US08217599B2
In a regenerative braking apparatus that is connected to a power supply apparatus that supplies electric power to a load, and consumes regenerative power regenerated from a load side together with other regenerative braking apparatuses that are connected to the power supply apparatus, an operation-level changing unit calculates, as occasion demands, according to energization time of a consuming unit, a lower limit of an operation level for judging whether an energizing unit should be actuated and changing and outputting the calculated lower limit of the operation level, a comparing unit compares the lower limit of the operation level output from the operation-level changing unit and a monitor output of a monitoring unit, and the energizing unit operates when the monitor output exceeds the lower limit of the operation level by a driving unit.
US08217584B2
A power supply unit provides a voltage, and a driving current to a series of light emitting diodes. A dimming unit adjusts a duty cycle of an original dimming signal to generate a dimming signal according to the driving current and an ideal current. A current sink coupled to the series of light emitting diodes adjusts a duty cycle of the driving current according to the dimming signal.
US08217581B2
An induction lamp includes a brightness control module, an induction unit, a register, and an illuminating unit. The brightness control module, the induction unit, the register, and the illuminating unit are electrically connected to each other in that order. When the induction unit detects a control signal from a user, the induction unit sends a detecting signal to change an address of the register, and the brightness control module controls a brightness of the illuminating unit depending on the address of the register.
US08217572B2
It is an object to propose a display device in which reflection of external light on a reflective polarizing plate is prevented and also extraction efficiency of light from a light-emitting layer is improved. If the display device has a light-emitting layer provided over a reflective electrode, a transparent electrode provided over the light-emitting layer, a transparent substrate provided over the transparent electrode, a reflective polarizing plate provided over the transparent substrate, a quarter wave plate provided over the reflective polarizing plate, and a polarizing plate provided over the quarter wave plate, reflection of an outside image can be suppressed, and light emitted in the light-emitting layer can be extracted efficiently.
US08217562B2
Provided is an ignition plug used for an internal-combustion engine. The ignition plug includes: a center electrode; an insulator disposed outside the center electrode; a metal housing disposed outside the insulator; a ground electrode having an end connected to the metal housing and the other end facing the center electrode; and an electrode tip fixed to one or more of the center electrode and the ground electrode. The electrode tip is made of an alloy of iridium Ir, hafnium Hf, and niobium Nb. Therefore, the ignition plug with the low-cost iridium can have high resistance to prevent an iridium element from oxidizing and vaporizing in high speed driving conditions.
US08217556B2
A flexural vibration element includes: a vibration element body composed of a plurality of vibrating arms provided in parallel, a connecting part connecting the vibrating arms, and one central supporting arm extending between the vibrating arms from the connecting part in parallel with the vibrating arms at equal distance from the arms; and a frame body disposed outside the vibration element body. In the flexural vibration element, the vibration element body is supported by the frame body at an end part, which is opposite to the connecting part, of the central supporting arm.
US08217551B2
A surface acoustic wave device includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) chip, a base that is made of resin and surround the SAW chip, and a cap that is made of resin and is bonded, by a seal member, to the base so as to define a cavity in which the SAW chip is sealed with the cap and the base, the cavity communicating with an outside of the surface acoustic wave device through a through hole formed in the seal member.
US08217545B2
A rotor of a rotary machine includes a rotary shaft, a rotor core fixed to a circumferential surface of the rotary shaft, a plurality of permanent magnets arranged on a circumferential surface of the rotor core at specific intervals along a circumferential direction thereof, conducting circuits arranged to surround the permanent magnets, and magnetic material pieces arranged on outer surfaces of the individual permanent magnets. Each of the conducting circuits includes a pair of first conductor sections arranged between magnetic poles formed by the adjacent permanent magnets and a pair of second conductor sections electrically connecting the first conductor sections.
US08217540B2
The invention relates to an electric motor with a stator and an external rotor, comprised of a rotor bell and a rotor cover that acts as a fan wheel. The rotor bell has several apertures in its bell floor. The rotor cover has several exhaust ports. The rotor cover is shaped like a plate and consists of a plate base and an annular wall. The exhaust ports are preferably evenly distributed in the annular wall. The inside of the plate base of the rotor cover that faces the rotor bell has several radially extending interior blades that are fixedly connected to it.
US08217528B2
An electrical power supplying device for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment. The electrical power supplying device includes a power supply cord for plugging into a standard power receptacle by way of a supply power plug, and also a base housing portion having a 3D interior volume with a capacity for holding a plurality of power transformer modules associated with a group of electrical appliances located in the environment. A power-ring subassembly is supported within the base housing portion, and has a central aperture defining the boundaries of 3D interior volume, and adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, which are electrically connected to the power supply cord. A power-ring housing portion is provided for covering the power-ring subassembly and has a set of plug apertures, aligned with the electrical receptacles, and allows appliance power plugs associated with the electrical appliances to plug into the electrical receptacles. A cord portal allows a group of electrical power cords associated with the group of electrical appliances, to enter/exit the 3D interior volume in a bundled manner. A cover housing portion is adapted to cover the central aperture of the power-ring subassembly, and conceal (i) appliance power plugs plugged into the electrical receptacles, (ii) appliance power plugs plugged into the electrical receptacles and appliance power cords associated with the electrical appliances, and (iii) the plurality of power transformer modules contained in said the housing portion.
US08217524B2
The present invention provides a wind turbine generator and a blade pitch angle control method thereof in which an aerodynamic imbalance of a wind turbine rotor at the time of shutdown is further reduced, the maximum load of a wind turbine is further reduced, and the wind turbine generator can be reduced in weight and cost. The wind turbine generator includes a collective pitch angle controller 11 that produces a collective pitch angle demand that is common to blade pitch angles of wind turbine blades, an individual pitch angle producing unit 13 that produces an individual pitch angle demand inherent in each wind turbine blade, multipliers 21 to 23 that multiply the individual pitch angle demand by the individual pitch angle gain; an individual pitch angle gain producing unit 14, and adder 24 to 26 that add collective pitch angle demands to the output of the multipliers 21 to 23 and supply the same to pitch actuators 31 to 33 inherent in the wind turbine blades. When shutdown is performed, the individual pitch angle gain is adjusted such that an individual pitch angle gain is reduced gradually and reaches to zero by the individual pitch angle gain producing unit 14 after first set time.
US08217519B2
A multi-chip package is provided. The multi-chip package includes: a first semiconductor chip including first circuitry, a first chip terminal in communication with the first circuitry, a first surface, and conductor means for transmitting at least one of a signal and power; a second semiconductor chip attached above the first surface of the first semiconductor chip, the second semiconductor chip including second circuitry and a second chip terminal in communication with the second circuitry; and an electrical connection connecting the second chip terminal of the second semiconductor chip to the conductor means of the first semiconductor chip; wherein the conductor means is dedicated to the second semiconductor chip and does not transmit either a signal or power to or from the remainder of the first semiconductor chip.
US08217515B2
A semiconductor mounting substrate according to the present invention comprises: a substrate; a semiconductor device, mounted on this substrate; solder bumps, which connect the semiconductor device and the substrate; a first resin, filled in a space between the semiconductor device and the substrate; and electronic components, mounted on a face side of the semiconductor device where the semiconductor device is mounted, wherein bond strength reinforcing resin section is provided at least between a side face in the vicinity of a corner part of the semiconductor device and a substrate surface of the substrate in a position corresponding to the corner part.
US08217510B2
A semiconductor module system includes a module substrate and first and second semiconductor components stacked on the module substrate. The stacked semiconductor components include through wire interconnects that form an internal signal transmission system for the module system. Each through wire interconnect includes a via, a wire in the via and first and second contacts on the wire.
US08217508B2
Disclosed is a method of packaging integrated circuit devices using a preformed carrier. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes providing a carrier having a plurality of pockets formed therein, positioning an integrated circuit chip and a substrate in each of the plurality of pockets and conductively coupling the integrated circuit chip and the substrate in each of the plurality of pockets to one another. Also disclosed is a packaged integrated circuit device including a preformed body and an integrated circuit chip and a substrate positioned within the preformed body, the integrated chip and the substrate being conductively coupled to one another.
US08217499B2
A structure for reducing partially etched materials is described. The structure includes a layout of an intersection area between two trenches. First, a large intersection area having a trapezoidal corner may be replaced with an orthogonal intersection between two trenches. The layout reduces the intersection area as well as the possibility of having partially etched materials left at the intersection area. The structure also includes an alternative way to fill the intersection area with either an un-etched small trapezoidal area or multiple un-etched square areas, so that the opening area at the intersection point is reduced and the possibility of having partially etched materials is reduced too.
US08217497B2
The embodiments of the invention provide a structure, method, etc. for a fin differential MOS varactor diode. More specifically, a differential varactor structure is provided comprising a substrate with an upper surface, a first vertical anode plate, and a second vertical anode plate electrically isolated from the first vertical anode plate. Moreover, a semiconductor fin comprising a cathode is between the first vertical anode plate and the second vertical anode plate, wherein the semiconductor fin, the first vertical anode plate, and the second vertical anode plate are each positioned over the substrate and perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate.
US08217488B2
A method for enhancing light extraction efficiency of GaN light emitting diodes is disclosed. By cutting off a portion from each end of bottom of a sapphire substrate or forming depressions on the bottom of the substrate and forming a reflector, light beams emitted to side walls of the substrate can be guided to the light emitting diodes.
US08217468B2
In device isolation trenches, a first device-isolation insulator film is formed to have recesses thereon and a second device-isolation insulator film is formed in the recesses. The uppermost portions at both ends of the first device-isolation insulator film are located higher than the uppermost portions at both ends of the second device-isolation insulator film.
US08217464B2
Embodiments of N-well or P-well strap structures are disclosed with lower space requirements achieved by forming the strap on both sides of one or more floating polysilicon gate fingers.
US08217452B2
A p-channel LDMOS device with a controlled n-type buried layer (NBL) is disclosed. A Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) oxidation is defined, partially or totally covering the drift region length. The NBL layer, which can be defined with the p-well mask, connects to the n-well diffusion, thus providing an evacuation path for electrons generated by impact ionization. High immunity to the Kirk effect is also achieved, resulting in a significantly improved safe-operating-area (SOA). The addition of the NBL deep inside the drift region supports a space-charge depletion region which increases the RESURF effectiveness, thus improving BV. An optimum NBL implanted dose can be set to ensure fully compensated charge balance among n and p doping in the drift region (charge balance conditions). The p-well implanted dose can be further increased to maintain a charge balance, which leads to an Rdson reduction.
US08217440B2
MOSFETs and methods of making MOSFETs are provided. According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a substrate and a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) transistor that includes a semiconductor region formed on the substrate, a source region and drain region formed in the semiconductor region that are separated from each other, a channel region formed in the semiconductor region that separates the source region and the drain region, an interfacial oxide layer (IL) formed on the channel region into which at least one element disparate from Si, O, or N is incorporated at a peak concentration greater than 1×1019 atoms/cm2, and a high-k dielectric layer formed on the interfacial oxide layer having a high-k/IL interface at a depth substantially adjacent to the IL. In addition, at least one depth of peak density of the incorporated element(s) is located substantially below the high-k/IL interface.
US08217432B2
The invention relates to a field effect transistor comprising at least one source electrode layer and at least one drain electrode layer arranged in the same plane, a semiconductor layer, an insulator layer and a gate electrode layer, wherein the gate electrode layer, as seen perpendicular to the plane of the at least one source electrode layer and the at least one drain electrode layer, only partly covers a channel arranged between the at least one source electrode layer and the at least one drain electrode layer.
US08217428B2
A cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Each of the conductive features within the gate electrode level is fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. The gate electrode level includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. A width of the conductive features within the gate electrode level is measured perpendicular to the first parallel direction and is less than a wavelength of light used in a photolithography process to fabricate the conductive features. The cell also includes a number of interconnect levels formed above the gate electrode level.
US08217426B2
Complementary MOS (CMOS) integrated circuits include MOS transistors, resistors and bipolar transistors formed on a common substrate. An emitter region of a bipolar transistor is implanted with a first dopant in an implantation process that implants source/drain regions of an MOS transistor, and is also implanted with a second dopant of same conductivity type in another implantation process that implants a body region of a resistor. The first and second dopants may optionally be the same dopant. The source/drain regions are implanted with the resistor body region covered by a first patterned mask; and the resistor body region is implanted with the MOS transistor source/drain regions covered by a second patterned mask. The implantations of the MOS transistor source/drain regions and of the resistor body region the source/drain regions can occur in any order, with the emitter region implanted during both implantations.
US08217418B1
A light emitting device includes a silicon substrate comprising a (111) surface and a GaN crystal structure over the (111) surface of the silicon substrate. The GaN crystal structure includes a first surface along a semi-polar plane of the GaN crystal structure and a second surface along a polar plane of the GaN crystal structure. The light emitting device also includes light emission layers over the first surface of the GaN crystal structure. The light emission layers include at least one quantum well comprising GaN.
US08217414B2
Provided is a light emitting device wherein a resin molded body having a circular or an oval recessed section at the center suppresses generation of cracks. A light emitting device (1) is provided with a light emitting element (2); a first resin molded body (10) having a plurality of outer surfaces (11), and a recessed section (10a) at the center; a first lead (20) and a second lead (30) electrically connected to the light emitting element (2); and a second resin molded body (40) applied in the recessed section (10a). The light emitting element (2) is place on the first lead (20), and the surface of the second resin molded resin (40) is permitted to be a light emitting surface. A gate notch (50) obtained by cutting a gate formed on the outer surface (11) of the first resin molded body (10) is formed on an extended line of a normal line on one point on a circular cross-section of the recessed section (10a) in the normal nine direction.
US08217411B2
A light emitting device, having a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area, includes a substrate formed in the first and second areas, a first cladding layer formed above the substrate in the first area, an active layer, having first and second side surfaces, formed above the first cladding layer, a gain area having first and second end surfaces, the first end surface being provided along the second side surface, a second cladding layer formed above the active layer, a guide layer formed above the substrate in the second area, and a core layer, having third and fourth side surfaces, formed above the guide layer. The gain area is angled relative to a first normal direction to the first side surface. The first and second end surfaces are not overlapped each other in the first normal direction.
US08217409B2
Surface-textured encapsulations for use with light emitting diodes. In an aspect, a light emitting diode apparatus is provided that includes a light emitting diode, and an encapsulation formed upon the light emitting diode and having a surface texture configured to extract light. In an aspect, a method includes encapsulating a light emitting diode with an encapsulation having a surface texture configured to extract light. In an aspect, a light emitting diode lamp is provided that includes a package, at least one light emitting diode disposed within the package, and an encapsulation formed upon the at least one light emitting diode having a surface texture configured to extract light. In another aspect, a method includes determining one or more regions of an encapsulation, the encapsulation configured to cover a light emitting diode, and surface-texturing each region of the encapsulation with one or more geometric features that are configured to extract light.
US08217406B2
A solid state white light emitting device includes a semiconductor chip producing near ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic energy in a range of 380-420 nm, e.g. 405 nm. The device may include a reflector forming and optical integrating cavity. Phosphors, such as doped semiconductor nanophosphors, within the chip packaging of the semiconductor device itself, are excitable by the near UV energy. However the re-emitted light from the phosphors have different spectral characteristics outside the absorption ranges of the phosphors, which reduces or eliminates re-absorption. The emitter produces output light that is at least substantially white and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 75 or higher. The white light output of the emitter may exhibit color temperature in one of the following specific ranges along the black body curve: 2,725±145° Kelvin; 3,045±175° Kelvin; 3,465±245° Kelvin; 3,985±275° Kelvin; 4,503±243° Kelvin; 5,028±283° Kelvin; 5,665±355° Kelvin; and 6,530±510° Kelvin.
US08217405B2
A light-emitting diode includes a substrate, a compound semiconductor layer including a p-n junction-type light-emitting part formed on the substrate, an electric conductor disposed on the compound semiconductor layer and formed of an electrically conductive material optically transparent to the light emitted from the light-emitting part and a high resistance layer possessing higher resistance than the electric conductor and provided in the middle between the compound semiconductor layer and the electric conductor. In the configuration of a light-emitting diode lamp, the electric conductor and the electrode disposed on the semiconductor layer on the side opposite to the electric conductor across the light-emitting layer are made to assume an equal electric potential by means of wire bonding. The light-emitting diode abounds in luminance and excels in electrostatic breakdown voltage.
US08217402B2
Light-emitting devices and associated methods are provided. The light emitting devices can have a wavelength converting material-coated emission surface.
US08217399B2
Embodiments described herein include LEDs that promote photon tunneling. One embodiment of an LED device can have a quantum well layer adapted to generate light having a wavelength, a p-doped alloy layer on a first side of the quantum well layer and an n-doped alloy layer on the other side of the quantum well layer. The device can also include an electrode electrically connected to the p-doped alloy layer and an electrode electrically connected to the n-doped alloy layer. According to one embodiment the thickness of the n-doped alloy layer is less than the wavelength of light generated by the quantum well layer to allow light generated by the quantum well layer to tunnel to the medium (e.g., air). In another embodiment, the entire layer structure can have a thickness that is less than the wavelength.
US08217396B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a highly reliable display device at a low cost with high yield. According to the present invention, a step due to an opening in a contact is covered with an insulating layer to reduce the step, and is processed into a gentle shape. A wiring or the like is formed to be in contact with the insulating layer and thus the coverage of the wiring or the like is enhanced. In addition, deterioration of a light-emitting element due to contaminants such as water can be prevented by sealing a layer including an organic material that has water permeability in a display device with a sealing material. Since the sealing material is formed in a portion of a driver circuit region in the display device, the frame margin of the display device can be narrowed.
US08217392B2
To provide an organic electroluminescence element, containing: at least one pair of electrodes; at least one organic light-emitting layer disposed between the electrodes, the organic light-emitting layer comprising two phosphorescent light-emitting materials and a charge-transporting material, wherein the organic light-emitting element is a white organic light-emitting element, and the charge-transporting material is a hole-transporting material, and wherein one of the two phosphorescent light-emitting materials is a platinum complex expressed by the following general formula 1, and the other is an iridium complex expressed by any one of the following general formulae 2A to 2C:
US08217388B2
A curable organopolysiloxane composition comprising at least the following components: (A) a linear diorganopolysiloxane with a mass average molecular weight of at least 3,000, (B) a branched organopolysiloxane, (C) an organopolysiloxane having, on average, at least two silicon-bonded aryl groups and, on average, at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in one molecule, and (D) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst; has excellent curability and, when cured, forms a flexible cured product of high refractive index, optical transmissivity, excellent adherence to various substrates, high hardness and slight surface tack.
US08217387B2
A polymer compound comprising a repeating unit of the following formula (1) and having a polystyrene-reduced number average molecular weight of 1×103 to 1×108: [wherein, Ar1 and Ar2 represent an arylene group, divalent heterocyclic group or divalent aromatic amine group. Z1 represents —CR1═CR2— or —C≡C—. Here, R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or the like. m and n represent 1 or 2. Rs and Rt represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group or alkoxy group.].
US08217386B2
A vertical field effect transistor (FET) comprises a gate electrode and a first electrode layer having a dielectric layer interposed between these electrodes and a semiconducting active layer electrically coupled to the first electrode. The active layer and the dielectric layer sandwich at least a portion of the first electrode where at least one portion of the active layer is unshielded by the first electrode such that the unshielded portion is in direct physical contact with the dielectric layer. A second electrode layer is electrically coupled to the active layer where the second electrode is disposed on at least a portion of the unshielded portion of the active layer such that the second electrode can form electrostatic fields with the gate electrode upon biasing in unscreened regions near the first electrode.
US08217385B2
Disclosed herein are an organic memory device and a method for fabricating the device. The organic memory device may include a first electrode, a second electrode and an organic active layer wherein the organic active layer includes an upper organic material layer formed of an electrically conductive organic material containing heteroatoms and a lower organic material layer formed of an electrically non-conductive organic material containing heteroatoms. Because the organic memory device exhibits improved thermal stability and non-volatility, it may be well suited for use in nonvolatile large-capacity storage units. Flexible electrodes may be used in the organic memory device to fabricate flexible memory devices.
US08217384B2
A device and method for manipulating a direction of motion of current carriers are presented. The device comprises a structure containing a two-dimensional gas of current carriers configured to define at least one region of inhomogeneity which is characterized by a substantially varying value of at least one parameter from the following: a spin-orbit coupling constant, density of the spin carriers, and a mobility of the gas. The device may be configured and operable to perform spin manipulation of a flux of the spin carrying current carriers to provide at least one of the following types of deviation of said spin-carrying current: spin dependent refraction, spin dependent reflection and spin dependent diffraction on desired deviation angles of a direction of motion of the spin-carrying current carriers being incident on said at least one region of inhomogeneity. The device may also be configured and operable to allow emission of the current carriers from a diffusive region at one side of the region of inhomogeneity to a ballistic region at the opposite side of the region of inhomogeneity to provide the current carriers propagation in multiple directions in the ballistic region with a wide angular range of these directions.
US08217376B2
Several methods of calibrating a wavelength-modulation spectroscopy apparatus configured to measure a concentration of an analyte in a sample gas are disclosed. Each of the methods allows for calibration and recalibration using a relatively safe gas regardless of whether the sample gas for which the concentration of the analyte can be determined is a hazardous gas. In one embodiment of the invention, calibration that is sample-gas specific is accomplished by determining a first slope coefficient and calibration function for the sample gas, after which a scaling factor can be determined based on the first slope coefficient and a second slope coefficient for the same or a different sample gas and used in a subsequent calibration (or recalibration) to scale the calibration function. In other embodiments of the invention, calibration that is not sample-gas specific is accomplished to allow for the determination of the analyte concentration in variable gas compositions and constant gas compositions.
US08217373B2
A system for irradiating a predetermined target volume in a body with a particle beam is constructed to direct the particle beam at a multiplicity of target points in the body in succession, in order to produce at each of the target points a predetermined dose distribution. For the system there is determined a planning target volume by first determining, in a fictive homogeneous body, a target volume equivalent to the minimum target volume in the body. The equivalent target volume is extended by a safety margin, in order to determine the planning target volume.
US08217368B2
A method and system for investigating properties of an object comprising: a transmitter, including a radiation source, the transmitter providing incident radiation having a plurality of predetermined polarization states; the incident radiation illuminating an object and thereby causing the object to emit photoemission; a receiver, receiving photoemission from the object when the object is illuminated by the incident radiation, the receiver including a detector, the detector providing photoemission intensity data; and signal processing circuitry, in electrical communication with the detector, the signal processing circuitry determining three-dimensional information relating to the object from the photoemission intensity data for each of the plurality of incident polarization states.
US08217350B2
A particle optical arrangement providing an electron microscopy system 3 and an ion beam processing system 7 comprises an objective lens 43 of the electron microscopy system having an annular electrode 59 being a component of the electron microscopy system arranged closest to a position 11 of an object to be examined. Between the annular electrode and a principal axis 9 of the ion beam processing system 7 a shielding electrode 81 is arranged.
US08217348B2
The invention provides a system for achieving detection and measurement of film thickness reduction of a resist pattern with high throughput which can be applied to part of in-line process management. By taking into consideration the fact that film thickness reduction of the resist pattern leads to some surface roughness of the upper surface of the resist, a film thickness reduction index value is calculated by quantifying the degree of roughness of the part corresponding to the upper surface of the resist on an electron microscope image of the resist pattern which has been used in the conventional line width measurement. The amount of film thickness reduction of the resist pattern is estimated by applying the calculated index value to a database previously made for relating a film thickness reduction index value to an amount of film thickness reduction of the resist pattern.
US08217340B2
A mass spectrometry method that makes it possible to perform high-sensitivity detection of a desorbed/ionized object substance to be measured in mass spectrometry in which the object substance to be measured is desorbed and ionized. The method includes placing at least an ionizing agent having two or more functional groups represented by Formula (1) below in a molecule: —(CF2)COOH (1) wherein the ionizing agent has a boiling point of equal to or higher than 150° C. and an object molecule to be measured on a substrate and irradiating the ionizing agent and the object molecule to be measured with a primary beam selected from ions, neutral particles, electrons, and a laser beam.
US08217338B2
The present invention describes a method and apparatus for separating chemical and/or biological samples based on selective ion-molecular interactions in the gas phase. A chemical modifier is added to the drift gas that interacts selectively with a targeted molecule in at least one component of the sample in a drift tube. The component may be impurities and/or interferences in the sample whereby the chemical modifier enhances sample resolution by shifting the components drift times. In addition, reagents can be added to the sample prior to, during, or after ionization to form a complex with selected components in the sample. In addition, one or more internal and/or external standard can also be added to the sample as a calibration for the measurement.
US08217337B2
In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for evaluating a volcanic reservoir formation having volcanic rock forming elements and a borehole penetrating the volcanic reservoir formation. The method includes controlling chlorine concentration in an environment of the borehole and a tool operation to enable neutron capture spectroscopy measurements of the volcanic rock forming elements, obtaining neutron capture spectroscopy data relating to the volcanic rock forming elements from borehole logging tools, determining a lithology of the volcanic reservoir formation based on at least the neutron capture spectroscopy data, and generating an evaluation of the volcanic reservoir formation based on at least the lithology.
US08217336B2
A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08217332B2
An optical engine including an illumination system, a beam splitting element, a second dichroic unit, and a light valve is provided. The illumination system provides a visible beam and an invisible beam. The beam splitting element is disposed in transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams. After the visible and invisible beams leave the beam splitting element, the optical axes of the visible and invisible beams are separated from each other. The second dichroic unit is disposed in the transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams from the beam splitting element. The visible beam passes through the second dichroic unit, and the invisible beam is reflected by the second dichroic unit. The light valve is disposed in the transmission path of the visible beam from the second dichroic unit and converts the visible beam into an image beam. The image beam passes through the second dichroic unit.
US08217324B2
A susceptor assembly includes a generally planar susceptor having an electric field director structure mechanically connected thereto. The field director structure includes at least one, but more preferably, a plurality of two or more vanes mechanically connected to the susceptor. Each vane has a surface at least a portion of which is electrically conductive. The vane(s) are most preferably disposed substantially orthogonal to the planar susceptor. The connection may be either a fixed or a flexible articulating connection. In use, such as in the presence of a standing electromagnetic wave generated within a microwave oven, only an attenuated electric field component of the electromagnetic wave exists in a plane tangent to the surface of the vane in the vicinity of the conductive portion of the vane.
US08217323B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an inverter circuit in which soft start can be implemented by a simple circuit added thereto. In high-frequency heating apparatus for driving a magnetron, a DC power supply is chopped by two semiconductor switching devices, and this is output as an AC current through a resonance circuit. The high-frequency heating apparatus includes a dead time generation circuit for turning off the semiconductor switching devices concurrently. In the high-frequency heating apparatus, a drive unit for driving the aforementioned semiconductor switching devices has a function of limiting the lowest frequency of a frequency with which the semiconductor switching devices are driven. The aforementioned lowest frequency is set to be high at the beginning of operation of the high-frequency heating apparatus, and the aforementioned lowest frequency is set to be lower gradually thereafter.
US08217321B2
According to the invention, an improved analysis method for temperature monitoring of a hotplate (11) as a cooker with a temperature sensor (S) may be achieved by means of differentiating once over time and inverting the electronically interrogated temperature signal (T). The result of the inversion is raised to the power of ⅔ to give an output value (A). This output value is used in further processing wherein, in the second processing, the output value is compared with stored values for an output value for defined events. The recording of the output value (A) occurs for a maximum time of up to 300 seconds after starting a cooking process, advantageously 60 to 120 seconds, and then said recording and analysis is terminated.
US08217317B2
A method and apparatus for thermally treating a substrate is provided. A thermal treatment chamber has a substrate support and a magnetically permeable rotor housed in a rotor well. An annular cover shields the rotor from the processing environment. The annular cover has a thermal stress relief joint formed therein that provides one or more mechanical degrees of freedom to allow portions of the cover to shift with thermal stresses. In one embodiment, a gap is formed in the annular cover at the point of maximum thermal stress.
US08217308B2
A more comfortable seat is provided by detecting whether or not a person is in a seat. A seat has a heating element 1, a seat surface temperature detector 5 that is situated below a seat surface cover and that detects the temperature of the seat surface, and a seating determination unit 6 for determining whether or not a seat is occupied. A determination is made as to whether or not a seat is occupied according to an amount of temperature change detected by the seat surface temperature detector 5 for a predetermined period of time, whereby a determination can be readily made as to whether or not a person is seated. When no one is seated, application of power to the heating element 1 is stopped, and the like, which in turn contributes to energy saving and enhancement of fuel efficiency.
US08217304B2
A method and system for locally processing a predetermined microstructure formed on a substrate without causing undesirable changes in electrical or physical characteristics of the substrate or other structures formed on the substrate are provided. The method includes providing information based on a model of laser pulse interactions with the predetermined microstructure, the substrate and the other structures. At least one characteristic of at least one pulse is determined based on the information. A pulsed laser beam is generated including the at least one pulse. The method further includes irradiating the at least one pulse having the at least one determined characteristic into a spot on the predetermined microstructure. The at least one determined characteristic and other characteristics of the at least one pulse are sufficient to locally process the predetermined microstructure without causing the undesirable changes.
US08217297B2
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrical discharge machine is provided comprising an EDM electrode, an electrode holder, and an electrode guide. The electrode guide comprises an internal passage profile that transitions along the machining axis from a substantially circular cross section comprising a diameter d2 to an apexed cross section. The EDM electrode extends from the electrode holder through the electrode entrance aperture of the electrode guide and out of the electrode exit aperture of the electrode guide. The apexed cross section of the electrode guide is aligned relative to the circular cross section of the electrode guide such that apexes of the electrode exit aperture lie outside of a circumferential portion of the circular cross section. A restricted circumferential portion defined by the apexed cross section comprises a diameter that is greater than the effective electrode diameter. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08217295B2
A method produces a welded connection between first and second components each having inner and outer sides interconnected by an end face. The first component has a ferritic basic body carrying a plating at the inside and having an end face with a buffer layer of Ni-based alloy. The second component is of austenitic material. The end faces of the components enclose a weld groove. An austenitic root, connecting the plating to the end face of the second component, is welded in the weld groove. An intermediate layer of a nickel alloy having at least 90% nickel is welded onto the root. The intermediate layer is connected to the end faces of the plating and the second component. A weld seam is then produced in the remaining weld groove using a nickel-based welding additive. A method for repairing a welded connection between first and second components is also provided.
US08217293B2
The present invention provides producing method and producing apparatus in which polarized xenon gas of high concentration is obtained without being frozen, and polarized xenon gas can be produced continuously. A glass cell having solid rubidium and solid xenon filled in vacuum is heated to be gas xenon and gas-liquid mixed rubidium, to which a magnetic field is applied to irradiate a laser beam thereby obtaining polarized xenon gas of high concentration.
US08217292B2
An operating device for an electrical appliance comprises a control panel and an operating element arranged in the control panel for operation by rotary actuation. The operating element is mounted in a cup-like receptacle, at least one additional touch-sensitive switch being arranged in a region of the control panel adjacent to or around the operating element. Advantageously, this is a capacitive touch-sensitive switch with a capacitive sensor element.
US08217285B2
An exemplary keyboard assembly includes a light source for emitting light, a light guide plate and a plurality of keys mounted on the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a light incident surface facing the light source and a light emitting surface. Each key includes a cap, a light guide portion coupled to the cap, and a spring member configured for biasing the light guide portion in a direction away from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. Each key is movable relative to the light guide plate, in response to manual manipulation thereto, between a depressed position where the light guide portion is attached to and optically coupled to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate thereby illuminating the cap, and a rest position where the light guide portion is spaced apart from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate.
US08217283B2
A trigger switch has a trigger arranged projected and biased to a front side in a housing, and a lock member projecting from a side of the trigger towards the housing, and being engaged with a lock button projecting to the side from the housing to fix the trigger in a pulled-in state. The lock member is swingably attached to the trigger.
US08217282B2
A rotary switch section R includes a brush unit 60 rotatably operated by a lever 72 and a plurality of fixed contacts. The brush unit 60 includes a pair of main contact shoes 62, 63 and a single auxiliary contact shoe 64. The fixed contacts include a main contact 24 with which the main contact shoes 62, 63 come into contact with the lever 72 is at its neutral posture N, a pair of contacts 25L, 25R with which the auxiliary contact shoe 64 comes into contact first when the lever 72 is rotatably operated, and second contacts 26L, 26R with which one of the main contact shoes 62, 63 comes into contact subsequently.
US08217281B2
The package comprises a chip and a plurality of frame contact pads. The chip is attached to the frame contact pads in a die attach area with a die attach adhesive. The chips is coupled to frame contact pads outside the die attach area with connecting elements. The chip, the connecting elements and the frame contact pads outside the die attach area are anchored in an electrically insulating encapsulation. The frame contact pads each comprise a first patterned layer and a second patterned layer, which second layer has the surface that is exposed outside the encapsulation. At least a portion of the frame contact pads in the die attach area has a first patterned layer with a first pattern that comprises at least one flange/lead that is outside the second patterned layer when seen in perpendicular projection of the first layer on the second layer.
US08217275B2
A sealing material is provided which has sealing characteristics with low stress and high reliability upon mounting electronic parts on a board, and good repairablity after the sealing. The sealing material contains a heat-curable resin component and is characterized by ΔE/ΔT in a range of from 0.5 MPa/° C. to 30 MPa/° C. wherein ΔE/ΔT represents a ratio of change (ΔE) in storage elastic modulus (E) relative to a temperature change (ΔT) when the storage elastic modulus (E) is determined as the temperature is raised within a temperature range including a glass transition point (Tg) of the cured sealing material.
US08217270B2
A multilayered circuit board which is provided with a low-permittivity interlayer insulating film, and which can significantly improve the performance such as signal transmission characteristics of the multilayered circuit board such as a package and a printed board, because the surface in contact with the interlayer insulating film of the circuit board has no unevenness to eliminate the lowering of production yield and the deterioration of high-frequency signal transmission characteristics; and electronic equipment using the circuit board. The multilayered circuit board comprises, mounted on a substrate, plural wiring layers and plural insulating layers positioned between the plural wiring layers, wherein at least part of the plural insulating layers are composed of a porous insulating layer containing at least any of materials selected from a porous material group consisting of porous material, aerogel, porous silica, porous polymer, hollow silica and hollow polymer, and a non-porous insulating layer formed on at least one surface of the porous insulating layer and not containing the porous material group.
US08217266B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a DIN rail wiring duct. The DIN rail wiring duct has a top, a bottom, and a side. The DIN rail wiring duct includes a base. The base has a top wall, a bottom wall, a sidewall, and a divider wall, which define a channel and a channel opening for accessing the channel. The DIN rail wiring duct also includes a cover for the channel opening. The cover has a top wall and a sidewall substantially perpendicular to the top wall. The top wall of the cover is removably connected to the top wall of the base and the sidewall of the cover is rotatably connected to the sidewall of the base such that the channels are accessible through the channel openings from the top and the side of the DIN rail wiring duct when the cover is rotated from a closed position to an open position.
US08217256B2
The present invention provides a thermoelectric material useful for a thermoelectric converter having excellent energy conversion efficiency, and a method for producing the thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material comprising an oxide containing Ti, M, and O and the oxide is represented by Formula (1). Ti1-xMxOy (1) M represents at least one selected from the group consisting of V, Nb, and Ta, x is not less than 0.05 and not more than 0.5, and y is not less than 1.90 and not more than 2.02.
US08217236B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP39006 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP39006, cells from soybean variety XBP39006, plants of soybean XBP39006, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP39006. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP39006 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP39006, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP39006. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP39006 are further provided.
US08217235B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP37005 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP37005, cells from soybean variety XBP37005, plants of soybean XBP37005, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP37005. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP37005 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP37005, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP37005. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP37005 are further provided.
US08217229B2
The invention provides seed and plants of carrot hybrid 07100375 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of carrot hybrid 07100375 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a carrot plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another carrot plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the roots and gametes of such plants.
US08217226B2
Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encode mannan synthase or galactomannan galactosyltransferase. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the polysaccharide molecules of coffee plants, to influence extraction characteristics and other features of coffee beans.
US08217220B2
An absorbent article such as a diaper, panty diaper, panty liner, sanitary napkin or incontinence device, wherein at least one part of the absorbent article carries a film having at least one monomolecular layer of a polymer having a functional group and an active agent, in particular to an absorbent article wherein the film is obtainable by layer-by-layer deposition of at least a first polymer having a first functional group and a second polymer having a second functional group capable of interacting with the first functional group. Moreover, the use of a film obtainable by the layer-by-layer deposition of at least one first polymer having a first functional group and a second polymer having a second functional group capable of interacting with the first functional group for releasing an active agent contained in the film upon wetting of the film by body fluids. Preferably the first polymer having a first functional group is a polycationic polymer and the second polymer having a second functional group is a polyanionic polymer.
US08217216B2
First aid hats/First aid caps are a cost effective and economical method for treating any systemic illness or topical skin condition such as boil, bruise, or burn, using first aid strips, by providing a pouch which provides a means to use medication in the form of cream or gel. The provision of a pouch prevents medication from escaping when applied on the body with an adhesive first aid strip. Thus a measured amount of any medication when applied stays where it is applied and not lost. A ring made of rubber/latex is used to create the said pouch, when placed on the first aid strip.
US08217214B2
Disclosed are ethylbenzene processes in which a series-arranged or combined vapor phase alkylation/transalkylation reaction zone is retrofitted to have a vapor phase alkylation reactor and a liquid phase transalkylation reactor, and in which a parallel-arranged vapor phase alkylation reactor and vapor phase transalkylation reactor is retrofitted to have a vapor phase alkylation reactor and liquid phase transalkylation reactor, wherein the xylenes content of the ethylbenzene product is less than 700 wppm.
US08217208B2
Disclosed are processes for an isomerization reaction between (E)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and (Z)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene. Some of the disclosed processes include the step of contacting a feed stream with a heated surface, where the feed stream includes (E)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, (Z)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene or mixtures thereof. The resulting product stream includes (E)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and (Z)1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, where the ratio of (E) isomer to (Z) isomer in the product stream is different than the ratio feed stream. The (E) and (Z) isomers in the product stream may be separated from one another.
US08217201B2
Alkylammonium halides of the formula are described wherein the alkylammonium halide is prepared by reacting an alkylamine hydrohalide salt and its corresponding free amine with at least two equivalents of an epihalohydrin.
US08217199B2
The invention relates to a stable water soluble composition containing lithophosphatidylethanol amine (LPE) or lecithin including the LPE 3% or more. The composition comprises one or both of lysophosphatidylethanol amine and lecithin 0.1 to 50 wt %, fatty acid or salt thereof 0.1 to 60 wt % and solvent 10 to 99.8 wt %. According to the invention, it is possible to provide the stable water soluble composition of lithophosphatidylethanolamine and lecithin which does not cause the precipitation at the room temperature below 20° C. and can maintain the clear formulation even during the long term keeping.
US08217197B2
A process for producing methionine advantageously in view of cost, while efficiently recovering useful components, is provided, including the following steps (1) hydrolyzing 5-[2-(methylthio)ethyl]imidazolidine-2,4-dione in the presence of a basic potassium compound; (2) introducing carbon dioxide into the reaction solution obtained in step (1) to thereby precipitate methionine, and separating the resulting slurry into a precipitate and a mother liquor; (3) concentrating the mother liquor obtained in step (2), mixing the resulting concentrate with a lower alcohol, introducing carbon dioxide into the resulting mixture to thereby precipitate methionine and potassium hydrogencarbonate, and separating the resulting slurry into a precipitate and a mother liquor; and (4) concentrating the mother liquor obtained in step (3), treating the resulting concentrate by heating at a temperature of from 150 to 200° C., and recycling the treated solution for use in step (3).
US08217194B2
Disclosed herein are the compounds shown below. Each R is an organic group, Cb is a carborane group, and —C6H4— is phenylene. The value of each m is a nonnegative integer, q is 0 or 1, with the proviso that if q is 0 then m is 0 or 1, p is a positive integer, r is a positive integer, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 10. Also disclosed are methods of making and crosslinking the compounds. —{SiR2—([O]q—SiR2)m-[Cb-SiR2—([O]q—SiR2)m]p—C≡C—C6H4—C≡C}— —{SiR2—(O—SiR2)m—C≡C—C6H4—C≡C}n—; —{SiR2—([O]q—SiR2)m—[C≡C—C6H4—C≡C—SiR2—([O]q—SiR2)m]p-Cb-[SiR2—([O]q—SiR2)m-Cb]r}-
US08217187B2
A means for the extraction and crystallization of quassinoids such as quassin and neoquassin from natural sources containing these compounds, using compounds that are Generally Recognized As Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is provided. In particular, a means for extraction that does not require use of lead acetate, chloroform, methanol, or diethyl ether is provided. The process includes a means of removing non-polar and very polar substances from an extracted residue to enhance crystallization of quassinoids from the residue.
US08217176B2
The present invention provides a compound having a superior Smo inhibitory activity and lower toxicity, which is sufficiently satisfactory as a pharmaceutical product.The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula wherein ring A is 5- to 7-membered ring optionally having substituent(s), where substituents are optionally bonded to each other to form a ring; X is O, S or NR1 (R1 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s)); R2 is carbamoyl optionally having substituent(s); and R3 is hydroxy optionally having substituent(s), or a salt thereof.
US08217168B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein G is selected from a group consisting of: phenyl, a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl group, or a 8- to 11-membered heteroaryl bicyclic group; p is an integer ranging from 0 to 5; R1 is halogen, hydroxy, cyano, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl and SF5; or corresponds to a group R6; and when p is an integer ranging from 2 to 5, each R1 may be the same or different; R2 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl; n is 3, 4, 5 or 6; R6 is a moiety selected from the group consisting of: isoxazolyl, —CH2—N-pyrrolyl, 1,1-dioxido-2-isothiazolidinyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyridyl, 2-pyrrolidinonyl, and such R6 group is optionally substituted by one or two substituents selected from: halogen, cyano, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl; R4 is selected in the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, C1-4alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl and NR′R″; or R4 is a phenyl group, a 5-14 membered heterocyclic group; and any of such phenyl or heterocyclic group is optionally substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of: halogen, cyano, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl, haloC1-4alkoxy and SF5; R7 is hydrogen or C1-2alkyl; R′ is H, C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 alkanoyl; R″ is defined as R′; R′ and R″ taken together with the interconnecting nitrogen atom may form a 5-, 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring; and their use in therapy, as modulators of dopamine D3 receptors.
US08217166B2
Compounds and methods for utilizing compounds comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to polyethylene glycol. Methods are also provided for preparing a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol, the methods comprising reacting an activated polyethylene glycol with a superoxide dismutase mimetic, or alternatively, reacting a superoxide dismutase mimetic with an activated polyethylene glycol. A method is also provided for preventing or treating a disease or disorder in which superoxide anions are implicated, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol. Methods of determining the safety and efficacy of the compounds ere also provided. Methods for determining the safety and efficacy can include methods in lab animals and humans.
US08217164B2
The present invention relates to novel lactose-derived compounds of general formula (I) and to their use as agents for stimulating the immune system of the skin and/or as immunoregulators, and for preparing a composition containing a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium, intended in particular to prevent and/or limit the appearance of cutaneous immune imbalances, in particular related to environmental stresses.
US08217159B2
The invention provides BASB082, BASB083, BASB091, BASB092 and BASB101 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB082, BASB083, BASB091, BASB092 and BASB101 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.
US08217157B2
The present invention provides methods for promoting generation of heart tissue, and for treating and preventing heart tissue degeneration. Additionally, the present invention provides a therapeutic composition comprising a cyclin-associated agent, and a kit comprising the composition. The present invention further provides a heart tissue cell, a sidepopulation progenitor cell, and a stem cell in which cyclin is augmented. Also provided are cell lines comprising these cells, screening methods using the cell lines, and drugs identified by these methods. The present invention further provides in vitro systems for use in screening candidate drugs for at least one cardiotoxic effect and/or for synergy with cyclin in the treatment and prevention of heart tissue degeneration. Finally, the present invention provides use of a cyclin-associated agent in the generation of heart tissue, and use of a cyclin associated agent in the treatment or prevention of heart tissue degeneration.
US08217151B2
An improved pasteurisation protocol for pasteurising microbial cells is disclosed. The protocol has three stages, a first heating stage, a second plateau stage at which the cells are held at a (maximum and) constant temperature, and a third cooling stage. Both the heating and the cooling stages are rapid, with the temperature of the cells passing through 40 to 80° C. in no more than 30 minutes in the heating stage. The heating rate is at least 0.5° C./minute and during cooling is at least −0.5° C./minute. The plateau maximum temperature is from 70 to 85° C. By plotting the pasteurisation protocol on a time (t, minutes) versus temperature (T, ° C.) graph, one obtains a trapezium having an area less than 13,000° C. minute. Not only does this result in a smaller energy input (and so a reduction in costs), but a better quality (and less oxidised) oil results having a peroxide value (POV) of less than 1.5 and an anisidine value (AnV) of less than 1.0.
US08217135B2
Purification methods of polyamic acid resin and polyimide resin are provided. The purification methods of polyamic acid resin or polyimide resin includes providing a polyamic acid resin or a polyimide resin containing metal ion impurities. Thereafter, a cation exchange resin is used to react with the polyamic acid resin or the polyimide resin in order to remove the metal ion impurities therein, and a water content in the polyamic acid resin or the polyimide resin is removed to purify the polyamic acid resin or polyimide resin.
US08217122B2
A silicone rubber powder obtained by curing a condensation-curable silicone rubber composition in a dispersed state in water, having an epoxy equivalent measured by a titration method equal to or lower than 3,000 and an average particle size in the range of 0.1 to 100 μm; and a method of manufacturing a silicone rubber powder comprising the steps of dispersing in water a silicone rubber composition comprising at least components (A) through (C) listed below; adding component (D); and curing the mixture: (A) a diorganopolysiloxane capped at both molecular terminals with silanol groups and having in one molecule 30 or less silicon atoms; (B) an organopolysiloxane having in one molecule at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms; (C) an epoxy-containing alkoxysilane; and (D) a condensation-reaction catalyst. The silicone rubber powder has low epoxy equivalent and possesses excellent dispersibility in organic resins, and the method is efficient in manufacturing of the aforementioned powder.
US08217120B2
The present invention provides functionalized styrene oligomers and polymers prepared by Friedel-Crafts chemistry, as well as epoxidation products thereof. In particular, the invention provides allyl functional TPE. The invention also provides methods for making the functionalized styrene oligomers and polymers of the invention as well as epoxidation products thereof, compositions containing the same, and methods for using the functionalized and epoxified styrene oligomers that take advantage of the unique properties of the compounds and compositions of the invention.
US08217111B2
The invention is a method of producing an essentially electrically neutral polymer dispersion, comprising a polymerizing one or more monomers in the presence of a nonionic surfactant, wherein the polymerization preferably occurs in the absence of ionic surfactants. The invention also includes methods of producing positively or negatively charged polymer dispersions comprising producing the essentially nonionic polymer dispersion and further adding a cationically-charged or anionically-charged surfactant or electrolyte. The invention further includes dispersions produced by the methods of the invention and polymer films and powders produced from these dispersions.
US08217102B2
A low odor aqueous styrene containing polymer dispersions comprising low level acetoacetoxy or acetoacetamide functional group in monomer or as non-polymeric additive with high boiling point organic amine is provided. The aqueous polymer dispersion is useful for preparing low odor coatings.
US08217100B2
An adhesive composition includes an antistatic agent that includes an ionic compound having a melting point of 50° C. or more, and a base polymer having a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less.
US08217093B2
A two-component polyurethane/vinyl ester hybrid foam system is formed of a polyol component (A), which contains at least one polyol, a catalyst for the reaction of the polyol with the polyisocyanate, at least one polymerizable vinyl monomer and water or a blowing agent on the basis of a compressed or liquefied gas as foam-forming agent, and a polyisocyanate component (B), which contains at least one polyisocyanate and a catalyst for the polymerization of the vinyl monomer, and is designed for use as a flame retardant material and material for filling openings, cable and pipe bushings in walls, floors and/or of buildings for the purpose of fire protection.
US08217089B2
In the elastomer porous material of the invention, when cells in a first observation region of a first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF1, which indicates the roundness of a circle and is represented by the following formula: SF 1 = π a 2 4 A × 100 (wherein a represents the length of major axis of each cell, and A represents the area thereof), of 150 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the first observation region, and, when cells in a second observation region of a second cross section orthogonal to the first cross section are observed at a certain magnification, cells having a shape factor SF1, which indicates the roundness of a circle and is represented by the same formula (wherein a represents the length of major axis of each cell, and A represents the area thereof), of 150 or less account for 80% or more of all cells in the second observation region.
US08217071B2
The present invention relates to the use of particular macrocycles that are inhibitors of the proteasomic degradation of p27, in particular Argyrin and derivatives thereof, preferably Argyrin A, for the treatment of proliferative diseases, such as cancer, as well as the derivatization of said macrocycles.
US08217069B2
[Purpose] The present invention provides compounds useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a sex hormone-dependent disease or the like.[Solution] The present invention provides nitrogen-containing fused ring derivatives represented by the following general formula (I) which has a GnRH antagonistic activity, prodrugs, salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, medicinal uses thereof and the like. In the formula (I), rings A and B are independently aryl or heteroaryl; RA and RB are independently halogen, cyano, alkyl, alkylsulfonyl, —OW1, —SW1, —COW2, —NW3W4, —SO2NW3W4, aryl, etc.; RC is H or alkyl; E is oxygen atom, etc.; U is single bond or alkylene; and X is Y, —CO—Y, —SO2—Y, —S-(alkylene)-Y, —O-(alkylene)-Y, —SO2-(alkylene)-Y, etc.; Y is Z or amino, etc.; and Z is cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, etc.
US08217067B2
A compound having Formula (I) or Formula (II) is disclosed as an P2X7 antagonist, wherein A, B, C, Y, Y, Z, m, v, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5, are as defined in the description. Methods and compositions for treating disease or condition modulated by P2X7 are also disclosed.
US08217063B2
The present application relates to novel lactam-substituted dicarboxylic acid derivatives, processes for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US08217053B2
Novel camptothecin derivatives having antitumor activity, the processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof as antitumor drugs and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US08217045B2
The invention relates to naphthalene carboxylic acid and isoquinoline carboxylic acid amides, and related compounds of formula I and their uses as pharmaceuticals.
US08217042B2
The invention relates to pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazines of the general formulae (I) and (II), and to their preparation and use as medicaments, especially for the treatment of malignant disorders and other disorders based on pathological cell proliferations.
US08217040B2
The present patent application relates to the use of triazine derivatives as cicatrising or angiogenic agents.
US08217037B2
Thiazole and thiophene compounds are disclosed having utility in treating inflammatory conditions, immunoinflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Methods for the synthesis of these compounds are also disclosed.
US08217036B2
Compounds of formula I wherein: R1 is and R2, R4, and R6-9 are defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. These compounds inhibit PI3 kinase and mTOR, and may be used to treat diseases mediated by PI3 kinase and mTOR, such as a variety of cancers. Methods for making and using the compounds of this invention are disclosed. Various compositions containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed.
US08217029B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein U, V, W, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A, B, D, E, G, m, and n are as defined in the description, to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds for use in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of a bacterial infection. Certain compounds of formula (I) are new and are also part of this invention.
US08217028B2
The present invention relates to novel oxadiazole derivatives having pharmacological activity, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of various disorders.
US08217023B2
19-nor-vitamin D analogs having an additional cyclopentene ring connecting carbon 1 and carbon 2, or connecting carbon 3 and carbon-2 of the A-ring of the analog, and pharmaceutical uses therefore, are described. These compounds exhibit selective in vitro activities, making them therapeutic agents for the treatment or prophylaxis of some types of cancers, particularly leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer or prostate cancer.
US08217020B2
Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition.
US08217014B2
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of blood clotting disorder which can reduce a burden on a patient. The pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of ribavirin or a derivative thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of ribavirin or the derivative.
US08217008B2
A soluble receptor to IL-20 having two polypeptide subunits, IL-20RA (formerly called ZcytoR7) and IL-20RB (formerly called DIRS1). The two subunits are preferably linked together. In one embodiment one subunit is fused to the constant region of the light chain of an immunoglobulin, and the other subunit is fused to the constant region of the heavy chain of the immunoglobulin. The light chain and the heavy chain are connected via a disulfide bond.
US08217006B2
Patients needing NO donor therapy or inhibition of pathologically proliferating cells or increased NO bioactivity are treated with a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase.
US08217005B2
A method of providing a patient with controlled release of a phenolic opioid using a prodrug capable, upon enzymatic activation, of releasing the phenolic opioid through intra-molecular cyclization leading to formation of a cyclic urea, carbamate or thiocarbamate.
US08217002B2
The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.
US08217001B2
Methods are disclosed for decreasing calorie intake, food intake, and appetite in a subject. The methods include peripherally administering a therapeutically effective amount of PYY or an agonist thereof to the subject, thereby decreasing the calorie intake of the subject.
US08216993B2
A laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet including a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition therebetween. The separator layer is removed, the composition layer is adhered to a stain on clothing, and the clothing is laundered to treat the stain. The carrier layer dissolves or disperses during the laundering.
US08216978B2
This invention provides a method of making a fluorinated precursor of a superconducting ceramic. The method comprises providing a solution comprising a rare earth salt, an alkaline earth metal salt and a copper salt; spraying the solution onto a substrate to provide a film-covered substrate; and heating the film-covered substrate in an atmosphere containing fluorinated gas to provide the fluorinated precursor.
US08216974B2
There is provided a fluorine-containing organosulfur compound having an excellent controlling effect on arthropod pests represented by the formula (I): wherein G represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; R2 represents a C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon group which is optionally substituted with a halogen atom, etc.; R3 and R4 independently represent a C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom; R5 represents a C1-C5 haloalkyl group containing at least one fluorine atom, or a fluorine atom; R6 represents a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group or a -(G1)q-R8 group; R7 represents an amino group etc.; R8 represents a C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon group which is optionally substituted with a halogen atom; m represents an integer of 0 to 5; n represents an integer of 0 to 2; p represents 0 or 1; q represents 0 or 1; and G1 represents an oxygen atom etc.
US08216965B2
A copolymer and water/ethanol solvent solution capable of binding with airborne contaminants or potential airborne contaminants, such as biological weapon agents or toxic particulates, coagulating as the solvent evaporates, and adhering the contaminants to a surface so as to inhibit the re-suspension of such contaminants. The solution uses a water or ethanol/water mixture for the solvent, and a copolymer having one of several functional group sets so as to have physical and chemical characteristics of high adhesion, low viscosity, low surface tension, negative electrostatic charge, substantially neutral pH, and a low pKa. Use of the copolymer solution prevents re-aerosolization and transport of unwanted, reactive species thus increasing health and safety for personnel charged with decontamination of contaminated buildings and areas.
US08216958B2
A method for hydrodesulfurizing FCC naphtha is described. More particularly, a Co/Mo metal hydrogenation component is loaded on a silica or modified silica support in the presence of organic ligand and sulfided to produce a catalyst which is then used for hydrodesulfurizing FCC naphtha. The silica support has a defined pore size distribution which minimizes olefin saturation.
US08216956B2
A layered electrocatalyst for oxidizing ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: a carbon support integrated with a conductive metal; at least one first metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the carbon support, wherein the at least one first metal plating layer is active to OH adsorption and inactive to a target species, and wherein the at least one first metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns; and at least one second metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the at least one first metal plating layer, wherein the at least one second metal plating layer is active to the target species, and wherein the at least one second metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns, forming a layered electrocatalyst.
US08216951B2
Structures include a tunneling device disposed over first and second lattice-mismatched semiconductor materials. Process embodiments include forming tunneling devices over lattice-mismatched materials.
US08216949B2
A method lor integrated circuit fabrication is disclosed. A spacer pattern is provided including a plurality ot spacers in an array region of a partially-fabricated integrated circuit. Each spacer is at least partly defined by opposing open volumes extending along lengths of the spacers. A pattern is subsequently defined in a periphery region of the partially-fabricated integrated circuit. A consolidated pattern is formed by concurrently transferring the spacer pattern and the pattern in the periphery region into an underlying masking layer. The consolidated pattern is transferred to an underlying substrate.
US08216947B2
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit device includes forming first and second mask structures on respective first and second regions of a feature layer. Each of the first and second mask structures includes a dual mask pattern and an etch mask pattern thereon having an etch selectivity relative to the dual mask pattern. The etch mask patterns of the first and second mask structures are isotropically etched to remove the etch mask pattern from the first mask structure while maintaining at least a portion of the etch mask pattern on the second mask structure. Spacers are formed on opposing sidewalls of the first and second mask structures. The first mask structure is selectively removed from between the spacers in the first region using the portion of the etch mask pattern on the second mask structure as a mask to define a first mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers with a void therebetween in the first region, and a second mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers with the second mask structure therebetween in the second region. The feature layer may be patterned using the first mask pattern as a mask to define a first feature on the first region, and using the second mask pattern as a mask to define a second feature on the second region having a greater width than the first feature.
US08216937B2
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a display device. The method includes providing a substrate in which a display region and a pad region formed around the display region are defined, forming a conductive layer on the substrate, forming a mask pattern by rolling a roller on the conductive layer, and patterning the conductive layer using the mask pattern to form a line in the display region and a pad in the pad region. The pad is formed of a pattern having a second width corresponding to a first width of the line.
US08216934B2
A semiconductor device is provided that forms a three-dimensional semiconductor device having semiconductor devices stacked on one another. In this semiconductor device, a hole is formed in a silicon semiconductor substrate that has an integrated circuit unit and an electrode pad formed on a principal surface on the outer side. The hole is formed by etching, with the electrode pad serving as an etching stopper layer. An embedded electrode is formed in the hole. This embedded electrode serves to electrically lead the electrode pad to the principal surface on the bottom side of the silicon semiconductor substrate.
US08216933B2
A method of depositing a bilayer of tungsten over tungsten nitride by a plasma sputtering process in which krypton is used as the sputter working gas during the tungsten deposition. Argon may be used as the sputtering working gas during the reactive sputtering deposition of tungsten nitride. The beneficial effect of reduction of tungsten resistivity is increased when the thickness of the tungsten layer is less than 50 nm and further increased when less than 35 nm. The method may be used in forming a gate stack including a polysilicon layer over a gate oxide layer over a silicon gate region of a MOS transistor in which the tungsten nitride acts as a barrier. A plasma sputter chamber in which the invention may be practiced includes gas sources of krypton, argon, and nitrogen.
US08216932B2
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices and a method of fabricating the same. According to a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices, there is first provided a semiconductor substrate in which a first pre-metal dielectric layer including trenches is formed. A diffusion barrier layer is formed on the entire surface including the trenches. A metal layer is formed on the diffusion barrier layer including the trenches, thereby gap-filling the trenches. A polish etching process is performed on the metal layer and the diffusion barrier layer so that the diffusion barrier layer and the metal layer remain within the trenches. An etching process of lowering a height of the metal layer is performed in order to increase a distance between metal lines. A capping layer is formed on the entire surface including exposed sidewalls of the first pre-metal dielectric layer. A second pre-metal dielectric layer is formed over the capping layer.
US08216930B2
A flip chip interconnect has a tapering interconnect structure, and the area of contact of the interconnect structure with the site on the substrate metallization is less than the area of contact of the interconnect structure with the die pad. A solder mask has an opening over the interconnect site, and the solder mask makes contact with the interconnect structure, or is in close proximity to the interconnect structure, at the margin of the opening. The flip chip interconnect is provided with an underfill. During the underfill process, the contact (or near proximity) of the solder mask with the interconnect structure interferes with flow of the underfill material toward the substrate adjacent the site, resulting in formation of a void left unfilled by the underfill, adjacent the contact of the interconnect structure with the site on the substrate metallization. The void can help provide relief from strain induced by changes in temperature of the system.
US08216929B2
In a method of manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate made of silicon carbide and having first and second opposing surfaces is prepared. The second surface of the semiconductor substrate is processed so that a surface roughness of the second surface is less than or equal to 10 nm and a value of (100%-reflectance-transmittance) at a wavelength of a laser light is greater than or equal to 80%. A metal layer is formed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate after the processing the second surface. The metal layer is irradiated with the laser light and thereby an ohmic electrode is formed on the second surface.
US08216921B2
A method for producing a silicon wafer for epitaxial substrate which includes a first step of performing thermal oxidization on a silicon wafer containing boron atoms no less than 1E19 atoms/cm3, thereby forming a silicon oxide film on the surface of the silicon wafer, a second step of peeling off the silicon oxide film, and a third step of performing heat treatment on the silicon wafer in a hydrogen atmosphere.
US08216920B2
Provided is a method for manufacturing a silicon epitaxial wafer by growing an epitaxial layer by placing a silicon substrate on a susceptor. The method includes at least a step of forming a silicon oxide film entirely on the rear surface of the silicon substrate; a step of removing the silicon oxide film formed at least on an edge section of the silicon substrate; and a step of placing the silicon substrate on the susceptor with the silicon oxide film in between. An epitaxial layer is grown on the silicon substrate, while holding the silicon substrate by the susceptor with the silicon oxide film in between. Thus, the silicon epitaxial wafer by which generation of particles can be reduced in a device manufacturing process and a method for manufacturing such silicon epitaxial wafer are provided.
US08216919B2
A substrate carrier structure includes a tray and a secondary electron absorbing material. The tray holds a semiconductor substrate having a first surface on which semiconductor device elements are formed. The secondary electron absorbing material is interposed between the tray and this first surface of the semiconductor substrate. When the semiconductor substrate is irradiated with charged particles to form lattice defects, the secondary electron absorbing material prevents unwanted trapping of secondary electrons emitted from the tray, and thereby reduces the variability of electrical characteristics of semiconductor device elements formed on the semiconductor substrate.
US08216912B2
A method, structure, and design structure for a through-silicon-via Wilkinson power divider. A method includes: forming an input on a first side of a substrate; forming a first leg comprising a first through-silicon-via formed in the substrate, wherein the first leg electrically connects the input and a first output; forming a second leg comprising a second through-silicon-via formed in the substrate, wherein the second leg electrically connects the input and a second output, and forming a resistor electrically connected between the first output and the second output.
US08216908B2
An extended drain transistor (100) comprising a substrate (101), a gate (103) formed on the substrate (100), the gate (103) having a first side wall (104) and a second side wall (105) opposing the first side wall (104), an extended drain (106) implanted in a surface portion of the substrate (101) adjacent the second side wall (105) of the gate (103), a spacer (107) on the second side wall (105) of the gate (103), a source (108) implanted in a surface portion of the substrate (101) adjacent the first side wall (104) of the gate (103), and a drain (109) implanted in a surface portion of the substrate (101) adjacent the spacer (107) in such a manner that the extended drain (106) is arranged between the gate (103) and the drain (109).
US08216907B2
A method forms a metal high dielectric constant (MHK) transistor and includes: providing a MHK stack disposed on a substrate, the MHK stack including a first layer of high dielectric constant material, a second overlying layer, and a third overlying layer; selectively removing only the second and third layers, without removing the first layer, to form an upstanding portion of a MHK gate structure; forming a first sidewall layer on sidewalls of the upstanding portion of the MHK gate structure; forming a second sidewall layer on sidewalls of the first sidewall layer; removing a portion of the first layer to form exposed surfaces; forming an offset spacer layer over the second sidewall layer and over the first layer, and forming in the substrate extensions that underlie the first and second sidewall layers and that extend under a portion but not all of the upstanding portion of the MHK gate structure.
US08216904B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate is provided having at least two transistor regions formed therein. Overlying the channel regions is a gate dielectric and transistor gate electrodes overly the gate dielectric and are positioned overlying the channel regions. Source and drain regions are formed on either side of the channel regions to create a transistor structure. In order to provide isolation between transistors in the semiconductor substrate, a trench is formed in the substrate. A strain-inducting layer is then deposited over the transistor structures and into the trench in the semiconductor substrate. A high-stress nitride layer is one type of material which is suitable for forming the strain-inducing layer.
US08216902B2
Nanowire-based devices are provided. In one aspect, a SRAM cell includes at least one pair of pass gates and at least one pair of inverters formed adjacent to one another on a wafer. Each pass gate includes one or more device layers each having a source region, a drain region and a plurality of nanowire channels connecting the source region and the drain region and a gate common to each of the pass gate device layers surrounding the nanowire channels. Each inverter includes a plurality of device layers each having a source region, a drain region and a plurality of nanowire channels connecting the source region and the drain region and a gate common to each of the inverter device layers surrounding the nanowire channels.
US08216898B2
Fabrication methods for electronic devices with via through holes and thin film transistor devices are presented. The fabrication method the electronic device includes providing a substrate, forming a patterned lower electrode on the substrate, and forming a photosensitive insulating layer on the substrate covering the patterned lower electrode. A patterned optical shielding layer is applied on the photosensitive insulating layer. Exposure procedure is performed curing the exposed photosensitive insulating layer. The optical shielding layer and the underlying photosensitive insulating layer are sequentially removed, thereby forming an opening. A patterned upper electrode is formed on the photosensitive insulating layer filling the opening to create a conductive via hole.
US08216897B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a device isolation structure for defining an active region, forming a buried word line traversing the active region, forming one or more insulation film patterns over the buried word line, forming a line pattern including a first conductive material at a position between the insulation film patterns, and forming a plurality of storage node contacts (SNCs) by isolating the line pattern. As a result, when forming a bit line contact and a storage node contact, a fabrication margin is increased.
US08216892B2
There is provided a method for manufacturing a crystalline semiconductor film. An insulating film is formed over a substrate; an amorphous semiconductor film is formed over the insulating film; a cap film is formed over the amorphous semiconductor film; the amorphous semiconductor film is scanned and irradiated with a continuous wave laser beam or a laser beam with a repetition rate of greater than or equal to 10 MHz, through the cap film; and the amorphous semiconductor film is melted and crystallized At this time, an energy distribution in a length direction and a width direction in a laser beam spot is a Gaussian distribution, and the amorphous semiconductor film is scanned with the laser beam so as to be irradiated with the laser beam for a period of greater than or equal to 5 microseconds and less than or equal to 100 microseconds per region.
US08216890B2
A varactor diode includes a portion of a top semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and a gate electrode located thereupon. A first electrode having a doping of a first conductivity type laterally abuts a doped semiconductor region having the first conductivity type, which laterally abuts a second electrode having a doping of a second conductivity type, which is the opposite of the first conductivity type. A hyperabrupt junction is formed between the second doped semiconductor region and the second electrode. The gate electrode controls the depletion of the first and second doped semiconductor regions, thereby varying the capacitance of the varactor diode. A design structure for the varactor diode is also provided.
US08216889B2
A thin film transistor includes a multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a plurality of coaxial silicon nanowires on a substrate, the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a central portion and end portions of the central portion; a gate electrode on the central portion; and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the respective end portions, respectively, so as to electrically connect to the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit.
US08216888B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a substrate including a first active region and a second active region; forming a gate electrode layer over the substrate; and etching the gate electrode layer. The remaining portions of the gate electrode layer include a first gate strip and a second gate strip substantially parallel to each other; and a sacrificial strip unparallel to, and interconnecting, the first gate strip and the second gate strip. The sacrificial strip is between the first active region and the second active region. The method further includes forming a mask layer covering portions of the first gate strip and the second gate strip, wherein the sacrificial strip and portions of the first gate strip and the second gate strip are exposed through an opening in the mask layer; and etching the sacrificial strip and the portions of the first gate strip and the second gate strip through the opening.
US08216880B2
In semiconductor devices having a copper-based metallization system, bond pads for wire bonding may be formed directly on copper surfaces, which may be covered by an appropriately designed protection layer to avoid unpredictable copper corrosion during the wire bond process. A thickness of the protection layer may be selected such that bonding through the layer may be accomplished, while also ensuring a desired high degree of integrity of the copper surface.
US08216878B2
It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor having stable electric characteristics. It is another object to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device at lower cost with high productivity. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor where a semiconductor layer having a channel formation region, a source region, and a drain region are formed using an oxide semiconductor layer, heat treatment (heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed so as to improve the purity of the oxide semiconductor layer and reduce impurities such as moisture. Moreover, the oxide semiconductor layer subjected to the heat treatment is slowly cooled under an oxygen atmosphere.
US08216870B2
A mechanical quantity sensor includes: a first structure having a fixed portion with an opening, a displaceable portion disposed in the opening and displaceable relative to the fixed portion, and a connection portion connecting the fixed portion and the displaceable portion to each other; a second structure having a weight portion joined to the displaceable portion and a pedestal joined to the fixed portion, the second structure being stacked on the first structure; a first base having a first driving electrode which is disposed on a surface facing the displaceable portion and is made of a conductive material containing Al and Nd, the first base being stacked on the first structure while being connected to the fixed portion; and a second base having a second driving electrode which is disposed on a surface facing the weight portion and is made of the conductive material, the second base being stacked on the second structure while being connected to the pedestal.
US08216866B2
A method to manufacture an optical device with enhanced high frequency performance is disclosed. The method includes steps of: (a) forming semiconductor layers on a semiconductor substrate, (b) etching the semiconductor layers by using a mask to form a plurality of diffraction gratings, where the mask provides a plurality of periodic patterns each corresponding to respective gratings and having a specific pitch different from others, (c) forming an active layer on the etched semiconductor layers, (d) measuring a maximum optical gain of the active layer, (e) selecting one of diffraction gratings based on the measured optical gain, and (f) forming a current confinement structure aligned with the selected diffraction grating.
US08216864B2
A LED device includes a base structure having a receiving space, a light-emitting chip, an encapsulating structure, and a phosphor layer. The receiving space is defined by an inner bottom surface of the base structure and an inner side wall surrounding the inner bottom surface. The light-emitting chip is mounted on the bottom of the receiving space. The encapsulating structure is filled into the receiving space to cover the light-emitting chip. The phosphor layer is formed on the encapsulating structure. The dimension of the phosphor layer is more than the dimension of the receiving space and less than 1.5 times that of the receiving space, so as to mount on the top surface of the base structure.
US08216850B2
Disclosed are nucleic acid-based molecular switches that respond to changes in pH. The switches may be used in DNA nanodevices. The switches may also act as sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, including cells, regions thereof, and whole organisms. The switch includes an A-motif that forms at acidic pH. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of cells or regions thereof, such as vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondrial matrix, or the Golgi lumen.
US08216844B2
The present invention relates to the identification of novel nucleic acid sequences, designated herein as 7p, 8k, 7E, 9G, 8Q and 203, in a host cell which effect protein production. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding 7p, 8k, 7E, 9G, 8Q and 203, which are presented in FIG. 1, and are SEQ ID NOS.: 1-6, respectively. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising a nucleic acid encoding a desired heterologous protein such as an enzyme.
US08216839B2
A method for preparing isolated hepatocytes is disclosed. The method comprises: a) culturing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a medium comprising hepatic growth factor (HGF) to cause the MSCs to differentiate toward hepatocytes, wherein the MSCs are isolated from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood; b) culturing cells from a) in a medium comprising HGF and oncostatin M (OSM) to facilitate the cell differentiation toward hepatocytes; and c) culturing cells from b) in a medium comprising OSM to cause the differentiated cells to mature into hepatocytes, and thereby producing the isolated hepatocyte cells.
US08216837B2
A method of producing lymphocytes characterized by comprising the step of culturing lymphocytes in the presence of a modified recombinant fibronectin fragment which has overlapping parts of the heparin-binding domain of fibronectin. This method makes it possible to achieve a high cell proliferation rate. The lymphocytes obtained thereby are appropriately usable in, for example, adoptive immunotherapy and, therefore, expected as highly useful in the clinical field. Moreover, a novel modified recombinant fibronectin fragment is provided.
US08216836B2
Disclosed herein are methods of identifying one or more differentiation factors that are useful for differentiating cells in a cell population comprising definitive endoderm cells into cells which are capable of forming tissues and/or organs that are derived from the gut tube.
US08216834B2
The present invention provides recombinant replication-defective adenoviral vectors derived from chimpanzee adenoviruses and methods for generating recombinant adenoviruses in human E1-expressing cell lines. The invention also provides compositions and methods suitable for use for the delivery and expression of transgenes encoding immunogens against which a boosted immune response is desired. The invention further provides methods of generating clinical grade vector stocks suitable for use in humans. In a particular embodiment the invention contemplates the use of vectors comprising transgenes which encode tumor associated antigens in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
US08216827B2
The disclosure relates to a biological analysis device including: means for circulating a fluid to be analyzed, comprising a fluidic chamber, optical detection means based on a semiconductor, including a detection front face, a rear face and pads of electrical contacts located on this rear face.
US08216820B2
A transformant capable of producing isopropanol which is constructed by transferring the following genes (a) to (d) into a coryneform bacterium: (a) an exogenous gene which encodes an enzyme having acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase activity; (b) an exogenous gene which encodes an enzyme having acetoacetyl CoA:acetate CoA-transferase activity; (c) an exogenous gene which encodes an enzyme having acetoacetate decarboxylase activity; and (d) an exogenous gene which encodes an enzyme having isopropanol dehydrogenase activity.
US08216812B2
The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
US08216803B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages.
US08216802B2
A detection medium including a substrate for a metabolic activity specific for a group of Gram-negative bacteria, a beta-glucosidase or cellobiosidase substrate, and a beta-glucosidase or cellobiosidase inducer. The inducer is a carbohydrate constituted of a carbohydrate linked in the β-position to glucose, or a carbohydrate with a βglucoside subunit, preferably selected from cellobiose, cellulose, starch, cellotriose, and trehalose.
US08216800B2
An enzyme substrate of formula (I) detects peptidase activity: Methods of detecting peptidase activity of a microorganism may include incubating a biological sample with the enzyme substrate of formula (I), and detecting peptidase activity if a microorganism having peptidase activity is present in the biological sample. The enzyme substrate may be included in a reaction medium.
US08216796B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating fibrotic lung disease. In one embodiment the diagnostic method comprises determining the amount of circulating CXCL-12 in a patient relative to a control.
US08216793B2
The present invention provides analytical methods for detecting anti-polymer antibody in an individual. The methods involve contacting a sample from the individual with a water soluble polymer-modified carrier and detecting binding of antibody to the water soluble polymer on the water soluble polymer-modified carrier wherein binding is indicative of the presence of antibody to the water polymer-modified polypeptide. Antibody may be detected to water soluble polymers such as polyethylene glycol, polysialic acid, dextran, hydroxyalkyl starch, or hydroxyethyl starch. When antibody to the water soluble polymer polyethylene glycol is to be detected, the carrier is modified with a non-linear polyethylene glycol derivative.
US08216785B2
The present invention is intended to provide a means for judging the malignancy of neuroblastoma and the progress of spontaneous regression thereof. The present invention provides a method for detecting cancer which comprises detecting activation or inactivation of the lysosomal-associated protein multispanning transmembrane 5 (LAPTM5) gene and amplification of the MYCN gene in a specimens to evaluate the malignancy of the specimens and the progress of spontaneous regression.
US08216779B2
Stable cell lines which produce the pathological form of PrP after infection with the infectious agent for CJD provide a high throughput assay to identify suitable treatment protocols and compositions. The stable cell lines also provide rich source of infectious CJD agent. They also may be used to identify vaccine candidates. Co-culture of neuronal cells with cells to be tested for infection with a TSE agent also provides a high throughput method for identifying infected cells.
US08216777B2
The invention generally features compositions and methods useful for the treatment and diagnosis of a neoplasia in a subject. In particular, the invention provides therapeutic compositions that decrease the expression of an Nfr2 nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide for the treatment of a neoplasia, such as a chemoresistant neoplasia, in a subject.
US08216776B2
An aqueous solution of electrolytes, a sugar osmotic agent and a physiologically safe salt of a reductive sulfur oxy-acid. Alternatively, the dialysate comprises an aqueous solution of electrolytes, a salt of a reductive sulfur oxy-acid, and osmotic agents which contain an oncotic agent other than a sugar osmotic agent.
US08216774B2
A pattern is formed by coating a chemically amplified positive resist composition comprising a resin comprising acid labile group-containing recurring units and a photoacid generator onto a substrate, drying to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation through a phase shift mask including a lattice-like first shifter and a second shifter arrayed on the first shifter and consisting of lines which are thicker than the line width of the first shifter, PEB, developing to form a positive pattern, illuminating or heating the positive pattern to eliminate acid labile groups for increasing alkaline solubility and to induce crosslinking for imparting solvent resistance, coating a reversal film, and dissolving away the positive pattern in an alkaline wet etchant to form a pattern by way of positive/negative reversal.
US08216769B2
A heat-sensitive negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and a coating provided thereon, the coating including an image-recording layer which includes hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles, a binder, and an infrared absorbing dye; wherein the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles have an average particle diameter, measured by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, of more than 10 nm and less than 40 nm; the amount of the IR-dye, without taking into account an optional counter ion, is more than 0.80 mg per m2 of the total surface of the thermoplastic polymer particles, measured by Hydrodynamic Fractionation; and the amount of hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles relative to the total weight of the ingredients of the imaging layer is at least 60%.
US08216766B2
A polymer having a rate of dissolution in an alkaline developer that increases under the action of acid is provided. The polymer is prepared by reacting a hydrogenated ROMP polymer with an O-alkylating agent in the presence of a base.
US08216755B2
A toner manufactured by a method including the steps of dissolving or dispersing toner components comprising a binder resin, a colorant, and an encapsulated plasticizer to prepare an oily toner components liquid, and emulsifying or dispersing the oily toner components liquid in an aqueous medium to prepare the toner.
US08216753B2
There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, or SiR3; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R8 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.
US08216751B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved flexible electrophotographic imaging member that does not require an anticurl back-coating layer to prevent curling. The charge transport layer of the disclosed embodiments comprises a class of hole transporting plasticizers which act to counteract curling as well as impart good electrical performance to the imaging member.
US08216750B2
A method of manufacturing a color filter, includes forming a colored coated film on a substrate using a colored composition containing a pigment, a monomer having an ethylenic unsaturated double bond and photo-polymerization initiator, irradiating a filter segment-forming region or a black matrix-forming region of the colored coated film with an excimer laser beam having a wavelength of 308 nm (XeCL) at a dosage sufficient to achieve a cumulative light exposure of 1-150 mJ/cm2, thereby curing the irradiated region, removing uncured portions of the colored coated film to form the filter segment or the black matrix, and repeating the above-described steps plural times, thereby forming filter segments of at least two colors and/or a black matrix.
US08216748B2
A method of manufacturing a photomask includes forming an upper layer on a photomask substrate, and patterning the upper layer to form an upper pattern having an inclined sidewall, wherein patterning the upper layer includes anisotropically etching the upper layer using charged particles moving in parallel to a first direction inclined toward a top surface of the upper layer.
US08216746B2
Provided is a method of correcting a defect in an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask. A monomolecular film is chemically bonded onto a surface of a repair tip. The repair tip is positioned over a defect disposed on the EUV mask, so that the monomolecular film bonded onto the repair tip can also bond to the defect. The repair tip is then moved away from the EUV mask so that the defect is separated from the EUV mask and thus removing the defect in the EUV mask.
US08216740B2
A fuel cell including an MEA sealed by a multi-block copolymer gasket is disclosed. The self-assembling, nanophase-separated polymer exhibits higher corrosion resistance relative to typical silicone gaskets while providing a better seal of the MEA to the fuel cell housing than PTFE.
US08216738B2
A SOFC includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, an anode electrode, and a hydrocarbon fuel inlet. The SOFC is configured for internal reforming of a hydrocarbon fuel at the anode electrode. The SOFC is configured to limit an interaction between the hydrocarbon fuel and the anode electrode adjacent to the hydrocarbon fuel inlet, or to limit an area of the anode electrode exposed to the hydrocarbon fuel adjacent to the hydrocarbon fuel inlet, or to provide a gradual introduction of the hydrocarbon fuel to the anode electrode.
US08216729B2
A fuel cell system (10) of the present invention comprises determination means (50) for consuming a fuel gas present at a gas leak detection portion of a fuel gas supply system (31, 32) through the power generation of a fuel cell (20), and performing a gas leak determination on the basis of a pressure decrease margin of the fuel gas present at the gas leak detection portion, and comprises discharge means (H51) for reducing the pressure at the gas leak detection portion by purging the fuel gas present at the gas leak detection portion to the outside of the fuel gas supply system (31, 32). By not only consuming the fuel gas present at the gas leak detection portion through power generation, but also purging the fuel gas to the outside of the fuel gas supply system, the pressure at the gas leak detection portion can be brought close to a target pressure within a short time period, and the gas leak determination can be performed in a short period of time and with a high level of precision.
US08216728B2
The invention relates to devices for operating fuel cells. According to the invention, the two functions “cooling” and “humidification” are combined in a functional unit (10) to adjust the temperature of the air (1) supplied as the reaction medium and to humidify it. Membranes (5) are used that consist of a temperature-resistant material.
US08216716B2
A lithium rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them, a can having an opening to contain the electrode assembly, and a cap plate coupled to the top of the can. A side of the can is asymmetrical with respect to another side thereof about at least one of a long axis, short axis, and central point of its cross section. The lithium rechargeable battery has a predetermined space formed between the can and the electrode assembly for improved electrolyte injection and increased manufacturing efficiency and power storage capacity of the battery.
US08216711B2
The present invention features a battery pack, that is provided to supply electricity to a variety of electric parts, such as a drive motor, installed in an environment friendly electric vehicle such as a fuel cell vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. Preferably, the battery pack is configured to stack cell assemblies. Each cell assembly includes a cell case. The cell case includes windows in opposite surfaces thereof such that unit cells are exposed, and recesses in opposite long lateral faces thereof such that the windows communicate with an outside. The windows and the recesses define cooling passages between the stacked cell assemblies.
US08216709B2
According to one embodiment, a battery unit comprises a plurality of cells and a case to contain the cells. The case includes a first part to contain at least one cell, a second part to contain at least one cell, and a third part to connect the first and second parts. At least a portion of the third part is made thinner than the first and second parts.
US08216708B2
Disclosed herein is a secondary battery including a safety connection member constructed in a structure in which a horizontal connection terminal (a), which is connected to an electrode lead of a battery, is connected to one end of a safety element, and a vertical connection terminal (b) is connected to the other end of the safety element. The position of the electrode lead of the battery is easily adjusted due to the safety connection member. Also, the high-temperature safety of the battery is improved due to the safety element.
US08216703B2
A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) (10) employing a dielectric tunneling barrier (16), useful in magnetoresistive random access memories (MRAMs) and other devices, has a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) structure (14, 16), comprising two ferromagnetic (FM) layers (26, 41; 51, 58; 61, 68) separated by a coupling layer (38, 56, 66). Improved magnetoresistance (MR) ratio is obtained by providing a further layer (44, 46, 46′, 47, 52, 62), e.g. containing Ta, preferably spaced apart from the coupling layer (38, 56, 66) by a FM layer (41, 30-2, 54). The further layer (44, 46, 46′, 47, 52, 62) may be a Ta dusting layer (44) covered by a FM layer (30-2), or a Ta containing FM alloyed layer (46), or a stack (46′) of interleaved FM and N-FM layers, or other combination (47, 62). Furthering these benefits, another FM layer, e.g., CoFe, NiFe, (30, 30-1, 51, 61) is desirably provided between the further layer (44, 46, 46′, 47, 52, 62) and the tunneling barrier (16). Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti, Mg, Nb, V, Zn, Cr, NiFeX, CoFeX and CoFeBX (X═Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti, Mg, Nb, V, Zn, Cr) are useful for the further layer (44, 46, 46′, 47, 52, 62).
US08216701B2
A compositionally stratified multi-layer Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (BST) heterostructure material is described which includes a lower layer of crystallized Ba1-xSrxTiO3 perovskite oxide where x is in the range of 0.36-0.44, inclusive, deposited on a substrate; an intermediate layer of crystallized Ba1-xSrxTiO3 perovskite oxide where x is in the range of 0.23-0.27, inclusive, in contact with the lower layer; and an upper layer of crystallized Ba1-xSrxTiO3 perovskite oxide where x in the range of 0.08-0.13, inclusive, in contact with the intermediate layer. A phase shifter and/or preselector tunable device including a compositionally stratified multi-layer BST hererostructure material is described according to the present invention. Temperature sensitivity of an inventive phase shifter is reduced by at least 70% in the temperature interval of 20 to 90° C., inclusive, and by at least 14% in the temperature interval of −10 to 20° C., inclusive, compared to a compositionally homogeneous 60/40 BST material.
US08216698B2
An organic electroluminescence device, includes: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic layer including a light emitting layer, the light emitting layer being provided between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one layer of the at least one organic layer contains a compound represented by formula (1) as defined in the specification.
US08216690B2
An electrophotographic belt, excellent in surface lubrication property and smoothness, includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene terephthalate and a polyalkylene naphthalate, and a thermoplastic silicone elastomer having a specific structure.
US08216689B2
Components (1) have a thermal barrier coating (2-6) on the surface thereof, wherein the thermal barrier coating includes at least one layer (3) having chemically stabilized zirconia, and wherein at least indirectly adjacent to the layer (3) with chemically stabilized zirconia and on its surface facing side, there is provided a protective layer (4) and/or a infiltration zone (5) which does not react with environmental contaminant compositions that contain oxides of calcium and which does not react with the material of the layer (3) having chemically stabilized zirconia. Methods for making such components as well as to uses of specific systems for coating thermal barrier coatings, can prevent CMAS.
US08216683B2
The present invention includes polymer interlayers that are used in multiple layer glazing panels. Interlayers of the present invention comprise a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, a tungsten oxide agent, and a stabilizing agent that prevents the degradation of the tungsten oxide agent. Interlayers incorporating such components have improved ultraviolet light blocking character, and also maintain optical quality over time.
US08216674B2
A superhydrophobic powder is prepared by coating diatomaceous earth (DE) with a hydrophobic coating on the particle surface such that the coating conforms to the topography of the DE particles. The hydrophobic coating can be a self assembly monolayer of a perfluorinated silane coupling agent. The DE is preferably natural-grade DE where organic impurities have been removed. The superhydrophobic powder can be applied as a suspension in a binder solution to a substrate to produce a superhydrophobic surface on the substrate.
US08216669B2
The present invention provides a composition for an anti-glare film that includes a binder resin; and an organic particle which is included in an amount of 1 to 30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the binder resin and in which concave and convex patterns are formed on a surface thereof, and an anti-glare film that is manufactured by using the same. Accordingly, the storage stability of a particle that is included in an anti-glare film for high resolution is improved to increase the durability and a lifespan of products, a glare phenomenon that is caused by incident light and recognized by an user is prevented, and image clarity and contrast ratio that is realized by using an image display device are improved.
US08216665B2
A corrugated paperboard is disclosed. The corrugated paperboard is based on a selection of a polymer blend (which may or may not include a color) for use as (a) as an extrusion layer which allows a layer of a water (and heat) resistant polymer (such as a PET, but which may also be a blend of polymers) and a paper liner to be laminated together and (b) can survive, i.e. be effective at, temperatures of at least 150° C. that are generated in a corrugator to facilitate manufacture of the corrugated paperboard.
US08216664B2
An embossed sheet is composed of at least a first and a second ply of creped tissue having a basis weight between 12 and 30 g/m2 according to which the first ply has a first embossed pattern composed of a series of first aligned protrusions of frustoconical overall shape, the tops of which are oriented towards the inside of the sheet, and the second ply has a first and a second series of protrusions, the tops of which are oriented towards the inside of the sheet, the second series having a height greater than that of the first series of protrusions. The protrusions of the first ply and the highest protrusions of the second ply are nested inside one another, and the lowest protrusions of the second ply are arranged between the protrusions of the first ply so as to create empty spaces between the two plies and promote a rapid absorption of liquid.
US08216658B2
In a laminate, comprising at least one series of metal layers and fiber-reinforced plastic layers which are attached to one another, at least two different series are provided, these series including a transition, and at the location of the transition at least one of the internal layers is discontinuous and all the other layers are continuous.
US08216657B2
A preform for making a prosthetic limb socket includes an injection molded disk of thermoplastics material, and a peripheral portion of the disk is supported by a rigid metal ring. The ring and the peripheral disk portion have an interfitting connection which permits the disk and ring to be heated in an oven. The ring and softened disk are then inverted and stretched downwardly over a positive model of a residual limb while a vacuum is introduced through holes within the model to form a plastic socket which conforms to the model. The interfitting connection may be peripherally spaced studs on the ring and projecting into corresponding holes in the disk or may be an annular rib or arcuate rib sections on the ring which project into an annular recess or arcuate cavities within the disk. After the plastic cools, the ring is separated for reuse.
US08216653B2
An exemplary protecting film for coating a three-dimensional surface of a workpiece, includes an adhesive layer and a release layer. The adhesive layer defines a split. The release layer includes a remaining portion for shielding the split of the adhesive layer and a release portion detachably formed on the adhesive layer. The remaining portion is capable of remaining on the adhesive layer after the release portion detaches from the adhesive layer. A method for coating a protecting film on a workpiece is also provided.
US08216642B2
A technique that enables the formation of a low resistivity barrier film at low temperatures, in which a catalyst is placed inside a vacuum chamber and heated, a raw material gas and a reactive gas (such as H2, NH3 or SiH4) are introduced alternately into the vacuum chamber, and a reaction is effected between the raw material gas adsorbed to the surface of an object, and radicals generated by decomposition of the reactive gas on contact with the catalyst, thereby depositing a thin film on the object. Furthermore, a technique for removal of impurities (such as oxides, fluorides, carbides or nitrides), in which the catalyst is placed in a vacuum atmosphere and heated, and a treatment gas having a hydrogen atom in its chemical structure is brought into contact with the catalyst, thereby generating radicals. The surface of an object to be treated is exposed to these radicals.
US08216634B2
The present invention discloses a high-molecule-based organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and a fabrication method thereof. The high-molecule-based OLED comprises a layer selected from a group consisting of an organic emissive layer, a first emission-auxiliary layer and a second emission-auxiliary layer. The organic emissive layer, first emission-auxiliary layer or second emission-auxiliary layer comprises a molecular material having a molecular weight of larger than approximately 730 g mol−1, and is formed by a solution-process.
US08216620B2
A dual-textured food substrate having large seasoning bits whereby the bits are substantially adhered to the food substrate, or chip with a dry adhesive. The food substrate has a non-particulate second topping that is softer than the food substrate. The underlying cooked food substrate is substantially flat. The food ingredient properties are optimized to provide a shelf-stable dual-textured food product.
US08216617B2
A tablet including 1,000 weight parts of 21-90% natural allicin powder, 10-30 weight parts of 50-95% sesamin, 10-30 weight parts of 50-95% IgY or IgG, and a release agent. The allicin content of the tablet is 200-800 mg/g. The allicin tablet has high allicin content and capability of anti-bacteria and anti-inflammation, and can be administered based on the body weight of an animal in need thereof but causes no side effects. A method for producing the allicin tablet by mixing and uniformly stirring starch, garlic powder, and natural allicin powder to yield a mixture, adding the natural sesamin, Ig Y or Ig G, and magnesium stearate to the mixture, uniformly stirring, and tabletting.
US08216609B2
A novel modified release dosage form comprising of a high solubility active ingredient, which utilizes dual retard technique to effectively reduce the quantity of release controlling agents; a process for preparing the dosage form.
US08216603B2
A method, device, and system for easier, consistent, and comfortable delivery of therapeutic agents to the front of the eye.
US08216593B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the development and use of a vaccine that includes one or more FusM antigens in a carrier adapted to trigger a FusM-specific immune response in the human blood stream.
US08216586B2
The invention relates to a newly identified polynucleotide sequence comprising a gene that encodes a novel lipolytic enzyme from Aspergillus niger The invention features the full length nucleotide sequence of the novel gene, the cDNA sequence comprising the full length coding sequence of the novel lipolytic enzyme as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional protein and functional equivalents thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention and cells wherein a lipolytic enzyme according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance its activity and/or level of expression.
US08216573B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a correctly folded and assembled full-length antibody using an E. coli strain, which comprises fermenting an E. coli strain which leaks periplasmic proteins into the medium, comprising a gene coding for the heavy chain of an antibody functionally linked to a signal sequence coding for a signal peptide, and a second gene coding for the light chain of an antibody, functionally linked to a signal sequence coding for a signal peptide, in a culture medium, where the E. coli strain secretes a full-length antibody into the culture medium, and the full-length antibody is removed from the culture medium.
US08216572B2
The present invention provides a composition comprising naked humanized, chimeric, and human anti-CEA antibodies and a therapeutic agent, which is useful for treatment of CEA expressing cancers and other diseases, and methods of use in treatment using this composition.
US08216569B2
Disclosed are human VEGF-2 antibodies, antibody fragments, or variants thereof. Also provided are processes for producing such antibodies. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder comprising administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount of one or more VEGF-2 antibodies or fragments or variants thereof.
US08216562B2
Use of IL-6 for treating non-hematopoietic cancers, e.g., gp130-negative cancers. Also disclosed is a method for identifying a cancer patient suitable for the IL-6 treatment.
US08216557B2
The present invention provides a microbubble washing composition for washing a human body or an animal, a microbubble washing method using the microbubble washing composition, and a microbubble washing apparatus suitable for carrying out the method are provided which are capable of safely removing sebum and old keratin adhering to the surfaces of the pores in a short period of time, keeping the skin clean for a long period of time, preventing an odor. Specifically, the present invention provides a microbubble washing composition for washing a human body or an animal including a protease and a lipase, a microbubble washing method for washing a human body or an animal including washing a human body or an animal using a washing liquid containing the washing composition and microbubbles, and a microbubble washing apparatus.
US08216555B2
The object of the invention is to provide a topical preparation for (acne) rosacea and other sensitive skin types that protects the face from harmful UV rays without the use of chemical sunscreen ingredients. It has long been found that chemical sunscreen ingredients (most popular are oxybenzone and avobenzone) can cause an increase of rosacea symptoms (flushing, erythema, papules) (Nedorost (2003) and Landers et al., 2003). Furthermore, typical waterproof sunscreen preparations also contain various forms of silicones that are used to increase the hydrophobicity of the sunscreen. These waterproof sunscreen preparations impair the release of heat from the skin. The combination of this “trapped heat” and a sensitivity to chemical sunscreen ingredients, is harmful to rosacea skin. Therefore, a sunscreen preparation that is water-soluble and uses alternative UV absorbing and UV scattering ingredients would be very useful in protecting rosacea skin from harmful UV rays.
US08216551B2
Methods of evaluating the tissue response to an agent in birds are provided. Also disclosed are methods of monitoring exposure to agents in birds and methods of determining the efficacy of vaccines.
US08216531B2
Disclosed are a syngas production process and a reforming exchanger 100. The process involves passing a first portion of hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam and oxidant through an autothermal catalytic steam reforming zone to form a first reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, passing a second portion of the hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam through an endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to form a second reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, and mixing the first and second reformed gases and passing the resulting gas mixture through a heat exchange zone for cooling the gas mixture and thereby supplying heat to the endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone. The endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone and the heat exchange zone are respectively disposed tube side and shell side within a shell-and-tube reforming exchanger 100. The reforming exchanger 100 comprises a plurality of tubes 118 packed with low pressure drop catalyst-bearing monolithic structures 200 wherein an inside diameter of the tubes 118 is less than 4 times a maximum edge dimension of the catalyst structures 200.
US08216529B2
The invention is directed to fluid-containing pouches and to methods for forming fluid-containing pouches. In one embodiment, the invention is to a fluid-containing pouch, comprising first and second opposing sheets, and a fluid (e.g., a calibrant fluid, a reactant fluid or a wash fluid) disposed between the first and second opposing sheets. The first sheet and the second sheet have a substantially liquid and gas impermeable perimeter seal. The sheets may be sealed, for example, by one or more of heat crimping, pressure crimping, heat and pressure crimping, ultrasonic welding, metal-to-metal welding or laser welding. Fluid-containing pouches sealed according to the disclosed methods and apparatuses show substantially improvement in terms of reduced gas exchange, notably CO2 pressurization levels.
US08216527B2
A positive displacement pump (1) is equipped with a pump cylinder (2), a pump piston (7), a cylinder space (9), a pressure sensor (10), and a pressure channel (12). A main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) of the pump cylinder (2), for providing fluidic connection between the cylinder space (9) and the pressure sensor (10). In the improved alternative positive displacement pump (1), the cylinder wall (4) comprises a piston sleeve (14) that is located on the inner side of the cylinder wall (4) and that extends over essentially the entire length of the pump cylinder (2) to the cylinder bottom (5). The improved alternative positive displacement pump (1) is further characterized in that, the main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) is located in the cylinder wall (4) comprising the piston sleeve (14), which is thus preventing the pump piston (7) from touching or compromising the pressure sensor (10) or an inner surface (30) of the cylinder wall (4) when moving past the position of the pressure sensor (10). Also disclosed are a liquid handling robot that comprises a single or multiple arrangement of the positive displacement pump (1) and liquid handling workstation that comprises such a liquid handling robot.
US08216524B2
Testing device for testing or analysing fluids and a holder and a storage container for such devices
A testing device for testing or analysing fluids comprises a separately produced holder (10) and a sheet-or plate-like test member (11) including analysis reagent. The holder defines an abutment surface (13) for engaging with a side surface of the test member. Projections (15) formed on the holder are positioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holder by moving the test member into engagement with said abutment surface while engaging with opposite edge portions thereof. The projections may, for example, be tooth-shaped and have pointed ends, and at least some of the projections may have a leading edge (16) forming a ramp sloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as to facilitate insertion of the test member into the holder. A stack of such testing devices may be arranged within a cassette from which they may be fed successively into an automatic analyser. The holder of the testing device may be re-used.
US08216516B2
An analytical system for performing centrifugal analysis on a working fluid with different components includes a uniform-dividing unit with a reduced cross section to divide the working fluid, a separating unit connected to the uniform-dividing unit, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a detection compartment and a constant-quantity region connected to the separating unit through a separation channel. When rotating the uniform-dividing unit, the working fluid located at the uniform-dividing unit is transmitted to and separated by the separating unit, thereby causing one component of the working fluid to be separated from the other component and transmitted to the detection compartment through the constant-quantity region. With constant-quantity region, the detection compartment can be prevented from flushing by the excess of the separated component, and thus yield of product detection can be increased and different assays detection is carried out with a small sample volume at the same time.
US08216510B2
Some food pathogens are not well controlled by lethality treatments followed by refrigeration. A food processing facility according to this invention reduces the likelihood that food pathogens will be able to enter the food processing facility, or spread should they be able to enter. The food processing facility is divided into a plurality of areas, with different areas having different allowed actions that can be taken on the food product, different rules and/or procedures for persons who are allowed entry, and/or different levels of cleanliness. The food processing facility includes a plurality of separate rooms individually, atmospherically and structurally isolated from each other for processing the food product, each including separate single food processing machines lines of series connected food processing, air handling systems, drain systems and/or often-used supplies and tools. If any one of the isolated food processing rooms should become contaminated, that room can be shut down and sterilized without affecting the operation of the other food processing rooms. Different air pressures within different areas limit the possible movement of airborne food pathogens. Sanitizing stations are placed between various ones of the different areas.
US08216508B2
A method for preparing an article of a base metal alloyed with an alloying element includes the steps of preparing a compound mixture by the steps of providing a chemically reducible nonmetallic base-metal precursor compound of a base metal, providing a chemically reducible nonmetallic alloying-element precursor compound of an alloying element, and thereafter mixing the base-metal precursor compound and the alloying-element precursor compound to form a compound mixture. The compound mixture is thereafter reduced to a metallic alloy, without melting the metallic alloy. The step of preparing or the step of chemically reducing includes the step of adding an other additive constituent. The metallic alloy is thereafter consolidated to produce a consolidated metallic article, without melting the metallic alloy and without melting the consolidated metallic article.
US08216502B2
A method and apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.
US08216498B2
A catheter shaft including an elongate tubular member including a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer bonded to the first polymeric layer. The first polymeric layer is formed of a polymer generally not bondable to fluoropolymers, and the second polymeric layer is formed of a fluoropolymer bonded to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The fluoropolymer of the second polymeric layer is a functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride which has a bonding affinity to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride includes reactive functional groups chemically bonded to a polymer chain of a polyvinylidene fluoride which readily bond to the polymer chain of the polymer of the first polymeric layer.
US08216497B2
Various methods are provided for forming tissue holding devices having predetermined shapes suitable for use in surgical applications, and devices formed in accordance with such methods are also provided. These methods include press forming methods, and press forming methods in combination with profile punching. Tissue holding devices formed in accordance with such methods include various configurations for a core and a plurality of tissue holding elements extending outwardly from the core.
US08216484B2
A method for fabricating a capacitor includes forming a first storage node (SN) oxide layer over a substrate, forming a second SN oxide layer over the first SN oxide layer, forming a mask pattern over the second SN oxide layer, dry-etching the first and the second SN oxide layers using the mask pattern as an etch barrier to form a capacitor region, and wet-etching a resultant structure including the capacitor region to enlarge a bottom width of the capacitor region, thereby forming a final capacitor region having the enlarged bottom width, wherein the first SN oxide layer comprises one portion of high impurity concentration and the other portion of low impurity concentration, the one portion corresponding to a region where the final capacitor region is to be formed.
US08216466B2
The present disclosure relates to a new multi component counter top water filtration system having two filtration media cartridges, one media cartridge being replaceable at least twice before the second media cartridge exceeds its useful life and requires replacement and includes a mechanism for disengaging the o-rings associated with the operative connection of the inner filter media cartridge with the outer filter media cartridge without rotation thereof during replacement of the inner filter media cartridge and includes the separation of the plumbing and electronic components wherein the lower housing unit houses the plumbing components such as the water filtration pressure vessel, tubing and flow indication signaling device and the upper unit houses the electronics component and filtration methods related thereto and methods of operating same.
US08216462B2
A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is passed across a micro-filter positioned within a section of the second chamber through which water can be forced by said pumping action to an outlet for purified water.
US08216461B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for adding a lubricating additive to a diesel fuel. In one embodiment, a system for controlling the release of a fuel additive into a diesel fuel is provided, the system having: a housing having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening configured to define a flow path therethrough; filter media disposed in the flow path, the filter media comprising an adsorbent that removes sulfur containing compounds from diesel fuel passing through the housing; an additive cartridge configured to disperse a lubricating additive into the diesel fuel; a controller for controlling the amount of lubricating additive that is released from the additive cartridge into the diesel fuel; and at least one sensor configured to monitor the lubricant additive content in the diesel fuel and provide a signal indicative of the lubricant additive content in the diesel fuel to the controller, wherein the controller releases the additive from the additive cartridge based upon the signal received from the at least one sensor.
US08216459B2
One or more apparatuses for removing hydrocarbons and contaminates are provided. The apparatus for removing hydrocarbons and contaminates can include a hopper in communication with a material moving device. The material moving device can be at least partially disposed within a trough. An injection port can be disposed in the trough. A separation tank can be communication with the material moving device, and the separation tank can be in fluid communication with a scalper, a shaker screen, a screen, a hydrocyclone, a dewatering centrifuge, a clarifying tank, or combinations thereof.
US08216456B2
A water treatment apparatus includes a first fluid channel that can circulate contaminated water in the water body, a first inlet that draws the contaminated water into the first fluid channel, and an outlet that allows the contaminated water to exit the first fluid channel. A second fluid channel installed with a filter therein can filter contaminated water in the water body to produce a filtered water flow. A fluid transport apparatus can draw the contaminated water through the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel. A flow control system allows water to flow in a predetermined angular range while blocking at least a portion of the remaining angular range in at least one of the first inlet and the outlet to achieve mixing coverage with different aspect ratio. The position of the outlet can be adjusted to optimize the flow rate and pattern.
US08216448B2
A method for improving the lubricating properties of a distillate base oil characterized by a pour point of 0 degrees C. or less and a boiling range having the 10 percent point falling between about 625 degrees F. and about 790 degrees F. and the 90 percent point falling between about 725 degrees F. and about 950 degrees F., the method comprises blending with said distillate base oil a sufficient amount of a pour point depressing base oil blending component to reduce the pour point of the resulting base oil blend at least 3 degrees C. below the pour point of the distillate base oil, wherein the pour point depressing base oil blending component is an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms product having a pour point that is at least 3 degrees C. higher than the pour point of the distillate base oil.
US08216447B2
The invention disclosed is a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer comprised of an electrochemical cell comprising a diamond-film electrode doped with boron or other conductivity inducing material. The diamond-film electrode is the working electrode and carries out the oxidation of TOC to produce carbon dioxide. The apparatus further comprises sensors for detecting the carbon dioxide produced. Such sensors include but are not limited to a tunable diode laser and/or ion-selective electrode. The invention also discloses a method for measuring TOC in an aqueous solution using a total organic carbon analyzer.
US08216444B2
The invention relates to a device for breaking the electrical continuity of the stream of caustic soda produced in mercury-cathode chlor-alkali plants. The device is comprised of a vessel internally subdivided into three compartments by two flow-conveying septa, the three compartments being in communication and defining a caustic soda tortuous flow-path allowing the centrifugal deposition of mercury microdroplets released by the upstream amalgam decomposer.
US08216440B2
An object of the present invention is to implement a method for aligning microscopic structures in desired locations and in a desired direction, in order to align microscopic structures, such as nanostructures, with high precision. The method includes a substrate forming step of forming three electrodes to which independent potentials can be applied, a microscopic structure liquid applying step of applying a liquid in which microscopic structures are dispersed to the insulating substrate, and a microscopic structure aligning step of applying respective voltages to the three electrodes to align the microscopic structures in locations defined by the electrodes.
US08216431B1
There is described a water distillation system comprising a boiler assembly and a condenser assembly communicating by means of superheated steam through a passive magnetic valve opening directly under force of pressure. This allows the recovery of the latent heat of evaporation through a passive process. Additional features are described which complement the efficient transfer and recapture of heat energy, and the management of miscible fluid constituents. The distillation system described is useful for producing potable water and can be transportable or fixed in location and/or scaled for residential, neighborhood and municipal application. The distillation system may also be used for efficiently clarifying other fluids, such as for ‘de-watering’ ethanol.
US08216430B2
A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. A method for biomass fractioning comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.
US08216419B2
A shower head for a chemical vapor deposition chamber can comprise a plurality of first injectors for a first reactant gas and a plurality of second injectors for a second reactant gas. The first and second injectors can be interspersed among one another so as to enhance control of the mixing and delivery of reactant gases within the chemical deposition chamber. Cooling water can be communicated through a plurality of gun drilled bores formed intermediate injectors of the shower head. In this manner, enhanced control of the mixing and delivery of reactant gases can be provided.
US08216413B2
A method for making a pocket filter assembly is provided. Two side and two end header elements each having a pair of longitudinally extending side walls and a longitudinally extending bottom wall forming a longitudinally extending channel are joined at ends forming a rectangular header with two opposing sides and two opposing ends. The bottom wall and side walls of each of the opposing sides and the bottom walls and said side walls of each of said opposing ends become adjacent forming a rectangular header with a continuous bottom wall and continuous inner and outer side wall having a continuous channel therein. An upstream perimeter portion of a pocket filter element is inserted in the continuous channel and a liquid polymeric material is placed therein. The polymeric material is solidified forming a header frame having the upstream perimeter portion of the filter element unitary therewith.
US08216410B2
Included is a tip end portion being a feeding position from which a filiform elastic member is fed. By an arm member guiding the elastic member, the tip end portion is alternately moved in a first direction and a second direction, and thereby the elastic member is brought into contact with the web and is arranged in a gather waveform. Here, the first direction is from the center portion of a web being conveyed in a predetermined direction and having sequentially-arranged component parts forming one part of an absorbent article, to a first end portion in a cross direction crossing with a conveyance direction, and the second direction is from the center to a second end portion which is an end portion opposite to the first end portion. At this time, in a planar view of a composite web, when a nip point exceeds a position where an angle between the conveyance direction and a tangent to the gather waveform is largest, a distance between the tip end portion and the nip point is largest.
US08216408B2
The invention concerns an ultrasonic sonotrode having a sealing surface which is intended to come into contact with the material to be processed. To provide an ultrasonic sonotrode, an ultrasonic sealing apparatus and a method of ultrasonic processing, which avoids complicated and expensive positioning of the sonotrode and which nonetheless ensures uniform good quality for the weld seam, it is proposed according to the invention that the sealing surface is of a two-part configuration and the two sealing surface parts are formed by two mutually facing sealing surface portions.
US08216399B1
An improved quenching process is provided by supplying a secondary quenching tank with cooling medium from the pit of a forging press. Only heated, but unprocessed, billets are quenched in the secondary quench tank. The cooling medium from the pit of the forging press is not as clean as fresh water, but because the billets will be reheated, forged and quenched later with a fresh or conditioned cooling medium, the secondary tank quenching medium quality is not restrictive.
US08216391B2
A substrate processing apparatus of a simplified structure, which is capable of decreasing an amount of a process liquid to be used, and of restraining change in temperature of the process liquid is provided. The substrate processing apparatus includes: a processing unit that holds one substrate and processes the substrate held by the processing unit; a processing bath capable of simultaneously accommodating a plurality of substrates, the processing bath storing a process liquid into which a substrate is immersed so as to be processed, the process liquid being circulatingly supplied to the processing bath; and a transfer unit that simultaneously transfers substrates whose number is less than the number of substrate that can be accommodated in the processing bath. The transfer unit transfers, at least, to the processing bath in which the process liquid is stored. A substrate is processed with the use of at least one of the processing unit and the processing bath.
US08216377B2
A method and apparatus are presented for reducing halide-based contamination within deposited titanium-based thin films. Halide adsorbing materials are utilized within the deposition chamber to remove halides, such as chlorine and chlorides, during the deposition process so that contamination of the titanium-based film is minimized. A method for regenerating the halide adsorbing material is also provided.
US08216375B2
A method and system for performing chemical vapor deposition are disclosed. A chemical vapor deposition reactor can have a generally rectangular chamber that is configured for cross flow and/or zone flow control of reactant gases therethrough. One reactant gas can be injected into the chamber from one end thereof to create cross flow. Another reactant gas can be injected through the top of the chamber. Inert gas can be injected into the chamber to enhance flow control. By providing cross flow and zone flow control, more uniform deposition can be obtained. Also, parameters such as gas flows are less coupled to one another and can therefore be more easily controlled.
US08216371B2
A Czochralski single crystal manufacturing apparatus uses multiple heaters to improve the controllability of crystal diameter. The power supplied to the multiple heaters is controlled so as to bring the pulling up speed close to a predetermined speed set value, and so as to bring the heater temperatures close to predetermined target temperature values. The ratio of electrical power between the heaters is controlled to agree with a predetermined power ratio set value which varies according to the crystal pulling up length, and the heater temperatures change along with this change, which causes disturbance to the diameter control. To compensate for this, heater temperature changes along with the power ratio set value change are taken into account in advance in the temperature set values. Accordingly, along with change of the power ratio set value, the temperature set values change to values appropriate for the current power ratio set value.
US08216369B2
A physical vapor transport system includes a growth chamber charged with source material and a seed crystal in spaced relation, and at least one capsule having at least one capillary extending between an interior thereof and an exterior thereof, wherein the interior of the capsule is charged with a dopant. Each capsule is installed in the growth chamber. Through a growth reaction carried out in the growth chamber following installation of each capsule therein, a crystal is formed on the seed crystal using the source material, wherein the formed crystal is doped with the dopant.
US08216368B2
A method of forming an epitaxially grown layer, preferably by providing a region of weakness in a support substrate and transferring a nucleation portion to the support substrate by bonding. A remainder portion of the support substrate is detached at the region of weakness and an epitaxial layer is grown on the nucleation portion. The remainder portion is separated or otherwise removed from the support portion.
US08216355B2
An ink contains at least a pigment, wherein the pigment is C.I. Pigment Red 282, and a primary particle diameter D (nm) of the pigment and a 50%-cumulative diameter D50 (nm) in particle diameter distribution of the pigment satisfy a relation of D×0.95≦D50≦150, and a 90%-cumulative diameter D90 (nm) in particle diameter distribution of the pigment and the 50%-cumulative diameter D50 (nm) satisfy a relation of 1.5≦D90/D50≦2.5.
US08216351B2
An Apparatus for purifying a feed stream containing carbon dioxide in which the feed stream, after having been compressed and dried, is partly cooled and then used to reboil a stripping column. Thereafter, the feed stream is further cooled and expanded to a lower operational temperature of the stripping column. A carbon dioxide product stream composed of the liquid column bottoms of the stripping column is expanded at one or more pressures to generate refrigeration, then fully vaporized within the main heat exchanger and compressed by a compressor to produce a compressed carbon dioxide product. Refrigeration is recovered in the main heat exchanger from a column overhead stream extracted from the stripping column within the main heat exchanger either directly or indirectly by auxiliary processing in which carbon dioxide is further separated and optionally recycled back to the main compressor used in compressing the feed stream.
US08216346B2
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets with reduced linear stability. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a stability unit used with nozzles of a gas liquid contactor and/or an enhancer for stable jet formation, and more particularly to reducing the stability of liquid jets formed from nozzles of the gas liquid contactor. Another aspect of the invention relates to operating the apparatus at a condition that reduces the stability of liquid jets, e.g., a droplet generator apparatus. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to operation of the apparatus with an aqueous slurry. Still another aspect of the invention is directed towards to an apparatus for substantially separating at least two fluids.
US08216344B2
Carbon dioxide-containing feed stream such as flue gas is treated to produce a high-purity carbon dioxide stream by a series of steps including removing SOx and NOx with activated carbon, carrying out subambient-temperature processing to produce a product stream and a vent stream, and treating the vent stream by pressure swing adsorption or by physical or chemical absorption to produce a product stream which is recycled to the feed stream.
US08216336B2
The invention relates to an integrated power generation and organic fertilizer production system and method including: a biomass combustion-fuelled power station (12); a facility (14) for producing pelletized organic fertilizer (46); and means for capturing and redirecting waste heat from the power station (12) to the facility (14), to be used in producing pelletized organic fertilizer (46).
US08216331B2
A separator is provided for separating liquids from a gas stream and has a plurality of separating profiles juxtaposed parallel to one another, each profile forming two curved deflection surfaces which lie opposite one another with the concave side laterally offset, wherein the deflection surfaces between them include a swirl chamber having an inlet gap and an outlet gap and terminate at their longitudinal edges in a projection that projects from the deflection surfaces and extends along the longitudinal edges. At least one of the projections has a first, substantially planar outer surface emanating from the deflection surface substantially transversely thereof and a second, substantially planar outer surface adjoining the first outer surface at an acute angle, so that the at least one projection forms a sharp edge that projects into the gas stream flowing along the deflection surfaces.
US08216329B2
An example filter assembly prevents particles from entering a control valve and defines an airflow path between an inlet and outlet. An inlet tube extends from an inlet and defines an inlet passage into a filter housing. Openings within the inlet tube open into an interior space of a filter housing. An outer housing defines a cavity within which the filter housing is secured. The filter housing includes an open top portion that engages a cap that covers and seals the outer housing. The cap holds the filter housing to prevent movement of the filter housing.
US08216326B2
A vitrified superabrasive product includes a superabrasive component and a vitrified bond component in which the superabrasive component is dispersed, wherein the vitrified bond component defines pores occupying greater than about 50% of the total volume of the vitrified superabrasive product. The vitrified superabrasive product can be in the form of a grinding tool, such as a grinding wheel. A superabrasive mixture includes a glass powder, a superabrasive grit, a binder and a silicon carbide. The mixture can be in the form of a green body, which is fired under an atmosphere and pressure, and at a temperature sufficient to form a porous vitrified superabrasive product.
US08216325B2
A superabrasive product, such as a superabrasive tool, includes a superabrasive grain component and a porous continuous phase that includes a thermoplastic polymer component in which the superabrasive grain component is distributed. A superabrasive product precursor to the superabrasive product includes a superabrasive grain component, a bond component and a polymer blowing agent of encapsulated gas. A method of forming a superabrasive product includes combining a superabrasive, a bond component and a polymer blowing agent of encapsulated gas to form, for example, a superabrasive product precursor. The combined superabrasive, bond component and polymer blowing agent of encapsulated gas are heated to a temperature and for a period of time that causes release of at least a portion of the gas from encapsulation within the blowing agent.
US08216324B2
The invention relates to a process for the production of thermally-integrated hydrogen from a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock that contains sulfur-containing compounds that comprise at least one stage for heating the liquid hydrocarbon feedstock by indirect heat exchange with a hot stream, a stage for desulfurizing the heated hydrocarbon feedstock, a stage for evaporating the desulfurized hydrocarbon feedstock by indirect heat exchange with the hot stream that exits from the autothermal reformer, a stage for autothermal reforming of the hydrocarbon feedstock, and a stage wherein the carbon monoxide content in the hydrogen-rich gas that is produced is reduced in a reactor for converting carbon monoxide with water. The invention also relates to the hydrogen production installation that corresponds to this process.
US08216316B2
A prosthetic implant, and more particularly, with a prosthetic implant having biplanar angulation and that can be inserted into a disk area generally straight using a posterolateral approach.
US08216310B2
A polymeric material with a molecular response time that makes it suitable for use near fragile body tissues. The polymeric material is useful for both low modulus and high modulus applications thereby simplifying the multi-part polymeric article manufacturing process and creating better integrated multi-part polymeric articles. Cross-linked polymers with different moduli may be obtained utilizing the same or similar starting materials but modifying the amount of catalyst, the amount of cross-linking agent, and/or the amount of methyl vinyl cyclics.
US08216309B2
A vision prosthesis includes an intra-ocular lens system having a variable focal length; and a controller that causes a change in the focal length thereof.
US08216307B2
A radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL for ocular implant is provided. The ocular implant can comprise a radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal intraocular lens optic and a number of haptics. The radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL may pass optical energy in both photopic and mesopic conditions. The radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL includes a number of radially segmented apodization zones, each radially segmented apodization zones having a unique focal length. The haptics mechanically couple to the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL optic in order to position and secure the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL within the eye. The radially segmented apodized diffractive multifocal IOL may include both a diffractive region and a refractive region.
US08216300B2
A device delivers a chemical or biological agent, the device comprises an imprint molecule (IM) to be delivered by the device; an electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer (EMIP) imprinted with the imprint molecule, the EMIP having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding the imprint; and an electric potential producing member (EPM), the EPM being capable of producing an electric potential between the EPM and the EMIP; whereby when the EMIP has a predetermined density of imprint molecule bound at the binding sites, and whereby when a sufficient potential is produced between the EPM and the EMIP, the imprint molecule is released from the binding site and thereby delivered by the device.
US08216292B2
A vascular occlusion device deployment system for placing an occlusion device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient. The deployment system employing a pusher having a lumen with an opening at the distal end of the pusher. A vascular occlusion device is connected to the distal end of the pusher by a portion that is removeably disposed within the opening. The portion of the occlusion device is forced out of the opening by an expandable reaction chamber, thereby deploying the occlusion device. The expandable reaction chamber, prior to deployment, has multiple chambers separated by a heat-dissolvable membrane. When the membrane is dissolved, components from the chambers react and expand, leading to deployment.
US08216287B2
A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. An abutment is coupled to a bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment pass into the bone anchor. The abutment defines a conduction path to the bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment are transferred to the bone anchor. The abutment comprises a plurality of shearing elements disposed adjacent the bone anchor, wherein the shearing elements form part of the conduction path. The fixation system also comprises a vibratory coupler extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a second conduction surface and a magnet, wherein the magnet attracts to the abutment so as to couple the second conduction surface to the abutment, thereby enabling vibrations to pass through the conduction path. The shearing elements are configured to slide laterally in response to tangential forces incident upon the abutment.
US08216283B2
The device for performing osteosynthesis includes a fixation element, such as a bone plate having a bottom surface designed to bear against the bone, a top surface, and at least one through hole extending from the bottom surface to the top surface, the though hole having a central axis and configured and dimensioned to receive a multiaxially pivotal insert or bushing for a bone screw. A bushing insertable into the through hole, includes a central bore designed to receive a bone screw, the central bore having a longitudinal axis, and a peripheral outer surface designed to be in contact with the through hole. The bushing is configured and dimensioned to be radially compressible and radially expansible, and the cross section of the through hole, which is orthogonal to the central axis, is non-circular. The cross section of the bushing that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis has a shape that corresponds substantially to the cross section of the through hole of the bone plate. When placed in the through hole, the bushing is rotationally fixed relative to its longitudinal axis, but remains pivotally adjustable within the through hole relative to the bone plate.
US08216278B2
An expandable interspinous process spacer implant for insertion and/or implantation between a spinous process of a superior vertebral body and a spinous process of an inferior vertebral body, the implant comprising multiple pairs of legs joined in a scissor-like fashion and pivotally coupled to each other by one or more pins, where each leg has multiple slots along its longitudinal axis. The implant further may include a pair of bearing surfaces coupled between the legs via cross pins and a first plate and second plate each of which is coupled to a pair of roller pins disposed between a pair of slots on the legs where rotation of a fastener in the fastener holes of the first and second plate results in the first plate and the second plate being drawn toward each other causing the expansion of the height of the implant.
US08216276B2
An interspinous spacer implant includes first, second, third, and fourth arms that are divided into pairs that are relatively rotatable. In an insertion configuration, the first and third arms are disposed close together, and the second and fourth arms are disposed close together. Relatively rotating the arm pairs results in a deployed configuration where the first and fourth arms are disposed close together and the second and third arms are disposed close together, with each set of arms forming a respective saddle for receiving a corresponding spinous process. Related methods are also described.
US08216275B2
A spinal implant system for restricting flexion of a spine includes an elongate band proportioned to engage at least two spinous processes. During use, the band is positioned engaging the spinous processes at a spinal segment of interest, where it restricts flexion at the segment. The length and tension of the band may be adjustable following to implantation using percutaneous or transcutaneous means.
US08216273B1
In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.
US08216272B2
A delivery device for delivering at least one surgical anchor into a patient's tissue is provided and includes a housing; a delivery tube with distal and proximal ends, the delivery tube including a retention member disposed at the distal end thereof and extending inwardly at an angle transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the delivery tube; and a reciprocating anchor carrier with distal and proximal positions and distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the anchor carrier terminating in a tissue penetrator member, the anchor carrier being moveable distally and proximally with respect to the delivery device, the tissue penetrator member defining an annular shoulder configured to removably retain a plurality of surgical anchors about the anchor carrier.
US08216270B2
An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire. The filter element collapses into an outer end of a catheter for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end. The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow through passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body. After use, the catheter is movable along the guidewire to engage the proximal end of the filter element and close the inlet openings before sliding over the filter element from the proximal end to the distal end to progressively collapse the filter body on the guidewire for retrieval.
US08216268B2
An apparatus and method comprising at least one intragastric member made of a digestive-resistant or substantially indigestible material that is introduced into a bag located in the gastric lumen of a mammal for the treatment of obesity. One or more intragastric members are loaded into a delivery tube in a partially compacted first configuration and delivered to an overtube. The overtube includes a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen configured to receive the intragastric members in the first configuration for delivery to the bag located in the gastric lumen wherein the intragastric member is expanded to a second configuration. The apparatus further comprises a constraining element engaged with the bag to secure the intragastric member upon delivery into the gastric lumen.
US08216267B2
An expandable medical balloon useful for treatment at a vessel bifurcation, the balloon having at least one expanded state, the balloon having at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer, the outer layer having at least one cavity therein through which the inner layer protrudes when the balloon is in its at least one expanded state, and methods of making and using the same.
US08216265B2
Medical instrument serves to punch out tissue. It has a shaft, a first cap-shaped tool arranged at a distal end of said shaft and having a circular cutting edge. A second tool has a circular cutting edge at a distal end thereof. Said first and said second tool can be shifted relative to one another along said shaft thereby that second tool can enter into the cavity of that first tool. Said second tool bears a plate-like element, distally spaced apart from its cutting edge, said plate-like element has an extension in a cross-section plane corresponding to a clear internal cross-section plane of said cavity.
US08216262B2
A sagittal saw blade with a blade body the distal end of which has spaced apart tines. Plural teeth extend forward from each of the tines. The void space between the tines functions as a chip catchment into which bone chips formed by cutting by the blade are able to flow. At least one web extends between the tines, across the chip catchment.
US08216261B2
A medical device for canalization of a tissue of a body portion by penetration thereof, a kit, a manufacturing method and a method of canalization are disclosed. The device is adapted for trans-catheter delivery to the body portion, and comprises a radially expandable and crimpable or collapsible substantially tubular member that has a rear end, a front end, and a pattern of struts or a mesh of wires arranged in-between the rear end and the front end, arranged around an interior of the device. The tubular member has extensions, which are arranged towards the interior of the device in a first state of the device, and towards an exterior of the medical device in a second state of the device, wherein the second state of the medical device is the tubular member turned inside out. During storage, the device is restrained in a delivery catheter in the second state. During delivery the device turns outside in and digs into the tissue to create a channel therein, thus preventing or fixating debris or other matter to spread from the channel.
US08216257B2
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.
US08216254B2
A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
US08216248B2
A system for assisting and controlling the movement of a portion of a body, such as the head or head and neck is disclosed. The system and the methods of using and controlling the system can be effective in preventing and treating various conditions relating to the movement and positioning of the body or parts of the body. As such, the system can be effective in preventing and treating occipital flattening, plagiocephaly, cervical muscle tightening, torticollis, and other conditions.
US08216233B2
The invention provides surgical devices and methods to treat tissue. In one device embodiment, the invention comprises a bipolar electrosurgical device to treat tissue in a presence of radio frequency power and a fluid provided simultaneously from a distal portion of the device, with the device comprising a disc shaped distal end. In one method embodiment, the invention comprises a method of treating tissue having a blood vessel during spine surgery, with the method comprising pressing a portion of the blood vessel against a supporting spine structure with a surgical device to provide a compressed portion of the blood vessel, and heating the compressed portion of the blood vessel with the surgical device sufficiently to inhibit a blood flow through the vessel after the surgical device is removed from the blood vessel.
US08216221B2
Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue.
US08216220B2
An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument configured to generate a first and second data streams and a transmission circuit configured to convert the first and second data streams into a pulsed transmission signal. The first signal property of the transmission signal is representative of the first data stream and the second signal property of the transmission signal is representative of the second data stream. The transmission circuit is further configured to process the transmission signal to decode the first signal property into the first data stream and the second signal property into the second data stream.
US08216219B2
An electrode array is used for the thermal schlerosing of body tissue. The electrode array has at least three active electrodes that, during use, are placed in electrical-conducting connection with body tissue. A high frequency generator is electrically connected for selective application of current to the active electrodes for producing a high frequency voltage. A measuring device measures impedance of the tissue between the active electrodes. In addition, a selector device selects a sub-array including at least two active electrodes from the electrode array, the selecting being effected on the basis of the measured impedance. Further, a control device is configured such that a high frequency voltage is respectively applied between the active electrodes of the selected sub-array in such a way that a high frequency current flows between the selected active electrodes through the body tissue.
US08216215B2
A skin treatment apparatus that includes, a disposable electrode carrier with a plurality of voltage-applying dome-shaped elements protruding from the surface of the electrode carrier. Further, the protruding elements are spaced apart in a pattern. The apparatus operates to apply a voltage to at least some of the protruding elements. The apparatus applies a voltage to the protruding elements with a magnitude that is sufficient to result in an electrical break down of the skin and thereby cause electric current enabling the desired treatment.
US08216214B2
An assembly comprising a radiation source to generate a beam of radiation, a modulator for modulating the power of the beam of radiation as a function of the position of the beam within a field-of-view to maintain the beam's power within a desired exposure level as the beam scans the field-of-view, and a reflector oscillating in a sinusoidal manner to direct the beam of radiation onto a field-of-view.
US08216209B2
A method is described including introducing a delivery device to a point within a renal artery or a renal segmental artery and delivering a treatment agent from the delivery device according to conditions that create a turbulent blood flow and wherein the treatment agent is capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy. In other embodiments, an apparatus and kit are described including a delivery device for insertion to a point within a renal artery or renal segmental artery and delivery of a treatment agent capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy.
US08216205B2
A disposable diaper has a pair of transversely opposite lateral portions in a crotch covering region. The lateral portions are provided with body fluid leak-barriers extending in a back-and-forth direction of the diaper. The leak-barriers include a plurality of strips made of a flexible sheet material. These strips are arranged side by side in the back-and-forth direction. These strips respectively have fixed portions and flexible portions.
US08216204B2
An absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard or similar, has a front region a rear region and a crotch region located between the front and rear regions. The article includes a central portion with two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges and side panels located in the rear region of the article, placed along the longitudinal edges of the central portion. Each side panel includes a rear portion and a front portion which extend in the transverse direction from the central portion, and the front portion is located at the longitudinal edge of the central portion at a first distance from the transverse edge in the rear region. The rear portion is elastic and the front portion is substantially non-elastic.
US08216198B2
A system to promote the healing of an exuding wound includes a wound dressing, a subatmospheric pressure mechanism, and a collection canister. The wound dressing is dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a control unit disposed within a housing. The control unit includes a vacuum source associated with a vacuum port. The collection canister has an interior wall which defines an internal chamber. The internal chamber is in fluid communication with the vacuum source of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism through the vacuum port and with the wound dressing for collecting exudates removed for the wound bed under influence of the vacuum source. The canister including a baffle mechanism disposed within the internal chamber for dampening the movement of the collected exudates.
US08216196B2
A wound treatment includes a guiding unit and a negative pressure collecting module. The guiding unit includes a main body, an elastic member and an accommodating portion formed within the elastic member. The main body has a first end is communicated to the wound, and a second end. The elastic member is disposed in the main body to isolate the first end from the second end. The negative pressure collecting module, connecting with the guiding unit, includes a negative pressure source providing negative pressure to the wound, and a collecting device collecting exudates of the wound. When the negative pressure source sucks air from the guiding unit, the elastic member deforms, and the accommodating portion communicates with the first end and the second end, respectively. When the negative pressure source stops sucking, the elastic member is restored, and the accommodating portion isolates the first end from the second end.
US08216189B2
A trocar assembly for providing a pressurized insufflation fluid into a patient cavity and for providing sealable access to the patient cavity by a surgical instrument. The assembly comprises an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An outer tubular member is disposed about the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tubular member and the distal end of the outer tubular member define a trocar seal nozzle arranged therebetween.
US08216182B2
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.
US08216178B2
A breast pump set for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breastshield (1) to be placed on the female breast with a coupling part (12) for connection to a milk collection container (2), and an electrically driven suction pump (4, 4′). The breastshield (1) is provided with an actuator (5) for actuating the suction pump. The inventive breast pump seat allows easy handling of the suction pump and eliminates the need for the mother to have a hand free for handling.
US08216169B2
A wrist support sleeve is adapted to extend over a wearer's hand and wrist from a location below the ends of the fingers tip to a position just past the wrist region. The sleeve has an opening for receiving the wearer's thumb. A first portion of the sleeve extends around the lower part and opposite sides of a wearer's hand and wrist and has spaced side edges located in an upper region of the sleeve. An insert panel of a different material to the first sleeve portion is secured between spaced side edges of the first portion, so as to extend across the tipper portion of a wearer's hand and wrist when the device is worn. The insert panel material is a strong elastic material which has a higher stiffness than the rest of the sleeve.
US08216166B2
A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.
US08216163B2
The present invention relates to a spinal column brace system which includes a rigid support, an interchangeable therapy pad, and a front panel. The rigid support includes patches of hook material and also has straps connected to it. These straps are at least partially elastic and also include hook material pads on their ends. The interchangeable therapy pad, on the other hand, has one side covered in loop material, thereby allowing the therapy pad to be attached to the patches on the rigid support. The front panel is also covered in loop material, which may be used to couple to the hook material found on the straps. The therapy pad includes a thermal exchange bladder and a cushion layer. The thermal exchange bladder may be coupled to a contrast therapy system via an umbilical and fluid coupler. The contrast therapy system includes a hot and cold reservoir. A mixing valve may mix a selected ratio of the hot and cold fluids from the hot and cold reservoirs to make therapy fluid of a particular temperature. A fluid pump then delivers the therapy fluid to the thermal exchange bladder.
US08216160B2
A sit and reach flexibility assessment apparatus comprises a spine with a measuring rule, footplates mounted on either side of the spine and rotatable out of the and at approximate right angles to the plane of the spine, and heel rests mounted at the base of the footplates and rotatable to a position at approximate right angles to the footplates and the spine. The apparatus also has storage compartments and a carry handle.
US08216158B2
A medical device implanted within a lumen of a patient, such as the esophagus, stomach, or another portion of the gastrointestinal tract, includes a device housing and a lead that extends from the device housing. An anchor member is located at a distal portion of the lead, and the lead includes one or more electrodes located between the device housing and the anchor member. A delivery system for implanting the medical device within the lumen includes an elongated delivery device and a needle. The needle includes a bore to receive the anchor member of the medical device. The delivery system inserts the anchor member through a passageway from the lumen, through the tissue, and back into the lumen.
US08216149B2
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe transmitting and receiving ultrasound toward and from a subject, a puncture adaptor configured to be fixed to the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, wherein the puncture adaptor has moving part movable in relation to the ultrasonic probe with the puncture needle, and a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe, and configured to detect the position of the moving part. As the puncture needle is moved relative to the probe, the movable part is correspondingly moved relative to the probe, and movement of the movable part, and therefore also of the puncture needle, is detected by the sensor.
US08216143B2
An ultrasonic transceiver obtains scanning data by transmitting ultrasound to a subject and receiving a reflected wave from the subject. A biological motion part measures, during said scanning, cyclic biological motion of said targeted organ and then calculates a measured waveform that shows motion in relation to time used for said biological motion. An image data generator converts the scanning data into image data shown in a specified coordinate system, and generates an ultrasonic tomographic image. A display controller superposes a standard waveform for a measured waveform, and a measured waveform for the latest cycle, so as to match a specified time phase for each waveform, and causes a display part to display these with the ultrasonic tomographic image.
US08216139B2
Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk.
US08216129B2
An image display apparatus according to the present invention includes: a storage unit which stores an image group including a same number of first and second images which have a coincident positional relationship with respect to a subject and are respectively obtained through different image processes; a display unit which displays at least the first image in a display area; an input unit which indicates a display switching area of the first image displayed in the display area; and a display controller which controls the display unit to keep displaying the first image in an image part outside the display switching area and to switch an image part inside the display switching area of the first image to an image part, having a coincident positional relationship with the image part inside the display switching area of the first image with respect to the subject, of the second image.
US08216128B2
A medical system includes an endoscope which is a first medical instrument, a gas supply apparatus which is a second medical instrument that supplies a gas to an insertion site at which an insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted, a biological information acquiring apparatus which is a biological information detection section that detects a blood flow rate at the insertion site as a biological information detected value, a manipulation information acquiring apparatus which is a manipulation information detection section that contacts the insertion portion of the endoscope and is combined with a roller that rotates as the insertion portion moves forward or backward to detect an amount of rotation of the roller as manipulation information, and a system control apparatus provided with a control section that outputs an instruction signal for changing an amount of gas supply to the gas supply apparatus according to the detected value detected by the biological information acquiring apparatus and the manipulation information detected by the manipulation information acquiring apparatus.
US08216119B2
A base insert device for forming crossed bases in paper bags has folding devices, which introduce folds in tubular sections from which the bags are produced, gluing stations, which apply glue to the regions of the folds for gluing and/or to sheets provided for gluing to the base, and a pressing station in which the folded bases and the sheets are brought into contact with one another and glued. Glue outlet openings in the gluing station are provided with an application head that supports valves which can selectively open and close a connection between the glue outlet openings and a glue supply unit. The glue supply unit has glue supply lines and at least one chamber through which at least one part of the valves is supplied with glue. The chamber has a diameter of at least 5 mm in at least one point.
US08216117B2
A method for cooling a roller device, which has a right bearing housing, a left bearing housing, and a roller, which is rotatably supported by journals in the bearing housings, especially of strand guide rolls, roller table rollers, pinch rolls, support rolls, or driving rolls in continuous casting plants, in which a cooling medium cools the bearings mounted in the bearing housings and passes through an axial bore in the roller. The cooling medium enters the bearing housing of the roller device on one side, passes around the bearing mounted in this bearing housing, then flows through the axial bore in the roller to the other side, passes around the bearing mounted in the other bearing housing, and is then discharged from the roller device.
US08216114B1
An adjustable height exercise platform device having a platform that is removably secured between a pair of risers. The risers are held upright by an H-shaped horizontal base whose legs extend outward slightly to provide stability to the base. Each riser has spaced apart horizontal slots along its rear side for receiving one of two U-shaped bolts extending upward from the platform. Notches are cut out of the rear edge of the platform so that one of the U-shaped bolts straddles each notch. When the platform is attached to the risers, the U-shaped bolts rest in the slots and the two notches extend around the risers. One or more locking mechanisms are provided on the platform as a means of locking the platform and preventing the platform from being tilted in such a manner as to allow it to disengage from the risers.
US08216113B2
A device having an engine, a motor/generator and an accessory system having an accessory that is driven by rotary power. The device can be operated in a first mode in which the engine provides rotary power for driving the accessory and the motor/generator. The device can be operated in a second mode for starting the engine and driving the accessory in which rotary power is output from the motor/starter in a first rotational direction. The device can also be operated in a third mode in which the motor/generator outputs rotary power in a second, opposite rotational direction for driving the accessory while the engine is not operating. A method for operating the device is also provided.
US08216111B2
A system and method for controlling torque includes a first torque transmitting mechanism and a second torque transmitting mechanism. The first torque transmitting mechanism is engageable to achieve a first gear ratio of the transmission. The second torque transmitting mechanism has an apply chamber that is pressurized at a first pressure level to achieve a first engaged position and is pressurized at a second pressure level to achieve a second engaged position. The first pressure level is less than the second pressure level and the second engaged position achieves a second gear ratio of the transmission. A controller is in communication with the first and second torque transmitting mechanisms. The controller includes a control logic for pressurizing the apply chamber of the second torque transmitting mechanism to the first pressure level if the first operating condition has exceeded a threshold operating condition.
US08216092B2
A construction for a goal for a team game, especially a soccer goal, and more particularly a mini goal for soccer and football training, wherein the construction comprises two vertical pole elements connected to a completely or partially hollow cross bar element through two corner joints, said corner joints being able to be placed inside the at least partially hollow horizontal cross bar element, and said corner joints being hinged for leading the vertical pole axis to a position wherein the pole elements of the vertical pole elements mainly coincide with the pipe axis of the at least partially hollow horizontal cross bar element, and wherein the vertical pole elements may be passed substantially completely inside the at least partially hollow horizontal cross bar element. Such a construction may be compacted into an easily transportable form of said goal.
US08216086B2
A wedge-type golf club having a plurality of parallel grooves offset at an angle with respect to the base of the club face. The grooves provide enhanced backspin and control on a golf ball when struck with the club face open. The grooves are beneficial for “getting the ball up” and stopping the ball on the green using an open face approach.
US08216084B2
Disclosed herein is a golf club including a shaft, a club head and several devices for releasably connecting the shaft to the club head.
US08216083B1
A golf practice apparatus comprises a chipping mat and a target assembly. The chipping mat comprises a surface from which a user strikes golf balls. The target assembly comprises a frame and a target mat. The frame is further comprised of a lightweight, collapsible framework for supporting a target mat further comprising various markings indicated targets for a user. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is comprised of pipe segments, connecting joints, and a plurality of common fasteners. The target mat is suspended from the frame and attaches via corresponding common fasteners. The target assembly is disposed of various segments to allow a user to simulate short game aspects of golf by choosing a target based upon the desired angle and velocity that the user desires to emulate.
US08216078B1
The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.
US08216076B2
Methods for manufacturing a hardened steel locking washer are disclosed, the washer having a pattern of teeth on one side and a pattern of cams on the other side, the method comprising the steps of providing the washer with an anti-corrosion coating by providing a low-alloy steel washer, hardening the low-alloy steel washing having a carbon content greater than 0.25% by weight, heating to an austenitizing temperature and subsequent quenching, and applying a basic coating comprising zinc flakes non-electrolytically onto the hardened low-alloy steel washer.
US08216075B2
A joint arrangement in the manner of a counter track joint, wherein a cage is provided which is arranged between a joint outer part and joint inner part, which has a cage outer sphere with an outer sphere centripetal point and a cage inner sphere with an inner sphere center point and which has a plurality of cage windows which each hold at least one ball, wherein at least the outer sphere center point and the inner sphere center point of the cage are arranged offset with respect to the joint center plane.
US08216073B2
A game device capable of realizing a user interface which allows a user to instruct a mobile character to stay within a predetermined region in a case where a movement target position for the mobile character is set outside the predetermined region while preventing the mobile character from exhibiting an unnatural action at a time of changing a moving direction is provided. In the game device, a mobile character which has arrived at a region whose distance from an intersection is equal to or less than a first reference distance is caused to move in parallel with a direction from the intersection towards another intersection, and a mobile character which has arrived at a region whose distance from the intersection is equal to or less than a second reference distance is caused to move toward a movement target position.
US08216064B1
A slot machine gaming device and method to target advertisements and promotions on cashless tickets. Players can be identified by their player's card, and a record associated with a ticket can be associated with the identified player. Upon redemption, the player, based on his or her player profile, can be presented with a targeted message and/or a special bonus offer.
US08216063B2
Embodiments of the invention include a mystery degressive bonus system. Instead of a bonus that increases its value as the likelihood of winning the bonus increases, embodiments of the invention disconnect the likelihood of winning a mystery bonus from the amount awarded for triggering the mystery bonus. In some embodiments as the likelihood of winning the mystery bonus increases, the award for winning the mystery bonus decreases. Some embodiments include a minimum value for winning the mystery bonus. Additional embodiments are directed to an indicator system to show to the player a present amount of the mystery bonus award as well as the likelihood of winning the award. Further embodiments include a gaming device that includes a bonus game in which the amount awarded to the player decreases over time.
US08216054B2
When a coin is bet, symbols are rearranged in several areas. A winning is determined on the basis of the rearranged symbols. A golf game is randomly started. A point is awarded to a player depending on a golf game result. A free game is continued depending on the awarded point.
US08216046B2
A multi-station game machine, including at least two stations that are configured to accept player inputs, a wheel having a plurality of sections including symbols, the wheel being configured to rotate, the wheel being disposed so that a front surface of the wheel can be seen from at least two players, and a controller for controlling a first game performed by the wheel and a second game performed on the stations, wherein the wheel is configured to enable at least two players to simultaneously play the first game respectively using the stations, wherein the stations are configured such that the players bet a game value on the symbols via a bet area displayed on a display provided on each of the stations, and wherein the controller triggers the second game based on a win of the first game.
US08216045B2
A process provides a first price category and a second price category in which a lottery ticket can be purchased for a lottery game. The first price category is distinct from the second price category. The first price category corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize and a first known portion of a non-linear prize associated with the lottery game. Further, the second price category corresponds to a second known portion of a linear prize and a second known portion of a non-linear prize associated with the lottery game. The second known portion of the linear prize is more than the first known portion of the linear prize, the second known portion of the non-linear prize being more than the first known portion of the non-linear prize.
US08216039B2
A gaming system having a game with game elements is provided. The game includes a number of game elements provided to the player and the dealer, where the game elements are subsequently divided into two or more groups or hands. The gaming system sets the dealer game elements to form a first dealer hand and a second dealer hand, according to a set of “House-Way” game element setting rules. The gaming system enables the player to either manually set the player game elements to form the first player hand and the second player hand, or elect to have the gaming system automatically set the player hands according to one of several different “House-Way” and/or “Expert-Way” methods. If the player elects to manually set the player hands, the gaming system indicates to the player whether the player's game element setting selections are in accordance with any of the “House-Way” or “Expert-Way” rules. For the player and dealer hands, the first hand must have a rank greater than or equal to the rank of the second hand. If the first and second player hands both beat the corresponding dealer hands, the player wins an award. If only one of the player hands beats the corresponding dealer hand, the outcome of the game is a push. If both of the player hands lose to the corresponding dealer hands, the player loses the round of play of the game.
US08216032B2
A coin dispensing device having a mechanism to reliably dispensing a predetermined number of coins. Coins are accommodated on a surface side of a rotary disc rotating at a position tilted at a predetermined angle. A dispensing and transporting passage guides coins dispensed by rotation of the rotary disc to a coin inlet/outlet. A gate member for opening/closing the coin inlet/outlet is provided at the coin inlet/outlet. A projection is provided at the dispensing and transporting passage. When coins are dispensed, the projection retracts under the dispensing and transporting passage according to opening operation of the gate member, allowing the coins to be transported. When no coin is dispensed, the projection projects from the dispensing and transporting passage according with closing operation of the gate member to regulate transportation of coins.
US08216025B2
The profile grinding machine includes: a base; a work unit disposed on one side on the base and including a work table for gripping a work; and a stone unit disposed on the other side on the base and including a stone rotating mechanism for holding and rotating a grinding stone on its axis. The work unit includes first to third moving device for supporting and moving the work table in an X-direction and a Y-direction perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane, and in a Z-direction normal to the horizontal plane, respectively. The stone unit includes turning mechanism for turning the grinding stone about a vertical axis substantially coinciding with the leading end portion of the grinding stone.
US08216022B2
This disclosure provides a bra features a band with cups attached at each end. It secures to the user by stretching the band across the user's back and pulling the cups around to the front of the body. At this point, the bra is secured at the center bridge using connectors such that the cups will be connected to one another along their inner sides proximate the center of the wearer's chest. From the user's standpoint, the cups are positioned such that the right hand cup will hold the right breast, and the left hand cup will hold the left breast. In positioning the bra, under-support portions of the band will be positioned beneath each breast (e.g., a right under-support will be positioned under the right breast, and a left under-support will be positioned under the left breast. The bra is further secured by securing tabs (e.g., via any way now known or later developed such as adhesive, tape, hooks and eyes, hook and loop, etc.) located on outer sides of the cup, to the band.
US08216019B2
A game call having variable tonal qualities wherein one or more sound boards have a ferromagnetic material carried in a selected region and wherein a second ferromagnetic material is mounted for selective movement relative to the ferromagnetic material carried on the sound board to vary the tones created on the sound board.
US08216018B2
A method for manufacturing a display, where the display includes a light-transmissive substrate adhering to a display substrate that forms a display surface side of a display body. An edge of at least either an adhesion surface of the display substrate or an adhesion surface of the light-transmissive substrate is coated with an adhesive. The display substrate and the light-transmissive substrate are positioned in an offset manner to provide overlapping and non overlapping regions. For example, an edge of each of two adhesion surfaces overlap with each other, and other regions do not overlap with each other. The display substrate and the light-transmissive substrate are relatively moved to a position where an edge of the display substrate and an edge of the light-transmissive substrate respectively overlap with other edges in a state in which adhesive reservoirs are formed while maintaining a fixed gap between the two adhesion surfaces.
US08216017B2
In a method of fabricating a planar light source, a first substrate is formed at first. First electrodes approximately parallel to each other are formed on the first substrate. Sets of first dielectric patterns are formed on the first substrate. Each set of the first dielectric patterns includes at least two first striped dielectric patterns, and each of the first striped dielectric patterns covers one of the first electrodes correspondingly. The edges of the top of each first striped dielectric pattern are raised in a peak shape. A phosphor layer is formed between the first striped dielectric patterns of each set of the first dielectric patterns. A second substrate is formed. The first and second substrates are bound; meanwhile, a discharge gas is injected into the discharge space.
US08216013B1
A device for enhancing body surfing includes fin elements affixable to a person's leg via a guide assembly affixable to a thigh, and each including and upper and a lower fin. The upper fin is rotationally positionable relative to the leg's longitudinal axis. The lower fin is longitudinally movable between a stowed position aligned with the upper fin and a deployed position beneath the upper fin. In use, a person can attach the fin elements to the belt rail, rotate the fin elements outward, and slide the lower fin downward into the deployed position, thereby creating an enhanced surface for body surfing. Another embodiment is provided that includes a unitary fin rotationally affixable to the leg and waist.
US08216008B2
A mixed propulsion system for a seagoing vessel such as a liquid natural gas carrier including a gas turbine engine is described. The vessel has at least one electric propulsion drive and a plurality of prime movers of different types each coupled directly to drive an electrical generator. The outputs of the several generators are connected to at least two electricity distribution switchboards to supply the power requirements of the vessel, and each electric propulsion drive is cross-coupled to receive power selectively from either switchboard such that in the event of a single failure in a switchboard or prime mover or both power can be maintained to both propulsion drives.
US08216005B2
A lead plate for connecting a printed circuit board (PCB) of a secondary battery to an bare cell includes a mounting portion connected to the PCB, a joint portion connected to the bare cell, a surface area of the joint portion facing the bare cell being smaller than a surface area of the mounting portion facing the PCB, and a step portion connecting the mounting portion and the joint portion to each other.
US08215997B2
An electrical connector includes an insulation pedestal, an outer cover, an enhanced shell and a plurality of terminals partially embedded in the insulation pedestal. The insulation pedestal includes a main body and a tongue section. The enhanced shell includes a fixed side and a support side. The fixed side is embedded in the main body; and the tongue section is partially covered by the support side such that the support side can support the tongue section. The insulation pedestal is integratedly formed together with the terminals and the enhanced shell to strengthen the structure of the tongue section.
US08215996B2
An electrical connector includes a first insulating body having a base board and a tongue board extending rearward from the base board, and a second insulating body having a base portion and fingers extending forward from the base portion. Two opposite sides of the tongue board protrude upward to form two clipping walls and oppositely protrude outward to form two restraining portions spaced from the clipping walls. A receiving space is formed among the tongue board, the base board and the clipping walls for receiving the second insulating body therein. The base portion is clipped between the clipping walls. Front ends of the fingers prop against the base board. Each side surface of the base portion defines an elastic arm having a top connected with the side surface and a bottom beyond a bottom surface of the base portion to be restrained between the restraining portion and the clipping wall.
US08215995B1
A board-mount connector assembly (1000) includes a substrate (101) defining a cutout (1012) and two arms disposed at opposite sides of the cutout; a bracket (103) mounted to the substrate and disposed under the cutout; a connector (100) sinking in the cutout and supported by the bracket, and at least one wire (106) connected to the connector.
US08215992B1
An electrical connector includes a body having a terminating end and a mating end. A power contact extends from the mating end of the body. The power contact is configured to be engaged by a power contact of a mating connector connected to a predominantly capacitive load. An auxiliary contact extends from the mating end of the body. The auxiliary contact is coupled in series with a resistor. The auxiliary contact configured to be engaged by an auxiliary contact of the mating connector. The auxiliary contact in series with the resistor is configured to engage the mating connector before the power contact to resist a surge current due to the capacitive load from the mating connector.
US08215991B2
A data storage device includes a memory card structure having an edge connector portion. The edge connector portion has a thickness that complies with a memory card specification. The data storage device also includes an electrical connector portion of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) compatible receptacle or of an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 compatible receptacle. The electrical connector portion is attached within the edge connector portion of the memory card structure to remain stationary with respect to the memory card structure.
US08215988B2
The present invention provides a connector having a seal member for sealing around an electrical wire. The connector includes a connector housing, the seal member, and a rear holder. The connector housing has a layer-by-layer arrangement of plate-shaped housings which each have terminal receiving channels to receive terminals. The seal member has a seal main body surrounding the electrical wire and a tube portion projecting from the seal main body in the lengthwise direction of the electrical wire. The rear holder includes a plurality of holders to pinch the tube portion of the seal member. Each holder has a groove to pinch the tube portion of the seal member and the groove compresses an inner diameter of the tube portion when the holders pinch the tube portions therebetween.
US08215985B2
A coaxial cable connector includes a step up pin that engages the center conductor of a coax cable to increase the diameter of the center conductor to thereby make it more manageable. The pin is stored with the connector until the pin and connector are affixed to a coax cable.
US08215981B2
A USB device is provided. The USB device includes a housing, a circuit board, a chip, a USB connector and a metal connector. The circuit board is disposed in the housing. The chip is disposed on the circuit board. The USB connector is connected to the circuit board. The metal connector is connected to the USB connector, wherein the metal connector includes an extended portion, and the extended portion contacts the chip to dissipate heat from the chip.
US08215980B1
A keystone jack based on a punch down type keystone jack architecture, having a wire layout cover attached to the rear side of the jack body and two cover shells pivotally connected to the jack body for closing/opening the wire layout cover. The IDC housing at the back side of the jack body has a wire-bonding block panel formed of multiple partition plates and a retaining hook located on the distal end of each partition plate to minimize the gap between each two adjacent partition plates, allowing installation of the core wires of the inserted network cable by a punch down type technique or a tool free type technique.
US08215971B2
The invention relates to a coupling arrangement (6) for releaseably connecting a first line segment (26) provided on a first unit (2) to a second line segment (28) provided on a second unit (4), comprising connecting means that can be applied to the first unit (2) complementary connecting means that can be applied to the second unit (4) and that can be fixed to the connecting means, and a control device (32) that can be positioned between the first line segment (26) and the second line segment (28) and that can be switched between a blocking position, in which the connection between the first line segment (26) and the second line segment (28) is blocked, and a flow position, in which the connection between the first line segment (26) and the second line segment (28) is open. The control device (32) comprises a control body (30) rotatably support between the blocked position and the flow position that can be positioned at a distance between the first line segment (26) and the second line segment (28) and in which an intermediate line segment (38) is embedded, by means of which the first line segment (26) can be connected to the second line segment (28).
US08215948B2
The invention relates to a molding device for producing vessels by blowing or stretch-blowing from preforms of a heated thermoplastic material, the device including at least one mold that has at least two half-molds and a driving mechanism for moving the half-molds between an open position and a closed position. The two half-molds are hinged together for rotation about a hinge axis included in the junction plane and perpendicular to the axis of the molding cavity, the hinge axis being located under the half-molds, while a mechanism for locking the half-molds in their closed position are also provided. Each half-mold includes an outer surface area capable of abutment with an inner surface area of the mechanism for locking the half-molds in their closed position. The locking mechanism is in the form of a clamp capable of clamping the two half-molds in their closed position.
US08215941B2
The present invention refers to an interchangeable system for support and actuation of rotary injection molds, used for the manufacture of plastic multi-component parts. This system is easily installed on conventional injection molding machines. The support system (13) is constituted by a main body that includes a sliding device and a rotary mechanism. The longitudinal sliding device is driven by cylinders (8 and 23) and is supported by the arms of the support (9, 15). A rotary unit, including motorization (20) is coupled to the sliding device with two rotary support platens, upper (7) and lower (17). The central mold (4) is supported between the rotary support platens (7 and 17). The frontal mold (12) is fixed on the interior part of the support which is in-turn fixed to the machine platen. The rear mold (2) is fixed to the moving platen of the injection machine (1) as usual. The invention permits not only a rapid mold mutation but also an easy reinstallation on different injection machines.
US08215932B2
A telescoping gear pump comprises a bolt, a Bellville washer, a wear plate, a seal housing, a seal spring, a spur gear including a wear lobe, a seal ring and a case drain path, a shaft, a ring gear including a wear lobe, seal ring, and a case drain path, seal, a bolt assembly including a Bellville washer and bolt, and a pressure plate. The assembly provides pressure to a fluid to maintain a seal within a telescoping pump/motor during operation. The wear lobe reduces wear while maintaining fluid pressure.
US08215922B2
An invention is claimed that enables the pumping of compressible fluids at high pressures when an accurate flow is desired. Two pressure sources, for example pumps plumbed in series, separate thermodynamic work, such as pressurization, at the first pressure source from a volumetric or matter metering function in the second pressure source. One example is a flowstream delivery for a chemical instrumentation system that is manufactured from relatively unsophisticated pumps yet delivers precise flows with low pulsation (<1%) over pressures greater than 100 bar. An advantage of one embodiment allows the economical conversion of typical HPLC systems to state of-the-art supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) systems with minimal modification to system components.
US08215918B2
An impeller (10) of a cooling fan includes a hub (11) and a plurality of blades (12) radially and outwardly extending from the hub. Each of the blades includes a windward surface (127) and a leeward surface (128). A groove (124) is defined in each of the blades for guiding airflow from the windward surface to the leeward surface.
US08215916B2
The axial flow fan includes a plurality of blades disposed around and rotating together with the rotation shaft, the blades each including a leading edge, a trailing edge, a leading edge portion proximate the leading edge, a trailing edge portion proximate the trailing edge, a suction surface, a pressure surface, the suction surface having a curved shape; wherein the blade trailing edge portion has a constant thickness; and the trailing edge is formed in a semi-circle which is bi-sected by a mean camber line of the air foil.
US08215905B2
A method for correcting offsets in sensors includes mounting, on a rotating machine, a first set of sensors in locations selected to measure vector loads in a first set of coordinates. The method further includes mounting, on the rotating machine, a second set of sensors in locations selected to measure vector loads in a second set of coordinates, wherein the first set of coordinates and the second set of coordinates rotate with respect to one another when the rotating machine is operating. The method also includes utilizing measurements from either or both of the two sets of sensors to correct offset errors in vector loads measured by the other set of sensors.
US08215903B2
The invention relates to the use of a thermal insulating layer for a housing of a steam turbine in order to even out the deformation behavior of different components based on different heatings of the components.
US08215900B2
A turbine vane assembly includes an airfoil extending between an inner shroud and an outer shroud. The airfoil can include a substructure having an outer peripheral surface. At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface is covered by an external skin. The external skin can be made of a high temperature capable material, such as oxide dispersion strengthened alloys, intermetallic alloys, ceramic matrix composites or refractory alloys. The external skin can be formed, and the airfoil can be subsequently bi-cast around or onto the skin. The skin and the substructure can be attached by a plurality of attachment members extending between the skin and the substructure. The skin can be spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the substructure such that a cavity is formed therebetween. Coolant can be supplied to the cavity. Skins can also be applied to the gas path faces of the inner and outer shrouds.
US08215897B2
A vertical wind turbine includes a blade which has opposite force producing sides that lie on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis along its direction of travel. The aerodynamic surfaces are driven by the wind through four phases of rotation. Driving torque is produced during three of the four phases. The blade includes a v-shaped nosepiece with rearward facing surfaces on each side that cup the wind during three of the four phases. The split tail of the blade captures the wind during a down wind phase of rotation.
US08215896B2
A method for operating an off-shore wind turbine and a wind-turbine is provided. The off-shore wind turbine is at least temporarily situated in water and includes a rotor with at least one rotor blade and a pitch drive system coupled to the at least one rotor blade. The pitch drive system is adapted for pitching the at least one rotor blade, wherein the wind turbine further includes a wind turbine control. The method includes determining at least one of a water condition; in dependence of the outcome of the determining, defining peak shaver settings; and pitching the at least one rotor blade according to the peak shaver settings. Furthermore, the wind turbine has a sensor adapted for measuring one of the water current-speed, the water current direction and the water level at or close to the wind turbine.
US08215892B2
A method and an arrangement for moving a cargo-carrying apparatus on a vehicle from a first position to a second position. The vehicle has a longitudinal center line and includes a hook arm having a pivot end and a hook end, with the hook end coupled to the cargo carrying apparatus. The arrangement comprises a plurality of rollers mounted on one of the vehicle and the cargo-carrying apparatus. A pivot joint is positioned in the hook arm between the pivot end and the hook end. The hook end maintains engagement with the cargo-carrying apparatus on the vehicle in both the first position and the second position.
US08215888B2
A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.
US08215876B2
A shield cap for a shield-type support for underground mining includes a cap plate, with reception devices for the connection of hydraulic cylinder heads to the shield cap, and a supporting structure welded below the cap plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars. At least two of the longitudinal spars include substantially I-profile struts having an upper profile chord, a lower profile chord and a middle chord running perpendicularly to the two profile chords. The distance between the upper and the lower profile chord decreases at least over a part length of each strut.
US08215871B2
A sea bed anchor of the plug-and-socket type, in which the depth of the socket (2) needed to keep the plug in the socket against tidal force is reduced by downwards force from a hydrofoil (5). The same force is used to lock the plug and socket positively together. The effective area of hydrofoils (5) can be increased when the tide is flowing, and reduced when it is not. Downwards force from hydrofoils is also used to enable submersible vessels to drill sockets in rock or to embed suction anchors in sediment.
US08215866B2
A portable perimeter defense system is provided that is configured for preventing unwanted intrusions by vehicles or other heavy and fast-moving vehicles into a protected area while also providing requisite ballistic resistance capabilities. The defense system includes at least one individual modular barrier that can be readily transported to a point of use and can be secured in place without requiring heavy equipment or power sources, such as electricity. The modular barrier includes a front plate configured to provide ballistic protection in the direction of impact and to provide an impact surface capable of withstanding impact. The front plate extends upwardly from a base plate and a kick plate extends outwardly from the rear or aft side of the front plate. The front or fore edge of the base plate defines a vehicle engaging interface, the rear or aft edge of the base plate is arcuate and defines a ground engaging interface, and the rear or aft edge of the kick plate defines a ground engaging interface. A ramp is positioned on the base plate in front of the front plate facing the impact direction. When circumstances warrant additional protection and/or a greater span of protection, a plurality of modular barriers may be provided in predetermined configurations. Adjacent barriers may be secured to one another along side edges thereof. The portable perimeter defense system including modular barriers provides exceptional protection to a protected area and may be rapidly deployed.
US08215863B2
A locking mechanism includes a support rod, inserted into a first unit shaft at a first end thereof and locked to a second unit shaft at a second end thereof, with threads formed around the outer circumferential surface thereof; and a pressure locking unit movably engaged with the threads of the support rod and having longitudinal slits formed to open in one direction and at least two pressure parts formed in a longitudinal direction. The locking pressure of the pressure locking unit is imposed on the unit shafts at multiple longitudinally spaced points, thus dispersing or distributing the locking strength in the longitudinal direction and increasing both the locking strength and the resistance against both longitudinal compressive force and longitudinal tensile force, thereby preventing the locked unit shafts from suddenly slipping towards each other.
US08215859B2
A hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region therebetween. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region. More preferably, the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose.
US08215857B2
The application relates to a dispenser featuring a body and a reservoir housed in said body wherein the reservoir is configured to hold a substance; wherein there is an applicator selectively extendable or retractable from the dispenser; and further featuring a means for ejecting the substance through the applicator.
US08215853B2
A method, device, and computer program product for analyzing multiple keystrokes in an electronic stenographic recording machine having keys forming stenographic keystrokes when actuated includes sensing a depressed state of a first stenographic key and recording a first depression time, sensing a depressed state of a second stenographic key and recording a second depression time, sensing a depressed state of a third stenographic key and recording a third depression time, sensing a released state of the first key and recording a first release time, sensing a released state of the second key and recording a second release time, sensing a released state of the third key and recording a third release time, sorting the first, second, and third depression times based on a chronological order of occurrence, determining, within the plurality of sorted depression times, a pair of chronologically adjacent depression times with a greatest chronological variation therebetween, determining an elapsed depression-release time for each one of the determined pair of adjacent depression times, determining a percentage of chronological overlap of the elapsed depression-release times, comparing the percentage of chronological overlap to a predefined value, and separating the first, second, and third key depressions into two separate stenographic keystrokes when the percentage of chronological overlap is less than the predefined value.
US08215850B2
A molded ceramic or glass ferrule has at least one longitudinal passage, which enables an optical fiber feed through, sealed into a metal housing with glass solder. The metal material in the housing has a slightly higher coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than the ferrule material and the sealing glass so that hermetic seal is maintained by a compression stress applied to the ferrule and sealing glass by the housing at operating conditions. When the housing has to be fabricated from a low CTE material, e.g. metal or ceramic, a metal sleeve and stress relief bracket is used to apply the compression stress.
US08215839B2
A closure device for a thermoplastic bag which includes two opposing, longitudinally extending interlockable male and female fastening strips having respective male and female closure elements or profiles with outside wings that are deformed when the closure device is fully occluded.
US08215837B2
High intensity x-ray radiation therapy is used in the medical industry to treat tumors. Patients typically receive radiation treatment over a period of time, in which a quality assurance test of the x-ray beam is performed before each treatment. These quality assurance tests are performed by a detection device that receives the x-ray beam and measures the intensity, shape and uniformity of the x-ray beam. The integrated patient positioning and radiation quality assurance system includes recess assemblies into which an x-ray detection device is inserted to fix the location of the x-ray detection device on the board. As a result, the accuracy of the quality assurance test is improved and the set up time is reduced.
US08215833B2
When the driving wind and the cooling wind are generated, based on the phenomenon in which the temperature difference is generated between the front surface and the rear surface of the radiator (14), the temperature difference between the detection value of the rear temperature sensor (22) and the detection value of the front temperature sensor (21) is compared with the abnormality determination value so that it is determined whether the front temperature sensor (21) and the rear temperature sensor (22) are properly fixed on the radiator (14), whereby it is determined whether the abnormality (unauthorized alteration) exists. By setting the abnormality determination value according to the ambient temperature and the vehicle speed, corresponding to a variation in temperature difference between the front surface and the rear surface of the radiator (14), the abnormality determination value is varied to be set at a proper value.
US08215826B2
A method according to Claim 25, wherein essentially homogeneous material mixtures are achieved or maintained in these liquid containers.
US08215822B2
An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which antimicrobial agents, particularly, hydrophobic antimicrobial agents, can be mixed with one or more formulations is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation and antimicrobial agents flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation and antimicrobial agents within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the formulation and antimicrobial agents being mixed in the chamber.
US08215818B2
A box includes a lightguide in the form of a thin plate having two opposed main faces and at least two edges, the lightguide having a light-diffusing optical structure on one of the faces. Light-emitting diodes are placed linearly along at least one of the edges of the lightguide, the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes illuminates the lightguide via the edge, and is being diffused by that face of the lightguide having the optical structure. The light emitting diodes placed along each of the edges of the lightguide are organized in at least two rows and in such a way that a light-emitting diode in one row supplied by an electric power supply is immediately followed by a light-emitting diode in the other row supplied by another electric power supply.
US08215815B2
In one aspect, an illumination apparatus includes a waveguide, embedded in which are a light-emitting source and a photoluminescent material. Output light is emitted from at least a portion of a first surface of the waveguide.
US08215805B2
A recessed light fixture has vertical tilt and horizontal rotation adjustments recessed radially outwardly from a trim aperture defining ring for a cleaner aspect of the lamp aperture. A lamp holder is reachable through the trim aperture for manually returning the lamp holder from a tilted position to a vertical position and is releasable downward from the fixture for relamping in response to manual pulling force. A mechanical memory returns the lamp holder to the initial tilted position upon reinsertion of the lamp holder and release of the manual pulling force. The lamp fixture can be miniaturized to a size of about 2.5 inches in diameter and sized to fit in a ceiling cutout of about 3.5 inches in diameter.
US08215800B2
The invention relates to a semiconductor radiation source comprising a base body which is connected to at least one LED chip thermally connected to an end side of the base body and a pliable flexible printed circuit board fitted on the same end side of the base body. The flexible printed circuit board at least partly surrounds the LED chip, has at least one printed-on conductor track (20) electrically connected to the LED chip and, in the peripheral region of the base body, has an angled-away section (27) extending at least partly along a side wall of the base body. At least one part of the section of the flexible printed circuit board (14) extends at least partly in an in particular lateral cutout (34) into the base body (12).
US08215796B2
A lighting device comprising: a shell; a first circuit; a light source set in the shell; an axis mounted in the shell; and an effective amount of conducting liquid. A rotation device and a switch device are rotatably connected to the shell via the axis. The switch device comprises a first storing cavity and a second storing cavity, which is configured for accommodating the conducting liquid. The first storing cavity communicates with the second storing cavity. A plurality of pairs of third grooves is formed in the first storing cavity. Each of which is set a pair of positive/negative terminals. Each of the pairs of positive/negative terminals is electronically connected to light source and the first circuit. A slide bar is formed on the rotation device, and is configured for pushing the conducting liquid inside of the first storing cavity.
US08215793B2
A pair of band-shaped window portions (9) having no fluorescent film is formed in the inner circumference of a fluorescent lamp (1). The fluorescent lamp (1) is oriented such that a straight line intersecting the center of the fluorescent lamp (1) and the midpoint between the pair of window portions on the circumference intersects the midpoint between a pair of reflective members (10) on a reflective plate (3), and is arranged such that light emitted from the pair of window portions (9) is reflected off the pair of reflective members (10) and is shone on a diffusion plate (4).
US08215792B2
The present invention provides a lighting device having a plurality of light source assemblies within a light housing. The light source assemblies include a light emitting diode disposed in tubular lens. The light housing is attached to an edge of the body.
US08215779B2
A projector includes: a plurality of light source devices; an image projecting unit, and projects the image light; a power supply device; and an outer housing, wherein the plurality of light source devices include a same shape, a plurality of light source storage units each of which accommodates the corresponding one of the plurality of light source devices are provided inside the outer housing, an opening through which the light source devices are attached and detached in the side direction of the outer housing is formed on the outer housing, and the plurality of light source devices are inserted into the plurality of light source storage units through the opening with the same surfaces of the respective light source devices located on the upper side.
US08215774B2
Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The measured TFLT can be used to diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image. The second image can be subtracted from the first image to reduce and/or eliminate the background signal(s) in the first image to produce a resulting image. The resulting image can be processed and analyzed to measure a tear film layer thickness (TFLT), including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT).
US08215772B2
The method includes acquiring at least one geometrical characteristic of the section, which includes: a step of reading from a register (201) in which each entry is associated with an eyeglass frame model or category of models and includes at least one geometrical characteristic of at least one section of a rim of frames of the model or the category of models of frame, with a search for an entry corresponding to the model or to the category of eyeglass frame models to which the selected eyeglass frame belongs; and a step of reading the at least one geometrical characteristic from the corresponding entry, if a corresponding entry is found in the register.
US08215771B2
An intraocular lens for correcting or reducing the astigmatism of a cornea includes a pupil that is spatially divided into discrete zones, with each zone having a particular astigmatism magnitude and astigmatism orientation. In one embodiment, the zones all have the same astigmatism magnitude, which is equal and opposite the cornea astigmatism magnitude to within a particular tolerance, such as 0.25 diopters. In one embodiment, some or all of the zones all have different astigmatism orientations, with the angular separation between astigmatism orientations being on the order of the rotational misalignment tolerance of the lens to the cornea. The visual performance of such a lens deteriorates more slowly with rotational misalignment, when compared to a comparable lens having a uniform astigmatism orientation across its entire pupil, leading to more relaxed tolerances for a surgeon that implants the lens.
US08215770B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electro-active element having a dynamic aperture. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may be used in a non-focusing ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, a contact lens, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may also be used in a focusing or non-focusing device such as an intraocular optic, an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a contact lens which may or may not have an optical power. By changing the diameter of dynamic aperture either increased depth of field or increased light reaching the retina may be achieved.
US08215769B2
A design method of a spectacle lens, includes: measuring an angle formed by a direction of a head of a person seeing the front without lens and a direction of the head of the person seeing an object located in a direction angled to the front direction of the person without lens to calculate a visual action index Mn according to the following equation (1) as an initial value; temporarily designing a spectacle lens based on the visual action index; and simulating visual action of the person wearing the temporarily designed spectacle lens and correcting the visual action index based on the simulation result M n = β n α n ( 1 ) wherein αn is an angle formed by the front direction of the person and a direction in which the object actually exists, βn is a rotation angle of the head of the person seeing the object without lens, and n represents the object.
US08215767B2
A clip device for holding auxiliary eyeglasses includes a clip body and a retaining rivet plate. The clip body is made by injection molding and made of plastics material which has high elasticity and strong tenacity. The clip body includes a retaining portion, a resilient piece and two resilient clips. The retaining portion has a plurality of retaining holes thereon. The resilient piece is integrally formed with an upper end of the retaining portion. An upper end of each of the two resilient clips is integrally formed with an upper end of the resilient piece and protrudes outward to form a press portion. A lower end of each of the two resilient clips is a free end. The retaining rivet plate has a plurality of retaining pins. When assembling, the retaining pins of the retaining rivet plate are inserted through holes of the auxiliary eyeglasses and the retaining holes of the clip body. The retaining pins each have a distal portion exposed out of the retaining portions to be extruded and positioned thereon by hot melt. The clip device can be assembled quickly and manufactured with ease to lower the cost.
US08215766B2
A method for producing an optical article. A first layer that is light-transmissive is formed on an optical substrate directly or with an additional layer in between. A silicide material, light-transmissive thin film is formed on the surface of the first layer.
US08215763B2
A printing apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium is provided. The printing apparatus includes a recording head to eject ink onto the recording medium, a recording head controller to control movement of the recording head according to printing data, which represents the image to be formed on the recording medium, a carriage to carry the recording head in a main scanning direction relative to the recording medium, a plurality of platens, each of which has a holding surface to hold the recording medium thereon and is movable respectively in an auxiliary direction, which is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and a plurality of drive mechanisms, each of which drives one of the platens in the auxiliary direction. The plurality of platens can be moved synchronously with one another.
US08215761B2
An ink jet printer includes a medium supporter to support a print medium. A print head is configured to eject ink droplets toward the print medium. An ultraviolet light irradiation device is configured to irradiate the print medium with ultraviolet light to cure ink deposited on the print medium. On a carriage, the print head and the ultraviolet light irradiation device are mounted to face the medium supporter. The carriage is reciprocally movable relative to the print medium in a first direction and movable relative to the print medium in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The ultraviolet light irradiation device is arranged on a side in the first direction of the print head. The print head is arranged to project toward an upstream side of a feeding direction in the second direction by a predetermined length relative to the ultraviolet light irradiation device.
US08215756B2
A labelling machine and a method of applying information onto containers and/or labels by means of an ink jet printer which has at least one print head with at least one nozzle and in the case of which a cover can selectively be moved to a position in front of the discharge opening of the nozzle so as to recirculate ink discharged from the nozzle into the ink circuit. The printer can also be operated during a printing pause whereby the ink is prevented from drying up in the print head.
US08215753B2
A piezoelectric material of the invention includes a perovskite oxide (P) (which may contain inevitable impurities) represented by the formula below: Pba(Zrx,Tiy,Mb-x-y)bOc (P) (wherein M represents one or two or more metal elements; wherein 0
US08215749B2
In a liquid droplet discharge apparatus that prevents deterioration in the precision of ink droplet landing positions resulting from deformation of long members due to changes in the temperature environment, long members to which plural head units are attached are fixed at one end but slidably supported at the other end. The long members no longer bend because the other ends of the long members slide.
US08215745B2
An inkjet recording apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of recording heads, a cap unit, waste ink container and communicating member. Each recording head includes a nozzle face with inkjet nozzles. The cap unit includes a plurality of first ink receiving members and a second ink receiving member. Each first ink receiving member is disposed below and corresponding to each recording head and has a first receiving portion receiving ink discharged from the inkjet nozzles and a first discharging hole discharging the received ink. The second ink receiving member is disposed below and corresponding to the first ink receiving members and has a second receiving portion that collectively receives the ink discharged through a plurality of first discharging holes and a second discharging hole. The communicating member connects the second discharging hole with an ink storage chamber of the waste ink container.
US08215737B2
A demodulator for recording head includes a reference-clock input section to which a reference clock is inputted; a modulated-signal input section to which a plurality of types of modulated signals generated by modulating a plurality of types of recording signals corresponding to a plurality of types of jetting modes of the recording head are inputted; a demodulation-clock generating circuit which generates from the reference clock, a demodulation clock for detecting the timing at which the value of the modulated signal changes; and a demodulator circuit which demodulates the modulated signal to the recording signal by detecting the timing, at which the value of the modulated signal changes, by using the demodulation clock, and the plurality of types of modulated signals have different timings, based on the reference clock, at which values of the modulated signals change, respectively.
US08215734B2
A liquid supply unit is detachably installable in a liquid consuming apparatus. The liquid supply unit includes a receptacle containing a liquid; a memory device having a first memory area for storing first liquid information for use in identifying a remaining amount of the liquid contained in the receptacle; a sensor that is used to detect whether the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the receptacle is equal to or less than a prescribed value; and a memory control section that carries out write-prohibition control whereby writing to the first memory area in the memory device is prohibited in response to a write lock command from the liquid consuming apparatus.
US08215720B2
The invention relates to a spoke wheel that includes a peripheral rim, a central hub, and individual connecting spokes between the rim and the hub. In their free state, the spokes of the wheel are mounted without tension or compression between the rim and the hub, and each spoke can bear a compression load of at least 60 daN without bowing. Furthermore, the wheel includes a play-free connection or bilateral connection device for connecting at least one end of each spoke to the rim or the hub.
US08215716B2
A buckle structure of a vehicle seat includes: a seat belt that restrains an occupant; a tongue member that is provided at the seat belt; and a buckle member that is configured to lock the tongue member. The buckle member is disposed at a restraint position of the vehicle seat so that a protruding unit provided at the buckle member protrudes from the restraint position due to a pushing member, and when the tongue member is inserted into the buckle member, the tongue member is locked to the buckle member after the protruding unit returns to the restraint position against pushing forces of the pushing member.
US08215712B2
A compact and robust seat recliner assembly includes a seat recliner assembly with a guide plate, a pivotable plate, four pawls, a shaft, a cam, a retractor plate and a pre-tensioned spring wherein the pawls engage with the pivotable plate to lock the seat back from moving and the four pawls share the load on the assembly.
US08215707B2
A motor bus body (8) has multiple wall extrusions (18, 48) that join respective sides to the roof (16). Each extrusion has an exterior wall (20) that when viewed lengthwise of the extrusion is concave toward an interior passenger space (10) and convex away from the interior passenger space to form a rounded exterior corner of the body. The extrusion also comprises an interior wall (22) that is concave toward the exterior wall (20) and that cooperates with the exterior wall to enclose a space that contains additional walls (36, 38) of the extrusion joining with the interior and exterior walls (20, 22).
US08215703B2
An air guiding device (8) is mounted in the rear end (2) of a passenger motor vehicle (1) and a setting-out mechanism (7) is connected to the underside of the air guiding device (8) for moving the air-guiding device (8). A collar (14) with a streamlined profile extends from the air guiding device (8) and surrounds the setting-out mechanism (7). Thus, the end of the setting-out mechanism (7) that faces toward the air guiding device (8) is concealed, and there is an optimum flow around the setting-out mechanism (7) in the region of the setting-out mechanism (7) when the air guiding device (8) is deployed.
US08215700B2
A vehicle window/garnish structure is described including a window/garnish and a trim structure, as well as a cost effective seal that covers body colored structures in the door cut line to maintain a consistent unbroken styling appearance.
US08215696B2
A vehicle sun visor includes a sun visor main body, an auxiliary visor provided on the sun visor main body, and a support mechanism that is provided between the sun visor main body and the auxiliary visor and supports the auxiliary visor with respect to the sun visor main body so as to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the sun visor main body and so as to be rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the sun visor main body.
US08215687B2
A remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular is provided. The single joint elevator including a housing having an access opening configured to receive the tubular. The single joint elevator further including at least one closure member connected to the housing via a hinge pin. Additionally, the single joint elevator including a power assembly configured to rotate at least one closure member around the hinge pin to selectively open and close the access opening. In another aspect, a method of handling a tubular using a remotely operated joint elevator is provided. In yet a further aspect, a remotely operated joint elevator for use in handling a tubular.
US08215686B2
The present invention provides for various embodiments of a unitary fascia energy absorber including an aesthetic appearance while also providing improved energy management. In one embodiment the fascia energy absorber includes an outer member and an inner member joined together. The inner member has a base including a plurality of crush lobes and at least one of the plurality of crush lobes includes a projected wall spaced a distance from the base and at least one sidewall which extends from the base to the projected wall of the crush lobe. The plurality of crush lobes are spaced apart from one another and separated by a portion of the base. In another embodiment a process for producing a fascia energy absorber includes heating and forming a polymer sheets to form an outer member and heating and forming a second polymer sheet to form an inner member. The inner member and the outer member are then joined to form a fascia energy absorber.
US08215682B2
An unlocking structure including a board element, a locking element, and a guiding element is provided. The board element has a first surface, a second surface, and at least one first opening. The locking element with at least one hook and at least one first elastic arm is disposed on the first surface of the board element. The hook is connected to the first elastic arm and passes through the first opening to protrude from the second surface of the board element. The guiding element is slidingly disposed on the first surface of the board element and is located between the board element and the locking element. The guiding element has at least one guiding inclined plane. The guiding inclined plane is suitable to structurally interfere with the first elastic arm, so as to drive the hook to exit from the second surface towards the first surface.
US08215676B2
A scooter having a marking device that is movable from a first position, in which the marking device does not contact the surface on which the scooter is being operated, and a second position, in which the marking device contacts the surface on which the scooter is being operated. The scooter includes a scooter body which rotatably supports the marking assembly. The marking assembly includes a marking portion which creates markings on a riding surface when in frictional contact with the riding surface. The marking assembly also includes a foot actuation portion which is accessible to the user and allows the user to activate the marking assembly while riding. In one arrangement, the marking portion includes a removable cartridge with marking elements that create markings on the riding surface when in frictional contact with the riding surface.
US08215666B2
An air bag door is developed quickly even if the clearance between the grab door outer and the knee of a crew or passenger is narrow when a tier type air bag door is employed in a knee air bag device for vehicle. A fracture portion (50) consisting of a lateral fracture portion (50A) and longitudinal fracture portions (50B, 50C) is formed in the grab door outer general portion (24A). Thus, an air bag door (52) consisting of total six doors, i.e. an upper central air bag door (52A), an upper left side air bag door (52B), an upper right side air bag door (52C), a lower central air bag door (52D), a lower left side air bag door (52E), and a lower right side air bag door (52F), is formed. Even if both knees of the crewman or passenger of a small-sized build are arranged in proximity to or in contact with the lower left side air bag door (52E) and the lower right side air bag door (52F), the lower central air bag door (52D) opens smoothly between both the knees in addition to the upper side air bag doors in the initial stage of development of the air bag door (52).
US08215661B2
A stroller at least comprises a collapsible frame, which is provided with wheels near a first side and which is provided with a push member on a side remote from the wheels. The stroller further comprises at least one locking device for locking the frame in an unfolded position, as well as at least first and second actuating devices, which locking device can be unlocked in use by operating the two actuating devices, after which the collapsible frame can be collapsed from the unfolded position to a collapsed position. The first actuating device is slidable from a position in which it blocks the second actuating device to a releasing position, in which releasing position the second actuating device is slidable to an unlocking position, in which the locking device is unlocked.
US08215657B1
A dolly to, inter alia, provide load support to a tractor trailer rig in which the dolly may be selectively attached to the tractor or the trailer as a means of engaging a second trailer. A coupling assembly in which the engaging vehicle, whether tractor or trailer, includes a transverse locking bar disposed at an acute angle to the direction of movement, which is selectively coupled to the dolly having a plate disposed at substantially a same acute angle as the transverse locking bar, wherein the plate includes a channel adapted to receive the locking bar, and the dolly having an air bag suspension system engaged with the air system of the tractor, wherein the pumping up of the air bag suspension system secures the locking bar in the channel.
US08215655B1
A retractable safety bar device for a rear passenger of a vehicle such as a water vehicle, snow vehicle, or motorcycle featuring two mounting brackets for attaching to sides of the vehicle; an inner bar pivotally attached to each mounting bracket; a generally U-shaped gripping component comprising two side bars and a horizontal bar, the side bars are adapted for telescopically receiving the inner bars; the device is adjustable in height by moving the gripping component upwardly and downwardly with respect to the inner bars, the device can pivot forwardly and backwardly between various pivot positions with respect to the mounting brackets; and locking mechanisms for securing the gripping component at a certain height with respect to the first inner bar and second inner bar and for securing the safety bar device in a particular pivot position.
US08215653B2
A steering knuckle for a wheel of a vehicle is provided, particularly a motor vehicle, with a wheel bearing mounting section that serves for mounting the wheel bearing and with a control arm mounting section that serves for mounting control arms. The wheel bearing mounting section can be elastically pivoted relative to the control arm mounting section.
US08215641B2
A trading card game (10) includes a first card (212) having only one immovable section (234). The game (10) also includes a second card (314) including a first section (352) and a second section (354). The second section (354) can be slidable relative to the first section (352) so that the second card (314) moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the second section (354) is unexposed to the players. In the second position, the portion of the second section (354) is exposed to the players, and influences the outcome of at least a portion of the game (10).
US08215616B2
A merchandise presentation arrangement (11) contains a lifting bottom (33) carried by lifting cushions (32) that are arranged on top of one another and can be expanded up to a functional height by supplying compressed fluid. Each lifting cushion (32) is assigned a control valve and a pressure sensor that are connected to a control unit. In an automatic program sequence, compressed fluid is supplied to a lifting cushion (32) until a reference pressure value corresponding to the total weight of the merchandise is reached, wherein a switching pressure value is calculated from said reference pressure value for each lifting cushion (32).
US08215611B2
A system and method for operating a solenoid valve is disclosed. The solenoid valve is operated by moving a first valve element (4) with respect to a second valve element (6, 7) a first distance. And then pulling the second valve element (6, 7) with the first valve element (4) a second distance where the second valve element (6, 7) moves against resistance from a seal (8) and where the movement of the second valve element (6, 7) opens a gap with respect to an orifice (10). The second element (6, 7) then moves a third distance under spring load to open an increased gap with respect to the orifice (10).
US08215605B1
A magnetic mounting apparatus, comprising a first modular support member having an interchangeable first module configured to slide onto a second module, and a second support member. The first module includes a first receptacle having a first channel of a first width and a second channel of a second width greater than the first width. The first and second channels form a cavity with an opening at a first surface of the first module and which proceeds toward a second surface of the first module opposite to the first surface. The first module also includes a keyed housing channel and a catch. The second module includes a first magnet and a key for attachment to the first module. The second support member includes a second magnet that is oriented to mate with the first magnet of the first modular support member.
US08215602B2
A longitudinal seat adjustment apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a first seat support member that is attachable to a vehicle. A second seat support member that is movable with respect to the first seat support member and configured to support the seat such that the seat is movable with the second seat support member is also provided. A locking member that is movable generally vertically with respect to the first and second seat support members between a locked position and an unlocked position for locking and unlocking the second seat support member with respect to the first seat support member is additionally provided. The locking member is a substantially planar two-part locking member and includes a first part generally horizontally movable with respect to a second part.
US08215599B2
A fastening device for securing an appliance within a receiving frame in the interior of a motor vehicle. The receiving frame has a built-in opening into which the appliance can be introduced on an introductory plane along an installation direction and is locked releasably in an end position in the receiving frame. The fastening device has at least one latching hook. The latching hook is movable in the direction of a surface normal of the introductory plane and, in an end position, engages behind at least one retaining device such that the appliance is locked in the end position in the receiving frame against a movement counter to the installation direction.
US08215598B1
A hanging display device for decoratively displaying an item comprising an elongated cable constructed from a material comprising a metal surrounded by a plastic coating; a plurality of first half magnets disposed along the cable, the first half magnets can each engage a second half magnet disposed on the item; a loop disposed on the first end of the cable for allowing the cable to be mounted on an object; and a weighted component disposed on the second end of the cable for helping to keep the cable elongated.
US08215594B1
A musical instrument cable clip is provided which secures the musical instrument cable loop to the musical instrument. The clip includes a base portion to one end of which may be appended a strap post. The other end includes a switchback portion which has a rib with a ridge appended to an interior surface of the switchback. The clip is secured to the musical instrument and the cable is placed within the switchback where it is held by being grabbed or bit by the ridge.
US08215584B2
An aircraft structure including stiffened panels assembled at the junction, without continuity of the stiffeners. Multiple panels are used to form the fuselage, tail units and wings of an aircraft. These panels include stiffeners which are interrupted at each panel junction. However, the stresses experienced by the stiffeners must be transmitted despite these interruptions. Known solutions require the use of at least one additional part per stiffener and per interruption. In order to solve this problem, the disclosed embodiments include a doubler necessitating at most one additional part per panel junction area for all of the interrupted stiffeners in this area.
US08215583B2
An articulating yoke mount includes a support plate, a first bracket assembly mounted to the support plate, and a second bracket assembly spaced from the first bracket assembly. A positioning of the support plate is selectively adjustable relative to the first bracket assembly and the second bracket assembly to position the support plate at a desired viewing angle.
US08215571B2
A perfume bottle spray head assembly is disclosed to include a nozzle head, a lock cap, a receptacle, a plug, a dip tube, an outer cap and a rotary shut-off control plate. The nozzle head has passage means defined therein to facilitate mixing of liquid perfume with compressed air for enabling well-mixed liquid perfume and compressed air mixture to be sprayed out in a mist. The rotary shut-off control plate is operable to rotate the plug in the receptacle between a close position to shut off the liquid perfume passage and an open position to open the liquid perfume passage.
US08215569B2
A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing there through. An at least one water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. An at least one filter member is provided along the water channel. An at least one jetting element in communication with the housing and jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. An at least one lighting element emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An at least one additive supply element communicates with the at least one laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the at least one jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the at least one lighting element and receives an additive stream from the at least one additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.
US08215565B2
An apparatus and method are disclosed for tamper-proofing two-dimensional, optical, computer readable bar codes, including QR Codes. QR Codes, like traditional bar codes, contain computer readable content not cognizable by the human mind. The present invention teaches means of securing this content from would-be thieves and forgers motivated to overlay authorized, original content with unauthorized, replacement content.
US08215561B2
An antenna includes a substrate made of a dielectric substance, and a conductor pattern formed on the substrate and including a feeding point, an open end, an extension part extending from the feeding point, and a spiral part extending spirally from an opposite end of the extension part to the open end. The spiral part includes a part juxtaposed with the extension part. A distance along length directions of the conductor pattern, from a zero point at which a current is zero in the part upon feeding power to the feeding point, to a point at which a line perpendicular to the part and passing through the zero point intersects the extension part, is set to a second distance at which an electric field strength generated as a combination of electric fields generated at these points upon the feeding of power enables communications with the wireless tag.
US08215558B2
An apparatus for holding a SIM (subscriber identification module) card for an electronic device. The electronic device is implemented using integrated circuits on a PCB (printed circuit board) contained within a device housing. A SIM connector mounted on the PCB may electrically connect a SIM card to the PCB. The SIM card is releasably held in position by a SIM card door. The SIM card door may engage the SIM card with the SIM connector when in a closed position. The SIM card door in open position may slidably accept the SIM card. The SIM card door is releasably engageable with the housing and is rotatably attached to the housing in order to swing to the closed position from the open position. Holding the SIM card with the SIM card door provides for a smaller SIM connector and thus a minimum amount of PCB area for mounting the SIM connector.
US08215554B2
A method for adaptively varying resolutions of captured images may include capturing images and processing the captured images. The method may also include determining brightness information about the captured images. The method may also include varying the resolutions of the captured images based on the brightness information that is determined about the captured images. The method may also include determining intended brightness information corresponding to the captured images, and the resolutions of the captured images may be varied based on the intended brightness information as well as the brightness information.
US08215550B2
Disclosed is a method for a scanning device to tell its user how to best orient the scanning device to scan a target location. The user approaches the target location and initiates a scan. The results of the scan are analyzed and compared to information about the target location. Based on the analysis, the user is told how to re-orient the scanning device, if that is necessary to achieve an acceptable re-scan of the target location. In a preferred embodiment, a screen on the scanning device presents a two-dimensional map based on the scan results and on the known relative locations of the target location and of nearby non-target locations. Locations on the map are highlighted to tell the user the results of the scan and to direct him to re-orient the scanning device if necessary.
US08215541B2
Systems and methods for inputting configuration and network authorization information into a media device such that the media device may interface with media content providers and wireless networks. A service center collects configuration and network authorization information for a media device and generates a configuration module based thereon. The configuration module is then converted into the form of barcode which is provided to a media device capable of reading a barcode. The media device decodes the barcode and extracts the configuration module. The extracted configuration module is installed on the media device, configuring the device to access predetermined media content providers and/or wireless networks.
US08215540B2
Apparatus and methods for filling a customer order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method automatically verify a product barcode on each of the product, print a patient label with a patient barcode for each product, apply the patient labels to at least some of the products, and independently verify that the product barcode matches the proper patient barcode.
US08215536B2
A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.
US08215521B2
A foam dispenser and method of operation of the foam dispenser provides that a cartridge of liquid having an air head is retained in the dispenser and maintained under pressure by an air compressor when at rest, i.e., when the foam dispenser in not being actuated. Air and liquid conduits communicate respectively between the air head and liquid maintained in the cartridge and a foam generating head. Valves selectively close flow through the conduits. In this way, when the foam dispenser is actuated the valves can simply be opened for the appropriate amount of time to advance air and liquid to the foam generating head and dispense foam at a dispensing location.
US08215519B2
A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing.
US08215513B1
A self-closing resealable can end for a beverage container that opens the top of the beverage container through downward pressure that causes a gate to move downward relative to the top panel. The gate is retained by a resilient member and when the downward pressure ceases, the gate is moved into proximity with the top panel. Pressure from the carbonation presses the gate against a lip and the gate bends to form an enhanced seal. Other variations are disclosed.
US08215510B2
A photomask storage apparatus including a bottom plate and top lid is provided. The photomask storage apparatus includes poly-ether ketone (PEEK). A fastening element is configured to couple the lid to the bottom plate. A retaining element is secured to the lid to prevent vibrations of a photomask. A vent structure is also provided. The vent structure is configured such that airflow through the vent is purged in approximately 360 degrees into a chamber including the photomask. The vent structure may include a particulate filter. A seal liner is disposed on the bottom component.
US08215504B2
A bottle teat of an elastic material includes a hollow suction nipple and a circumferential mounting edge for fixation to the bottle opening of a drinking bottle. A hollow transition zone is disposed between the mounting edge and suction nipple as well as at least one drinking slot oriented in the longitudinal direction of the suction nipple and extending from the outside up to the inside of the suction nipple in an outwardly bulged external end region of the suction nipple. The bottle teat further includes at least one ventilation valve with a valve slot which is extended from the outer wall of the transition zone up to the inner wall of the transition zone.
US08215495B2
A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes.
US08215491B2
The invention provides apparatus for determining and recording characteristics of particulate material in a batch of such material comprising a separator chamber having an inlet, means for reading an identifier on a batch of particulate material supplied to the inlet and providing the identifier as a digital output, means for causing a flow of gas in the separator chamber to separate the particulate material into a first fraction and a second fraction, first counting means, second counting means, means for weighing the first fraction and providing the result as a digital output, and means for integrating the digital outputs and for transferring them to a computer programmed to store data in prescribed format in a database, from which it may be manipulated to afford comparison of characteristics of batches of particulate material.
US08215489B1
The present application provides apparatuses and methods for the size-selective fractionation of ligand-capped nanoparticles that utilizes the tunable thermophysical properties of gas-expanded liquids. The nanoparticle size separation processes are based on the controlled reduction of the solvent strength of an organic phase nanoparticle dispersion through increases in concentration of the antisolvent gas, such as CO2, via pressurization. The method of nanomaterial separation contains preparing a vessel having a solvent and dispersed nanoparticles, pressurizing the chamber with a gaseous antisolvent, and causing a first amount of the nanoparticles to precipitate, transporting the solution to a second vessel, pressurizing the second vessel with the gaseous antisolvent and causing further nanoparticles to separate from the solution.
US08215484B2
A package member includes a first cushioning member coupled to one end of a flat panel display apparatus, and a second cushioning member coupled to the other end of the flat panel display apparatus. The package member further includes a reinforcing pad formed of a plate-shaped member and having both ends supported by the first cushioning member and the second cushioning member. The reinforcing member increases the strength of the first and second cushioning members, enabling more safe protection of the flat panel display apparatus packaged in the package member.
US08215482B2
A tobacco container is provided. The tobacco container includes a lid, a container body and an insert in the form of a liner. The liner releasably connects the lid to the container body. Each of the lid and container body receive and connect to the liner. The liner can include a compression lip that is deformed when the liner is connected to the container body. The liner connects the container body and lid to one another without the two components contacting each other.
US08215480B2
A container for elongated objects, such as microtubes or vials, comprising a frame having a base and sides, a pair of rotatable opposing lid sections having at least two movement-resistant positions, and a rack with a plurality of holes or collars. The rack or interior bottom of the container may have features that discourage rotation of the microtubes or vials. The containers may further comprise microtubes or vials, which may be empty or filled with, for example, reagents, such as reagents for use in a predetermined process. A system of stackable carriers may be provided to hold and allow one-handed removal of a plurality of containers. The container may desirably permit one-handed opening and closing of the container and any vials contained therein, and the various lid positions may be suitable for submersion in an ice bath as well as standing upright on a laboratory bench.
US08215478B2
A multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor having a plurality of operating modes (each operating mode having a predetermined number of steps) and means for switching between operating modes responsive to at least one operating mode changing event.
US08215469B2
A multiple disk clutch includes a clutch outer, a clutch inner, frictional disks, a cam mechanism, and a vibration isolating member. The clutch inner is provided inside the clutch outer and configured to transmit a rotational driving force from the clutch outer to a transmission shaft. The frictional disks are movable in an axial direction of the transmission shaft to thereby make and break transmission of the rotational driving force from the clutch outer to the clutch inner. The cam mechanism is provided inside the clutch outer and configured to apply a pressing force to the frictional disks according to the rotational driving force from the crankshaft. The cam mechanism is configured to relax the pressing force applied to the frictional disks when a load from the transmission shaft exceeds a predetermined value. The vibration isolating member is provided at the clutch inner.
US08215468B2
A torque-transmission system with a decoupler (1) between a shaft (2) and a belt pulley (3) of a starter generator is provided. The belt pulley can rotate relative to the shaft (2). For reducing rotary oscillations, the decoupler (1) includes a damping device arranged between the belt pulley (3) and the shaft (2) with at least one spring element (5). The decoupler (1) includes an automatic locking device (7) that is dependent on a direction of rotation and that produces, at a low rotational speed level, a coupling between the belt pulley (3) and the shaft (2), and this coupling automatically disconnects when a pre-determined rotational speed is reached.
US08215467B2
A vehicle has a multi-gap magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch connecting rotatable input and output members, and includes a drum connected to the output member and a rotor connected to the input member. The drum contains a magnetically-permeable stator and a magnetic core, while the rotor has a magnetically-permeable member extending axially into the drum to define an outer working gap in conjunction with the stator and an inner working gap in conjunction with the magnetic core. MR fluid fills the working gaps, and a magnetic field generator or electromagnet induces a magnetic field when electrical current is passed through a field coil therein to change an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid. The inner and outer working gaps have a predetermined inner to outer gap thickness ratio balancing the slip power dissipation per unit volume in each of the working gaps.
US08215465B2
The invention relates to a bag for protecting sports equipment, particularly golf clubs, from damage due to temperature variations. The bag can be comprised of several individual panels, each comprising an insulated material, which create an inner volume into which a golf bag can be inserted. When the top panel is sealed, the insulated material can protect the contents of the bag from damage due to temperature variations.
US08215457B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a method and elevator system (1) that substantially reduces the installation costs when adding new elevator calls to an existing elevator system, or to reduce the amount of hardware required on installation of a new elevator system. A single push button (2) or a combination of push buttons (2) can be used by a user (4) to register a plurality of elevator calls by operating the push button (2), or combination of push buttons (2), in a predetermined manner to register an elevator call.
US08215453B2
A ladder constructed for reaching an elevated surface or object and having a bow-shaped configuration so that the reach may extend further from the base on which the footing of the ladder rests, the ladder being configured to reach areas such as the roof of a vehicle.
US08215445B2
Provided is an electroacoustic transducer having a diaphragm (10). The diaphragm (10) has a first and a second region (20, 30), wherein the hardness, stiffness or compliance of the first region (20) differs from the second region (30).
US08215444B2
A roll restrictor system for an automotive powertrain includes a first mounting pad located upon a powertrain component and a mounting bracket having an integral bushing post, with the mounting bracket being attached to the first mounting pad. A control link has a first bushing engaged with the integral bushing post portion of the mounting bracket, and a second bushing engaged with a vehicular structural member.
US08215432B2
A battery thermal system for use in a vehicle having a power plant, an air conditioning system and a battery pack, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The battery thermal system may include a refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger that selectively receives a refrigerant from the vehicle air conditioning system; a battery radiator located adjacent to a cooling fan; a valve that receives a liquid coolant from the battery pack and selectively redirects the liquid coolant to the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator; and an electric pump for pumping the liquid coolant through the battery pack, the valve, the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator. The battery thermal system may also include a battery coolant heater for selectively heating the coolant that flows into the battery pack.
US08215425B2
In response to a starting instruction of an engine 22 at a gearshift position of a gearshift lever 81 set to a parking position, the engine 22 and motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled to motor and start the engine 22 with output of a torque from the motor MG2 to keep a rotational position of a rotor in the motor MG2 at a preset reference position. This arrangement enables the engine 22 to be motored and started even in the state of separation of a ring gear shaft 32a from a driveshaft 36 by means of a transmission 60 and locking of drive wheels 39a and 39b by means of a parking lock mechanism 90.
US08215420B2
An insert comprises a sintered polycrystalline diamond body bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate. The diamond body comprises a substantially conical shape with conical side wall terminating at an apex. The diamond body comprises a first region with a metallic catalyst dispersed through interstices between the diamond grains and a second region proximate the apex with the characteristic of higher thermal stability than the first region.
US08215414B2
A pulse drilling machine (1;1′) for the generating of shock wave pulses in a tool direction (R) has an impulse piston (4;4′) with a housing (2), and a device (8) for abruptly changing fluid pressure influencing the impulse piston to achieve a force resultant on the impulse piston in the tool direction to generate a shock wave pulse in a drill string (13; 13′) which is connected to the machine, a first fluid chamber (14;3′) inside the housing which in operation is arranged to exert a pressure in the tool direction on the impulse piston. The machine has a fluid flow channel (11; 18; 19), which includes a device for damping fluid flow flowing from the first fluid chamber through the fluid flow channel obtained when influencing the impulse piston (4; 4′) in a direction opposite to the tool direction (R) by rock reflexes in the drill string during drilling.
US08215409B2
An expansion assembly is run into the well as the expandable liner is made up. A work string is tagged into the expansion assembly and run to depth. Pressure drives the swage to initially expand and move uphole with the attached work string until the liner is expanded to set at least one external packer. The balance of the expansion in the uphole direction is continued until the string is expanded into sealing support of a higher string in the wellbore and the variable swage comes out of the hole with the work string. A shoe is milled out and the process can be repeated.
US08215406B2
A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. One apparatus includes a swellable packer element around a primary and a secondary flow path, wherein the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. One method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore. With the packer set, gravel packing of the sand control devices in different intervals may be performed. Then, hydrocarbons are produced from the wellbore by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with the different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed. In addition, the method may also include disposing the sand control devices and packer into the wellbore in conditioned drilling fluid. The conditioned drilling fluid may be displaced adjacent to the sand control devices by a carrier fluid. Again, once the packer is set, the gravel packing the intervals with the carrier fluid having gravel may be performed.
US08215405B1
Year 2010 showed us that the oil/gas industry was not prepared to shut down in few days a high pressure oil/gas well. The Gulf of Mexico was polluted by thousands of barrels of oil that were leaking from a high pressure well. The environment damage was humongous as well as the economical loses. Here, I am presenting a method to shut down a high pressure oil/gas well in matter of days rather than in months. This method keeps the well integrity. This method is effective even if the well integrity was compromised.
US08215400B2
A system for opening a window in a casing string (42) positioned in a wellbore (32). The system includes a hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) having a housing and a piston assembly with a differential piston area. The piston assembly is longitudinally shiftable relative to the housing and is initially secured relative thereto to prevent longitudinal movement therebetween. An anchor assembly (114) is operable to longitudinally secure the hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) within the casing string (42). A window opening tool (118) operably associated with the hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) is operably engagable with the casing string (42) such that when the anchor assembly (114) is longitudinally secured within the casing string (42) and the piston assembly is unsecured relative to the housing under hydrostatic pressure, longitudinal movement of the piston assembly transmits a force to the window opening tool (118), thereby opening the window in the casing string (42).
US08215395B2
A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet.
US08215393B2
The invention discloses a method of creating a polymerized composition in a well bore: providing a polymerizable composition made of a polymerization initiator and a monomer polymerizable by frontal polymerization; introducing the polymerizable composition into the wellbore; exposing the polymerizable composition to a trigger to activate the frontal polymerization; and creating the polymerized composition.
US08215392B2
A rapid and inexpensive process for increasing the amount of hydrocarbons (e.g., oil) produced and the rate of production from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs by displacing oil downwards within the oil reservoir and into an oil recovery apparatus is disclosed. The process is referred to as “gas-assisted gravity drainage” and comprises the steps of placing one or more horizontal producer wells near the bottom of a payzone (i.e., rock in which oil and gas are found in exploitable quantities) of a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir and injecting a fluid displacer (e.g., CO2) through one or more vertical wells or horizontal wells. Pre-existing vertical wells may be used to inject the fluid displacer into the reservoir. As the fluid displacer is injected into the top portion of the reservoir, it forms a gas zone, which displaces oil and water downward towards the horizontal producer well(s).
US08215389B2
A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid is disclosed. The method includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.
US08215383B2
A stress and torque reducing tool has a plunger that reciprocates inside of a body. The tool is connected between the pump and the sucker rod string and reduces stress transmitted therebetween. The body and plunger have longitudinally extending surfaces located at the plunger upper end portion, which surfaces cooperate and limit rotation of the body with respect to the plunger. An upper fluid port is located in an upper end of the body, while one or more lower fluid ports are located in a lower end of the body.
US08215379B2
A debris filter trap to prevent potentially damaging debris carried by the feedwater entering the pressure vessel of a once through steam generator from entering into the section of tubes which are positioned within the confines of an integrally contained economizer of the once through steam generator. The trap will remove foreign material, from the feedwater flow, that is larger than the space between the tubes, and thus prevent debris particles that are large enough to get lodged in the tube spacing from entering the economizer.
US08215377B1
A heat transfer device generally includes a flexible cooling layer for use in heat pipe technology for example. The flexible layer has outer and inner surfaces. A backing layer has an outer surface and an inner surface facing the inner surface of the flexible layer. A rigid separator portion is disposed between the inner surfaces of the flexible and backing layers, and has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the flexible and backing layers and the rigid separator portion define a sealed chamber. An evaporable working liquid is contained within the sealed chamber. The working liquid expands when heated to expand a volume within the sealed chamber, such that the flexible layer extends away from the sealed chamber. The flexible layer, when extended transfers heat through the sealed chamber to a cooler area of the device.
US08215376B2
A continuous cast molten metal mold and casting system is disclosed, which may include a heat distribution or temperature management system for billet type molds, a mold assembly expansion system for continuous cast molds and/or an adjustable mold bore length mechanism.
US08215372B2
A method of making a casting is disclosed. At least one support member has at least one first portion and a plurality of second portions connected to a mold core. The mold core is positioned at least in part in a sealed interior volume of a negative mold. The first portion is positioned outside the interior volume. The second portions are positioned at least in part inside the interior volume. A consumable pattern material is introduced into the negative mold to create a consumable pattern. The support member is disposed at least in part outside the consumable pattern. The consumable pattern is removed from the negative mold. A shell is formed around the consumable pattern. A casting material is introduced into an interior of the shell to create a final casting. The support member is disposed at least in part outside the final casting. A mold core is also described.
US08215370B2
Devices and methods for temporarily replacing a window are disclosed herein. An exemplary temporary window replacement apparatus includes a plurality of angled frame members, a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plastic film. Typically, at least one of the angled frame members can change angles within a given plane. Additionally, at least one of the elongated frame members typically can adjusted lengthwise along a longitudinal axis to connect with the ends of two angled frame members. The end of each angled frame member typically can be connected and removed from the end of each elongated frame member. Moreover, some of the frame members have attached stability flange to aid in securing the temporary window apparatus to an automobile window frame. Methods of temporarily replacing a window include constructing a temporary window frame with a heat-shrinkable plastic film and then applying heat thereto.
US08215362B2
An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes a guide mechanism having a feeding portion for feeding an elastic member. The feed portion is alternately movable in a first direction and a second direction, and the elastic member is brought into contact with a web conveyed in a machine direction and is ananged in a waveform. The first direction is from a center portion of the web to a first end portion in a cross direction crossing the machine direction. The second direction is from the center portion to a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. A distance between the feeding portion and a nip point at which the elastic member comes in contact with the web is largest when the nip point exceeds a position in the waveform where an angle between the machine direction and a tangent to the waveform is largest.
US08215353B2
A tire includes a carcass, a tread band having a radially outer tread surface and a plurality of radially extending recesses, and an anti-slip structure disposed in one of the radially extending recesses. The anti-slip structure includes a first end portion, a second triangular middle portion, and a third triangular end portion. The third end portion includes three radially extending projections for providing traction over ice. The shape of the radially extending recess corresponds to the shape of the anti-slip structure such that the anti-slip structure is both radially and rotationally secured within the recess relative to the tread band of the tire.
US08215352B2
A pneumatic tire includes a wide cross belt having a width not smaller than 92% and not lager than 100% of a width of a tread; and a narrow cross belt having a width smaller than that of the wide cross belt and a tire width direction outer end positioned on a tire width direction outer side with respect to a tire width direction inner edge of an outermost land portion. The tread has open sipes penetrating through the outermost land portion in the tire width direction and formed along the tire circumferential direction, and lug grooves extending along the open sipes on a contact surface of the outermost land portion and having a tire width direction outer end positioned between a tire width direction outer end of the wide cross belt and the tire width direction outer end of the narrow cross belt.
US08215345B2
A fuel dispensing nozzle system including a spout configured to dispense fuel flowing therethrough, and a flow shaper positioned in the spout such that fuel flowing through the spout passes through the flow shaper. The flow shaper includes a central cavity and a plurality of outer cavities positioned about the central cavity. The central cavity and the plurality of outer cavities each have a L/D ratio, wherein the L/D ratio of the central cavity is less than the L/D ratio of each of the outer cavities.
US08215342B2
A hydrogen source comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a first form and a second hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a second form different from the first form. The hydrogen source comprises a means for converting hydrogen from the first form to hydrogen gas and transferring the hydrogen gas from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir. An interface is provided for transferring hydrogen from the second hydrogen reservoir to a hydrogen reservoir in a portable device. The interface comprises a fluidic coupling. The hydrogen source may be used to provide hydrogen fuel to a wide range of portable devices.
US08215341B2
Disclosed is a resin pipe with a mouthpiece comprising: a mouthpiece; and a resin pipe of which one end is joined to the mouthpiece, wherein the one end is disposed in the mouthpiece, and an outer peripheral surface of the one end is joined to an inner peripheral surface of the mouthpiece by fusion.
US08215332B1
The object of the present invention is to provide a zone indicator and vacuum breaker combination. The zone indicator assembly includes a body having a funnel shaped interior providing a seal seat. A seal is provided upon a vacuum breaker flange of a shaft assembly. A lower end of the shaft assembly engages with a valve operating stem assembly of a rotating valve selecting disc. A zone indicator cap is assembled to an upper end of the shaft assembly. The cap adjusts vertically upon a body and cap interface disposed upon an upper end of the body.
US08215325B2
A calf, ankle, foot, or leg rest device which can be snapped onto a cane for use or snapped off when only the use of the cane is desired. The invention also encompasses the combination cane and rest device. Many people who either have a permanent leg, knee, or foot disability or are recovering from a leg, knee, or foot operation are required to keep their leg in a horizontal position while seated. The rest device is a J-shaped soft padded bracket that is rigidly attached to the cane. The height of the bracket along the cane is adjustable to provide comfort and ease of use. The cane may be positioned at a convenient horizontal distance from the user as desired. In this way, the user may rest his or her calf, ankle, or heel on the rest device. Once the rest device is engaged by the user's leg, the cane is perfectly balanced on the ground. A user can comfortably keep his leg in a horizontal position for hours.
US08215320B2
A cosmetic compact includes a base and a cap. The base includes a cosmetic well in which a cosmetic may be disposed. The cap is affixed to the base to form an enclosure, with the cosmetic well disposed therein. The cap includes a cosmetic applicator holder, also disposed within the enclosure, which is adapted to engage and secure a cosmetic applicator opposite the cosmetic well.
US08215318B2
A system for coloring hair includes a specialized brush having a narrow tapered end and an elongated handle portion and an opposite bristle head consisting of at least three bristle grouping. Each bristle grouping is separated by a gap. The bristle groupings align with corresponding channels on a color tray. The color tray consists of at least three parallel and elongated channels, each channel can retain a separate color chemical.
US08215317B2
The present invention relates to a self striking cigarette comprising: cigarette paper, where said cigarette paper includes a phosphorous dipped edge; a tobacco product, where the tobacco product is rolled within the cigarette paper; and a filter, where said filter is attached to the rolled cigarette paper at the non-phosphorous end. In one exemplary embodiment, the cigarette paper is ribbed along the phosphorous edge to provide a reinforcement means. The self striking cigarettes according the present invention may be packaged as a plurality of phosphorous tipped cigarettes stored within a cigarette box, where said cigarette box includes at least one striking surface in the lower corner of the cigarette box. The present invention also contemplates a method of creating a self striking cigarette.
US08215313B1
A medical garment system for comfortably restraining at least one limb of a gown wearer while permitting the wearer to receive medical treatment. The medical garment system is particularly useful for special needs patients, such as autistic children, who may become frightened when medical personnel are attempting to administer medication. Such patients may react by violently moving their arms, causing themselves or the medical personnel harm. When the arms of such a patient are comfortably subdued during such procedures, the patient is better protected from injury.
US08215312B2
An upper tray adapted to receive a wearer's maxillary teeth. A lower tray adapted to receive the wearer's mandibular teeth. A first upper ridge is carried on a maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray. A second upper ridge is carried on the maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray posterior to and spaced from the first upper ridge. A lower ridge is carried on a mandibular occlusal surface of the lower tray received between the first upper ridge and the second upper ridge. The lower tray is movable to a forward position where the lower ridge abuts the first upper ridge to limit forward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray, and the lower tray is movable to a rearward position where the lower ridge abuts the second upper ridge to limit rearward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray.
US08215311B2
One aspect relates to reducing a pressure differential across one or more supporting surfaces of a body surface of an individual at least partially by displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit to at least partially conform to one or more contours of the body surface of the individual. Certain aspects can relate to stabilizing at least the one or more supporting surfaces of the body surface of the individual at least partially with at least one of the at least one displaceable contouring unit Other aspects can relate to relatively displacing at least one displaceable contouring unit with respect to a medical device portion based at least in part on a contour of an individual to support at least a portion of the individual while limiting pressure applied to the individual.
US08215300B2
A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section.
US08215290B2
A fuel tank vent system includes a carbon canister and an engine fuel system coupled to the carbon canister. Fuel vapor discharged from a fuel tank included in the engine fuel system flows during certain conditions into the carbon canister to encounter charcoal stored in the carbon canister. Hydrocarbon material associated with the discharged fuel vapor is captured by the charcoal and a stream of cleaned vapor is discharged from the carbon canister to the atmosphere.
US08215283B2
A cooling system for variable cylinder engines is is designed to most efficiently cool engine during engine full displacement operation and to heat inactive cylinders and cool active cylinders during engine reduced displacement operation. By heating inactive cylinders, the fuel efficiency during reactivation is improved and the optimal operation of the catalytic converter may be maintained.
US08215280B2
A four-stroke, piston-powered internal explosion (“IE”) engine for providing power output through a rotating crankshaft. The IE engine includes an engine block having power cylinders formed therein for receiving working pistons, bearing means for supporting the crankshaft, and a crankshaft supported within the bearing means having an output end extending outside of the engine block and a plurality of offset power cranks. The IE engine further includes connecting rods operably coupled to the power cranks and configured to transfer power from the working pistons to rotate the crankshaft, and working pistons that are received into the power cylinders and operably coupled to the power cranks. Each working piston has a head end positioned adjacent to a cylinder head to form a compression chamber and is configured to receive power from an explosion of a compressed volume of air/fuel mixture located within the compression chamber, and to transfer the received power to the connecting rods. The IE engine is further configured so that the compressed volume of air/fuel mixture is substantially constant, and a peak compression ratio is maintained, from an angular position of the rotating crankshaft of at least 20 degrees prior to a TDC position of a compression stroke, to an angular position of at least 20 degrees after the TDC position of a power stroke, and prior to detonation.
US08215277B2
A spark plug is provided capable of speedily burn off carbon adhered on an insulator. With this spark plug, in order to improve the temperature rise performance of a front end side of an insulator 10, an amount of protrusion H (mm) of the insulator 10, a front-end side volume Vi (mm3) of the insulator 10, and a front-end side volume Vc (mm3) of a center electrode 20 are respectively defined. In consequence, it is possible to improve the recovery property of carbon fouling while retaining the voltage resistance of the insulator 10 and the durability of the center electrode 20. In addition, since the recovery property of carbon fouling improves, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of side sparks generated from the center electrode 20 to a metal shell 50 along the insulator 10, thereby making it possible to stably ensure proper ignition of an air-fuel mixture.
US08215276B2
An improved deactivation hydraulic lash adjuster wherein the prior art lost motion spring or springs formerly located within the body of the DHLA and below the pin housing are either omitted completely or are reduced in length, spring force, and/or number and are augmented hydraulically, allowing a shorter, more compact lifter body and reduced overall lifter length. The prior art lost motion spring chamber becomes a hydraulic chamber connected to a new pressurized oil supply gallery containing an accumulator in the engine. An embodiment having no lost motion spring and solely hydraulic lost motion return can be even shorter than a spring-hydraulic hybrid because the potential hydraulic pressure to be brought against the pin housing is not a function of the length of the lost motion chamber, which length is limited only by the required displacement of the pin housing.
US08215273B2
A camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine, which is attached on the end to a camshaft (2) and which acts as a transmission element to a drive wheel (3) for the rotating drive of the camshaft (2), with an internal wheel (4) locked in rotation with the camshaft (2) and a coaxial external wheel (5) that can rotate relative to the internal wheel. A control valve with a valve slide (6) is provided for controlling a fluid for pressurizing pressure spaces (20) arranged between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5), and is provided coaxial to the internal wheel (4), in order to create angular adjustment between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5). The internal wheel (4) has a central valve slide space (24) extending in the axial direction toward the camshaft (2) in which the valve slide (6) is held so that it can move in the axial direction and the valve slide space (24) of the internal wheel (4) includes at least one control edge (7), with which the valve slide (6) interacts in a sealing manner.
US08215270B2
Methods and apparatus are described for a reciprocating combustion engine. A method includes operating a dual-piston engine including introducing a gas into a pair of combustion chambers; introducing a fuel into the pair of combustion chambers; compressing the gas; combusting the gas and the fuel; and exhausting combusted gases. Each of the pistons drives a reciprocating crankshaft that protrudes through a cylinder wall and cooperatively rotate a pair of rotors by engaging substantially sinusoidal cam tracks on the rotors. An apparatus includes a cam driven, concentric drive rotary-valve dual-piston engine.
US08215265B2
An animal compartment assembly that has a roof that is supported by a sidewall. The sidewall has a door therein that is slidably within the sidewall. A floor supports the sidewall to complete the structure. There is a storage chamber that is disposed within the sidewall and has a door that opens to provide access to the storage chamber from outside the sidewall wherein items for the animal can be stored.
US08215255B2
A twisted rudder blade for a ship having a twist that is adapted to the configuration of the flow of the water in the region of the rudder blade if no propeller in operation is disposed in front of the rudder blades in the direction of travel of the ship.
US08215252B1
A system is disclosed for dynamically stabilizing a ship in high sea states. A six degree-of-freedom robotic arm is attached to the ship, and a thruster is located at the distal end of the manipulator. The manipulator is be used to orient the thruster to counteract wave forces that act against the ship's hull in real time. This active balancing technique can be used to keep the ship substantially erect in rough seas by making continual corrections to the ship's body attitude. The center of gravity and the center of buoyancy of the ship are utilized, along with a precisely oriented and controlled thrust at the end of the manipulator, to optimally control the ship's state against impending waves.
US08215251B2
An undergarment includes at least one piece of fabric that forms the undergarment. The undergarment has leg openings. The fabric includes edges that surround the leg openings, whereby at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings has a plurality of fibers and at least some of the fibers have free ends terminating at the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. A bead of a cured polymer is disposed over the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. The cured polymer bead forms a finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of the fabric.
US08215246B2
A portable staging system adjustable for quick assembly and disassembly and inherent sturdiness. The portable staging system includes a bracket assembly for detachably coupling a support member to the platform of the portable stage. The bracket assembly includes a bracket sleeve adapted to receive the support member, a brace member shiftable within the bracket sleeve between a support member engaging position and a support member clearing position, and an actuator assembly for simultaneously shift first and second drivers of the brace member.
US08215234B2
A method for roller adjustment in a printing press includes providing a first roller, a second roller and a third roller. The second roller bears both against the first roller and against the third roller and is oriented in an axially nonparallel manner relative to the third roller. The first roller is displaced into a position in which the first roller is oriented in an axially nonparallel manner relative to the third roller. A dampening unit for carrying out the method is also provided.
US08215232B2
A cooking apparatus for assuring easier cleaning of contaminants, such as food residue, attached to the wall surface of a cavity in the cooking apparatus is disclosed. The cooking apparatus includes a body defining the outer appearance of the cooking apparatus, and a cavity defining a space for heating and cooking an object and having an inner surface to form an oil-repellent surface by being heated. In a cleaning method for the cooking apparatus, the inner surface of the cavity is heated prior to cooking food, to have an oil-repellency. The inner surface makes it difficult for the contaminants to be attached thereto. Even if the contaminants are attached, the contaminants have a very low adhesive power and thus are easy to clean.
US08215230B2
A collapsible salad spinner includes a bowl, basket, and lid. Each of the bowl and basket are formed such that they are collapsible, with the bowl and basket being collapsible while nested within one another.
US08215229B2
A machine for preparing coffee or the like. The machine includes a pump supplying water; a unit for preparing and dispensing of coffee, with a dispensing seating, and an upstream electric heater for heating the water passing through the heater; a hydraulic circuit which connects the pump to the inlet of the heater and which includes solenoid valves assuming a rest configuration in which the heater is substantially emptied of water, and a working configuration in which the heater is enabled to receive and be traversed by a flow of water sent by the pumping devices for the preparation of the coffee; and a control unit (ECU) arranged for activating the heater and causing the solenoid valves to change to the working configuration only when a command is issued for the preparation and dispensing of coffee.
US08215225B1
An air, land, or sea vehicle may include a gun and a rotatable turret ring. An autoloader may be disposed in a basket fixed to the turret ring. The autoloader may include a turntable that rotates independently of the turret ring. An elevator having a track may rotate with the turntable. A carriage may be linearly translatable on the track of the elevator in directions toward and away from the plane of the turntable. A transfer device may be rotatably fixed to a pivot of the carriage. The transfer device may include a rail and a gripper that is linearly translatable on the rail.
US08215222B1
Ring-shaped shape memory alloys put disk-shaped ceramic materials in a state of compression. The rings are radially deformed to introduce plastic strain into the rings. The rings are sized to closely receive the disk-shaped ceramic strike plates. When the assembly is heated, the rings attempt to regain their original shape and thereby put the ceramic strike plates into uniform, two-dimensional compression.
US08215220B2
The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles.
US08215219B2
A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position.
US08215217B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a stop rule on a machine table of a table saw by means of an adapter. In one embodiment, the adapter includes on one side a clamping bar protruding from a plate for engagement into a longitudinal groove of the stop rule, and on the opposite side means for connection to a clamping element of a rule carrier attached to the machine table. The plate of the adapter carrying the clamping bar is supported between two columns that are fastenable on the rule carrier, and carries on its back side, facing the rule carrier, a vertically adjustable clamping plate for coupling the clamping element of the rule carrier fixedly against the back side of the plate. The clamping plate is connected to the adapter plate via two releasable screws that are vertically adjustable in two vertical elongated holes of the plate.
US08215216B2
A blade lubrication system for a sawmill having a blade, chain or band saw, and a control mechanism for activating said blade, chain or band. The blade lubrication system automatically activates cooling and cleaning of the blade, or band when the control mechanism is activated, and automatically deactivates the cooling and cleaning of the blade, chain or band when the control mechanism is deactivated.
