2-alkylanthraquinone, 2-tetrahydroalkylanthraquinone and an organic solvent, wherein 65-95 mol % of the alkyl group of 2-alkylanthraquinone and 2-tetrahydroalkylanthraquinone is amyl and the remaining 5-35 mol % of the alkyl group is ethyl, and the molar ratio of 2-alkylanthraquinone to 2-tetrahydroalkylanthraquinone is from 4:6 to 1:9.
US08158097B2
The present invention relates to a method for making pure salt comprises recapturing post-drilling flowback water from hydro-fracturing; removing oil from the flowback water; filtering the flowback water using an ultra filter with a pore size of about 0.1 microns or less to remove solid particulates and large organic molecules, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, from the water; concentrating the flowback water to produce a brine that contains from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of salt relative to the total weight of the flowback brine; performing one or more chemical precipitation process using an effective amount of reagents to precipitate out the desired high quality commercial products, such as, barium sulfate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate; and crystallizing the chemically treated and concentrated flowback brine to produce greater than 99.5% pure salt products, such as sodium and calcium chloride.
US08158096B2
The present invention is generally directed to a bulk barium copper sulfur fluoride (BCSF) material made by combining Cu2S, BaS and BaF2, heating the ampoule between 400 and 550 ° C. for at least two hours, and then heating the ampoule at a temperature between 550 and 950 ° C. for at least two hours. The BCSF material may be doped with potassium, rubidium, or sodium. The present invention also provides for a BCSF transparent conductive thin film made by forming a sputter target by either hot pressing bulk BCSF or hot pressing Cu2S, BaS and BaF2 powders and sputtering a BCSF thin film from the target onto a substrate. The present invention is further directed to a p-type transparent conductive material comprising a thin film of BCSF on a substrate where the film has a conductivity of at least 1 S/cm. The substrate may be a plastic substrate, such as a polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, or some other suitable plastic or polymeric substrate.
US08158095B2
Disclosed is a non-thermofusible phenol resin powder having an average particle diameter of not more than 20 μm and a single particle ratio of not less than 0.7. This non-thermofusible phenol resin powder preferably has a chlorine content of not more than 500 ppm. This non-thermofusible phenol resin powder is useful as an organic filler for sealing materials for semiconductors and adhesives for semiconductors. The non-thermofusible phenol resin powder is also useful as a precursor of functional carbon materials such as a molecular sieve carbon and a carbon electrode material.
US08158094B2
The present embodiments relate methods of preparing metal carbides, for example some embodiments relate to methods of preparing metal carbides that do not contain the formation of an intermediate oxide compound. Some embodiments relate to methods that do not employ hydrocarbons in the reaction. Some embodiments relate to a method of preparing metal carbides that involves citrate gel precursors and a non-hydrocarbon gas but does not use a hydrocarbon gas, does not form an oxide intermediate species and does not produce carbon monoxide. In some embodiments, the metal carbides are transition metal carbides.
US08158093B2
Methods and apparatus for the production of high purity silicon including a fluidized bed reactor with one or more protective layers deposited on an inside surface of the fluidized bed reactor. The protective layer may be resistant to corrosion by fluidizing gases and silicon-bearing gases.
US08158081B2
Covers for covering an opening in an analyte meter, and meters that include the same are provided.
US08158076B2
An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.
US08158073B2
A mass-exchange contact device is proposed, comprising an upper tray, contact element including a barbotage unit configured as an inner cap with strips tangently bent out, a lower tray, a casing including a ring-shaped descending limiter, windows circumferentially disposed on the casing's walls (lower row), orifices circumferentially disposed on the casing's walls (upper row) above the windows, a double-acting valve composed of an upper and lower plates fixedly attached to a distance rod, and a cover bushing disposed coaxially to and around the upper region of casing embracing the contact element. Embodiments comprise a number of rows of the proposed devices situated one above the other, and separated by multi-layer packing fittings. In catalytic distillation columns, the fittings can be filled with catalytic material. Alternatively, the fitting is substituted with a grating that supports a catalytic granular layer. The device allows improving operation, reliability, durability, reducing its weight and costs.
US08158072B2
The problem to be solved is to provide an analysis apparatus and analysis method of chlorosilanes capable of stably carrying out an analysis with less contamination. An analysis apparatus of chlorosilanes includes a vaporizer 10 for vaporizing chlorosilanes L and an analyzer for analyzing materials r1 and r2 remained by vaporizing. In the analysis apparatus, the vaporizer 10 includes a hotplate 11, a cover 12 detachably attached onto the hotplate 11 and configuring a heating chamber 13 with the hotplate 11, and a sample vessel 14 arranged in the heating chamber 13 and having an opening upside capable of storing the chlorosilanes L. The cover 12 includes a supply port 12a for supplying an inert gas or nitrogen gas into the heating chamber 13 and a discharge port 12b for discharging gases in the heating chamber 13.
US08158060B2
A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.
US08158059B2
The invention provides a system and method for dissolution testing. The system includes multiple dissolution vessels and a dose carrier positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration, while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration. The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor and a mixing paddle removably and interchangeably attached. A pipettor integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 μl to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells of an external receptacle.
US08158050B2
A green tire (G) is formed by stacking a tire component such as a carcass layer (13) on a film (12) which is made of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition and which is disposed on the entire outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical rigid inner die (1) formed of split parts (2). The green tire (G) is placed in a vulcanizing mold together with the rigid inner die (1) and then heated to a given temperature. The film (12) is pressurized from the inner circumferential side and inflated, and the green tire (G) is vulcanized. Thus, unvulcanized rubber of the tire components is pressed toward the inner circumferential surface of the vulcanizing mold and flows in circumferential directions. As a result, volume unevenness of the tire components is corrected. The film (12) which functions as a bladder is tightly bonded to the inner circumferential surface of the tire to become an inner layer of the tire.
US08158043B2
A method for making apertures in a precursor web using a forming apparatus is provided where the web comprises a film having molecular orientation and the forming apparatus comprises an arrangement of teeth. The orientation of the arrangement of teeth and the molecular orientation of the film are predetermined and modified to provide a relative angle between the orientation of the teeth and the molecular orientation of the film. Apertures formed in the precursor web material have a length and width exhibiting a minimal aspect ratio.
US08158027B2
A red light fluorescent material adapted for being excited by a first light to emit a red light is provided. The red light fluorescent material has the chemical formula (1) presented below, A2Eu(MO4)(PO4) (1), in which A represents Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or Ag, and M represents Mo, W, or a combination thereof (MoxW(1−x)). The red light fluorescent material can provide a red light with high luminance and good color purity. Moreover, since the composition of the red light fluorescent material includes oxides, the red light fluorescent material has high chemical stability and long lifetime.
US08158024B2
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a pair of field generating electrodes disposed on at least one of the first and the second substrates; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and the second substrates; wherein the liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal composition including a polar compound, the polar compound including a compound represented by Formula 1: wherein A represents X is a halogen, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkoxy group and R2 is a C1-C5 alkyl group or a C1-C5 alkoxy group.
US08158022B2
The present invention provides a polarizing film containing an azo compound represented by the following formula (1): in which X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and M is a counter ion.
US08158020B2
A liquid crystal element comprising a pair of transparent substrates, a liquid crystal layer which fills in between the pair of substrates and can form a chiral smectic C phase in homeotropic orientation, and an electrode which generates, at least, an electric field (parallel electric field) in directions parallel to a principal face of the substrate for the liquid crystal layer is provided, wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises, at least, a chiral compound of the following general formula (1-I) or a chiral compound of the following general formula (2-I) and a chiral compound of the following general formula (2 -II) in a base liquid crystal material which can provide a phase sequence of an isotropic liquid phase, a nematic phase, a smectic A phase and a smectic C phase from a higher temperature side, wherein R1, A2, Z1, Z2, m and 1 in formula (1-I), X, R1, R2, and * in formula (2-I), and X, R3, R4, R5, and * in formula (2-II) are defined in the specification.
US08158014B2
A stack of a second photoresist having a second photosensitivity and a first photoresist having a first photosensitivity, which is greater than second photosensitivity, is formed on a substrate. A first pattern is formed in the first photoresist by a first exposure and a first development, while the second photoresist underneath remains intact. A second pattern comprising an array of lines is formed in the second photoresist. An exposed portion of the second photoresist underneath a remaining portion of the first photoresist forms a narrow portion of a line pattern, while an exposed portion of the second photoresist outside the area of the remaining portions of the photoresist forms a wide portion of the line pattern. Each wide portion of the line pattern forms a bulge in the second pattern, which increases overlay tolerance between the second pattern and the pattern of conductive vias.
US08158010B2
A filter sleeve is fabricated from a variety of media selected to preferentially remove particulates and specific contaminants from water or other liquids. The layers of the filter sleeve may be configured to remove 1-micron particulates, while another layer or layers may be configured to remove a range of petroleum hydrocarbons, fats, oils, and greases, while yet another layer may be configured to remove metals, and yet another layer could be configured to remove bacteria, algae, mold, and fungus. Filter sleeves that are configured to remove different particulate sizes and contaminants can be used simultaneously by placing the filter sleeves inside one another to accrue the capabilities of several individual filter sleeves as one unit. The filter sleeve can be used to remove particulates and hydrocarbons from waste water accumulated in underground vaults, enabling such waste water to be discharged directly into the ambient environment.
US08158008B2
An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.
US08158003B2
A method that identifies common peaks among unidentified peaks in the data from different LC-MS or LC-MS/MS runs is provided. The method employs an algorithm, herein referred to as “Precision Peak Matching (PPM).” The different runs can be from different laboratories, instruments, and biological samples that result in a significant variability in the data. PPM allows estimation and control of precision, defined as the fraction of truly identical peptide pairs among all pairs retrieved, in the matching process. PPM finds the maximal number of peptide pairs at a prescribed precision, thereby allowing quantitative control over the trade off between the number of true pairs missed, and false pairs found. PPM finds common peptides from a database of LC-MS runs of heterogeneous origins, and at the specified precision. PPM fills a much-needed role in proteomics by extracting useful information from disparate LC-MS databases in a statistically rigorous and interpretable manner.
US08158000B2
A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source, the system including a mixer configured to produce a slurry including the solid source and a liquid, and a first separator in fluid communication with the mixer, the first separator configured to separate hydrocarbons from the slurry. Additionally, a second separator include communication with the first separator, the second separator configured to receive the slurry from the first separator and separate additional hydrocarbons from the slurry, and a separation vessel including a hydrocarbon remover in fluid communication with the first and second separators, the separation vessel configured to receive the separated hydrocarbons and remove residual liquid from the hydrocarbons. Further including a collection vessel configured to receive hydrocarbons from the separation vessel, and a fine particle separator in fluid communication with the separation vessel, the fine particle separator configured to process residual liquid to produce cleaned liquid and residual solids.
US08157962B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises providing an aqueous thick suspension containing cellulosic fibers having a fiber concentration of at least about 2% by weight; adding to the thick suspension an aluminum compound, alkaline earth metal salt and acid; diluting the obtained thick suspension to form a thin suspension; adding to the thin suspension one or more drainage and retention aids; and dewatering the obtained thin suspension. The invention further relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises providing an aqueous thick suspension containing cellulosic fibers having a fiber concentration of at least about 2% by weight and an alkaline earth metal ion concentration of at least about 100 mg/l; adding to the thick suspension an aluminum compound and optionally an acid to obtain a pH of from about 4 to about 5.5; diluting the obtained thick suspension to form a thin suspension; adding to the thin suspension one or more drainage and retention aids; and dewatering the obtained thin suspension. The invention also relates to an aqueous composition comprising a mixture of an aluminum compound, alkaline earth metal salt and acid and the use of the composition.
US08157961B2
The present invention relates to a sizing composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate, preferably suitable for inkjet printing, having increased print density, print sharpness, low HST, and/or image dry time, the substrate preferably having high brightness and reduced color-to-color bleed as well. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the HST of a paper substrate by applying the sizing composition to at least one surface thereof. Further, the application relates to methods of making and using the sizing composition, as well as methods of making and using the paper containing the sizing composition.
US08157959B2
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing board (2), a board provided by the method, and a container formed from the same, such as a disposable drinking cup. According to the invention, fiber-based stock is doped with a polymer (6), ending in a pulp web that is formed of this pulp on a board machine wire, and in a board layer (3) that is obtained from the same by pressing and drying. When the board layer is heated, the polymer melts and water vapor bubbles penetrate it, rendering the layer porous. The polymer used for the doping can comprise, for example, a low density polyethylene (LDPE) that has a melt viscosity of about 15. Pore-generating heating can be carried out for the board or only for the container manufactured from it. The porous layer prevents the hot drink enjoyed from the cup from burning the fingers of the user.
US08157953B2
In a plasma processing apparatus including a vacuum-evacuable processing chamber, a first lower electrode for supporting a substrate to be processed thereon is disposed in the processing chamber and an upper electrode is disposed above the first lower electrode to face the first lower electrode. Further, a second lower electrode is disposed under the first lower electrode while being electrically isolated from the first lower electrode. A processing gas supply unit supplies a processing gas into a space between the upper electrode and the first lower electrode. A first high frequency power supply unit applies a first high frequency power of a first frequency to the first lower electrode, and a second high frequency power supply unit applies a second high frequency power of a second frequency higher than the first frequency to the second lower electrode.
US08157944B2
Methods of making a stenciled screen for use in screen printing an image onto a substrate are generally disclosed. The method involves removing a portion of a transfer coating from a transfer sheet via heat transfer with a printable sheet defining a printable surface. The portion of the transfer coating removed from the transfer sheet corresponds to areas where an ink is present on the printable surface of the printable sheet. The transfer coating can then be transferred to a screen to form a stenciled screen having closed mesh areas corresponding to where the transfer coating is present. The stenciled screen can then be used to screen print an image onto any of a variety of fibrous substrates.
US08157943B2
A method for producing a hemmed joint structure having a second member placed on a first member and an edge of the first member bent over the second member to join the two members with each other. In this method, there is provided an flange part jutting out from an edge of the first member. The flange part is disposed at a position where the flange part, when bent, does not overlap an adhesive layer between the first member and the second member. Since the adhesive layer is set apart from the flange part, even when the flange part is subjected to friction stir bonding, the resultant frictional heat will not affect the adhesive layer.
US08157940B2
A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft, including coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that adjacent windings include regions of polymer cladding that overlap, heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another, manipulating the stent-graft from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath, wherein the restraining sheath prevents the stent-graft from reverting to the first diameter.
US08157930B2
A martensitic stainless steel comprising C: 0.01-0.10%, Si: 0.05-1.0%, Mn: 0.05-1.5%, P: not more than 0.03%, S: not more than 0.01%, Cr: 9-15%, Ni: 0.1-4.5%, Al: not more than 0.05% and N: not more than 0.1% in mass %, and further comprising at least one of Cu: 0.05-5% and Mo: 0.05-5%, the residual being Fe and impurities, is provided, wherein the contents of Cu and Mo satisfy the following formula (a) or (b), 0.2%≦Mo+Cu/4≦5% (a) 0.55%≦Mo+Cu/4≦5% (b) and wherein the hardness is 30-45 in HRC and the carbide amount in grain boundaries of the prior austenite is not more than 0.5 volume %. The marensitic stainless steel has excellent properties regarding the sulfide stress cracking resistance, the resistance to corrosive wear and the localized corrosion.
US08157927B2
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a highly coercive R-T-B system sintered magnet by making the crystal microstructure of a raw material alloy prepared by strip casting more uniform, thereby making the crushed powder obtained from such raw material alloy more fine and making the size distribution more narrow. The present invention provides a raw material alloy for an R-T-B system sintered magnet containing grains of an R2T14B compound, wherein a P and/or S content is between 100 and 950 ppm. This raw material alloy preferably has a composition comprising 25 to 35% by weight of R, 0.5 to 4% by weight of B, 0.02 to 0.6% of one or both of Al and Cu, 5% by weight or less of Co, and the balance of Fe.
US08157925B1
A siphon is adapted for thoroughly cleaning fluid vessels such as recreational vehicle water heaters. The siphon is capable of elevating discharge waste fluid to water heads greater than a water head present within the recreational vehicle water heater through the a transfer of kinetic energy provided by a pressurized fluid source, thereby obviating any need for undesirable electrical, chemical, or other mechanical power sources. An inlet couples pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source. A divider splits the pressurized fluid between a jet port outlet and a tank flush source conduit. A variety of different cleaning attachments may be selected to terminate the tank flush source conduit. A siphon return conduit is in one preferred embodiment concentrically arranged about the tank flush source conduit and is operative to carry waste fluid from the recreational vehicle water heater, with the cleaning attachment protruding from the siphon return conduit. By slightly protruding, the cleaning attachment operatively blocks the siphon return conduit from being held by siphon vacuum against a surface of the fluid vessels and containers. A drain conduit is provided, as is a mixing chamber at a junction between the jet port outlet and an outlet from the siphon return conduit.
US08157923B1
A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils includes draining, capturing, and storing a portion of a wash liquid multiple times within a single cycle to optimize water savings.
US08157917B2
The present invention relates to an improved process for extracting and subsequently isolating components from biological material, in particular sugar beets.
US08157915B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for the deposition of one or more layers on a substrate (4), which comprises a process chamber (2) which is arranged in a reactor housing (1) and has a heatable bottom (3) on which the substrate rests and a lid (5) extending parallel to the bottom (3) and also a gas inlet facility (6) for introduction of process gases. The distance (H) between the process chamber lid (5) and the process chamber bottom (3) can be reduced to virtually zero. A cooling apparatus (7) by means of which the process chamber lid (5) is cooled in the process position during deposition of the layers is provided above the process chamber lid (5), with the distance between the cooling apparatus (7) and the process chamber lid (5) increasing as the distance (H) between the process chamber lid (5) and the process chamber bottom (3) is reduced.
US08157912B2
Polycrystalline alumina (PCA) that has been doped with magnesium oxide is converted to sapphire by additionally doping the PCA with boron oxide and sintering to induce abnormal grain growth. The boron oxide may be added to an already formed green PCA ceramic shape by applying an aqueous boric acid solution to the green ceramic and heating the green ceramic in air to convert the boric acid to boron oxide.
US08157909B2
A mixture of platelet-shaped, copper-containing metallic effect pigments having a copper content of 60% to 100% by weight, based on the total metal content, with at least one further component, where the copper-containing metallic effect pigments have a thickness distribution, determined via thickness counting by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and represented as cumulative undersize distribution, a) with an h50 of 10 to 100 nm, and b) with an h90 of 20 to 150 nm, and in that the at least one further component is a cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of alkylcellulose, hydroxyalkylcellulose, alkyl(hydroxyalkyl)cellulose, and mixtures thereof, and/or is at least one additive having antioxidative and/or radical-inhibiting properties. The disclosure further relates to a method for producing this mixture, and to a coating composition.
US08157906B2
A novel adhesive that finds use in a cold corrugating system has a 5 second tack at a temperature of 160° F. of at least 50±2 grams.
US08157901B2
An apparatus for purifying air, in particular for ventilation and air-conditioning systems, has an air filter (11), which is inserted in an air channel (10) or in a filter wall for collecting dust. A dust agglomerator (12) with a DC voltage field is connected directly upstream of the air filter (11). In conventional filters, the efficiency is increased to such an extent that the dust throughput can be approximately halved. In addition, the initial efficiency is only insignificantly reduced during the operating time.
US08157895B2
A pressure cyclone is disclosed having a concave top head, wherein the concave top head has a substantially flat roof disposed in the interior of the cyclone vessel. An inlet is tangentially-coupled to the vessel and has an inlet nozzle disposed therein and configured to smoothly transition into the cyclone vessel to create a vortex that separates solid particulates from an incoming particulate-fluid suspension. In particular, the one surface of the inlet nozzle is tangent to the inner surface of cyclone vessel and another surface of the inlet nozzle is parallel and continuous with the substantially flat roof. An inlet casing is disposed around a length of the inlet nozzle and configured to transition from a circular casing to an elliptical casing along the length of the inlet nozzle, and couple to the vessel with the elliptical casing.
US08157891B2
A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
US08157888B2
A high purity of molten iron is produced efficiently at a higher productivity, by feeding a raw material mixture containing a carbonaceous reducing agent, an iron oxide-containing material and a CaO-containing material onto a hearth of a moving-hearth reducing furnace, heat-reducing the raw material mixture in the reducing furnace, and melting it in a melting furnace melting, wherein a blending amount of the CaO-containing material in the raw material mixture is adjusted in such a manner that another feeding of the CaO-containing material into the melting furnace makes a basicity of a slag generated in the melting furnace 1.1 or more an feeding amount of the CaO-containing material becomes 40 kg or less per ton of the molten iron obtained in the melting furnace.
US08157886B1
Disclosed is a method for providing nanoporous palladium and platinum powders. These materials were synthesized on milligram to gram scales by chemical reduction of tetrahalo-complexes with ascorbate in a concentrated aqueous surfactant at temperatures between −20° C. and 30° C. The prepared particles have diameters of approximately 50 nm, wherein each particle is perforated by pores having diameters of approximately 3 nm, as determined by electron tomography. These materials are of potential value for hydrogen and electrical charge storage applications.
US08157884B2
The invention concerns a method for the continuous or discontinuous extraction of a metal or several metals from a slag that contains the metal or a compound of the metal, in which the liquefied metal-containing slag is heated in a primary or secondary smelting unit (1). To provide an improved method for extracting metals, especially copper, from slags, the invention provides that the metal-containing slag is heated in a primary or secondary smelting unit (1) designed as an alternating-current electric furnace, and the molten material is then fed from the primary or secondary smelting unit (1) into a furnace (2) designed as a direct-current electric furnace, in which the metal to be extracted is subjected to an electrolytic separation, where a reducing agent in the form of calcium silicide (CaSi), calcium carbide (CaC2), ferrosilicon (FeO), aluminum (Al), and/or reducing gases is added and/or injected into the primary or secondary smelting unit (1).
US08157859B2
A stent made of nitinol having improved axial or radial stiffness, the stent having a support structure which comprises peripheral struts around the circumference, wherein the peripheral struts are linked to one another in the axial direction via connection struts. The support structure may assume a first compressed state and a second expanded state. The nitinol is in the support structure in a martensitic microstructure in the compressed state and largely in an austenitic microstructure in the second expanded state. One or more support structure sections, however, are entirely or partially in a martensitic microstructure in the second expanded state.
US08157858B2
A stent has a plurality of wavy annular members arranged adjacently to each other in an axial direction of the stent with the adjacent wavy annular members connected with each other. Each of the wavy annular members has a plurality of one-end side bent portions each having an apex at one-end side of the stent in an axial direction thereof and a plurality of other-end side bent portions each having an apex at the other-end side of the stent in the axial direction thereof. An apex of each of the one-end side bent portions of each wavy annular member penetrates into a space formed between the adjacent other-end side bent portions of one of the adjacent wavy annular members. An apex of each of the other-end side bent portions of each wavy annular member penetrates into a space formed between the adjacent one-end side bent portions of the other of the adjacent wavy annular members. The apex of the one-end side bent portion of each wavy annular member and the apex of the other-end side bent portion of the adjacent wavy annular member curve in an approach direction, thus engaging each other.
US08157851B2
Apparatus for delivering stents to body lumens include one or more tubular prostheses carried at the distal end of a catheter shaft, a sheath slidably disposed over the prostheses, and a guidewire tube extending from within the sheath to the exterior of the sheath through an exit port in a sidewall thereof. A guidewire extends slidably through the guidewire tube. The sheath can be moved relative to the catheter shaft and the guidewire tube to expose the prostheses for deployment. Methods of delivering stents are also provided.
US08157838B2
A device for delivering a plug (1) in a vessel of a human or animal body, includes an inserter provided with a guiding channel (4) and elements for urging the plug into the channel (4), characterized in that the channel (4) is adapted for radially compressing the plug during the displacement thereof towards the distal end of the channel (4). The compression of the plug (1) is carried out only a few seconds before its placement while respecting the integrity thereof. The elasticity characteristics of the plug (1) are thus fully preserved. The present device can be used in open surgery or endoscopy, mainly in vascular surgery.
US08157828B2
A surgical marking tool for marking a location on a patient includes a cutting head and a handle. The cutting head includes a screw thread. The handle is coupled to the cutting head to rotate the cutting head. The screw thread is configured to progressively embed in the patient to mark the location when the cutting head is placed in contact with the patient and rotated with respect to the patient using the handle.
US08157826B2
A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.
US08157823B2
The invention provides improved medical devices, therapeutic treatment systems, and treatment methods for treatment of the lung. A lung volume reduction system includes an implantable device having an elongate body that is sized and shaped for delivery via the airway system to a lung airway of a patient. The implant is inserted and positioned while the implant is in a delivery configuration, and is reconfigured to a deployed configuration so as to locally compress adjacent tissue of the lung, with portions of the elongate body generally moving laterally within the airway so as to laterally compress lung tissue. A plurality of such implants will often be used to treat a lung of a patient.
US08157813B2
Devices and methods for electrode implantation. A first embodiment includes an electrode insertion tool adapted to tunnel through tissue and attach, at its distal end, to a lead, such that the lead may be pulled into the tunneled space as the electrode insertion tool is removed. Additional embodiments include methods for inserting electrode/lead assemblies, including a method wherein an insertion tool is first used to tunnel through tissue, then to pull an electrode/lead into the tunneled space. In a further embodiment the insertion tool is next used, with a splittable sheath disposed thereon, to create an additional path into tissue, after which the insertion tool is removed, leaving the sheath in place; a lead is inserted to the sheath, and, finally, the splittable sheath is removed over the lead.
US08157805B2
An encapsulation device for repair of articular cartilage defects includes a body for disposition adjacent a bone in an area of the cartilage defect, and elongated leg structure extending from the body and for disposition in the bone in the area of the cartilage defect. The leg structure is provided with a length which is a plurality of magnitudes greater than a thickness of the body, and is of a generally conical configuration.
US08157802B2
An intramedullary fixation device includes an intramedullary implant having a longitudinal bore along a longitudinal axis, a two-component compression device and a two-component locking device, both devices preassembled in the longitudinal bore. The intramedullary implant includes an elongated slot and first and second apertures transversely crossing the longitudinal axis. The compression device is movable along the longitudinal axis and defines an end opening aligned with the elongated slot of the intramedullary implant. The locking device includes first and second openings aligned along the first and second apertures of the intramedullary implant.
US08157794B2
The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.
US08157784B2
Disclosed is a fluid transfer system for transferring a substance from one vessel to another vessel while avoiding leakage of liquid and gas contaminants. The transfer system includes a needle safe design that is facilitated by a housing that shrouds a tip of a fluid transfer cannula such that the cannula tip is not exposed for inadvertent puncture. This feature may also be enhanced by use of a blunt tipped cannula. The fluid transfer system permits multiple access by enabling the easy swabbing of a septum prior to use.
US08157783B2
In order to provide a medical liquid container which allows for no forgetful failure to open the partition wall and can realize simple and easy sterilization of the liquid medicament bag and thereby decrease the production cost, the present invention provides a medical liquid container having a plurality of communicatably partitioned medical liquid-housing chambers and a discharge reserve chamber having formed therein a discharge port for a liquid medicament, the medical liquid container comprising liquidtightly partitioning portion for liquidtightly separating said liquid medicament-housing chambers from each other, and non-liquidtightly partitioning portion for non-liquidtightly separating between at least one of said liquid medicament-housing chambers and said discharge reserve chamber.
US08157779B2
A contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device (10) comprising a substantially fluid-impermeable bottom layer (26), a substantially fluid-absorbent core (24), and a substantially fluid-permeable top layer (28), with at least one raised area (18) and at least one of back or front extensions (14,16) for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities.
US08157776B2
A method for detection of a synchronizing mark (6) being used in synchronized positioning of at least one essentially continuous material web (2), for manufacturing products (20) that have printed motifs (5; 5′) or similar processed elements, which material web (2) is intended to be divided into a nominal division length (LN) and has synchronizing marks (6) with a periodicity (LS), which method includes: detection of the respective synchronizing mark (6) for positioning the respective motif (5; 5′) in a predetermined position on the respective product (20), which detection is carried out along a predetermined in the machine direction longitudinal section (24) of the material web (2), and detection of the synchronizing mark (6) by distinguishing its color or color combination from colors or color combinations in the rest of said section (24). An arrangement for such detection, and an absorbent product.
US08157773B2
An infusion device comprising an infuser base, a cannula and a ferrule. The infuser base having a bore extending therethrough, the bore having distal and proximal ends and defining a shoulder therebetween. The cannula having distal and proximal ends, the proximal end having an inside first diameter. A flange extends radially outward from the cannula proximal end. The cannula is positioned in the bore such that the flange is positioned adjacent the shoulder. The ferrule has an insertion portion, having an outside second diameter which is substantially equal to the first diameter, and a tapered portion extending from the insertion portion. The ferrule is positioned in the bore such that the insertion portion and a portion of the tapered portion are received in the cannula proximal end and the flange is compressed between the shoulder and the tapered portion to define a seal between the cannula and ferrule.
US08157767B2
A cerebral cooling device that uses a pressurized source to deliver a fluid that evaporates in the nasal cavity to provide cooling and has a balloon on the distal end that inflates from some of the pressure from the pressurized source. The device includes a nasal catheter having delivery ports located in the distal region and a balloon on the distal end. The proximal end of the catheter is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of a low boiling point fluid. A manifold located between the pressurized source and the catheter distributes the fluid and pressure from the pressurized source to a first lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon and to a second lumen of the catheter through the delivery ports to cool the nasal cavity. A check valve in the manifold ensures that the fluid and pressure are first delivered to the balloon.
US08157764B2
A patient hydration system comprises a bladder, a flexible tube, a safety guard, and a mouthpiece. The bladder can be a generally rectangular-shaped pouch designed to hold liquids. The bladder can have an attachment means whereby a retention member can be used to hang the bladder. The bladder has a port that allows the attachment of the flexible tube. The tube is also connected to the safety guard and mouthpiece. The contents of the bladder flow through the tube and out of the mouthpiece on demand. A keeper clip can be added in proximity to the mouthpiece. The safety guard provides a substantial handle for grasping and maneuvering the system, ensures that the mouthpiece is not inadvertently swallowed by the patient, and protects the mouthpiece from surface contamination if the mouthpiece is placed on a table, plate, etc.
US08157753B2
A Personal Care Vaporizing Device is disclosed. The device has a central base unit including a large removable liquid reservoir and a handheld skin massage/exfoliating device. The handheld assembly can selectively emit vapor directly to the skin surface. Unlike the prior devices in the field, the present invention allows the user to selectively dispense either cool or warm vapor. The liquid reservoir is designed to accept skin care additives in addition to simple water for generating the vapor. The device has at least three operational modes: vapor only, massage head brush oscillation/massage motion only, and both vapor and oscillation/massage. Power for the device is available from a variety of sources, including internal batteries and/or external power supply.
US08157749B2
A blood component measurement device (10) has a puncturing unit (18) provided inside a housing (12) and having a puncture needle (16); a button unit (20) for advancing and retreating the puncture needle (16); a contact mechanism (68) coming into contact with the skin of a person to be measured; and a holder (14) for displaceably holding the puncturing unit (18). The blood component measurement device (10) also has an introduction section (94) at the substantially center of a contact member (70). After the skin is punctured by the puncture needle (16) provided at the substantially center of the mechanism (68), the introduction section (94) introduces blood to testing paper (100) when the contact member (70) of the contact mechanism (68) is displaced in a sliding manner along a guide member (72).
US08157747B2
A single-use indicator is provided and is particularly well suited for use with a surgical catheter device. The indicator includes an absorbent filament or wick which is placed in a transparent or translucent indicator lumen of a multi-lumen catheter. The lumen is provided with at least one side port. When the catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, blood enters the indicator lumen through the side port and is absorbed by the filament, thus turning the filament red or purple in color. When the instrument is removed from the blood vessel, the stained filament is clearly visible as an indicator that the instrument has been used. Because the filament is trapped inside a lumen of a relatively long catheter, it is difficult or impossible to remove it during a remanufacturing process.
US08157746B2
The present invention relates to a device for separating a tissue part from brain material, the device comprising a circular blade which continues as the wall of a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical hollow body, at the end of which a grid is arranged perpendicular to the cylinder axis. The invention further relates to the use of the device in a method for separating a tissue part from brain material and to a kit containing one or more devices according to the invention.
US08157742B2
Embodiments include a system for planning treatment for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data, and determine a first fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and a physics-based model relating to the anatomical structure of the patient. The at least one computer system may be further configured to modify the three-dimensional model, and determine a second fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the modified three-dimensional model.
US08157739B2
A method and an instrument for ultrasound imaging using an array of transducer elements which is connected to the instrument with a limited number of wires, where focusing of the transmit beam improves image signal to noise ratio above state of the art methods. This allows the use of higher ultrasound frequencies providing improved image resolution.
US08157730B2
Systems and methods for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors, as well as systems and methods for using this information for a plurality of useful purposes, are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed. This information is then used to support a variety of useful methods, such as clinical trials, marketing studies, biofeedback, entertainment, and others.
US08157718B2
The present invention relates to an electric circuit having a transformer capable of functioning as a buffer inductor, and a magnetic stimulator using the transformer. The electric circuit of the present invention includes a power supply unit, and rectification means for rectifying current from the power supply unit. A transformer has an inductor on a primary side connected to the power supply unit. A capacitor is connected to an inductor on a secondary side of the transformer. Reverse flow prevention means is connected in series between the capacitor and the transformer to prevent charges stored in the capacitor from reversely flowing toward the transformer. A discharge inductor receives charges stored in the capacitor as discharge current and forms a magnetic field. First switching means turns on or off flow of the discharge current that flows in one direction. Bypass means causes current to flow in one direction.
US08157706B2
A system and method control usage of exercise equipment by: using a control server remote from a first fitness equipment unit to gather usage information at a fitness facility including the first fitness equipment unit; using the control server to communicate a maximum available individual workout time setting to the first fitness equipment unit based on the gathered usage information; and applying the maximum available individual workout time setting to the first fitness equipment unit.
US08157697B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08157696B2
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US08157695B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08157690B2
The invention relates to a lubrication system for a gearbox with stationary and rotating gearbox parts particularly in a wind turbine. The system includes lubrication distribution means in the stationary and rotating gearbox parts such as lubrication bores and openings. One or more rotary transmissions establish a transmission channel between lubrication distribution means in said stationary and rotating gearbox parts where said one or more rotary transmission include at least two connecting means. The invention also relates to a wind turbine with a drive train including a gearbox, and a lubrication system.
US08157688B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external 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. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US08157677B1
A table tennis caddy for mounting to a table tennis table includes a table tennis net assembly including a net mounted on a net frame. The net frame includes a net post extending upward. An outside connection mechanism underneath the net frame is disposed toward an exterior portion of the net frame. An inside connection mechanism underneath the net frame is disposed toward an interior portion of the net frame. A ball rack is mounted underneath the net frame. The ball rack is connected between the outside connection mechanism and the inside connection mechanism. A frame hook member connects to a bottom portion of the net frame.
US08157676B2
A device for training hockey goaltenders including a base having an ice engaging surface to reduce sliding on the ice, a plurality of side panels arranged around a perimeter of the base and secured directly or indirectly to the base, each side panel having an outer surface adapted to deflect a hockey puck directed at it, and wherein a first side panel outer surface is made of a material that is different from a second side panel outer surface.
US08157654B2
A software emulator for emulating a handheld video game platform such as GAME BOY®, GAME BOY COLOR® and/or GAME BOY ADVANCE® on a low-capability target platform (e.g., a seat-back display for airline or train use, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone) uses a number of features and optimizations to provide high quality graphics and sound that nearly duplicates the game playing experience on the native platform. Some exemplary features include use of bit BLITing, graphics character reformatting, modeling of a native platform liquid crystal display controller using a sequential state machine, and selective skipping of frame display updates if the game play falls behind what would occur on the native platform.
US08157649B2
A gaming apparatus includes a display device that has a several display surfaces that are visible to a game player. The display surfaces are formed by one or more organic light emitting diode displays. A controller is in communication with the display device and can display at least one game outcome.
US08157647B2
Various techniques are disclosed for operating a gaming device of a casino gaming network. In at least one embodiment, the gaming device includes a tournament manager and a first meter. In at least one embodiment, the first meter is operable to perform one or more of the following (or combinations thereof): receive a first meter update request for changing meter state information and/or meter data associated with the first meter; determine whether at least one condition exists for denying the first meter update request; and/or prevent execution of the first meter update request in response to a determination that at least one condition exists for denying the first meter update request. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the gaming device is operable to: receive a request from an entity for initiating start of a first game at the gaming device; obtain approval from the tournament manager for starting the first game at the gaming device; and/or prevent the first game from starting at the gaming device in response to detecting that the tournament manager has not approved start of the first game at the gaming device.
US08157645B1
An apparatus for providing a bonus system with remote inputs devices, where each remote device may have a purpose independent of the bonus machine. A bonus machine having a game of skill, a bonus, and a processor receives a message indicating the occurrence of an event. The message may be initiated by an event occurring at a game of skill or a remote device. Upon receiving the message, the bonus machine processes the message. The bonus is incremented for various events. If the event is achieving a task in the game of skill, the bonus is partially or completely rewarded to the player who achieved the task.
US08157642B2
Disclosed are data processing apparatus, systems, and methods, implemented over a gaming network for providing for disposition of promotional offers in a wager-based gaming environment. A monitoring engine is coupled to receive an identification of a promotional offer associated with a customer relationship management program in the wager-based gaming network as having an unredeemed status. A determining engine is coupled to determine that the promotional offer having the unredeemed status has one or more attributes satisfying one or more parameters to designate the promotional offer for an auction. Such designation is independent of real-time wager-based game play in the gaming network. An auction control engine is coupled to provide the designated promotional offer as an item to be auctioned in the wager-based gaming network. An auction resolution engine is coupled to generate a report including data indicating results of the auction. The report can be output to provide the auction results data as a part of customer relationship management data maintained by the customer relationship management program in the wager-based gaming network.
US08157640B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to present a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; to present an initial image including a subset of a swarm in space representing a portion of the wagering game; and to determine the actual outcome of the wagering game based on player input indications, swarm behavior modeling, and a selected statistical game outcome. An updated image may then be generated and presented, derived from the initial image and the actual outcome.
US08157637B2
Apparatus and methods are described for presenting multiple bingo game results on a common display. A bingo game player may participate in a number of bingo games and obtain results for each of those games. These bingo game results are combined to amount to a cumulative result, and a common graphic display is produced that is representative of the cumulative result. The common graphic display is then shown to the player on the display device of a particular electronic player station.
US08157634B2
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes at least one display and a controller coupled to the display. The display is adapted to display a randomly selected outcome of a basic game of the wagering game. The display displays at least one free spin of a plurality of reels to indicate a free-spin outcome in response to satisfaction of a free-spin event condition in the basic game. At least one possible free-spin outcome is a special-event outcome for permitting play of the special-event. The special-event includes a plurality of levels. Each level has player-selectable elements masking awards including a level-advance outcome. The level-advance outcome allows the player to advance to a next level in the special-event.
US08157629B2
An agricultural harvesting machine including a frame and a threshing section supported by the frame. The threshing section includes a rotating member, a concave and a hydraulic concave support system that positions the concave proximate to the rotating member. The concave is movable in directions toward or away from the rotating member. The hydraulic concave support system includes at least one hydraulically driven element movable substantially parallel to the same directions.
US08157628B2
A baffled roll vent for covering the ridge slot of a roof for allowing ventilation from the space of a building below the ridge slot, the baffled roll vent having a first vent section having a male part and a second vent section having a female part, wherein the male part of the first vent section attaches to the female part of the second vent section. The male and female parts are preferably located at opposite edges of each vent section, allowing each vent section in the baffled roll vent to attach to the next vent section in the baffled roll vent. A center hinge allows flexing of the panel to conform to the pitch of a roof.
US08157615B2
The invention relates to a device for applying and/or detaching a wafer to/from a carrier with a deformable membrane which can be aligned parallel to the contact surface of the wafer, with one contact side for at least partial contact-making with the contact surface, deformation means which are located backward to the contact side for deformation of the membrane which can be controlled in a defined manner and adhesion means for adhesion of the wafer to the membrane and process for detaching and/or applying a wafer to/from a carrier with a corresponding device.
US08157612B2
The present invention provides for an interactive figure with several pivot regions in the ankles, knees and hips. Two drive mechanisms are housed within a base to drive movement of the lower portion of the figure while an additional drive mechanism is included within the torso of the doll to drive movement of the arms and head. Additionally, gear mechanisms are included within the base and the figure to transfer movement from the drive mechanisms to the figure along with various electronics. In response to a user's input or a preprogrammed play routine, the figure will respond with various movement and audio content.
US08157609B2
A mind-control toy is provided, comprising one or more biosensors configured to detect brainwave activity and generate signals based on the detected brainwave activity. A controller may be responsive to the signals to direct a member to effect movement of one or more objects. In some embodiments, the member includes a device for suspending the object in midair above the device, and the controller is responsive to the first signal to vary output of the device to control a suspended height of the object. In some such embodiments, the mind-control toy includes an obstacle course defining an aerial path. In other such embodiments, the mind-control toy includes a track along which players can compete or cooperate. In other embodiments, the mind-control toy includes a maze, a portion of which may be rotated using mind control to maneuver the object from a start zone to an end zone.
US08157596B1
A card connector (100) includes an insulating housing (1) defining a card receiving space; a set of first contacts (21) supported by the insulative housing and adapted for mating with XD card, and the first contacts having at least one grounding contact (211G); a set of second contacts (22) supported by the insulative housing and adapted for mating with SD card, the second contacts having at least one grounding contact (221G); a set of third contacts (23) supported by the insulative housing and adapted for mating with MS card, the third contacts having at least one grounding contact (231G); and at least two of the grounding contacts commonly grounded.
US08157594B2
A high-power, shielded, single-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has a single-pole connector housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner, single-pole connector is electrically insulated from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner, single-pole connector may be a male-female type or a lug-type. If a lug-type single-pole connector is used, a dual-shell, cylindrical insulator may be used to provide access to the lug bolts. Such an insulator may be realigned after the lug-bolt access is no longer required so that a complete insulating barrier is provided around the lug-type connector. A variable-angle, lug-type connector may be used.
US08157590B2
A jack side connector configured to be connected to a plug side connector, the plug side connector including a plug side signal contact and a plug side ground contact extending from a holding part, the jack side connector includes a jack side signal contact and a jack side ground contact configured to come in contact with the plug side signal contact and the plug side ground contact, respectively, so that electric conduction between the plug side connector and the jack side connector is made when the plug side connector is connected to the jack side connector, wherein the jack side ground contact includes a first contact part and a second contact part, and when the plug side connector is connected to the jack side connector, the electric conduction between the plug side connector and the jack side connector is made by the first contact part and the second contact part.
US08157588B1
A coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to a mating connector is disclosed. The coaxial cable connector may include a connector body having a forward end and a rearward cable receiving end for receiving a cable. The connector may include a nut rotatably coupled to the forward end of the connector body and an annular post disposed within the connector body for providing an electrical path between the mating connector and the coaxial cable. The connector may include a biasing element, wherein the biasing element is configured to provide a force to maintain the electrical path between the mating connector and the coaxial cable. In one embodiment, the biasing element is external to the nut and the connector body. In one embodiment, the biasing element surrounds a portion of the nut and/or the connector body.
US08157586B2
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for securing a connector shell to a circuit board using a separate connector hat with elongated mounting posts. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a connector hat includes a one-piece body with a top surface and a pair of mounting posts. The mounting posts extend downwards from opposing side edges of the top surface. The posts are of sufficient length to extend beyond a bottom surface of a connector shell to which the connector hat is configured to attach, and through a bottom surface of an associated circuit board. The two-piece connector assembly design utilizing the connector hat with mounting posts allows the mounting posts to be manufactured at any desirable length to facilitate installation of the connector assembly to a circuit board.
US08157583B1
A tongue grounding structure is provided for a connector. The connector includes a connector body, at least one circuit board, and a metal shell. The circuit board is received in the connector body. The circuit board includes conductive traces formed thereon. The conductive traces are extended to form a contact point. The metal shell encloses the connector body, and includes at least one clamping section extending therefrom. The clamping section includes a first clamp plate and a second clamp plate. With the above described arrangement, to assemble the connector, the clamping section is set to resiliently clamp the contact point of the circuit board received in the connector body in order to realize electrical connection between a grounding wire and the metal shell.
US08157576B2
A card edge connector for use with an electronic card, comprises an elongated housing having a pair of opposed side walls along a lengthwise direction, a central slot between the side walls, a tower portion upwardly extending at one end thereof. The central slot extends into the tower portion along the lengthwise direction to define a trench for receiving a side edge of the electronic card. A latch mechanism is retained in the tower portion, and has a locking projection protruding into the trench to lock with the electronic card.
US08157571B2
A high-frequency module includes: a shield cover of the high-frequency module; a coaxial connector which is fixed to an outer side surface of the shield cover; a center conductor of the coaxial connector which protrudes to the inside of a region of the high-frequency module; and a metal plate terminal which is mounted on a print wiring formed on a substrate. The shield cover is fixed to the substrate so as to cover the upper portion thereof, while the center conductor of the coaxial connector is fitted to the metal plate terminal so as to allow input and output of a high-frequency signal.
US08157570B2
This invention relates to a power connection socket unit sewed on fabric, which is mainly sewed onto clothing or fabric object in need of connecting to power source. The socket unit has a holder for wrapping over the power connection socket and a combination sheet extending outwardly from the periphery of the holder for sewing together with the fabric, and a power cord of the socket extends out from the back of the combination sheet. In this way, when fabric or clothing is combined with electrical parts such as electric heating piece, power supply function is achieved by means of the power connection socket unit sewed on fabric or clothing. Further, the power cord is not exposed to outside so as to obtain good looking effect.
US08157560B2
A heater including a heat dump opening and a heat dump cover moveable between an open and a closed position to selectively block flow of fluid through the heat dump opening. The heat dump opening is formed in the top of the housing, and the heat dump cover is biased toward the open position. The cover moves to an open position in response to a sensed preselected limit temperature to vent excessively heated air to ambient to prevent damage to the heater and a duct system and a building to which the heater may be connected. Air escaping the heater via the heat dump opening may cause replacement air to be drawn into the heater to cool the heater, including electrical components of the heater located near an inlet and an outlet of the heater.
US08157558B2
An apparatus and method for forming a clay slab includes a frame, a front panel supported on the frame and a rear panel supported on the frame. An outer cable is attached to the rear panel at one end and to the rear panel and to the front panel at another end. A rotatable drive axle is configured to simultaneously wind and unwind the outer cable and thereby move the front panel and the rear panel from an initial position to an intermediate position to draw a block of prepared clay into a gap defined by the front panel and the rear panel. The drive axle is further configured to simultaneously wind and unwind the outer cable in the opposite direction and thereby move the front panel and the rear panel from the intermediate position back to the initial position to remove the clay slab from the slab roller.
US08157557B2
A rotary die head for a film blowing machine for use with a starch-based biodegradable material including a core mould and an outer body. The core mould includes a spiral core mould sleeved on a center pivot and a rotary core mould fixed on the center pivot, jointed with each other. A motor drives the center pivot and the rotary core mould to rotate. The outer body includes an inner die casing sleeved on the spiral core mould, an outer die casing fit with the inner die casing, and a mouth die casing. The inner die casing, the mouth die casing, the spiral core mould, and the rotary core mould form a material flow and molding channel consisting of a herringbone feed-in slot, spiral conveying slots, an annular gap buffer zone, a tapering cone passage, an annular loosing cavity, and a final molding gap in turn from bottom to top.
US08157545B2
A hermetic compressor includes a hermetic container arranged to store lubricating oil, a motor element accommodated in the hermetic container, an oil-feeding mechanism arranged to carry the lubricating oil, and a centrifugal pump arranged to carry the lubricating oil to the oil-feeding mechanism. The centrifugal pump includes a cylindrical portion having a hollow opening at the opening, and an aperture plate having a suction aperture formed therein. The aperture plate has an inner edge facing the suction aperture, and an outer edge of the aperture plate contacting an inner surface of the cylindrical portion. A portion of the aperture plate between the inner edge and the outer edge of the aperture plate is positioned more outward from the cylindrical portion than the inner edge and the outer edge are. This hermetic compressor does not produce fine metal powder during manufactured, having high reliability.
US08157515B2
A vane doublet for a turbine nozzle includes a radially inner band; a radially outer band; and a pair of airfoils extending between the inner band and the outer band. One of the inner and outer bands is split in a generally axial direction along a split line passing between the pair of airfoils, and a seal is secured between or adjacent to facing edges of the split line.
US08157511B2
An arrangement for sealing a turbine shroud gas path duct interface of a turbine engine comprises a static shroud surrounding a rotatable airfoil array and an annular duct downstream of the shroud with respect to a gas flow passing through the gas path. The shroud and the duct define a portion of the gas path for directing the gas flow, having an axially extending interface gap between the shroud and duct. An annular seal in use engages both the shroud and the duct, thereby sealing the annular gap.
US08157509B2
A turbine diffuser is disclosed. The turbine diffuser includes a diffuser segment having a forward end and an aft end with a flange disposed at the aft end of the diffuser segment. The diffuser segment is joinable to an adjacent diffuser segment via the flange, which includes a seal retainer that is securedly connectable in a radial direction with a seal.
US08157502B2
Pump (1) comprising a rotary shaft (30), a bearing housing (80) that is fixed relative to the rotary shaft, at least one rolling bearing (70) the inner ring (71) of which is connected to the said rotary shaft and the outer ring (76) of which is able to slide in this housing along the axis of rotation of the rotary shaft. The bearing housing (80) comprises a shoulder (81) situated on one side of this bearing and able rigidly to prevent translational movement of the outer ring (76) along the axis of rotation, and a deformable elastic device (100) fixed to the housing on the other side of the bearing (70) so that the bearing lies between the shoulder and the elastic device.
US08157499B1
The instant invention is a containerized freight system that is comprised in combination of a specialized container, a lift mechanism and a transportation unit or vehicle mounted lifting and transporting system of individual specialized cargo containers. The system allows delivery of specialized cargo container virtually anywhere for loading, unloading, storage and retrieval by the transportation unit. The lifting unit is unique in that leg members engage the bottom channel of the specialized container it will raise and lower the unit while keeping the container and its contents in a vertical plane preventing the shifting of the contents within the container. The system also includes a specially equipped trailer that has a bed that lowers to ground level to facilitate loading and unloading of containers. This trailer is capable of hauling at least one container.
US08157485B2
A shuttle (11) for feeding tubular rivets (12), which are of relatively short axial length compared with their head diameter, along a flexible hose (26) to a movable rivet-installation tool has an aperture (18) running parallel to its axis along its whole length. Through this aperture a rivet can be both inserted into, and removed from, the shuttle. It also enables the sideways removal from the shuttle of an elongated mandrel, over the end of which a rivet has been axially fed. The exterior of the shuttle (11) and the interior of the hose (26) have similar cross-sections, which are a sliding fit and which co-operate with each other to maintain the shuttle (11) in a pre-determined rotational relationship with the hose (26), to facilitate insertion and removal of the rivet as aforesaid.
US08157479B2
A buoyancy adjustment device utilizes an inflation valve connected between the diver's breathing gas supply and a compartment to admit gas into the compartment to increase the diver's buoyancy. An exhaust valve connects between the compartment and the outside of the vest, to release gas from the compartment to the surrounding environment to decrease the diver's buoyancy. A hand-operated controller connected to the inflation valve, when caused to move from a neutral position to an inflation position, actuates the inflation valve and admits gas to the compartment. The hand-operated controller is also connected to the exhaust valve via a flexible pushrod so that, when caused to move from the neutral position to an exhaust position, actuates the exhaust valve and releases gas from the compartment. The flexible push rod is housed in a sleeve that is totally contained within the compartment. Both the inflation valve and the exhaust valve are mounted substantially within the compartment, below the outer wall of the diver's vest and their respective working parts leave only a low profile raised above the outside surface of the vest. A cloth sleeve is positioned inside the front portion of the vest to conveniently store a spare breathing regulator.
US08157472B2
A geocell is disclosed that has high strength and stiffness, such that the geocell has a storage modulus of 500 MPa or greater at 23° C.; a storage modulus of 150 MPa or greater at 63° C. when measured in the machine direction using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) at a frequency of 1 Hz; a tensile stress at 12% strain of 14.5 MPa or greater at 23° C.; a coefficient of thermal expansion of 120×10−6/° C. or less at 25° C.; and/or a long term design stress of 2.6 MPa or greater. The geocell is suitable for load support applications, especially for reinforcing base courses and/or subbases of roads, pavement, storage areas, and railways.
US08157470B2
The invention relates to a coupling between two objects via a coupling element. Each object comprises a panel with a continuous hole with four inward protruding tongues which are disposed at 90° to each other and extend over angles of about 22.5°. The coupling element comprises a shank, an insert stop member on both sides so that the coupling element can be inserted in the one or the other direction into the hole, four locking cams on each end zone of the shank which each extend over angles of 22.5° disposed at 0°, (90°−22.5°), 180°, (270°−22.5°), and rotation stop members. The coupling element can be inserted into the hole in a chosen orientation as desired in one of four equidistant angular positions and then rotated through about 22.5° in the one or the other direction, wherein rotation locking means fix the chosen angular position.
US08157467B2
The invention features a device for applying a fluid composition to the skin, said device including (i) a reservoir containing said composition, said composition including at least one tensioning polymer and (ii) a skin-contactable surface having at least one opening, wherein said device is adapted such that said fluid composition may be extruded from such reservoir to said skin-contacting surface through said at least one openings.
US08157462B2
The mechanism for opening and closing an operating cover of a printer having a discharge guide that remains in the same posture while moving in conjunction with opening and closing the operating cover prevents the gap between the discharge guide and the cover case of the operating cover from widening when the operating cover opens and closes. In a roll paper printer 1, the top end part 32a of the cover case 32 of an operating cover 3 is pivotably attached on the side of the discharge guide 5, which remains in the same posture while moving in conjunction with the cover 3 opening and closing. So that the cover case 32 does not separate from the cover frame 31 when the cover 3 opens and closes, a torsion spring 37 constantly urges the cover case 32 to open and close in unison with the cover frame 31 through an intervening connector arm 34. When the cover 3 opens and closes, a large gap is not formed between the top end part 32a of the cover case 32 and the discharge guide 5, and this gap does not increase in conjunction with the cover 3 opening and closing.
US08157461B2
A printer having one roller of a transportation roller pair attached to cover renders the mechanism pressing the transportation roller pair together and the damping mechanism used when opening the cover using few parts, compactly, and at low cost. A damper spring 27 prevents the cover unit 3 of the printer 1 from opening suddenly and forcefully. A roller support lever 38 having the first follower roller 33b disposed to the distal end thereof is attached rotatably and movably to the cover unit 3. The roller support lever 38 is urged by the damper spring 27, and the first follower roller 33b on the distal end thereof is pressed to the first transportation roller 33a on the printer frame 11 side. The damper spring 27 functions as the damping mechanism when the cover unit 3 opens, and as the pressure mechanism of the first transportation roller pair 33 when the cover unit 3 is closed.
US08157459B2
A recording apparatus performs recording on a strip of a recording target medium that is fed from a roll object that is set in or on the recording apparatus. The roll object is formed as, or at least includes, a roll of the recording target medium. The recording apparatus includes: a rotating unit that rotates the roll object; a rotation controlling unit that controls the rotation of the rotating unit; and a roll object diameter measuring unit that measures the diameter of the roll object, wherein the rotation controlling unit sets the rotation speed of the rotating unit or the rotation amount of the rotating unit on the basis of the diameter of the roll object measured by the roll object diameter measuring unit so as to ensure that at least either one of the transportation speed of the recording target medium and the transportation distance of the recording target medium is set at a predetermined value.
US08157456B2
An optical interconnect device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an optical waveguide, an electrical wiring and a switching device. The first substrate has an electrical wiring circuit, an electrical-optical converter for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal, and a light emitting device for emitting a light. The second substrate has an electrical wiring circuit, an optical-electrical converter for converting the optical signal to the electrical signal, and a light receiving device for receiving the light from the light emitted device. The optical waveguide optically connects the light emitting and light receiving devices. The electrical wiring electrically connects the electrical wiring circuits of the first and second substrates. The switching device determines a fast signal of data to be transmitted via the optical substrate and a slow signal of data to be transmitted via the electrical wiring.
US08157454B2
A receptacle (20) detachably accommodating a connector plug (34) connected to optical fibers (32) is rotatably supported by a shaft (14) provided in an installation table (10). The receptacle (20) is biased by a leaf spring (16) for biasing opposite ends of the shaft (14) in one direction. A locking/unlocking mechanism for selectively locking or unlocking the receptacle (20) connected with the connector plug (34) relative to the installation table (10) and a locking mechanism fixing portion (12) includes a locking nib (30Ra) of a lock releasing button (30R), a locking nib (30La) of a lock releasing button (30L), locking nib receiving portions (12na, 12nb) and a coil spring (31).
US08157449B2
Cage 4 for a ball bearing, comprising an annular heel 7 and a substantially axial portion 8 provided with claws 11 defining pockets 9 for balls and connected to the heel 7, the substantially axial portion 8 extending axially over a part of the pockets 9. The substantially axial portion 8 has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the heel 7, the outside diameter of the substantially axial portion being somewhere between the pitch circle diameter of the cage reduced by half the radial thickness of the heel and the pitch circle diameter of the cage increased by half the radial thickness of the heel.
US08157442B2
The radiometric thermometer includes a microwave sensor and electronic means for processing the electrical signal delivered by the sensor. The electronic means includes means for preamplifying the electrical signal delivered by the microwave sensor; variable-gain amplification means with automatic gain control, which means amplify the signal delivered by the preamplification means, the amplification means having an automatic gain control signal that allows the gain to be automatically adjusted on the basis of the signal output by the amplification means, and electronic temperature measurement means for measuring temperature on the basis of the automatic gain control signal.
US08157439B2
Methods and apparatus for wafer temperature measurement and calibration of temperature measurement devices may be based on determining the absorption of a layer in a semiconductor wafer. The absorption may be determined by directing light towards the wafer and measuring light reflected from the wafer from below the surface upon which the incident light impinges. Calibration wafers and measurement systems may be arranged and configured so that light reflected at predetermined angles to the wafer surface is measured and other light is not. Measurements may also be based on evaluating the degree of contrast in an image of a pattern in or on the wafer. Other measurements may utilize a determination of an optical path length within the wafer alongside a temperature determination based on reflected or transmitted light.
US08157427B2
A vehicle headlamp is provided. The vehicle headlamp includes a light source which is configured to form an additional light distribution pattern which is formed above a cut-off line of a low-beam mode light distribution pattern; a vehicle detection device which is configured to detect a presence of a front running vehicle; a road position detection device which is configured to detect an existing area of a road ahead; and a control unit. The control unit acquires information from the vehicle detection device and the road position detection device and, when the existing area includes a non-detectable area which is outside of a detectable area of the vehicle detection device, controls the light source to reduce an illuminance of the additional light distribution pattern.
US08157422B2
A lighting apparatus is disclosed herein that may illuminate a space with light emitted from a light source or to concentrate the emitted light on a certain object. The lighting apparatus may include a lens and a main body that may house a light source. One or more connectors may be formed on the lens and the main body to connect the lens to the main body such that the connectors are not visible once the lighting apparatus is assembled. The lighting apparatus may facilitate mass production and enhance design characteristics owing to a simplified coupling configuration of the connectors provided therein.
US08157418B2
The invention relates to an illumination device (1) comprising at least one substrate plate (2), at least two light-emitting diodes (3) (LEDs) arranged on the same side (A) of the substrate plate (2), and at least one electrically conductive cooling device (8) arranged on the opposite side (B) of the substrate plate (2), in particular a metallic heat sink (8), wherein at least two LEDs (3) are thermally operatively connected to the cooling device (8) by means of in each case at least one thermal coupling device (9) formed from an electrically conductive material. According to the invention, the cooling device (8) has at least two regions (8a, 8b, 8c) which are electrically isolated from one another, wherein a first region (8b) is thermally and electrically operatively connected to at least one first LED (3), and a second region (8a, 8c) is thermally and electrically operatively connected to at least one second LED (3).
US08157417B2
A focused lighting device has a plurality of light sources, each of which emits a light beam, and a focusing cup. The cup has a cup body with an opening at its top, a reflective hood positioned in the cup body and defining a plurality of reflective mirrors, with each mirror corresponding to a separate one of the light beams emitted from the light sources to reflect the corresponding light beam emitted from the light sources, so as to simulate a central light source focused in the focused cup. The focused lighting device can also include a plurality of partitions, with each partition positioned between adjacent reflective mirrors to separate the light beams emitted from the light sources so as to prevent the light beams from projecting onto non-corresponding reflective mirrors. The focused lighting device can further include a hood body disposed at the top opening of the focusing cup and having a plurality of parallel light guides.
US08157413B2
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a light fixture useful for area lighting. The light fixture includes a housing having a base and a top, and a light emitting diode (LED) light emission module disposed within the housing. The light emission module includes a centrally disposed aperture that receives a centrally disposed power lead for powering the light emission module.
US08157410B2
A light unit and a display apparatus having the light unit are provided. The light unit comprises a light emitting parts comprising one or more light emitting diodes and an middle optical panel on the light emitting parts comprising a top surface with one or more lens. The display apparatus comprises the light unit, a bottom cover accommodating the light unit, and a display panel on the light unit.
US08157404B2
A visible light transporter (1) having a carrier (25) for holding a plurality of lighting devices (L1 through L4). The lighting devices frequently employed as road flares emit a light usually concentrated into a horizontal light beam (HB) and pulsing. Carrier (25) has body 9 constructed of a light transmitting resin which permits light from the held lighting devices to be transmitted with attenuation through body 9 of the carrier. Carrier (25) also includes openings (01 through 04) which permit lighting devices (L1 through L4) to be removeably installed in pockets (S1 through S4) provided for holding the lighting devices. Openings also permit some light to pass unattenuated exterior to carrier (25). The unattenuated light (HBU) and the transmitted light (HBT) each combine exterior to carrier 25 to make it appear as a large pulsing light source and to illuminate the first responder holding the visible light transporter (1) making him visible and thereby protecting him from being injured by approaching vehicles as he deploys the lights.
US08157401B2
A LED rechargeable headlamp includes a light head, a rechargeable power source, a head mount and a rechargeable dock. The light head includes a light housing having a light window, and a LED light source supported in the light housing to align with the light window. The head mount is movably coupled with the light housing to selectively adjust a light projecting orientation of the LED light source through the light window. The rechargeable dock, which is adapted for electrically connecting with an external power supply, has a docking cavity detachably receiving the light to charge the rechargeable power source.
US08157379B2
In a perimeter, luminance judging means measures a sensitivity of an examinee, sensitivity deviation computing means obtains a sensitivity deviation, means for computing ratio to p value obtains a ratio to p value, and means for adding ratios to p value adds ratios to p value of respective measurement positions. The sensitivity deviation at the position where sensitivity dispersion is large is low evaluated and the sensitivity deviation at the position where the sensitivity dispersion is small is highly evaluated. Then, an element of the position where the sensitivity was changed can be also considered in a graph showing test results of perimetry periodically conducted with time.
US08157374B2
An ophthalmic lens for providing a plurality of foci includes an optic having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. The ophthalmic lens has a first region and a second region. The first region has a first refractive optical power and includes a first base curvature having a finite radius of curvature and a first phase plate having at least one diffraction order with a diffractive optical power. The first region is configured for forming a first focus and a second focus. The second region has a second refractive optical power and includes a second base curvature having a finite second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature and a second phase plate having at least one diffraction order with a diffractive optical power. The second region is configured for forming a third focus that is between the first focus and the second focus. The ophthalmic lens may be configured so the first focus provides distant vision, the second focus provides near vision, and the third focus provides intermediate vision.
US08157366B2
A liquid ejecting head includes: a reservoir provided along a direction, the reservoir including a first area and a second area of a width smaller than that of the first area in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pressure generating chambers are parallelly-arranged; and compliance member provided in an area corresponding to the reservoir. The compliance member includes a first compliance section formed at one of the upper and lower surface sides of the reservoir and a second compliance section formed at the other of the upper and lower surface sides of the reservoir. The first compliance section is formed at an area corresponding to both the first area and the second area of the reservoir, and the second compliance section is not formed in at least an area corresponding to a part of the first area.
US08157362B1
The present invention comprises a method and system for refilling printer ink cartridges. The method and system refill the cartridge while under a vacuum, and provide a positive displacement, peristaltic pump that is automatically operated a precise amount of time to ensure that the proper amount of ink is added to the cartridge. In addition, the filling pump's operation is periodically paused during the refilling process to ensure that air within the foam sponge that retains the ink typically in most printer cartridges can migrate out of the sponge.
US08157361B2
An apparatus is to selectively purge a desired fluid-jet printhead of a number of fluid-jet printheads of a page-wide array fluid-jet device. The apparatus includes a purging insert movably locatable within a fluid channel of the page-wide array fluid-jet device. The fluid channel is to supply fluid to the fluid-jet printheads during normal operation of the page-wide array fluid-jet device. The apparatus includes a movement mechanism operatively coupled to the purging insert to move the purging insert within the fluid channel incident to the desired fluid-jet printhead. The apparatus includes a pressurizing mechanism fluidically coupled to the purging insert to pressurize fluid. The purging insert is to deliver the fluid as pressurized by the pressurizing mechanism to the desired fluid-jet printhead to purge the desired fluid-jet printhead.
US08157359B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a first pressure chamber, a second pressure chamber provided at a side of the first pressure chamber, a vibration plate provided above the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, a driving piezoelectric element provided above the first pressure chamber and above the vibration plate, and a non driving piezoelectric element provided above the second pressure chamber and above the vibration plate.
US08157351B2
There is provided an inkjet printing apparatus which are used to obtain a printed matter having a small degree of glossiness unevenness and a flat surface. The apparatus is the inkjet printing apparatus for forming an image on a print medium by relatively scanning a first ejection unit for ejecting a first ink and a second ejection unit for ejecting a second ink to the print medium. The apparatus includes forming unit configured to form the image with the first and second inks on the print medium in each of a first printing mode for completing an image by scanning the first ejection unit one time and a second printing mode for completing an image by scanning the second ejection unit plural times. A gloss value of a solid image with the second ink is greater than a gloss value of a solid image with the first ink.
US08157343B2
The present invention provides a mask for divided printing that completes an image by plural scans using inks of different plural inks, the mask being able to suppress possible grains during printing to reduce image degradation resulting from beading. If for example, among the print permitting pixels for which the total repulsive potential is to be calculated, a print permitting pixel Do has the highest total repulsive potential, changes in repulsive potential after movement of the pixels are determined and the print permitting pixel Do is moved to a pixel having the lowest total repulsive potential after the movement. This processing is repeated to enable a reduction in the total energy of the entire plane. Consequently, the print permitting pixels are appropriately dispersed in overlapping plane masks so as to have few low frequency components.
US08157342B2
A disclosed liquid-jet device includes a liquid-jet head configured to jet liquid droplets; a pattern formation control unit configured to control the liquid-jet head and thereby to form a test pattern composed of separate liquid droplets on a water-repellent part; a detecting unit including a light-emitting element configured to illuminate the test pattern on the water-repellent part and a light-receiving element configured to receive specularly reflected light from the illuminated test pattern and to output a detection signal proportional to the received specularly reflected light; and a landing position adjusting unit configured to adjust landing positions of the liquid droplets based on the detection signal from the light-receiving element.
US08157341B2
The printing method includes the following steps of: preparing a printing apparatus that includes an element that is driven in order to form a dot, a first drive signal generation section that generates drive signals for driving the element, and a second drive signal generation section that generates drive signals for driving the element; at a certain timing, forming a dot of a predetermined size by generating a first drive signal with the first drive signal generation section and by generating a second drive signal that is different from the first drive signal with the second drive signal generation section; and at a separate timing, forming a dot of the predetermined size by generating the first drive signal with the second drive signal generation section. With this printing method, the first drive signal generation section and the second drive signal generation section can be made to generate an equal amount of heat.
US08157340B2
A thermal printer includes a capacitor and a power converter operable to step a voltage of a power source, and coupled to charge the capacitor. Printing is controlled based at least in part on a charge state of the capacitor. Delays in charging the capacitor may be avoided where a current line of print data is blank. Operation may be curtailed where the voltage of the power source is below a threshold.
US08157336B2
There is disclosed a showcase in which a width of a transparent door can be extended to substantially the whole width of a main body even in a case where a locking device is incorporated in a handle of a transparent door. A low-temperature showcase comprises the transparent door which is rotatably supported on the main body on one side so as to openably close an opening of the main body including a showroom, the handle disposed at an outer surface of this transparent door on an unsupported side, and a locking device disposed in this handle. The locking device has a keyhole, a rotary shaft which rotates concentrically with a key by a rotating operation of the key inserted into this keyhole and a hook which is attached to this rotary shaft so as to disengageably engage with the main body, and the keyhole is disposed at a side surface of the handle on a supported side of the transparent door.
US08157333B2
A braking device includes: an input member configured to interlock with a displacement of a brake pedal; an output member which is movable relatively to and independently of the input member and is configured to generate a fluid pressure in a master cylinder; a braking mechanism configured to exert a braking force on a wheel by the fluid pressure generated in the master cylinder; drive means configured to drive the output member independently of the input member; and a clutch mechanism which is provided between the input member and the output member and configured to engage the input member with the output member so as to allow the input and output members to uniformly move when the output member is not driven by the drive means, and to cancel the engagement between the input member and the output member when the output member is driven by the drive means.
US08157331B2
A control system monitors the angle of each ranging arm, with respect to the mainframe of the machine. While the machine is in a defined zone along the face, if the angle of the arm is detected to be lower than a parameter defined set-point called the undercut limit, the control system does not allow the arm to be lowered further. When entering the run of face from either gate end, if either of the ranging arms are below the set point, the horizontal movement of the shearer is stopped, and an alarm message is generated, and a warning light begins to flash, alerting the operator that he must raise the arm before horizontal movement of the shearer can be enabled.
US08157330B2
A mining machine includes a light source and a roof support guide for detecting the relative angular alignment between the mining machine and the roof support. The light source in the form of a laser on the mining machine, directed toward the roof support. The roof support guide is on the roof support above the mining machine, so that when the alignment between the mining machine and the roof support is as desired, light from the light source falls in a predetermined location relative to the roof support guide. When the mining machine is not in proper alignment with the roof support, the light source does not fall within the predetermined location relative to the roof support guide. When a mining machine operator detects that the light from the light source is not falling within the predetermined location relative to the roof support guide, the operator then adjusts the tilt of the mining machine using hydraulic jacks to cause the light from the light source to again fall within the predetermined location relative to the roof support guide.
US08157327B2
A high chair, comprising a supporting structure, which is provided with a supporting element associated to one post arranged along a first longitudinal direction substantially starting from an end portion of the supporting element to define at least three resting regions, the one post supporting a respective coupling element which supports a seat which forms a sitting surface, elements being provided for blocking the coupling elements with respect to the respective post in order to adjust the distance between the seat and the supporting element; the supporting element being articulated so that it can rotate, substantially at the end portion, to the post in order to pass from an extended condition, in which the supporting element is angularly spaced with respect to the respective post to a folded condition in which the supporting element is angularly closer to the respective post.
US08157319B2
A sunroof device comprises a movable panel being able to open and close an opening section provided on a roof of a vehicle, and a deflector. The deflector has a body section arranged at a front end portion of the opening section, arranged to be able to spread out over a surface of the roof in correspondence to the position of the movable panel or to retract under the surface, and extending in the width direction of the vehicle; and support sections associated with both ends of the body section in the width direction and pivotably supporting the body section relative to the roof. The deflector is further provided with a plurality of protruding portions at an upper portion of the body section and at a part in the width direction of the body section which part corresponds to the position of a low strength place on the roof.
US08157318B2
An installation support of a loading floor of a passenger car is distinguished in that it is a component which is different from the bodyshell of the passenger car and is provided in order to define fitting positions of side wall panels and of the loading floor relative to one another. Furthermore, a welded assemblage of a passenger car body has at least one rear longitudinal member. The welded assemblage is provided in order to be screwed to such an installation support by a screw connection. The screw connection has cage nuts which are provided for the screw connection and are guided moveably in the longitudinal member transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member.
US08157313B2
An overhead storage unit including a single unit that spans across substantially the entire lateral width of the vehicle adjacent the top of the front windshield. In some preferred embodiments, the overhead storage unit includes a removable electronic device (such as, e.g., a CB radio support). In some preferred embodiments, the storage unit also includes a novel removable switch plate and a unique CB microphone mount.
US08157292B2
A seat belt device for a vehicle includes a buckle head mounted on a seat and designed to couple with a tongue and a carriage unit allowing the buckle head to be displaced in horizontal and vertical directions of the seat so that the buckle head and the tongue are easily coupled to or decoupled from each other when a belt is fastened or unfastened. The seat belt device facilitates fastening of a seat belt more conveniently by allowing for the horizontal and vertical displacement of a buckle head.
US08157280B2
A mechanism for manually powering a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a frame and a first driver attached to the frame. The first driver rotates a driven wheel. A lever arm is pivotally attached to the frame and includes a first end having a pair of handles sized to be grasped and moved in a rowing motion by both hands of a person and a second end that rotatably attaches to a disk shaped second driver. A linkage is moved by the second driver when the person pivots the first end of the lever arm and the linkage rotates the first driver and the driven wheel. A steerable wheel and a steering member that are operated by the lever arm steer the steerable wheel. The steering member communicates moveably with a telescoping universal joint, the telescoping universal joint enabling the lever arm to be pivoted and steered.
US08157263B2
A stacker infeed machine providing adjustment of a gripper drum with respect to an overhead conveyor system. The infeed further provides for separate adjustment of a conveyor system with respect to the gripper drum without altering the vertical spacing between the gripper drum and the overhead conveyor.
US08157256B2
A sheet handling apparatus is provided that includes a take-out member to take out a sheet from a take-out position by rotating the sheet in a state in which negative pressure is applied to the sheet and the sheet is adsorbed to the take-out member. A conveyor portion receives and conveys the taken out sheet by the take-out member and a control portion controls the take-out member such that, when the sheet at the take-out position is being adsorbed to the take-out member, the take-out member is rotated at a circumferential speed that is slower than a conveying speed of the sheet at the conveyor portion. In addition, when the sheet adsorbed to the take-out member is being transferred to the conveyor portion, the take-out member is rotated at a circumferential speed that is the same as a conveying speed of the conveyor portion at that time.
US08157254B2
A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. Mail is placed into an input bin having a conveyor that conveys the mail towards a feeder. The feeder serially feeds the envelopes by engaging the lead envelope in the stack of mail and displacing the lead envelope transverse the stack of mail. The mail is then cut on a side edge and the top edge to cut open each envelope. A transport conveys the cut envelopes to an extractor. The extractor opens the edge-severed mail and presents the contents of the envelopes to an operator who manually extracts the contents. The operator drops the extracted contents onto a conveyor that conveys the contents to an imaging station. The contents are automatically separated and imaged to obtain image data for the contents. The contents are then sorted into a plurality of output bins.
US08157252B2
The invention relates to a machine tool, wherein the machine tool has a workpiece clamping device (10) for clamping a workpiece (9), wherein the workpiece clamping device (10) and in this way the workpiece (9) can be moved by means of a piezoactuator (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method. The invention provides a machine tool in which vibrations occurring during a machining operation are reduced.
US08157250B2
An hydraulic mount providing double idle rate dip frequencies of dynamic stiffness, the idle rate dips being vibration orders of an internal combustion engine corresponding to one and two times firing frequencies. The double idle rate dip is achieved by providing the first idle rate dip at the first vibration order via resonance tuning of the idle inertia track, and providing the second idle rate dip at the second vibration order via additional resonance tuning of a tunable air conduit.
US08157245B2
A ratchet tie-down includes a frame, a lever including two cams pivotally connected to the frame, a reeling device rotatably mounted on the frame and lever, and a ratcheting device including two ratchet wheels mounted on the reeling device. The ratchet tie-down further includes a reinforcement assembly including two reinforcement members mounted on the reeling device. Each ratchet wheel includes two lateral sides disposed between one cam and one reinforcement member. Each reinforcement member defines an annular surface in contact with one lateral side of one ratchet wheel, and with the reinforcement member imposing an urging force in a direction perpendicular to a rotation direction of the ratchet wheel.
US08157241B2
A method for regulating gas turbine engine fluid flow may include the steps of providing a flow tube having an open valve, a first bend and a second bend, flowing fluid through the flow tube, actuating a piston so that the piston moves in the axial direction, and closing the valve due to the axial movement of the piston.
US08157239B2
An apparatus includes a mounting member including a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface, a first extension member extending from the first planar surface, and a first accessory holder portion connected to the first extension member.
US08157236B2
A combinational transverse strut for a two-in-one arc-shaped or linear advertisement display frame, comprising a base body and a bendable overlay plate. Support members are provided at both ends of base body and overlay plate, respectively, each comprising a support seat, a support cap, a crankpin, and a magnetic steel. The crankpin is operatively connected between, and the magnetic steel is fixed between, the support seat and the support cap. The support member is connected to the base body by a straight pin shaft, and connected to the overlay plate by the crankpin. The two ends of the overlay plate are set up via support members to form an arc shape, so as to achieve applications as a linear member and as an arc-shaped member. The combinational transverse struts are attracted to each other by the magnetism of the support members.
US08157231B2
Positioning apparatus applied on equipment with one or a plurality of single axles is fixed on two bases opposite to each other. Adjusting device is located in each base and corresponding to each cross or single axle, which is configured for adjusting the position of the cross or single axle in a direction parallel to the base. Fixing device is configured for fixing the adjusting device on the base. The fixing device is moved in one direction vertical to the adjusting device adjusted in another direction.
US08157230B2
Shelf supports and methods of use of the same are disclosed. The shelf supports include a stop member that limits the deflection of the body of the shelf support.
US08157224B2
A hanger capable of supporting a bag. A first piece of the hanger includes (i) a first body, with a hanger extending upwardly from the body, (ii) a structure extending from a first side of the first body, and (iii) a cleat extending downwardly from a second side of the first body. The cleat includes a plurality of spaced apart cross members each having a neck portion and a head portion. A second piece of the hanger includes a second body that defines a slotted grove groove receptor for the cleat. The slotted groove receptor includes (i) an opening having a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion being wider than the second portion, and (ii) at least one projecting member provided adjacent to the second portion of the opening. The first piece is removably attached to the second piece with the cleat received in the slotted groove receptor.
US08157206B2
An aircraft wing folding system folds an outboard wing section relative to an inboard wing section between a deployed position and a stored position in two discrete motions where each motion has an independent load path separate of the loading of the wing experienced by in-flight aerodynamic forces. The wing-fold mechanism of the present invention includes a fold assembly comprising a twist component and a fold component operable to fold the outboard wing section from the deployed position to the stored position that remains substantially unloaded with respect to in-flight aerodynamic forces when the wing is in the deployed or flight configuration.
US08157205B2
This invention performs relative positioning, predictive control, and ballast control to achieve very heavy-lifting tasks on land or sea. Such tasks allow station keeping and precise transfer of very heavy payloads between ships underway. This scalable multibody system features three subcomponents: Airship, Skycrane and Loadframe. This semi-autonomous system combines aerodynamic (kinetic) and aerostatic (buoyancy force) lift with efficient power and propulsion. During low-speed flight, the Airship and Skycrane are decoupled but linked via a reelable Tether Control Line. Beneath the Skycrane, centered on its hull, a patented NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) RoboCrane, featuring a computer controlled six degrees of freedom (DoF) cabling system, is attached, to precisely suspend and control a Loadframe, with or without payload. During subsonic forward flight, these Airship and Skycrane are coupled as a single airframe: fuselage and delta wing.
US08157192B2
A nozzle assembly for use in spraying a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle portion, a base portion, and a plurality of elastic bellows disposed between the nozzle portion and the base portion. The bellows are coupled to both the nozzle portion and the base portion. Movement of the nozzle is achieved by activation of the bellows.
US08157187B2
Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface having an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; a housing bounding a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of heated fluid. A heater element heats fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet port through the reservoir. A heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heater element for conveying heat to the fluid within the reservoir has a strut that divides fluid entering the housing through the inlet port into two flow paths and elongated fins that extend outwardly from the strut at transverse angles that bound fluid flow channels for fluid moving through said reservoir. A control circuit energizes the heater element with a voltage to heat the heating element and the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet through the reservoir.
US08157186B2
A system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, a connector is provided that can quickly and effectively electrically connect one or more signal lines with a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive connector utilizes a spring clamp to form an electrical connection with a flange portion of the track rail. First and second opposing members of the spring clamp include teeth that mar the surface of the flange to form an electrical connection between the track rail and the spring clamp when the flange is forced between these opposing members. A signal line is electrically connected to the spring clamp.
US08157183B2
A first expansion valve is provided in an outdoor unit, and a second expansion valve is provided in an indoor unit. A pipe line connects a first joint pipe of the first expansion valve and a second joint pipe of the second expansion valve. When a refrigerant flows in from the second joint pipe and flows out from the first joint pipe, the first and second expansion valves are in a full open state due to pressure of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant flows in from the first joint pipe and flows out from the second joint pipe, the first and second expansion valves are in semi-closed state (flow rate controlling state). In a cooling mode, the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant just before an indoor heat exchanger, and in a heating mode, the first expansion valve expands the refrigerant just before an outdoor heat exchanger. In both heating and cooling mode, a large amount of refrigerant flows through the pipe line to reduce pressure loss.
US08157178B2
A contactless device comprises circuitry storing information, a switch having a first position and a second position, and a fusible link. When the fusible link is intact, wireless reading and writing of the information is enabled regardless of the position of the switch. When the fusible link has been parted, wireless reading of the information is enabled when the switch is in the first position, and wireless reading of the information is disabled when the switch is in the second position. The contactless device may be placed in a non-responsive state, and transformed to a responsive state by parting a second fusible link, or by transmitting an authenticating code to the device. The contactless device may be a card, or some other kind of device.
US08157175B2
A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window; and an image formation and detection subsystem supporting a snap-shot mode of the operation and a video mode of operation. The system includes image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through said imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming an image of the object on an area-type image detection array having a plurality of rows of image detection elements, and detecting 2D digital images of the object while object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with an illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object. The digital image capture and processing system supports a presentation mode employing a combination of video and snap-shot modes of image detection array operation during a single cycle of system operation.
US08157171B2
An information reading apparatus includes: a transfer path for transferring an information recording medium (a passport); an image sensor which is placed in a frame constructing the transfer path and optically reads information recorded in the information recording medium (the passport); and non-contact communication antennas which send and receive information to/from an antenna or an antenna embedded in the information recording medium (the passport), through electromagnetic induction. The plurality of non-contact communication antennas are laid out in the frame constructing the transfer path.
US08157167B2
A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
US08157139B2
A backpack includes a body having a closure portion which defines an opening through which an interior region of the body can be accessed selectively. In the opened position, end portions of the closure portion are extended away from one another, permitting access to the interior region. In the closed position, end portions are moved toward one another, inhibiting access to the interior region. A cord coupled to the strap assembly and to the end portions of the closure portion has a first configuration which permits movement of the closure portion to the open position, and a second configuration which inhibits extension of the end portions of the closure portion away from one another. A method for securing a backpack in a closed position includes positioning the cord in the second configuration, which permits drawing of the closure portion to a closed position.
US08157138B2
The invention relates to a carrying system for a rucksack with at least one accommodation container with at least two shoulder straps which connect the rucksack to a carrier, with each shoulder strap having at least two strap sections, and with each shoulder strap having at least one first releasable connecting device which connects the two strap sections to one another. The carrying system according to the invention is characterized in that a triggering device is provided which can be operated by the carrier and is connected to at least two releasable connecting devices in such a way that the connecting devices are released substantially without a time delay when the triggering device is operated.
US08157136B2
The mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections and the like, includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.
US08157135B2
An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing acoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen.
US08157132B1
A fuel and oil mixing device secured to and used with a fuel container storing a quantity of fuel includes an oil reservoir, a mixer body, an oil metering valve, and an adjustment knob. The oil reservoir stores oil, defines an orifice for oil to exit, and defines an orifice for fuel to pass through. The mixer body is secured to and in fluid communication with the oil reservoir for receiving oil and fuel. The oil metering valve is housed within the mixer body and defines a plurality of slots on an exterior surface thereof, each such slot controlling flow of oil into the mixer body. The adjustment knob is operably connected to the oil metering valve, such that manipulation of the adjustment knob effectively selects one of the slots, such that a mixture with a desired fuel-oil ratio can be dispensed.
US08157112B2
A display assembly is provided using an interior frame with an arcuate wrapped exterior having an advertising element. The frame is made from corrugated paper or a thin walled plastic.
US08157101B2
A magnetic raking device for cleaning up of dangerous ferro-metallic particles in and around construction jobsites, parks and playgrounds. A device able to perform the duties of both a conventional rake and a magnetic pick up device in one simple step. A hand operated magnetic raking device comprises a housing with a magnet or magnets placed inside. Teeth extending away from the housing are shaped in a fashion as to provide maximum agitation in surfaces such as grass, gravel and hard packed dirt. Device can be used inverted with the teeth facing up along smooth surfaces to pick up ferro-metallic particles without agitation. A handle is mounted to the housing to provide for easy push/pull use of the device. Length of head and handle may vary according to size and scope of area to be raked and cleaned of ferro-metallic particles such as nails and screws.
US08157092B2
A case for holding a hand tool in a first position wherein the handle projects from the case and engages the hand tool such that the hand tool is prevented from being removed from the case while simultaneously, the handle can be operated with respect to the case to test a function of the hand tool. The case is also adapted to hold the hand tool in a second position wherein the handle fits within the case. The case includes a cover positioned on top of a base, wherein the cover has an opening that when combined with an anti-theft device is adapted to hold the hand tool in the first position. Also included is a base adapted to carry interchangeable bits for the hand tool. The base includes a through hole to allow the working end of the hand tool to pass therethrough and engage a frictional engaging member that opposes a direction of rotation of the working end to test a function of the hand tool.
US08157090B2
An organization system for a series of objects to be sequentially run downhole is disclosed. The preferred objects are spheres of progressively larger diameter put into a wellbore to land at discrete locations for operation of ports in a given sequence so that a specific producing zone or zones can be completed in increments that preferably go in an uphole direction as progressively larger spheres are inserted. In the preferred embodiment the process is fracturing where a series of ported subs are operated to selectively open for the fracture procedure at a specific location and then close or become isolated when another sphere is dropped. Optionally the balls can be recovered at the surface when production starts. The organizer prevents size confusion and gives a ready feedback as to the progress of a given job. Trays can be stacked and carried in a carrying case.
US08157084B2
The method relates to products such as bottles whose horizontal cross section of contact is oval and which are conveyed in the longitudinal direction, in single file and spaced apart, on a conveyor. The method includes introducing the bottles one by one into a neck, at the downstream end of which motorized rollers are disposed, applying the rollers to the opposite faces of each bottle to be orientated, providing the passive roller with a peripheral speed equal to the speed of conveyance of the bottles and providing the active roller with a higher peripheral speed to position the bottle diagonally on the conveyor.
US08157083B2
A self-clearing conveyor transfer system for transferring articles between two mutually perpendicular conveyor belts. One version of the transfer system includes a finger transfer plate with fingers at one end extending into the end of a raised-rib belt and powered rollers at the opposite end rotating about axes perpendicular to the fingers. A second conveyor belt perpendicular to the raised-rib belt advances parallel to the roller axes. Articles transfer from one belt to the other across the finger transfer plate. Because the rollers are powered, straggling articles are not stranded on the transfer plate.
US08157080B2
A product aggregating apparatus receives product with an in-feed conveyor assembly and provides the product in an aggregated, registered and/or organized form, such as to a product picking apparatus. The in-feed conveyor assembly includes at least one in-feed conveyor, each in-feed conveyor configured to deliver product to first and second locations. A product receiver assembly includes at least first and second product receiver carriages to receive product at the first and second locations, respectively. An aggregated product receiver assembly comprises a carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage. A pusher assembly, comprising a pusher carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage, contains pushers horizontally moveable to push product from the adjacent product receiver carriage and onto the carriage of the aggregated product receiver assembly for picking by an appropriate apparatus.
US08157079B2
A transporting apparatus for a vehicle assembly plant having a base element that is displaceable on a transporting plane, at least two pedestal elements connected to the base element, where each pedestal element is rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to the transporting plane. In addition, a support element for holding a vehicle body is connected to each of the at least two pedestal elements, where the support element is moveable eccentrically with respect to the rotational axis of each pedestal element.
US08157074B2
In a pendulum centrifugal clutch, a shoe is provided in a manner rotatable about a boss, and a fitting hole that rotatably fits with the boss is provided to the shoe. The fitting hole is bored on a thin portion formed by reducing a thickness of a shoe body from first and second sides of the shoe body. The thin portion is interposed between a brim provided to a first axial end of the boss and a plate brought adjacent to a second axial end of the boss.
US08157062B2
A wheel and brake assembly (10) having a torque bar (24) supported at a mid-span location. The torque bar (24) can be pre-loaded at a mid-span location. The pre-load can be effected by a spacer block (150) that is interposed between the wheel well and the torque bar (24). The method and device of the present invention can be used with existing wheel and brake assemblies. The spacer block can be a two-part spacer block.
US08157058B2
A transmission belt for driving and/or supporting an elevator car has a longitudinally extending body including an area tensile layer reinforced by chemical fibers. The belt can have a flat friction layer or a friction layer including alternating longitudinally extending wedge-shaped ribs and grooves. Transverse grooves can be formed across the width of the longitudinally grooved friction layer.
US08157047B2
Control system for controlling at least one occupant protection system of a vehicle includes a plurality of preferably electronic sensor systems mounted at different locations on the vehicle, each sensor system providing a measurement related to a state thereof system or a measurement related to a state of the mounting location. A processor is coupled to the sensor systems and diagnoses the state of the vehicle based on the measurements of the sensor systems. The processor controls each occupant protection system based at least in part on the diagnosed state of the vehicle. The occupant protection system may be a deployable airbag whose deployment is controlled by the processor based on the diagnosed state of the vehicle. The diagnosis of the state of the vehicle may be a diagnosis of the overall condition of the vehicle with respect to its stability or a diagnosis of the vehicle itself.
US08157045B2
An occupant protection device includes a seat belt that restrains an occupant, an adjusting device that relatively adjusts a positional relationship between the seat belt and the occupant, a collision predicting portion that predicts a collision, and a control portion that controls the adjusting device when the collision is predicted by the collision predicting portion. The control portion first operates the adjusting device at a first speed to restrain the occupant by the seat belt, and then operates the adjusting device to increase the distance between the seat belt and the occupant at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.
US08157040B2
An automobile air intake system is provided that channels air from outside the automobile engine compartment to the engine. The automobile air intake system according to an embodiment of the invention includes an intake enclosure coupled to a bulkhead across the front of the engine compartment. The automobile grille, radiator, and a front portion of the hood in front of the bulkhead form a flow channel to an intake port of the intake enclosure. Aspects of the invention include a screen extending from the bulkhead to the grille for inhibiting the flow of water and particles through the flow channel. Other aspects provide an alternative air path for channeling air from the engine compartment to the intake enclosure.
US08157039B2
A utility vehicle is disclosed having a flat or quasi-flat floor section in an operator area. The utility vehicle may also include an air inlet for an engine intake system being forward of the operator area. The utility vehicle may also include an air inlet for a CVT cooling system positioned to draw air from the operator area. The utility vehicle may also one or more cup holders positioned in the operator area below seat level.
US08157029B2
Cutting elements have substrates including end surfaces. TSP material layers extend over only a portion of the end surfaces or extend into the substrates below the end surfaces. Bits incorporate such cutting elements.
US08157023B2
A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool.
US08157021B2
A chisel adapter has both ends connected with a tool head and a drive tool, respectively, and comprises: a first sleeve, a slide bushing, a first fastener, an abutting member, a second sleeve, a first rod, and a second rod. The chisel adapter is convenient to use since it allows the user to replace the chisel by hand without using tools. Furthermore, the chisel adapter is improved in applicability since it is applicable to common drive tools.
US08157018B2
An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
US08156987B1
A container labeling machine comprises a conveyor, a pressure sensitive label applying apparatus, a star wheel and at least one indexing mechanism, the conveyor supplying containers to the star wheel and taking away the containers upon release from the star wheel. The star wheel is fitted with rollers at the apices of points of the star wheel, the star wheel receiving containers between the rollers of adjacent apices. The label applying apparatus is adapted to apply the label to the container and rotate the container within the star wheel to adhere the label to the container. The indexing mechanism aligns the star wheel to present the container into a perpendicular relation with the label applying apparatus and retains the container in the perpendicular relation until the label is adhered to the container, the indexing mechanism releasing the star wheel allowing the container carrying the label to the conveyor. The apparatus further can comprise control means for timing the label applying apparatus so that it will commence the application precisely with respect to a witness mark on the container. The apparatus further can comprise control means for timing the label applying apparatus so that it can dispense two (or more) labels onto the same container in varying positions (for example separate front and back labels), before releasing the said container.
US08156983B2
An auxiliary machine for labelling machines of the type including a supply of labels (10) for application on packages (4) for goods and a thermal printer (6) for the provision of informative prints on the labels, is provided. The auxiliary machine has a stand (14) connectable to the labelling machine and on which there is supported a supply of coverings (16), which are detachably attached to a tape (23), a mechanism for advancing the tape (23) to a picking tool (20) for picking off individual coverings from the tape and applying the same on individual labels (10), as well as a dispenser (19) for the discharge of a substance loading on the individual label. Advantageously, in the auxiliary machine, a stamping tool (25) may also be included for stamping of cavities in the coverings or labels.
US08156978B1
An air passageway body resides within a tire body and extends between an outward facing tire body surface and the tire cavity, the air passageway body having an enclosed air passageway extending between a hollow body outlet end facing the tire cavity and a hollow inlet end facing outward from the outward facing tire body surface. A tapping device is affixed over one or both of the ends of the air passageway body, the tapping device having an external vent opening and a protrusion member penetrating through a sidewall of the air passageway body to operatively establish an air flow path extending between the air passageway of the air passageway body through the protrusion member and the tapping device vent opening. The air passageway body is installed pre-cure within a green tire carcass build of the tire body and the tapping device(s) are attached post-cure to the air passageway body.
US08156970B2
Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.
US08156969B2
The Invention is an underground storage tank apparatus and method. A buried underground storage tank has a tank sump and a manway defined by a manhole skirt side wall communicating from the surface of the ground to the tank sump. A sediment trap is disposed annularly within the manway and intercepts water and sediment flowing down the manhole skirt wall. An inside wall of the sediment trap is in an annular spaced-apart relation with a tank sump perimeter watt, which together define an annular space interior volume that receives water that overtops the sediment trap inside wall and which receives liquid that overtops the tank sump perimeter wall.
US08156961B2
The invention relates to an assembly including a pressurized gas storage tank and a control device for filling the tank with gas and/or extracting gas therefrom. The aforementioned tank includes: a hole which communicates with the interior of the tank, a filling and distribution head which is disposed at the hole and which includes a pre-expansion device which is at least partially integrated inside the volume of the tank, and a connection interface which is removably engaged with the gas supply and/or extraction control device such as to co-operate therewith. The invention is characterized in that the head includes an isolation member, such as a valve, which is housed at least partially inside the volume of the head and which can be accessed by an opening member that is external to the head through an access hole that is provided in the head. The above-mentioned control device includes a body having a connection end which is intended to be removably engaged with the connection interface, an opening member which can move in relation to the body and an actuation element which can move the opening member selectively between a retracted rest position and an operating position in which one end of the opening member projects out from the body beyond the connection end, such that the opening member can extend into the access hole in the head in order to open the isolation member.
US08156959B2
A branching unit for boring without stopping passage of fluid, which is suitable for forming an opening 11 at a pipe wall 12 by boring a part of the pipe wall 12 of an existing pipe 1 using a drill machine 3 having a hole saw 4 to connect a branch pipe to the existing pipe, comprising: a sealing case 20 having plurality of separate casing 21, 22 separated in a circumferential direction R and a branch pipe portion 27 protruding and branching off in the radial direction C; a valve body 5 rotating between an inner circumferential surface 29 of the separate casing 21, 22 and an outer circumferential surface 13 of the existing pipe 1 to open and close a branch hole 28; and a rotation mechanism 50 rotating the valve body 5.
US08156958B2
A regulator comprises a regulator valve and an actuator. The regulator valve comprises a valve body equipped with a customized valve port. That is, the valve seat is designed to have a customized seat height depending on a diameter of an orifice through the valve port, a longitudinal dimension of an orifice through the valve port, and/or a flow capacity of the valve port. Such a design advantageously maximizes the efficiency at which gas flows through the regulator. The actuator is coupled to the valve body and comprises a valve disc disposed within the valve body and adapted for displacement between a closed position engaging the valve seat and an open position spaced from the valve seat.
US08156956B1
An assembly mounts between the drain pan that collects condensate water from an air conditioner and the drain line. It includes a housing with a first end connected to the pan. A second end connects to the drain line. A shut off valve shuts off the passage to the pan while maintenance is performed. A connector is mounted on the housing between the valve and the second end. It is a female member of a water hose coupling. A male member of the coupling may be screwed in to seal it in place. Male members may have different terminations at a second end, including a barbed tube for resilient tubing, a compressed air tire valve for delivering gas, a compressed nitrogen coupling, a tapered funnel for the nozzle of vacuum/blower, and a water sensor.
US08156955B2
An inflating nozzle assembly has a housing, two nozzles and a pushing device. The housing has two nozzle chambers and two outlets. The nozzles are mounted respectively in the first nozzle chamber, and one of the nozzles has a nozzle body, a nozzle rod and a spring. The nozzle body has at least one inlet. The nozzle rod is movably mounted in the nozzle body and has a sealing protrusion to divide two communication segments in the nozzle body. The spring is connected to the nozzle rod to keep one of the communication segments of the axial hole from communicating with the at least one inlet in the first nozzle body. Accordingly, an airflow led through the outlets of the housing can be automatically switched by inserting different types of air valves into the corresponding outlets.
US08156954B2
The present invention relates to a method for reducing the viscosity and facilitating the flow of petroleum-based fluids. The method includes the step of applying an electric field of sufficient strength and for a sufficient time to the petroleum-based fluid to cause a reduction in viscosity of the fluid.
US08156951B2
Disclosed is a folding umbrella that has an additional functionality such as an umbrella cover, in particular a compact pocket umbrella comprising a handle cover and support for the telescopic tube. The aim of the invention is to design a folding pocket umbrella that has an additional functionality such as an umbrella cover, in particular a compact pocket umbrella comprising a handle cover and support for the telescopic tube. The preferably oval handle cover is designed in such a way as to be able to accommodate the entire umbrella when the umbrella that substantially comprises a stationary tube, a telescopic tube, a slide, canopy rods, and a canopy is folded and collapsed. In order for a user to be able to quickly manipulate the umbrella, an extractable handle is provided which is easy to access, preferably also has an oval shape, and is fixedly connected to the end of the telescopic tube.
US08156938B2
A head support having a body with a recess defined along a recess edge of the body to receive a person's lower jaw. A torso engaging edge of the body opposite the recess edge being formed to engage a portion of the person's torso when the person is sitting in a substantially upright position to prevent the recess from falling away from the person's lower jaw area.
US08156936B2
Described are dry powder inhalers comprising an intake section, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. The mixing section can accommodate a capsule having a top keying portion and containing a dry powder medicament. The top keying portion of the capsules may fit within complementary keying structures in inhaler mixing sections.
US08156932B2
An apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping which includes one or more symmetrical tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible and compressible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps having a first and corresponding second end. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener attaches to the second end of each strap. The apparatus also includes a constricting device (such as a ratchet) located on or proximate to one pad sufficient to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect to one another. The corresponding method includes the steps of placing one or more pads proximate to the hips, affixing each pad to each strap, connecting both ends of the straps to each other and creating necessary compression.
US08156930B2
A cartridge box of a pneumatic toy gun includes an air lock system and a struck element disposed on the upper inside the case of the cartridge box, and further includes a control system having a pushing rod and a resisting rod, wherein a front end of the pushing rod extends into the bullet-out passage disposed inside the case. When there is no bullet in the bullet-out passage, a lateral end of the stripping rod resists upward against the front end of the pushing rod to make the back end of the resisting rod moving downward to resist against the resisting portion of the struck element, resulting that the struck element cannot push the air lock system forward. Thereby, when there is no bullet in the cartridge box, even if the trigger is pressed, the air lock system cannot moves to push the bolt. Hence, firing without bullet will be avoided and the effects of the simulate gun would be achieved. The cartridge box further has a turning system having a turning portion with a cam portion, which is turned upward to resist against the resisting rod, resulting that the resisting rod moves away from the resisting portion of the struck element. Thereby the bolt can be pushed to make a fire without bullet.
US08156928B1
The power cables of a compound bow are cross cabled to ensure the dual cams rotate at the same rate and complete their rotations simultaneously, i.e., are synchronous. Three separate embodiments, each capable of achieving the desired objective, are disclosed.
US08156918B2
An internal-combustion engine comprised of a cylinder with at least one piston which is moving to and fro in it, and a piston rod (6), which transforms the piston's movement to rotary motion in a crank shaft (9), and including equipment for a forcible stabilization of the piston axle. Each small end of the piston rods has an additional part (6g) at its right side, to produce an additional torsional moment with the aid of inertial forces. This part is characterized by its optimized form; the piston rod's big end (6f) includes the additional parts (6m), (6n), also at its right side; In this way, the force vectors and the torsional moment of the motor are optimized due to the effect of the inertial forces and the mass of the entire piston rod may be used to increase the inertial forces, which results in a considerable improvement of the economic and ecological properties of internal-combustion engines and other piston engines.
US08156911B2
The invention provides a practical diesel engine that uses plasma formed by microwave emissions. In a compression-ignition internal combustion engine, fuel is sprayed by an injector in the combustion chamber in which compressed oxidizing gas is present, and the fuel is compressed and ignited. The engine has one antenna or a plurality of antennas in the combustion chamber, and when the oxidizing gas or moisture and charged particles are present in the combustion chamber, an electromagnetic wave is emitted using the antenna in a space in which the oxidizing gas and the charged particles are present, and plasma is generated in the space by the energy fed to the charged particles.
US08156908B2
An engine of the present invention comprises a valve body configured to open and close ports and formed in a cylinder head, a drive cam mechanism operable in association with a crankshaft by a driving power transmission mechanism, a pivot cam mechanism which is configured to be pivoted according to movement of the drive cam mechanism to cause the valve body to open and close and is configured to change a pivot state to change a lift characteristic of the valve; and a servo motor configured to change the pivot state of the pivot cam mechanism, wherein the servo motor is positioned at one end portion of the pivot cam mechanism such that the servo motor is distant from the driving power transmission mechanism.
US08156905B2
An internal combustion engine having a cylinder crankcase and a v-shaped cylinder configuration and having a lubricant circuit which operates according to the dry sump principle and has a lubricant reservoir, wherein the lubricant reservoir is located within the cylinder crankcase in the space between the cylinders.
US08156904B2
An engine includes a crankshaft rotatable about a crankshaft axis. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston is operable to reciprocate through an intake stroke and a compression stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. An expansion (power) piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the expansion piston is operable to reciprocate through an expansion stroke and an exhaust stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A variable volume crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders, and includes a variable volume housing to controllably regulate the air flow from the compression cylinder to the expansion cylinder.
US08156903B2
Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.
US08156895B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automatic self cleaning litter box. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a litter receptacle, a drive unit moveably coupled to the litter receptacle, and a sieve coupled to the drive unit such that the sieve possesses at least two degrees of freedom of movement relative to the litter receptacle and at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the drive unit.
US08156894B1
A bird feeder configured to provide a liquid phase food and a gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The bird feeder further includes a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment operbaly coupled each having an interior volume configured to store a liquid phase food. The first storage compartment further includes a plurality of apertures facilitating access to the liquid phase food stored therein. A gelatinous phase food assembly is further included and attached to the bird feeder proximate the first storage compartment. The gelatinous phase food assembly further includes four containers operable to store and dispense gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The four containers are supported by an inner support ring and an outer support ring. A cover extends over the bird feeder functioning the protect the gelatinous food assembly from environmental elements.
US08156887B2
According to an embodiment, a flap malfunction indicator assembly for notifying an observer making a walk-around inspection of an aircraft of a malfunction of one or more connection points coupling a flap assembly to an aircraft wing includes a support mounted to the flap assembly having a perimeter defining an area, an indicator arm pivoted to the support and movable between a first stowed position in which a major portion of the arm is arranged substantially entirely within the area and a second deployed position in which a major portion of the arm is arranged substantially outside the area, a frangible pin or fastener securing the indicator arm to the support in the first stowed position, a trigger element mounted for rotation about a first pivot, an elongated pull linkage coupling the trigger element with a flap assembly, the pull linkage being supported for movement relative to the first pivot to cause rotation of the trigger element when malfunction of a flap assembly occurs, and a spring assembly at the support having one portion exerting a biasing force against a portion of the indicator arm located outside of the area, the spring assembly driving the indicator arm into the second deployed position when the frangible pin or fastener is broken.
US08156885B1
A emergency capsized boat seating apparatus includes a boat that has a hull with a bottom side. A plurality of chair assemblies is provided and each is embedded into the bottom side. Each of the chair assemblies is positionable in a stored position is approximately flush with the bottom side or in a deployed position extending outwardly away from the bottom side.
US08156881B2
A steering shaft is rotatably supported on a body by a housing, and a slide portion having a handlebar attachment portion at the top is attached to the steering shaft. The rotational movement of a handlebar around the central axis of the steering shaft is regulated by a rotation regulating mechanism, while the axial translation of the handlebar is allowed. The steering shaft is provided with a plurality of grooves. A lock mechanism provided in the slide portion inserts a locking bar into any one of the grooves to regulate the axial translation of the slide portion. Owing to the shape of a link portion and a cam groove constituting the lock mechanism, the locking bar is not pulled, out of the groove by operations other than a release operation using a release lever.
US08156879B2
A sailing craft propelled by a tilting sail system comprising an aerofoil sail capable of omni-directional attitude for wind propulsion. The sail is fixed to the craft in such a manner as to permit omni-directional attitude. Sail control means allows the sail placement in a forward propulsion attitude relative to wind direction. The sail is rigid and has an asymmetric shape.
US08156878B2
A dual access pocket for supporting and/or storing medical devices such as insulin pumps and portable defibrillation devices and methods of manufacturing a garment including same. The garment into which the dual access pocket is sewn includes one or more front panel or panels, each of which have an outside surface and an inside surface. The dual access pocket has one or two openings secured on the inside surface of the front panel of the garment, wherein one of said openings is located internal to said front panel of the garment and one of said openings is in communication with a slit through the front panel to provide external access to said dual access pocket. The dual access pocket is therefore accessible from the inside of the garment and the outside of the garment.
US08156874B2
The rail mounted displaceable device is a ceiling mounted hoist comprising two pairs of carrying wheels (2) arranged to run in the rail (1) and two motion wheels (4) actuated by a motor (7). The motion wheels (4) are rotatably fixed on a hinged bracket (5) which is pivotably connected via a hinge (6) to a chassis (3). The displaceable device is provided with an actionable solenoid (8) for pressing said transport wheels (4) against the rail (1) in order to allow a displacement of the device along the rail (1) when the motor (7) is activated and to allow the carrying wheels (2) to rotate freely along the rail (1) when said motor (7) is deactivated.
US08156868B2
A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.
US08156862B2
An apparatus and method are described for forming a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces. Also described is a bale having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces, which can be safely stacked vertically for transportation and storage purposes.
US08156858B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the regulation of operation parameters, in particular pressure, in a coffee machine. The apparatus comprises a keyboard, arranged for activating the machine and setting operation parameters, and a plurality of light or sound emitting elements arranged to be selectively activated for highlight through a plurality of configurations the operation parameters of the machine set through the keyboard. Thanks to the invention it is possible to avoid on the machine the presence of a display that makes more complex and less reliable the machine. The invention relates also to a machine that comprises the apparatus and to the operating method of the apparatus.
US08156853B2
A manufacturing system for producing thin sections of a biological sample embedded in a block. The system includes, a blade holder disposed at a rake angle relative to the block, a mounting plane on which a plurality of cutting blades are mounted, an adsorptive member on the mounting plane that maintains the posture of the cutting blades, a pressing member that presses a selected cutting blade against the mounting plane, a conveyor unit that slides out the cutting blades by sequentially conveying the plurality of cutting blades to feed them one by one on the mounting plane, a transportation unit that moves the block relative to the holder, such that the cutting blade cuts out a thin section from the sample, and a control unit that operates the conveyor unit to exchange the selected cutting blade.
US08156843B2
A method for controlling a locking differential includes determining a temperature-dependent reference voltage at which a coil locks the differentia, determining an electric potential of a battery, using the battery to energize the coil and lock the differential, if the electric potential is equal to or greater than the reference voltage for a current temperature, and maintaining the differential unlocked, if the electric potential is less than the reference voltage.
US08156839B2
A vehicle gear box shift actuator and apparatus including the same. The actuator includes a lead screw; a drive nut threaded on the lead screw; a plunger; a first spring disposed between the drive nut and a first end of the plunger; a second spring disposed between the drive nut and a second end of the plunger opposite from the first end. Non-contact position sensing of the actuator output is also provided.
US08156838B2
A driving device for a hatch in a motor vehicle includes a first fastening element which can be connected to a stationary structural component, a second fastening element which can be connected to a movable structural component, a spindle drive including a threaded spindle having an axis of rotation and a spindle nut arranged on the threaded spindle, and a rotary drive having a driveshaft for rotating spindle to move the first fastening element axially relative to the second fastening element. A stroke detection sensor for continuously detecting the position of the movable structural component includes a rotatable sensor element driven in rotation by the driveshaft and a stationary sensor element for continuously detecting the rotational position of the rotatable sensor element. A gear reduction unit is provided between the driveshaft and the rotatable sensor element so the revolutions of the sensor element are reduced by about 14:1.
US08156833B2
A linear actuator has an alternating drive apparatus, an alternating motion member, a fixing member fixed to a housing member, a direct acting member, a first wedge joining mechanism incorporated between the alternating motion member and the direct acting member, and a second wedge joining mechanism incorporated between the fixing member and the direct acting member. The first wedge joining mechanism and the second wedge joining mechanism have an inclined surface, a non-inclined surface at a constant distance from the central axis, and a wedge member arranged between the inclined surface and the non-inclined surface. The non-inclined surfaces of the first and second wedge joining mechanisms are formed on the direct acting member. The inclined surface of the first wedge joining mechanism is formed on the alternating motion member, and the inclined surface of the second wedge joining mechanism is formed to the fixing member.
US08156832B2
The mechanical vibrator is applied to vibrating screens or other equipment and comprises a bearing housing (10) to be affixed to a side wall (2) of the equipment (1), to carry a pair of bearings (20) which support a shaft (30) having an inner end portion (31) and an outer end portion (32) which respectively affix a first and a second counterweight (70, 80). The first and the second counterweights (70, 80) have respective first and second eccentric masses (M1, M2) of different values and which are positioned and dimensioned so that the first and the second counterweight (70,80) generate equal loads on the bearings (20). The second counterweight (80) is constructed to selectively and removably attach a third counterweight (90) presenting a third eccentric mass (M3) maintained aligned with the center line (CL) of the bearing housing (10), to provide a variation of the total eccentric mass of the vibrator (V), without changing the balance of the load distribution on the bearings (20).
US08156820B2
Device (10, 20, 30) and method for tightening a bolt (2) or a nut (12) threaded on its end, which end extends through at least a first body (3) and screws into a hole (5) in a second body (4) or extends through the second body into another nut (13). The device has gripping means (7, 17) co-acting with the bolt-head or the nuts. Means (8) process a signal generated by sensor means (18) subject to the axial force exerted on the surface of the first body by the bolt-head or the first nut, or on the surface of the second body by the second nut, and control the device such that the bolt-head or a nut is tightened subject to the axial force exerted on the surface of one of the bodies, which sensor means are in an annular body (16) around the threaded hole between the bolt-head or first nut and the first body or between the second nut and second body.
US08156815B2
The flow sensor or other type of sensor comprises a package having a cylindrical section arranged between an anchor section and a head section. The diameter of the anchor section is typically larger than the diameter of the cylindrical section, which in turn is typically larger than the diameter of the head section. A sensor chip is embedded partially into the package, with a sensitive area being exposed to the surroundings. The sensor can e.g. be inserted into a bore having a diameter matching the one of the cylindrical section.
US08156812B2
Method for non-destructive inspection of defects in a surface of a pipeline or storage tank. The method includes carrying out a first way of non-destructive inspection for determining a first defect pattern and carrying out a second way of non-destructive inspection for determining a second defect pattern. The method includes identifying at least one defect of the first defect pattern and at least one defect of the second defect pattern which represent one and the same defect, and comparing the dimensions and optionally also the positions of the identified defects so as to obtain a difference in dimensions and optionally also in the positions. The method also includes obtaining a plurality of such differences and obtaining at least one parameter representing said differences, and correcting the dimensions and optionally also the positions of defects of the first defect pattern by using the at least one parameter.
US08156804B2
A capacitive semiconductor sensor includes a sensor chip, a circuit chip, a plurality of bumps, and a plurality of dummy bumps. The sensor chip includes a dynamic quantity detector, which has a detection axis in one direction. The circuit chip includes a signal processing circuit. The sensor chip and the circuit chip are coupled by flip-chip bonding through the plurality of bumps. Furthermore, the sensor chip and the circuit chip are mechanically coupled through the plurality of dummy bumps.
US08156802B2
The invention relates to a force sensor for measuring a bearing force of a roller deviating a web of material. The force sensor includes a base element on which at least one sensor element is supported. The sensor element has at least one plate which can be elastically deformed by the bearing force and is provided with at least one force transducer. The sensor element is loaded by a pressure piece into which the bearing force is introduced by means of a spring. The spring has a larger range of spring—in the direction of the force—than the elastically deformable plate for the same load. In order to limit the action of the force on the sensor element, an annular abutment is provided, against which the pressure piece can be pressed flat. The abutment is provided around the sensor element.
US08156789B2
To provide a gas sensor chip, and a gas sensor provided therewith, capable of producing stable output characteristics over an extended period of time even when installed in a harsh environment such as a boiler smokestack carrying exhaust gasses. There is a backside structure wherein a catalyst carrier that contacts a gas to be measured is disposed on one side of a thermal conductor, a temperature sensing portion is disposed in a location that does not contact the gas to be measured, on the other side of the thermal conductor, and the temperature sensing portion measures the temperature corresponding to the temperature of the catalyst carrier through the thermal conductor, to enable the sensing of the amount of flow over an extended period of time without the temperature sensing portion being negatively affected by the gas to be measured.
US08156788B2
A method for the superficial-phase chromatography of a product comprises the steps which are performed continuously in the following order, namely: an operation consisting in pumping a supercritical fluid; and operation consisting of injecting at least one sample of product into at least one chromatography column, a detection operation, and a fraction collection operation. The method comprises at least a first diversion along between an analytical channel and a preparatory channel, which diversion is performed prior to the supercritical fluid pumping operation and the analytical and preparatory channels each including respective supercritical fluid pumping operations. The method is also characterized in that the collection operation is common to both the analytical and preparatory channels. An installation used to implement one such method is described.
US08156786B2
The inventive method is designed to test contaminants in soil that is contaminated with petroleum related products. The method involves the use of a container that will separate soil into a head space for analysis. The container consists of two halves and the container is partially filled with a soiled dirt specimen. The container is then hermetically sealed against the environment by way of a cover snapped over the container rim. The container with the contaminated specimen therein is allowed to accumulate a vapor head space within a certain time period. An instrument will puncture a sealed orifice in the top cover and a sample of the vapor is withdrawn for further analysis.
US08156784B2
A system and method for carrying out non-destructive testing and inspection of test objects to assess their structural integrity uses a calibration module configured to provide V-Path time of flight (TOF) correction data over a plurality of object thickness points, obtained from an object or objects having known thicknesses using the same physical probe as is used for the inspection measurements. When a probe launches acoustical waves into a test object and an instrument and a control system compute a time of flight value of the acoustical waves launched by the probe, the pre-obtained V-Path TOF correction data is used to correct the measured time of flight computed by the instrument.
US08156771B2
Disposable handcuffs include a flat strap of flexible material forming adjustable loops and a box for fixing the central section of the flat strap and provided with passages for receiving the flat strap, each of the passages having a strap supporting wall and an opposite partially offset wall forming a cavity between the walls closed on the side of the box adjacent to the loop and opened on the opposite side of the box. A rotational body is located within each of the cavities for contact of the rotational surface thereof with the offset wall on one side and with the flat strap on the other side, a boss including a sharp end extending from the rotational surface to engage the flat strap in the area of the cavity adjacent to the opposite side of the box.
US08156754B2
A climate control system may include a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, a coolant circuit, and a heat exchanger. The evaporator may be in fluid communication with the condenser. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the condenser and the evaporator and may circulate a first fluid therebetween. The coolant circuit may include an engine, a radiator, and a second fluid circulating between the engine and the radiator. The heat exchanger may include a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit. The first fluid conduit may fluidly couple the compressor and the condenser. The second fluid conduit may fluidly couple the radiator and the engine. The heat exchanger may be configured to allow the second fluid to absorb heat from the first fluid.
US08156753B2
A data center cooling solution providing techniques for using baffles, doors and roof sections to prevent warm air from being entrained into a cold aisle in a data center, wherein the data center generally contains an air cooling system and a raised floor structure. The raised floor structure is configured to deliver cool air into the data center through a plurality of grates and perforated tiles in the floor. Electronic equipment racks are disposed around the grates and perforated tiles, such that the front faces of the equipment racks face the grates and perforated tiles. A collection of baffles, doors or roof sections inhibit the mixing of the cool air delivered by the air cooling system and the warm air exhausted by the electronic equipment.
US08156752B2
An air conditioning system includes a compressor, a first heat source-side heat exchanger for heating or cooling a refrigerant, a second heat source-side heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a heat delivery medium, a first utilization-side heat exchanger for performing indoor cooling by using the refrigerant cooled in the first heat source-side heat exchanger, a second utilization-side heat exchanger for performing indoor heating by using the heat delivery medium subjected to heat exchange in the second heat source-side heat exchanger, and a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism can switch between a first connection state in which refrigerant is circulated sequentially through the compressor, the first heat source-side heat exchanger, the first utilization-side heat exchanger and the compressor; and a second connection state in which the refrigerant is circulated sequentially through the compressor, the second heat source-side heat exchanger, the first heat source-side heat exchanger, and the compressor.
US08156750B2
A vapor compression refrigeration system including components capable of determining the superheat at a compressor inlet is provided. The vapor compression refrigeration system may include sensors capable of making measurements from which the superheat at the compressor inlet may be determined. The vapor compression refrigeration system may be operable to compare the determined superheat level at the inlet to the compressor to a desired superheat level and generate a new evaporator discharge superheat level target for one or more evaporators operatively interconnected to the compressor to affect the superheat at the compressor inlet. The vapor compression refrigeration system may be operable to broadcast the new evaporator discharge superheat level target to the one or more evaporators over a communications bus. The vapor compression refrigeration system may update and broadcast the evaporator discharge superheat level target at programmed intervals.
US08156748B2
A refrigerator includes a sensing system for detecting quality of ice cubes in an ice cube storage bin. The system includes a digital image capture device coupled to a digital image analyzing system which captures digital images of the ice cube storage bin intermittently. The digital images are processed to determine a centroid of the ice mass within the bin, and the centroid is analyzed to determine whether it is located outside a predetermined acceptable boundary. A centroid outside of the acceptable range indicates an ice clumping situation. Additionally, the digital images are analyzed to determine whether ice cubes are smaller than a predetermined minimal acceptable size in order to detect stale ice. The level of ice in the bin can also be determined from the images. Notifications for clumping, stale and/or low level ice are sent to a user interface.
US08156740B2
The invention relates to a master cylinder (1) with reduced free travel (23). Current master cylinders have a free travel during the displacement of a piston (6) in a bore (5) of a master cylinder body (3). Such a free travel may be reduced with the aid of a frustoconical portion (24) in the piston, an orifice (14) for communication of hydraulic fluid being situated on said inclined wall, a gap (26) between the inclined wall and an inner wall (12) of the bore allowing a passage for hydraulic fluid capable of filling a pressure chamber (4). However, such inclined walls create a change in the slope of an outer wall (29) of the piston, this change being able to cause a separation of an inner lip (19) of a sealing cup (17). To prevent this separation, the invention provides that the inclined wall forms a convex rounded surface (32).
US08156730B2
Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing regeneration event characteristics. For example, according to one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling the temperature of the output exhaust of an internal combustion engine for a regeneration event on a particulate matter filter includes a regeneration module, a turbocharger thermal management module, a fuel injection thermal management module, and an air intake thermal management module. The regeneration module determines a desired particulate matter filter inlet exhaust gas temperature for a regeneration event. The turbocharger thermal management module determines a variable geometry turbine (VGT) device position strategy. The fuel injection thermal management module determines a fuel injection strategy. The air intake thermal management module determines an intake throttle position strategy. The VGT device position strategy, the post-injection fuel injection strategy, and the intake throttle position strategy cooperatively achieve the desired particulate matter filter inlet exhaust gas temperature and maintain a fuel dilution level of the engine below a maximum fuel dilution level.
US08156727B2
An adjustable section nozzle having a ring of deformable panels arranged close to its trailing edge is disclosed. Each panel has a dual-strip type structure made up of two materials presenting different coefficients of expansion, together with controlled heater devices that are thermally coupled to the set of panels.
US08156723B1
An improved tine reel for a round baler pickup unit that allows tine position to be altered dependant of rotational position of the tine reel and the lateral position of the tine on the pickup. A plurality of tine bars are mounted on the tine reel, with separate tine bars provided for the centrally located tines and the outboard located tines. Separate cams control rotation of the centrally located inboard tine bars and the outwardly located outboard tine bars so that outboard tine position can be optimized without limitation by the inboard tines.
US08156722B2
Disclosed is a mower with a mower deck, a plurality of cutting chambers mutually communicated and arranged in a lateral direction within the mower deck, and a blade mounted in each cutting chamber to be rotatable about a vertical axis. A grass clippings guide in form of a vertical wall is disposed in an upper area within the cutting chamber, to guide the grass clippings flowing within the cutting chamber toward a center of rotation of the blade. A shield member is disposed for preventing entry of grass clippings between the grass clippings guide and a peripheral wall of the cutting chamber.
US08156711B2
An internal stiffening member of varying configurations in which the stiffening elements support the skin using a compression-only load path is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the stiffening element has a peripheral edge that is adapted to be press fit into contact with the skin. The stiffening member may be held in place by various retention devices. Another configuration is a slip-in rib having a flange with a peripheral channel in which a filler material is disposed. The rib is inserted into an assembled structural box beam, and the filler material is used to fill any gaps between the slip-in rib and the interior surface of the structural box beam. The filler material is preferably an expandable material, such as an expandable foam-type material. However, in situations where a slip-in rib forms a primary structural rib, the filler material is preferably a structural adhesive or liquid shim material. A solid adhesive or filler would not crush under the clamping forces from fasteners or bolts at localized fitting attachments.
US08156708B2
A system of gravel modules to be used atop a room or other enclosure in which there is a threat of explosion. Each module has a rigid metal box frame, which contains a two layers of gravel. The lower gravel layer is screen gravel, and a layer of graded gravel is above the screen gravel. The box frame has a lower and an upper criss-cross pattern of bridge cable. A stack of wire mesh and other supporting material is laid over the lower bridge cable to support the screen gravel, and more wire mesh is laid over the screen gravel to support the graded gravel. The depths and grades of gravel are selected according to the type potential explosion, in terms of explosive fragment sizes and the nature of any expanding gases.
US08156697B2
A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
US08156691B2
Modular building structures and methods of forming such structures are disclosed. A modular building structure may include a plurality of walls, a ceiling and a landing. The plurality of walls may include a front wall. The ceiling may be positioned at a top portion of each of the plurality of walls and may have a top surface. The landing may be connected to the ceiling by one or more pin assemblies. The one or more pin assemblies are configured to enable the landing to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. An upper surface of the landing may be adjacent to a top surface of the ceiling when the landing is in the retracted position. The landing may extend from the front wall when the landing is in the extended position.
US08156688B2
The invention is directed to a clip and frame assembly for a louvre window, including a frame with a frame channel and a clip rotatably coupled to the frame, the clip having at least one channel on its back surface adapted to direct water along a flow path to an aperture in the frame channel. The invention extends to a pairing of adjacent clips wherein one or more channels in an upper clip direct water into a channel in a lower clip which is, in turn, directed into the frame channel. Preferably, the clip includes four channels on the back surface with each channel in fluid communication with at least one other channel either in the same clip or in an adjacent clip. The invention extends to a channel being formed in a recess adapted to receive an edge of a louvre plate wherein water in this channel is also directed into the frame channel through an aligned aperture. Further embodiments of the invention may include one or more channels which discharge water outwardly of the clip. The invention extends to a frame and louvre arrangement and a louvre window assembly. The invention further extends to a method of directing water flow in a clip and frame assembly. The assembly may include an operating handle with biasing means to increase contact between adjacent plates.
US08156685B2
The invention proposes numerous aspects for improving greenhouses which may lead to durable improvement of the worldwide climate system.
US08156677B2
Assemblies and firearms incorporating such assemblies are provided. In this regard, a representative firearm includes an elongate removable backstrap selectively mountable to a grip of the firearm such that, when mounted thereto, an effective size of the grip is increased. A pin used for mounting the backstrap can also secure a trigger mechanism housing to the receiver of the firearm.
US08156667B2
The present invention discloses a steam iron, which comprises a base, a main body and a control board. The base comprises a water tank, a steam generator and a pump that is connected between the water tank and the steam generator. The main body comprises a controlling switch and an adjusting device for users controlling the steam iron. The control board is used to control the power of the pump to adjust the quantity of water that is pumped into the steam generator from the water tank and the quantity of steam generated by the steam generator. The control board is divided into at least two parts: a first part is connected to the controlling switch and the adjusting device and a second part is connected to the pump, and there is a signal line between the two parts.
US08156656B2
A hedgetrimmer having a housing, a motor located within the housing for driving a reciprocating blade for cutting vegetation. A front handle located at a front end of the housing and a rear handle located at a rear end of the housing. The rear handle having a trigger to actuate the motor, the rear handle being rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the housing. The rear handle is lockable at one of several positions so that a user can grip the two handles in the most comfortable position for the desired cutting operation.
US08156655B2
A pneumatically powered pole saw, comprising: an extendable pole; a head member secured to the extendable pole; a cutting blade movably mounted to the head member; a piston linked to the cutting blade; a reciprocating valve disposed in the head member configured to release compressed gas into the piston chamber on one side of the piston when the reciprocating valve is in a first position causing the cutting blade to move in a first cutting direction, when the cutting blade reaches the limit of travel in the first direction, the reciprocating valve releases compressed gas into the piston chamber on another side of the piston causing the cutting blade to move in a second cutting direction.
US08156646B2
A composite layer composed of an Ni layer and a Pd layer is formed on a solder pad, and a solder on the composite layer is composed of a solder containing no lead. Because a Pd layer (palladium layer) reduces phenomenons such as repellency of the solder, adhesiveness with the solder can be enhanced. Because a Pd layer has a higher degree of rigidity than a gold layer, thermal stress is absorbed into the Pd layer and buffered so as to reduce the degree of transmission of stress to the solder bump, or to the solder layer, by thermal stress.
US08156631B2
Process for attaching a functional element to a plastically deformable flat material or workpiece, the functional element on a contact surface having a rivet collar which is formed by a hollow or tubular section and which stands away over this surface, in the joining area in the flat material by plastic deformation a dome-like section being formed which with its base projects over the plane of the flat material surrounding this section and on the base has a joining opening, and the attachment of the functional element to the flat material in a joining and riveting process taking place by insertion of the rivet collar into the joining opening and by plastic deformation of the rivet collar such that the base is held in a region of the base which surrounds the joining opening between the deformed rivet collar and the contact surface or end side of the functional element, the functional element being anchored on the edge region which surrounds the joining opening without reducing the diameter of the joining opening.
US08156628B2
A holding device for holding a structural component for aircraft to a further structural component; may be coupled to one of the components and is moved from a holding mode, where the first component is held to the second component by the holding device, to a release mode using a magnetic force. Furthermore, a method for deinstalling two components is disclosed, where carrying out deinstallation merely requires pressing a first component against a second component, and placing a magnetic key on or over one of the components in the region of the holding device, where at least some method-related steps may take place at substantially the same time.
US08156619B2
A method of making a hinge has the steps of forming a region of a piece of sheet metal with a groove and then bending the piece of sheet metal to form the region into an eye with the groove opening inwardly into the eye so that the piece of sheet metal with the eye forms a first leaf. A pivot pin with a radially outwardly projecting thickened region is fitted and pressed into the eye such that the radially thickened region radially elastically widens the eye. Once the thickened region reaches the groove, the eye springs back so that the pivot pin is then captured held in the eye.
US08156618B2
The invention relates to a device for needling a fibrous web having at least one needle bar. The needle bar carries a needle board on the bottom thereof having a plurality of needles, the needle bar being guided by means of a moveably mounted bar carrier. The bar carrier is driven by a vertical drive in an oscillating manner in up and down movements. For straight guidance of the bar carrier, a guiding device is provided, which has at least one rocker held at the end by a rotary bearing of a machine frame. In order to obtain the straightest possible guide path in the bar carrier, according to the invention the opposite end of the rocker and the bar carrier are connected by a plurality of members of a coupling kinematic mechanism.
US08156615B2
A connecting structure for connecting a first component to a second component may include a clip and a hollow seat portion. The clip is capable of engaging the second component and has a hollow main body. The main body has a support shaft and at least one engagement blade formed therein. The hollow seat portion is integrally formed in the first component and has at least one engagement wall portion. The clip main body is constructed to be placed on the seat portion while the seat portion is introduced thereinto. The support shaft is constructed to be introduced into the seat portion when the clip main body is placed on the seat portion. The at least one engagement wall portion has at least one rib portion that is capable of contacting the support shaft introduced into the seat portion. The at least one engagement blade is arranged and constructed to engage the at least one engagement wall portion when the clip is rotated about an axis thereof, so that the clip can be secured to the seat portion.
US08156598B2
Personal hygiene devices designed to aid physically impaired persons to clean their own recto-genital area following urination, defecation, menstruation, or sweating. The devices include an elongated flexible strip made from one or two elongated individual sheets affixed together and of a length sufficient to extend between the user's legs and of a width sufficient to generally cover the recto-genital area. The strip has an absorbent middle portion for engaging the user's recto-genital area and respective dependent end portions having respective thumb holes therethrough for easy gripping in-hand. An absorbent pad is positioned at the middle portion retained by the individual sheets to increase the absorbency thereof. The device is used by gripping the end portions in-hand optionally using the thumb holes with the middle portion extending between the user's legs. The middle portion is moved into engagement with the user's recto-genital area and the end portions moved longitudinally while maintaining tension thereon to wipe the middle portion along the recto-genital area to remove excrement therefrom. The device is made of flushable materials for disposal down toilets following use. The devices are preferably manufactured in device sheets from rolls of raw materials using automated manufacturing equipment in which the devices are initially interconnected at perforated tear lines and subsequently separated, folded or wrapped, and individually wrapped or otherwise packaged for individual use thereof.
US08156597B2
A bowling lane maintenance machine has a cleaning assembly in which liquid cleaner is deposited on the lane surface at the front of the machine as the machine moves down the lane. Immediately behind the point of application of the cleaning solution, a wiping web assembly spreads the solution across the entire surface of the lane and presses the solution down into the conditioner for subsequent pickup by a suction pickup head behind the wiper web assembly. The web is looped under a backup roll having an exposed fibrous pile face that engages the inside surface of the web while the outside surface engages the lane. The fibrous pile encourages the web to remain in intimate contact with the lane surface at all times while accommodating surface irregularities such as depressions and other variations in lane contour.
US08156596B2
A manually propelled, wheeled rotary brush having a handle and two wheels. The brush may have a generally cylindrical configuration which contacts the environmental surface on which the wheels ride, and may rotate about a horizontal axis disposed perpendicularly to the direction of travel as the wheels turn. The brush may be geared to the wheels, and may rotate faster than the wheels. The wheeled rotary brush may have a frame in which the gears are journaled. The handle may be propped in an elevated position by stabilizing legs disposed to engage the environmental surface at a point spaced apart from the brush. The brush may have replaceable brush elements which may be inserted into slots formed in a cylindrical core of the brush.
US08156588B2
An improved encasement for a mattress which thwarts the escapement of bed bugs from a mattress through the encasement and which thwarts the encroachment of beg bugs through the encasement into the mattress. An elongated opening is provided in the encasement which is selectively closed by a zipper associated therewith. The encasement includes a flap secured to the lower side wall portion of a side of the encasement which is positioned inwardly of the zipper for retarding or preventing the escapement of bed bugs through the zipper. Hook and loop fasteners are also provided at the end location for further preventing the escapement of bed bugs from the mattress through the encasement and preventing the encroachment of beg bugs into the mattress through the encasement.
US08156578B2
The invention provides a water bath toy having a pump that draws water from a bath tub or pool and discharges the water back into the source. The pump is battery powered or hand powered. The invention includes a plurality of output options and a selector for choosing the active output feature, These features may include a narrow spray nozzle, a wide spray nozzle, a flexible hose, and a cascade with configurable obstructions that affect the water flow. The outer body of the water bath toy is configured to fit over the sidewall of a pool or bath tub.
US08156574B2
A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutching mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism also prevents the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.
US08161565B1
Systems, methods, components are provided all for the purpose of controlling access to decryption keys needed to decrypt ciphertext. A key release agent is provided which controls decryption key distribution. The key release method starts with receiving an encrypted key, key related information and decryptor information from a decryptor and determining a whether a private key corresponding to the key ciphertext is available. Upon determining the private key corresponding to the key ciphertext is available, a decision is made based on decryptor information of the decryptor and the key related information whether decryption of the key ciphertext is to be permitted. Decryptors adapted to participate with the KRA in the above described key distribution methods are also provided.
US08161563B2
In various embodiments, applications that are configured to interact with the Internet in some way are executed in a restricted process with a reduced privilege level that can prohibit the application from accessing portions of an associated computing device. For example, in some embodiments, the restricted process can prohibit applications from read and write access to portions of a system's computer-readable media, such as the hard disk, that contains administrative data and settings information and user data and settings. In these embodiments, a special portion of the disk, termed a “containment zone”, is designated and used by applications in this restricted process.
US08161562B1
A method of preventing unauthorized reproduction of protected media disposed on a media storage device according to one embodiment is described. The method is comprised of activating an autorun mechanism disposed on said media storage device. The activating is in response to a device drive coupled with a computer system receiving the media storage device. The autorun mechanism for initiating installing a compliance mechanism on the computer system. The method further includes installing the compliance mechanism on the computer system. The compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with the computer system when installed thereon. The compliance mechanism is for enforcing compliance with a usage restriction applicable to the protected media. The method further includes obtaining control of a data input pathway operable on the computer system. The method further includes preventing the protected media on the media storage device from being captured by an extractor mechanism via the data input pathway while enabling presentation of the protected media.
US08161560B2
A security health reporting system provides an application program interface (API) for use by independent software vendors (ISVs) to extend the security health reporting capabilities of the security health reporting system. An ISV security solution can register with the security health reporting system, create a schema that describes a new security class, and use the API to publish an instance of the schema for the new security class with the security health reporting system. When an instance of a schema for a new security class is published, the security health reporting system creates the new security class, and recognizes the definition for the security class within the security health reporting system. Registered ISV security solutions can then use the published schema to report their health statuses for the new security class.
US08161551B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for enabling communication between security systems. In use, a first communication protocol of a first security system and a second communication protocol of a second security system are identified, where the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are different such that the first security system and the second security system are incapable of communicating therebetween. Further, the first security system is updated with a first security definition and/or the second security system is updated with a second security definition for enabling communication between the first security system and the second security system.
US08161548B1
A malware classifier uses features of suspect software to classify the software as malicious or not. The classifier uses a pattern classification algorithm to statistically analyze computer software. The classifier takes a feature representation of the software and maps it to the classification label with the use of a trained model. The feature representation of the input computer software includes the relevant features and the values of each feature. These features include the categories of: applicable software characteristics of a particular type of malware; dynamic link library (DLL) and function name strings typically occurring in the body of the malware; and other alphanumeric strings commonly found in malware. By providing these features and their values to the classifier, the classifier is better able to identify a particular type of malware.
US08161539B2
A data processing system that supports verifiable IPSec network communication. The data processing system comprises an IPSec network adapter that connects the data processing system to an external network and provides IPSec encryption and routing of IPSec packets. The data processing system also comprises a network adapter verifier, which is a secondary network card that is utilized to verify that IPSec packets being transmitted to the external network by the IPSec network adapter have been encrypted. The network adapter verifier comprises a device driver, which caches a copy of an IP address from a generated IPSec packet prior to the packet being received by the network adapter. The network adapter verifier is connected to the external network and monitors the transmission of packets out to the network connection by the network adapter. The IP identification (ID) of the packets are compared to the captured IP address of the generated IPSec packet. When the IP address of the transmitted packet is not the same as that of the generated/cached IP address, the network adapter has failed to correctly encode the packet according to IPSec, and the transmission is thus not secure. The transmission of the stream of packets is therefore terminated.
US08161538B2
A method and system to protect web applications from malicious attacks is described. A stateful means of distinguishing between valid (e.g., harmless) and invalid (e.g., harmful) accesses is provided. A request from a content browser for content from an application server is forwarded by a firewall to the application server if it includes a URL that was previously transmitted from the application server. The firewall performs a security evaluation of the request if the URL of the request was not previously transmitted from the application server.
US08161528B2
In an exemplary apparatus implementation, an apparatus includes: at least one processor; and one or more media including processor-executable instructions that are capable of being executed by the at least one processor, the processor-executable instructions adapted to direct the apparatus to perform actions including: monitoring at least one signal characteristic for multiple signals that relate to a single source address; and detecting a wireless interloper if a discrepancy is determined to exist with regard to the monitored at least one signal characteristic for the multiple signals. In an exemplary access station implementation, an access station is capable of ascertaining at least one signal characteristic for multiple signals, is configured to detect a wireless interloper with regard to a particular address by analyzing the ascertained at least one signal characteristic for the multiple signals, and is adapted to counter the detected wireless interloper.
US08161526B2
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product protecting sensitive information on a data processing system. A determination is made as to whether a data processing system is publicly accessed. Responsive to determining that a data processing system is publicly accessed, the system identifies sensitive information. The data processing system monitors for the presence of sensitive information. Responsive to detecting the presence of the sensitive information, the system presents a warning to a user of the data processing system.
US08161523B2
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for network access control (NAC) in roaming services. In embodiments of the present invention, roaming quarantine access policies and roaming secure access policies are defined on access devices to control access of roaming terminals, instead of defining unified access policies on network-wide access devices. Embodiments of the present invention allow each branch network to enforce and update access policies as needed without restrictions of network identification and adaptation, making it easier to implement NAC on a distributed network, and improving NAC development. Embodiments of the present invention provide widely applicable, easy-to-implement NAC solutions for roaming.
US08161508B2
To provide an image content providing method capable of promoting advertisement effect by dynamically inserting an advertisement image to a distributed image content, an image content reproducing apparatus requests an image content providing apparatus to distribute the image content. Then, the image content is distributed to the image content reproducing apparatus and a viewer can utilize the image content. At this occasion, the image content providing apparatus distributes the image content, detects an advertisement inserting position and requests an advertisement image providing apparatus to distribute an advertisement image. Then, the advertisement image providing apparatus selects the advertisement image to be inserted to the image content and transmits thereof to the image content providing apparatus. Thereafter, the image content providing apparatus inserts the advertisement image to a position of the image content for inserting the advertisement and distributes thereof to the image content reproducing apparatus.
US08161503B2
An objective lens actuator comprises, two objective lenses, each for focusing lights upon an optical disc, an objective lens holder member for holding the objective lenses thereon, and lens protectors for preventing the objective lenses from being contacted on the optical disc, wherein the lens protectors include first and second lens protectors, which are provided on both end portions of the objective lens holder member in a tracking direction, and a third lens protector, which is provided in a middle of the two objective lenses, wherein the first and second lens protectors, which are provided on both end portions of the objective lens holder member in the tracking direction, are provided the objective lenses and end portion of the objective lens holder member in the tracking direction, and the third lens protector, which is provided between the objective lenses, has a height closer to that of the optical disc than the protectors, which are provided on both end portions of the objective lens holder member in the tracking direction.
US08161490B2
A storage apparatus having plural control processors that interpret and process requests sent from a host computer includes a distribution judgment unit for judging, after a control processor receives a request sent from the host computer, whether or not to allocate processing relevant to the request from the control processor that received the request to another control processor, and a control processor selection unit for selecting an allocation target control processor if the distribution judgment unit judges to allocate the processing to another control processor.
US08161489B2
Disclosed is a resource allocation system including a provisional allocation execution unit that executes provisional allocation for policies other than a policy corresponding to an accepted source request, a shared resource extraction unit that extracts a resource sharable between the policy and other policies, and a determination index calculation unit that calculates an index that depends on resource sharability, and determines an allocation destination so that a storage area is allocated on a storage device with a lower resource sharability in preference to other storage devices.
US08161486B2
Dynamic control of computer resources is used for processing process data in a pipeline. The pipeline includes a multiplicity of pipeline processors which each operate on the basis of an anytime approach and which can generate a result at a settable time. By detecting the runtime behavior of the pipeline processors involved using an ACTUAL value, it is possible to influence the resource allocation directly and at runtime without the need to interrupt the processing of the process data.
US08161469B1
Compiled configuration files for different programmable logic devices that are intended to be functionally equivalent may be compared using multiple different comparisons to assure functional equivalence. The different comparisons include a fitter or resource report comparison, an engineering bit settings report that compares vectors of bits that represent the settings of hard logic blocks, and comparisons based on location, connectivity and functionality. These comparisons are particularly well-suited for determining equivalence between different models of programmable logic devices, or even different types of devices such as field-programmable gate arrays as compared to mask-programmable logic devices.
US08161468B2
In many messaging systems, message selection filtering involves a significant processing overhead. This includes the parsing and preparing of the message selection filters in readiness for evaluation, as well as the evaluation itself. In systems which involve parsing and prepare processing for expressions that include repeated patterns (such as in many JMS environments), a template-based shortcutting of the conventional processing improves performance. A stored parsing template is used to parse an input sequence such as a received data processing instruction. The parse is used to identify expressions of a first type that can then be implicitly optimized by using a stored evaluation template that is associated with expressions of that type.
US08161457B2
A method is provided for isolating errors which occur when code supplied by independent software vendors (ISV code) interacts with code supplied by a primary vendor (host code). Code suspected of containing ISV code with host code is executed. If the results are in error, the code is scanned and then compared with a master host code. Any differences are stored in a delta file, including locations in the host code where ISV code hooks into the host code. The code is then modified to by-pass the hooks to ISV code to generate a side-executable code and both codes are executed and the results are compared. A lack of substantial difference in the results is indicative that the ISV code adversely affects the host code while a difference between the results is indicative of an error in the modified code.
US08161454B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a software architecture encoded on a computer readable medium is disclosed. The software architecture can be utilized for developing in-vehicle software applications for installation and execution on an in-vehicle computer system. The software architecture includes a number of vehicle application program interfaces (APIs) for accessing vehicles systems or data and for developing in-vehicle software applications; and a number of policy restrictions underlying the vehicle APIs for restricting the level of access to vehicle systems and data while the in-vehicle software application is being developed.
US08161453B2
A development and runtime framework for applications that execute in real-time operating systems. Application development is enhanced through simple instructions that allow a programmer to declare functions and sets of functions as tasks and supertasks, respectively, and manage the execution of functions, tasks and supertasks with priorities. A compiler or pre-processor provides tools for generating the code for tasks and supertasks, and the management code for managing execution. Function calls may be made directly to functions within supertasks via respective entrypoints, and the tasks are managed based on the functions being invoked. Within a supertask, a higher priority function may be runnable while a lower priority function of that supertask is suspended. A cookie is used to recognize when a register update for a supertask may be omitted, enabling more efficient context switching.
US08161448B1
In one embodiment, a method comprises partitioning a circuit description into a plurality of simulateable partitions. The partitioning is independent of a hierarchy specified in the circuit definition. The method also comprises sorting the plurality of simulateable partitions into one or more groups, wherein each simulateable partition included in a given group is equivalent to each other partition in the given group. Further, the method comprises simulating a first simulateable partition in the given group responsive to one or more input stimuli to the first simulateable partition. For each other simulateable partition in the given group that has approximately the same input stimuli as the first simulateable partition, the method still further comprises using a result of simulating the first simulateable partition as a result of the other simulateable partition.
US08161439B2
Method and apparatus for processing assertions in assertion-based verification of a logic design are described. One example relates to processing an assertion during verification of a logic design. An evaluation engine is generated that encodes, using a non-deterministic finite automata (NFA) model, temporal behavior of the logic design required by the assertion for a single attempt to evaluate the assertion. The evaluation engine is implemented in first reconfigurable hardware. The logic design is simulated over a plurality of clock events. Attempts to evaluate the assertion by the evaluation engine are preformed sequentially based on input stimuli obtained from the logic design during simulation thereof. Each of the attempts results in one of the assertion passing, the assertion failing, or the assertion requiring further evaluation.
US08161436B1
The present invention provides a method, system and article of manufacture for the transformation of parallel blocks into synchronized parallel processes that can be simulated without incurring the overhead of creating extra threads or requiring code modifications in the simulation kernel. This transformation is done in such a way that the parallel behavior is retained in its entirety, and the same simulation time-relative results are produced. The concept of concurrency of processes inherent in HDL languages, including System Verilog, is utilized to achieve the same simulation results via the transformed HDL code, which uses the non-parallel block subset of System Verilog HDL.
US08161434B2
Techniques for statistical formal activity analysis with consideration of temporal and/or spatial correlations are described herein. According to one embodiment, a sequential circuit having a feedback loop is unrolled into multiple unrolled circuits, where the sequential circuit is represented by a finite state machine (FSM). A temporal correlation is introduced to each of the unrolled circuits via a correlation network for an activity analysis of the sequential circuit. The temporal correlation represents a dependency relationship between a current logic state of a signal and a previous logic state of the signal. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08161432B2
A system for generating processor hardware supports a language for significant extensions to the processor instruction set, where the designer specifies only the semantics of the new instructions and the system generates other logic. The extension language provides for the addition of processor state, including register files, and instructions that operate on that state. The language also provides for new data types to be added to the compiler to represent the state added. It allows separate specification of reference semantics and instruction implementation, and uses this to automate design verification. In addition, the system generates formatted instruction set documentation from the language specification.
US08161431B2
Techniques for enhancing the performance of an IC are provided. A method of enhancing IC performance includes the steps of: associating at least one performance result of at least one performance monitor, formed on the IC, with deterministic combinations of IC performance and a processing parameter, a supply voltage, and/or a temperature of the IC; determining an IC processing characterization of the IC as a function of the performance result for at least one prescribed supply voltage and temperature of the IC, the IC processing characterization being indicative of a type of processing received by the IC during fabrication of the IC; and controlling a voltage supplied to at least a portion of the IC, the voltage being controlled as a function of the IC processing characterization and/or the temperature of the IC so as to satisfy at least one prescribed performance parameter of the IC.
US08161430B2
Systems and methods of resistance based memory circuit parameter adjustment are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method of determining a set of parameters of a resistance based memory circuit includes selecting a first parameter based on a first predetermined design constraint of the resistance based memory circuit and selecting a second parameter based on a second predetermined design constraint of the resistance based memory circuit. The method further includes performing an iterative methodology to adjust at least one circuit parameter of a sense amplifier portion of the resistance based memory circuit by selectively assigning and adjusting a physical property of the at least one circuit parameter to achieve a desired sense amplifier margin value without changing the first parameter or the second parameter.
US08161428B2
An initial reliability of a semiconductor device is predicted before the design layout of a semiconductor product. A method of predicting the reliability of a semiconductor device according to the present invention: calculates the defect density of a plurality of wiring patterns on a wafer; extracts the critical area of a series of library elements formed of wiring patterns based on the defect density to determine the critical area value of each library element; determines a failure probability by wiring pattern from the result of a reliability test of the wiring pattern to form a correlation model from an expected value in which a defect is generated and which is obtained from the defect density and the failure probability of each wiring pattern; calculates the failure probability of each library element from the critical area value and the function of the correlation model; designs a layout of a semiconductor product with two library elements or more out of a series of the library elements combined together and calculates the reliability of the designed semiconductor device in consideration of the failure probability of the library elements combined together.
US08161426B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that sizes a polygon in a layout. During operation, the system receives a polygon which is to be sized by a sizing amount. The system then selects one or more vertices of the polygon. Next, the system replaces each selected vertex with a set of replacement vertices, and subsequently assigns a projection path to each replacement vertex in the set of replacement vertices. The system next performs a sizing operation on the polygon according to the sizing amount. During the sizing operation, the system moves each replacement vertex in the set of replacement vertices along the assigned projection path, thereby creating a clipping on the angle associated with the selected vertex. Furthermore, this sizing operation is continuous: similar output polygons are obtained for similar sizing amounts.
US08161421B2
A method of training an Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) model comprises symmetrizing a complex design to be a test pattern having orthogonal symmetry. Symmetrizing may comprise establishing a axis of symmetry passing through the design, thereby dividing the design into two portions; deleting one of the two portions; and mirror-imaging the other of the two portions about the axis of symmetry. The design may be centered.
US08161419B2
An integrated web-based communications/calendar/organizational/entertainment system provides a user interface to provide the most pertinent data to a user at any time by organizing the data into strips of content organized according to four broad contexts of who, what, when, and where. The user interface focuses information displayed by the interface by automatically adjusting the content displayed by each strip based on a user selection in any one strip.
