US08217968B2
An image display device 100 is an image display device capable of controlling the luminance of a backlight. The image display device 100 includes: a backlight luminance set value estimator which calculates the luminance set value of a backlight 101 based on an input image; and a signal corrector which corrects the transmittance of a liquid crystal in accordance with the luminance distribution of backlight emitted to the liquid crystal panel. The image display device 100 is characterized in that a signal corrector 107 corrects the transmittance of the liquid crystal while retaining the proportion of a gray-scale level value of each of RGB subpixels of the input image.
US08217966B2
A method of automatically tracking the portions of a 3D medical imaging volume, such as the voxels, that have already been displayed according to use-defined display parameters, notating those portions, and providing the user with information indicating what portions of the imaging volume have been displayed at full resolution.
US08217965B2
An improved graphics processing system and method are described for magnifying visual output information for printing, display, or other output. A graphics engine transforms display information so as to magnify one or more components or areas of an output image for display via output hardware such as a screen or printer. Magnification parameters are supplied to the graphics engine by one or more magnification applications. In an embodiment of the invention, the graphics engine performs compositing of magnified and unmagnified content for display. In an alternative embodiment, the graphics engine outputs corresponding scaled image material to the appropriate magnification application for rendering. In a further embodiment, the graphics engine may operate in both modes. The magnified output according to various embodiments of the invention enhances the accessibility of the computer system for visually handicapped or impaired users by providing high quality magnification and increased system and application stability.
US08217964B2
A handheld device presents information on a display screen in alternate formats. The device determines its orientation relative to a device user and selects a format based on that orientation. The displayed information may also be scrolled or zoomed based on a detected motion of the device.
US08217961B2
A method estimates a 3D pose of a 3D specular object in an environment. In a preprocessing step, a set of pairs of 2D reference images are generated using a 3D model of the object, and a set of poses of the object, wherein each pair of reference images is associated with one of the poses. Then, a pair of 2D input images are acquired of the object. A rough 3D pose of the object is estimated by comparing features in the pair of 2D input images and the features in each pair of 2D reference images using a rough cost function. The rough estimate is refined using a fine cost function.
US08217960B2
A device and a method for adjusting video luminance of at least a color in a display wherein the color is appointed by the user. The device comprises: a color flag generating module for transforming a plurality of color signals into a plurality of color flags; a luminance adjustment value calculating module for calculating a luminance adjustment output value according to a plurality of luminance adjustment input values of different colors and the plurality of color flags; and a luminance output module for applying the luminance adjustment output value to a luminance input signal so as to generate a luminance output signal. Using the device and the method according to the present invention, the user can respectively adjust the luminance of different colors.
US08217957B1
A system generates continuous texture environment based on mipmapped texture and photographic images such that each mipmapped image has a plurality of mipmap level representations of a particular texture or photographic image. The system can include a delta value dataset configured to store a plurality of delta values for the texture images and photographic images. The system further includes an absolute value dataset configured to store a plurality of absolute values for the photographic images to be displayed in the continuous texture environment. The system yet further includes an environment processor configured to generate the continuous texture environment. The environment processor includes a blending processor configured to blend the photographic imagery and texture images to remove discontinuities using the delta values.
US08217952B2
Techniques for caching images are presented. A matrix of pixel values represents an image. A diagonal of the matrix is used as an array of numbers representing an index value. The index value is compared to existing index values housed in a cache. When no match is present, the index value is inserted into the cache and the corresponding image associated with the inserted index value acquired. When a match is present no action is taken on the index values of the cache.
US08217950B2
A processing unit, method, and graphics processing system are provided for processing a plurality of frames of graphics data. For instance, the processing unit can include a first plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs), a second plurality of GPUs, and a plurality of compositors. The first plurality of GPUs can be configured to process a first frame of graphics data. Likewise, the second plurality of GPUs can be configured to process a second frame of graphics data. Further, each compositor in the plurality of compositors can be coupled to a respective GPU from the first and second pluralities of GPUs, where the plurality of compositors is configured to sequentially pass the first and second frames of graphics data to a display module.
US08217948B2
A display interface system includes a display transmitter and a display receiver. The display transmitter transmits a control pattern having image type information about a type of an image to be displayed and selectively transmits image data according to the type of the image to be displayed. The display receiver receives the control pattern and selectively receives the image data based upon the image type information, reducing power consumption.
US08217947B2
One aspect of the invention relates to techniques for increasing the displayable font size while retaining a wide text line of information on small information displays. In one embodiment, the inventive technique leverages the wider diagonal (in device dimensions) for text viewing and combine this form of display with a horizontal (in text dimensions) scrolling feature i.e. scrolling text along the diagonal of the device's display. Vertical context (in text dimensions) is maintained by adding a constant-offset look-ahead and look-back line above the primary diagonal focus area. Another embodiment bends the text along two edges of the display area to leverage the fact that the lengths of the two sides are even longer than the length of the screen diagonal. In both configurations, one can retain a large font size without sacrificing the number of characters displayed per line.
US08217946B2
An intuitive graphical display as described herein can be rendered by a host device that obtains physiological patient data (such as blood glucose values) in real time or substantially real time. The graphical display includes a calibrated bar graph having a desired measurement range for the monitored parameter. The graphical display also includes a dynamic measurement value indicator that moves along the bar graph in a manner that tracks the current value of the monitored physiological characteristic. The graphical display may also incorporate easy-to-interpret display elements that allow the user to quickly determine whether the current value of the monitored physiological characteristic is within or outside a normal range, whether the monitored physiological characteristic is rising or falling, and the approximate rate of change of the monitored physiological characteristic.
US08217945B1
Systems and methods of social annotation of a single evolving visual representation of a changing dataset are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the method includes generating a visual representation of a dataset at an initial time and automatically updating the visual representation of the dataset to reflect the dataset at a changed time through an algorithm that applies changed values between the dataset at the initial time and the dataset at the changed time while maintaining a previous calculation of an unchanged portion of the dataset at the initial time. The method further includes generating an alert when the change status indicates that the underlying data has changed beyond the threshold tolerance range. The method further includes placing a note associated with a first user on the visual representation.
US08217940B2
A method for a computer system includes receiving a plurality of values for an illumination parameter associated with an illumination source for a scene, determining a plurality illumination contributions for a surface of an object within the scene, in response to the plurality of values, determining a plurality of texture maps associated with the surface of the object in response to the plurality of illumination contributions, wherein each of the plurality of texture maps is associated with each of the plurality of values for the illumination parameter, receiving a value for the illumination parameter at render time from a user, determining a texture map associated with the surface of the object, in response to the value for the illumination parameter and in response to the plurality of texture maps, rendering the surface of the object using the texture map to form an image, and displaying the image to the user.
US08217939B1
A method is provided for calculating edge normals when transforming 3D geometric data (e.g., polygon mesh data) to voxel data, which includes four steps. First, each geometric unit (e.g., each polygon) in the 3D geometric data is mapped to a voxel grid. Second, edge voxels are detected in the voxel grid. As used herein, an edge voxel means a voxel forming an edge of an object to be rendered. Third, for each edge voxel, one or more normals of the one or more geometric units that intersect with that edge voxel are calculated and stored. Fourth, for each edge voxel, an edge normal is obtained by combining (e.g., equal-weight-averaging) the one or more normals stored in association with that edge voxel.
US08217938B2
A computer-implemented method and computer software for calculating an orientation for an item. A bounding cube is constructed which encompasses a mesh representation of the item. The bounding cube is divided into a plurality of voxel elements. A data structure may be used to subdivide the bounding cube. Calculations are performed to determine which of the plurality of voxel elements intersect with the mesh, defining a voxel representation of the item. A statistical analysis is performed on the voxel representation to determine an orientation for the item.
US08217933B2
A collision target map and a collision target LUT are generated for each pixel to be subjected to rendering as collision target information with recorded identification information for CG data rendering on the pixel, while carrying out rendering of colliding object group CG data. Then, collision target information corresponding to a rendering pixel is referenced while carrying out rendering of collided object group CG data. In a case in which the colliding object group CG data is contained in the collision target information, it is determined that collision detection should be carried out for a virtual object being rendered, and collision detection information is generated. Such collision detection information allows collision between virtual objects to be detected at high speed.
US08217924B2
A display apparatus includes a display panel including gate and data lines disposed thereon, and a plurality of driver integrated circuits (“ICs”) on the display panel and electrically connected to data lines. Flexible printed circuit boards (“FPCBs”) are disposed on the display panel and a printed circuit board to apply the control signal and the image signal from the printed circuit board to the driver ICs. There are less FPCBs than driver ICs. The driver ICs are divided into first and second driver groups; the data lines are divided into first and second groups of data lines. Driver ICs of the first driver group are directly connected to corresponding FPCBs, and driver ICs of the second driver group are connected to adjacent driver ICs. Each driver integrated circuit of the first driver group outputs a first repair signal to repair a data line of the first group of data lines.
US08217922B2
A method and apparatus for synchronizing sound with an illuminated animated image is provided. First and second image frames are defined on a planar surface using a plurality of light transmitting media. A plurality of light sources are positioned adjacent to the plurality of light transmitting media such that the first image frame and the second image frame are illuminated independently by selectively activating each light source in accordance with a pre-programmed illumination sequence. A speaker plays a first sound when the first image frame is illuminated and a second sound when the second image frame is illuminated. A driving device, coupled to the light sources and the speaker, is used to synchronize the illumination of the image frames with the sounds.
US08217920B2
A display device has a data-holding circuit with a capacitance and a display portion with a plurality of pixel electrodes, formed on a first carrier substrate. In the display device, a second carrier substrate disposed opposite the first carrier substrate is placed above the display portion, but the opposing substrate is not present above the area in which the data-holding circuit is disposed. The parasitic capacitance of the data-holding circuit can thereby be reduced. Therefore, the capacitance in the data-holding circuit can be reduced and the area required can be reduced as well. The display data of all the pixels is sent serially to the liquid crystal module without high-speed transfer for each frame time interval, and size can be reduced because the controller IC and interface circuit are formed on the same substrate as the display device substrate.
US08217915B2
A capacitive position sensor for detecting the position of an object, typically an operator's finger, relative to a resistive sensing element, wherein the sensing element comprises a sensing path that has terminals connected along it that subdivide the sensing path into multiple sections. Each terminal is coupled to its own sensing channel, each of which generates a signal that is sensitive to the capacitance between its terminal and a system ground. The signals are fed to a processor for analysis. The processor determines over which section the object is positioned by comparing the signals from the sensing channels, and determines the position of the object within that section by comparing the signals from the terminals spanning that section. In this way, the sensing path can be formed in a closed loop, such as a circle for a scroll dial, in which the operator's finger position and movement can be uniquely determined in a straightforward manner.
US08217911B2
A handheld device with a compact integrated touch panel is disclosed. A handheld device incorporating a touch panel display requiring electrical connections is reduced in size by incorporating electrical pathways within the support structure of the touch panel display, obviating the need for a flex circuit extension from the touch panel display for connection to the handheld device. A further reduction in size is obtained by providing an inherent visually homogeneous perimeter for the touch panel display by matching the colors of the conductive and dielectric materials, thereby eliminating the need for a bezel.
US08217903B2
An electronic device includes a base, a touch screen display, a shape memory alloy and operational components. The touch screen display is connected to the base and moveable relative to the base and includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device and connected to a controller for determining a touch event to the touch-sensitive input surface. The shape memory alloy is disposed between the base and the display device and is configured to change shape in response to conduction of an electric current to cause movement of the display device relative to the base. The operational components include a processor between the base and the touch screen display. The processor is operatively connected to the controller, the display device and the shape memory alloy for causing conduction of current through the shape memory alloy in response to the touch event, resulting in movement of the display relative to the base.
US08217900B1
The invention is a light operated peripheral standalone input device to be used in and out of sunlight where input is made by a light beam to the peripheral or other input device where the light beam is pointed at a position from distances near and to over a mile away and the function of that position is input. The invention allows for keyboard input and directional control and cursor positioning to dedicated board level microprocessor driven control systems, personal computers, wheelchair operation, control panels for operating equipment and for those who cannot use their arms and hands for normal computer input like partial quadriplegics or other disabled persons, and persons that need a non-contact input device that is operated from a distance in hazardous areas or underwater with a light beam.
US08217893B2
An inertial sensor-based pointing device 10 is compatible with a removable USB pod 14 having a digital flash memory 32 and an integrated radio transceiver 30. Flash memory 32 can be used by a user to store software that enables a user to auto load software applications into compatible computers. Pointing device 10 is adapted to receive USB pod 14 resulting in a combined memory/transceiver and pointing device system that can be conveniently carried as a single unit in a pocket or via a belt clip.
US08217891B2
A display includes a first substrate, a partition element, a second substrate, a dielectric liquid, a plurality of dielectrophoretic particles and a plurality of electrophoretic particles. The partition element is disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed on the partition element. The partition element forms at least one accommodating room between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate or the second substrate is adapted to forming an electric field in the accommodating room. The dielectric liquid is disposed in the accommodating room and has a first dielectric constant. The dielectrophoretic particles are dispersed in the dielectric liquid. Each of the dielectrophoretic particles has a first color and a second dielectric constant different from the first one. The electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the dielectric liquid. Each of the electrophoretic particles has a second color different from the first one. Another display is also provided.
US08217883B2
Disclosed is an output circuit including a connection switch and an operation unit. The connection switch receives first and second voltages from first and second terminals, respectively, selects and outputs the first voltage or the second voltage for first to third intermediate terminals, including selection of the same voltage and switches assignment of the first and second voltages to the first to third intermediate terminals responsive to a connection switching signal. The operation unit receives the voltages assigned to the first to third intermediate terminals and outputs to an output terminal a voltage obtained by performing a predetermined operation on the voltages.
US08217877B2
A display device is provided in which a signal line can be shared by a plurality of pixels and data supplied from scan lines can be distributed to a desired pixel selected from the plurality of pixels. The display is characterized in its circuit structure of the plurality of pixels, which allows the signal line to be shared by neighboring three pixels. This circuit structure results in the reduction of the number of signal lines and the simplification of the structure of the signal line driver circuit, which contributes to the reduction of the power consumption and miniaturization of the signal line driver circuit. The detailed structure of the display device is defined in the specification.
US08217871B2
A touch-controlled LCD includes a liquid crystal display panel and a touch panel. The liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The touch panel is disposed on a side of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer. The touch panel includes a plurality of first electrodes being parallel to each other, a plate shaped second electrodes facing the first electrodes, and a plurality of spacers disposed between the first electrodes and the second electrode.
US08217869B2
The present exemplary embodiment relates to an improved flexible display system. One form of the display may use various types of switchable materials contained in micro cells formed from a fabric or mesh material. These cells may serve as a spacer between two opposing electrode sheets and may be individually sealed to the electrode sheets on each face. Moreover, the fabric may, in some forms, be implemented as an electrical grid for addressing the micro cells.
US08217866B2
A data driving circuit capable of displaying images having uniform brightness. The present invention provides a data driving circuit of a display device having: at least one current sinking unit for controlling a predetermined current to flow in a data line; at least one voltage generating unit for resetting voltage values of enhancement voltages using a compensation voltage generated when the predetermined current flows; at least one digital-analog converter for selecting as a data signal one of the enhancement voltages to correspond to a digital value of externally supplied data; at least one boosting unit for boosting a voltage value of the data signal; and at least one switching unit for providing the data line with the boosted data signal.
US08217860B2
A method of measuring a panel current in an active matrix organic electroluminescence display panel, wherein when a current flowing through a display panel when one or a plurality of pixels are caused to emit light is measured, a flow-in current flowing into the display panel from a side of a high voltage and a flow-out current flowing out from the display panel toward a side of a low voltage are simultaneously measured, and a value of a panel current is determined using both obtained measurement results.
US08217857B2
A display, comprising: a planar display section; a pixel space provided next to a side adjacent to one surface of the display section and encapsulating a plurality of kinds of colorants, each kind having a different color; an accumulation section provided in the pixel space and accumulating the colorants; a separation system that separates a specific kind of colorant from the accumulated colorants in the accumulation section; a transfer system that selects at least one kind of colorant from the separated colorants and transfers this colorant to the side adjacent to the display section of the pixel space. The separation system performs separation utilizing the magnitude of a dielectrophoretic force generated in each colorant upon receipt of an alternating electric field of a specific frequency applied by this system, the magnitude varying depending on the kind of the colorant. A color of at least the one kind of colorant transferred by the transfer system is displayed at the display section.
US08217851B2
A dual band antenna is provided. The dual band antenna includes a radiating element, a grounding element, and a connection element. The radiating element has a first radiating portion and a second radiating portion, wherein the second radiating portion extends from the first radiating portion in a first direction parallel to the grounding element. The connecting element extends in a second direction and is connected between the radiating element and the grounding element, wherein the connecting element has a first end connected to the radiating element and a second end connected to the grounding element with an including angle between 0° and 90°, and a configuration including the connecting element, the radiating element and the grounding element has a Z-like shape.
US08217839B1
A stripline antenna feed network is described. The stripline antenna feed network may comprise a first stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters and one or more matched splitters; and a second stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters. A method of manufacturing a stripline antenna feed network may comprise operably coupling a first stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters and one or more matched splitters to a second stripline layer comprising one or more reactive splitters.
US08217838B2
A geographic tracking system with minimal power and size required at the mobile terminal collects observation data at the mobile terminal and forwards the data to a processor, which calculates the position. The mobile terminal is configured to measure both code phase and data phase of a GPS satellite signal. The code phase and data phase information enables the processor to reduce the number of candidate points to be considered.
US08217831B2
The invention relates to a system for determining relief on a granule filling surface in a petrochemical reactor, the filling direction in which the reactor is filled defining a vertical direction, the reactor having a central vertical axis, the system including a transmitter configured to be positioned above the filling surface in such a manner as to transmit a signal to various points of said surface. The system includes shift means for shifting the transmitter about the central axis of the reactor through an angle that is great than 60°.
US08217819B2
The present invention is directed to a multiplying digital-to-analog converter (MDAC) and its method. First ends of capacitors are electrically coupled to an inverting input node of an amplifier, wherein two of the capacitors are alternatively configured as a feedback capacitor. Each capacitor is composed of at least two sub-capacitors. Second ends of capacitors are electrically coupled to an input signal via a number of sampling switches, and the second ends of the capacitors are electrically coupled to DAC voltages respectively via a number of amplifying switches. A sorting circuit is configured to sort the sub-capacitors, wherein the sorted sub-capacitors are then paired in a manner such that variance of mismatch among the sub-capacitors is thus averaged.
US08217811B2
Methods and apparatus for iteratively encoding a portion of a signal are described in which the portion of the signal is quantised and an output bit count is estimated based on the sum of logarithms to base n of values of each sample in the plurality of quantised samples and the total number of samples. The output bit count corresponds to an estimate of the output bit count for the portion of the signal once encoded using a code, such as a Huffman code.
US08217808B2
An incremental coder in which stable positions of the coder are defined by multiples of an increment of the coder. The coder computes a difference between a binary word obtained for a current stable position and a binary word obtained for a previous stable position, and computes the value of variation of stable positions by determining the integer part of the division of the difference by the number of increments between two stable positions.
US08217801B2
An LED (Light Emitting Diode) module includes a base seat and a plurality of LEDs. The base seat includes a planar portion having a planar external surface and a straight portion connected interactively to the planar portion, and having a straight external surface. The plurality of LEDs includes a first LED mounted on the planar external surface of the planar portion to emit light rays in the facing in a vertical direction and a second LED mounted on the straight external surface of the straight portion to emit light rays in the horizontal direction.
US08217784B2
A device for transmitting a distress signal is provided which includes: an impact surface; a power supply for generating electrical energy resulting from an impact force applied to the impact surface; and a transmitter powered by the power supply for transmitter the distress signal. The distress signal can be an RF signal, which can be polarized. The power supply can include one or more piezoelectric generators, at least one capacitor in which the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric generators is stored and/or an electronics component for regulating a generated voltage and for charging the capacitors. The device can also include a GPS receiver for receiving position data and providing such position data to the transmitter for inclusion into the distress signal.
US08217770B2
A seat belt monitoring system is provided. The seat belt monitoring system includes a seat belt system. The seat belt system has a first portion including a seat belt webbing and a tongue. The seat belt system also includes a buckle. A radio frequency device is associated with the first portion. The seat belt monitoring system further includes a radio frequency receiver that detects either a signal from the radio frequency device or a particular spatial relationship between the radio frequency device and a second radio frequency device placed near the buckle of the seat belt system.
US08217768B2
An apparatus and method for allowing a user to dynamically enjoy a video. A difference between image data is computed at every preset unit of time and a vibration corresponding to the computed difference is generated so that the user can sense a motion change of an object within the video. Upon video reproduction, scenes are displayed by applying the lighting effect of a strobe light or the like between the scenes to be reproduced. Upon video reproduction, more enjoyment and various haptic effects can be provided to the user.
US08217765B2
A portable electronics includes detection unit which detects a state of the portable electronics, storage unit which stores a detection result of the detection unit at a first period, and determination unit which reads out, every time a second period longer than the first period has elapsed, a plurality of detection results stored in the storage unit during the second period and determines the state of the portable electronics based on the plurality of readout detection results.
US08217756B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates utilizing rule-based technology with radio frequency identification (RFID) network. An interface can receive real-time RFID data from a process comprising at least one device collection in the RFID network, wherein a rules engine (RE) component can employ a declarative event policy associated with the RFID network as rules. The RE allows dynamic updates of business logic associated with applications in real-time without the re-start and/or stop the applications. The system and/or method further comprises a vocabulary component that provides terms that defines at least one of the rule, rule condition, and action based at least in part upon an industry specific nomenclature.
US08217751B2
An article is provided that includes a plurality of layers. Each layer includes a sinterable mass having a sinter temperature that is less than about 1000 degrees Celsius, and an inner electrode proximate to the sinterable mass. The inner electrode includes a material having a melting point that is within a determined temperature range of about 10 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius relative to the sintering temperature. A method to make the article is also provided.
US08217743B2
Preferred embodiments of the present magnetic locking system can be used for releasably locking a first component to a second component. In one embodiment, the locking system includes a ferro-magnetic member associated with the first component, where the ferro-magnetic member is made of a ferro-magnetic material, and a housing attached to the second component and positioned adjacent to the ferro-magnetic member. Preferably, the housing includes first and second blocks that sandwich an intermediate block. Further, the first and second blocks are each preferably made of a ferro-magnetic material and the intermediate block is made of a non-ferro-magnetic material. Additionally, there is also an aperture formed within the housing, with a permanent magnet rotatably seated within the aperture. The magnetic locking system preferably includes a switch mechanism that is operatively connected to one of the permanent magnet and the housing, wherein the switch mechanism is configured and arranged to rotate the housing and the permanent magnet relative to each other between an “on” position and an “off” position.
US08217741B1
A switching device is provided. An electromechanical switch controls rotation and/or lateral displacement of a core inside a housing with a magnetic field. The core is magnetically aligned by the magnetic relationship between the core and the housing. An energizing device generates a magnetic field that is sufficiently strong to realign the core with the generated magnetic field. As a result, the core switches to an energized state. When the generated magnetic field is removed, the core switches back to the natural state.
US08217740B2
An electromagnetic relay comprises a coil generating magnetic force when power is distributed, a contact point part opened and closed by the magnetic force, and a fuse functional part having a conductor wired electrically in series with the contact point part and disconnected when predetermined heat quantity is received, and the fuse functional part is disposed at a position which receives arc heat generated in the contact point part when switching the contact point part from conduction state to cut-off state. Thereby, a small electromagnetic relay which enables interruption of current in all current value range can be provided.
US08217723B2
Low noise amplifier circuit. The low noise amplifier circuit includes an amplifier that amplifies an input to provide an output. The amplifier is coupled to an input terminal. The circuit also includes a device in a cascode connection with the amplifier. The circuit further includes a tuning circuit coupled to the device to phase shift the output. Further, the circuit includes a feedback circuit that is responsive to a phase-shifted output to enhance gain of the amplifier. The feedback circuit is coupled to the tuning circuit and the amplifier.
US08217722B2
A power amplifier comprises: an amplifying transistor for amplifying an input signal; a reference voltage generating circuit which generates a reference voltage; a bias circuit generating a bias voltage based on the reference voltage and supplying the bias voltage to the amplifying transistor; and a booster elevating an enable voltage input from outside and outputting the enable voltage. The reference voltage generating circuit is turned ON/OFF in correspondence with an output voltage of the booster. The booster includes: an enable terminal to which the enable voltage is applied; a power source terminal connected to a power source; a transistor having a control electrode connected to the enable terminal, a first electrode connected to the power source terminal, and a second electrode that is grounded; and a FET resistor connected between the first electrode of the transistor and the power source terminal. A gate electrode of the FET resistor is open.
US08217718B2
A simplistic low cost circuit that generates the necessary drive voltage for use in a source follower totem pole power switching circuit is described where the simplified gate drive circuit may have a dual charge pump and a complementary pair of low-power switching Mosfets.
US08217698B2
The clock circuit of an integrated circuit operates with variations such as temperature, ground noise, and power noise. Various aspects of an improved clock integrated circuit address one or more of the variations in temperature, ground noise, and power noise.
US08217696B2
In some embodiments, a digital PLL is disclosed with a dynamically controllable filter for changing the effective DPLL bandwidth in response to one or more real-time performance parameters such as phase error.
US08217693B2
Charge pump circuitry is provided that is insensitive to charge sharing and current mismatch effects. The charge pump circuitry has an output node at which a charge pump output voltage is provided. A first current source charges the output node to increase the output voltage or a second current source discharge the output node to decrease the output voltage. The charge pump circuitry uses a unit-gain op-amp circuit to prevent charge sharing effects from affecting the output voltage when switching between discharging and charging operations. A low-pass filter is used to reduce feedback noise on the output node. A replica feedback circuit prevents current mismatch between the currents produced by the first and second current sources. The first and second current sources may be formed using programmable transistors that are adjusted by static control signals provided by programmable elements to further minimize current mismatch.
US08217689B2
A method and a circuit are described for recovery of video clocks for a DisplayPort receiver. The disclosure includes two clock dividers, a direct digital synthesis (DDS), a fixed multiplier Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) on a DisplayPort video system. A DisplayPort receiver link clock is divided to a lower frequency as the input of the DDS which can lower the performance requirement on a DDS circuit. The output from a time stamp value indirectly controls a direct digital synthesis device, which then drives a PLL to generate the recovery clock signal. The technique is suitable for implementation on an integrated circuit and Field Programmable Gate array system.
US08217688B2
A method for dividing a frequency includes the steps of receiving a first signal having a first frequency as a clock input to a first digital counter and outputting a second signal as a clock input to a second digital counter having a higher counting capacity than the first counter. The output occurs when the first counter reaches a first number of count cycles. The method also includes generating a third signal having a high cycle and a low cycle, which are determined at least as a function of the first number of count cycles. Depending on a desired division ratio, the high and low cycles may also be a function of a second number of count cycles associated with the second counter. The third signal has a frequency lower than the first frequency.
US08217686B2
A driver chip for driving an inductive load and a module having a driver chip are provided. The driver chip contains a first transistor for coupling a first potential to a first output and a second transistor for coupling a second potential to the first output. A first protection circuit reduces an increased voltage between a control terminal and a load junction terminal of the first transistor. The driver chip has a first state in which the second transistor is turned off and the first transistor can switch a passive inductive load connected to the output. In a second state, the first transistor and the second transistor can switch an external power transistor connected to the first output. A second output is connected to a load junction terminal of the external power transistor. A second protection circuit reduces an increased voltage between the first and second outputs.
US08217682B1
Embodiments of an integrated circuit driver, a method for operating integrated circuit driver, and predrivers are described. In one embodiment of the integrated circuit driver, a bias control circuit provides a bias signal for a first mode and a second mode. The bias signal has a first voltage level associated with operation in the first mode and a second voltage level associated with operation in the second mode. An output driver circuit receives the bias signal. In the first mode, the output driver circuit operates as a supply referenced driver, and in the second mode, the output driver circuit operates as a ground referenced driver.
US08217677B2
A system and method are provided for using a class H amplifier in a tester for testing protective relaying equipment, particularly useful in conducting end to end testing. The class H amplifier is configured to provide separation between the amplifier and the power supply of the tester using a DSP which also offers flexibility for programming algorithms to realize efficiencies in matching the waveform to the output rail. End to end testing is also improved by including expected results for the test case used by the tester to enable the tester to determine how close the results are to what is expected. This offers time savings and is less prone to error in that the expected results can be predetermined by a qualified/experienced professional.
US08217675B2
An electrical testing apparatus for testing an electrical test sample. The apparatus includes a conductor substrate (12) which is electrically connected via a contact spacing converter (7) to a test head (2). The conductor substrate is mechanically connected to a first stiffening device (26) and is thereby stiffened. At least one spacer (30) which penetrates the conductor substrate (12) is mechanically connected to the contact spacing converter (7) and is held on the first stiffening device (26) via at least one tilt adjusting arrangement (34).
US08217671B2
A parallel array architecture for constant current electro-migration stress testing is provided. The parallel array architecture comprises a device under test (DUT) array having a plurality of DUTs coupled in parallel and a plurality of localized heating elements associated with respective ones of the DUTs in the DUT array. The architecture further comprises DUT selection logic that isolates individual DUTs within the array. Moreover, the architecture comprises current source logic that provides a reference current and controls the current through the DUTs in the DUT array such that each DUT in the DUT array has substantially a same current density, and current source enable logic for selectively enabling portions for the current source logic. Electro-migration stress testing is performed on the DUTs of the DUT array using the heating elements, the DUT selection logic, current source logic, and current source enable logic.
US08217659B2
A method and a current operational module for on-line measurement of battery internal resistance and an on-line measurement instrument for battery internal resistance have high measurement accuracy and strong anti-interference ability. The on-line measurement instrument for battery internal resistance comprises a current work module, a voltage measurement module, an analog to digital conversion module, a signal generation module, a center processing module, an Input/Output module, and a power supply module used for on-line measurement of battery internal resistance.
US08217642B2
A method and current sensor arrangement for measurement of a primary current in a primary conductor which is magnetically coupled to a secondary conductor via a ferromagnetic core, with a voltage of a specific amplitude being applied to the secondary conductor, such that a secondary current flows for remagnetization of the ferromagnetic core, and the secondary current is measured during the remagnetization of the core, in order to obtain a first measured value. The voltage polarity is then reversed such that a secondary current flows for renewed remagnetization of the ferromagnetic core, and the secondary current is measured during the remagnetization of the core, in order to obtain a second measured value. The primary current is calculated as a function of the first and of the second measured value, with the polarity reversal being carried out at least once at a time which occurs before that time at which the ferromagnetic core reaches its saturation magnetization.
US08217627B2
In order to allow the cyclist to keep the state of the batteries under control during use of a bicycle equipped with an on-board electronic apparatus or during the recharging of the batteries, data is displayed to the cyclist relative to the batteries on the display device of the on-board electronic apparatus.
US08217626B2
The present relates to a system and method for dynamic power management of a mobile device. The mobile device has a plurality of loads and a battery charger electrically connected to a voltage rail. The method comprises monitoring the plurality of loads to determine when at least one of the loads will become active or inactive, determining a minimum required output voltage level to be provided by the voltage converter based on active loads and the at least one load that will become active or inactive and device operation; and adjusting an input voltage level via the voltage converter to provide the minimum required output voltage level on the voltage rail in advance of the at least one load becoming active or after the at least one load becomes inactive. The method further monitors the input voltage level, and determines whether the input voltage level is below a first predetermine threshold. When the input voltage level falls below the first threshold, the method reduces the output voltage level provided by the voltage converter thereby reducing a charging rate of the battery charger.
US08217622B2
A specimen supporting and labeling system including the provision of at least one electronic device. A volume defining bin holds a plurality of specimens and supports the electronic device. A pedestal charging base seats within a recessed underside associated with the bin, with a first plurality of contact locations communicated along an upper face of the charging base. A second plurality of contact locations communicates along a bottom face of the bin associated with the recessed underside. The bin further incorporates an interior architecture extending from the second contact locations and communicates a charge originating from the base to the electronic device.
US08217621B2
A frequency modulation type wireless power supply and charger system includes a power supply base unit consisting of a first microprocessor, a power circuit, a power switch driver circuit, a first resonant circuit, a first coil, a detection module and a power input interface, and a wireless power supply and charge receiver unit consisting of a secondary coil, a second resonant circuit, a rectifier filter circuit, a detection and protection module, a second microprocessor, a temperature sensor, a charging module and a power output interface and adapted for receiving electrical power from the power supply base unit wirelessly for charging an external electronic device.
US08217620B2
A retrofit system for converting a hybrid vehicle to a plug-in hybrid comprises a battery for storing a charge sufficient to provide a vehicle with an electric-only driving range in excess of 5 miles, a battery management system for monitoring battery parameters indicative of the state of battery charge to produce a signal indicative thereof; and a control unit responsive the battery management system to report an inflated state of battery charge to the hybrid vehicle's hybrid control system to maintain the gasoline engine in a deactivated condition over an extended driving range.
US08217612B2
Disclosed is an improved system and method for sensing both hard and soft obstructions for a movable panel such as a sunroof. A dual detection scheme is employing that includes an optical sensing as the primary means and electronic sensing of motor current as a secondary means. The secondary means utilizes system empirical precharacterization, fast processing algorithms, motor parameter monitoring including both current sensing and sensorless electronic motor current commutation pulse sensing, and controller memory, to adaptively modify electronic obstacle detection thresholds in real time without the use of templates and cycle averaging techniques.
US08217609B1
Disclosed is a controller circuit, comprising a plurality of sense inputs, an instrumentation amplifier block having inputs coupled to the plurality of sense inputs, a filter block coupled to the instrumentation amplifier block, a sum function coupled to the filter block, and a crossing detector block coupled to the filter block and the sum function. A method of controlling motor signals is further described.
US08217605B2
A motor controller for determining a position of a rotor of an AC motor, the motor controller comprises a control input for receiving a control signal, an output for providing a power control signal for controlling power applied to a stator of the AC motor, and an input for receiving a feedback signal representative of the current in the stator. The control input and output are coupled by a reference path, and the input is coupled to the control input by a feedback path. A carrier signal injection element injects a high frequency carrier signal in the reference path at an injection node. The motor controller is arranged to generate the power control signal in dependence on the control signal, the feedback signal, and the high frequency carrier signal. A position determining element generates a position signal representing the position of the rotor in dependence on the feedback signal which includes a carrier signal component comprising rotor position information. The motor controller further comprises a filter block coupled between the control input and the injection node in the reference path for filtering signals in the reference path in a frequency range including the frequency of the high frequency carrier signal.
US08217602B2
Provided is a motor driving apparatus including a motor drive unit including a plurality of transistors which are repeatedly turned on and off in response to a pulse having a pulse width modulated at a first carrier frequency to control driving of a motor in a normal operation state and which supply a drive current to the motor; and a control unit that controls the plurality of transistors to be turned on and off in response to a pulse having a pulse width modulated at a second carrier frequency higher than the first carrier frequency, when a voltage applied between input terminals of the motor drive unit rises to a predetermined value.
US08217600B2
A motor control device is configured in such a manner that a current detection circuit and an exciting circuit for a motor resolver share one grounding wire. A microcomputer that serves as a current detector sets a phase of an exciting current in such a manner that values of an excitation noise superimposed on an output voltage of the current detection circuit at respective timings (L1, H1, L2, H2, . . . ), at which the output voltage is acquired in one current detection process, are equal to each other. An electric power steering system is provided with the motor control device.
US08217598B2
A method of driving a vibration wave motor enables proper frequency control of an AC voltage applied to the motor according to the rotational speed difference between the actual and target rotational speeds of the motor, even if frequency-rotational speed characteristics are not stored in advance. A target rotational speed of a moving member is set. A ratio of an amount of increase or decrease in a rotational speed of the moving member to an amount of update of a frequency of the AC voltage and a rotational speed difference between the target rotational speed and an actual rotational speed of the moving member are calculated. The amount of update of the frequency is calculated by dividing the calculated rotational speed difference by the calculated ratio. The frequency of the AC voltage is updated by using the calculated amount of update of the frequency.
US08217595B2
A lighting system comprising a lamp arranged to transform electricity into a light beam having different properties; a light control system arranged to adjust said light beam properties; an ultrasonic transmitter arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals; an ultrasonic receiver arranged to receive reflected ultrasonic signals; and a processing system arranged to derive a time-of-flight signal representing the time differences between said transmitted and received ultrasonic signals and to send control signals to said light control system in dependence of said time-of-flight signal. The processing system performs a reference calibration step: the time-of-flight is repeatedly measured a multitude of times, and calculates the average of said measured time-of-flight values and stores the average in memory system as a reference time-of-flight value if said deviation of the majority of the measured time-of-flight values of said multitude of measurements is lower than a predetermined threshold.
US08217594B2
This invention provides a light emitting device with variable volume. The light emitting device includes a main body with variable volume, a sensor, a light emitting element, and a controller. The sensor is disposed in the main body for generating a volume measuring signal. The light emitting element is disposed in the main body. The controller is coupled with the light emitting element and the sensor. The controller controls brightness of the light emitting element according to the volume measuring signal.
US08217592B2
A light emitting diode driving device and driving method thereof are provided. The light emitting diode driving device includes a duty cycle setup unit, a current setup unit, a control unit, and a light emitting diode driving circuit. The duty cycle setup unit is used for outputting duty cycle setup signal. The current set up unit is used for outputting a current setup signal. The control unit is used for receiving the duty cycle setup signal and the current setup signal, and outputting a current control signal and a duty cycle control signal in response to the duty cycle setup signal and the current setup signal. The light emitting diode driving circuit is used for driving at least one light emitting diode in response to the current control signal and the duty cycle control signal.
US08217588B2
A low voltage LED Lamp produces variable illumination in response to industry standard lighting dimmers, through the use of an input voltage monitoring circuit which variably controls the current output of an integral driver in response to sensed changes in the input voltage. Input circuitry is employed to provide “ghost” loading in the case of high frequency voltage sources such as that provided by certain electronic ballasts requiring minimum loads to operate. Additionally, the capacitive nature of prior art LED driving circuits is altered, increasing power factor and further helping electronic ballasts run properly. A firmware algorithm adapts to the output voltage capability of the driving transformer, dynamically adjusting the illumination to achieve the best dimming curve suited to each transformer. The circuit employed drives high power LEDs, and the lamp is preferably adapted to fit common MR16 size fixtures. Illumination output equivalent to similar size halogen bulbs is achieved.
US08217578B2
An LED lighting arrangement comprising at least one LED, for producing light is disclosed. A power supply provides power for the at least one LED. At least one control circuit is coupled to the at least one LED in a way that directly or indirectly uses, to power the at least one control circuit, one or more forward voltage drops across the at least one LED. Beneficially, one or more additional control circuits can be added without redesign of the power supply for the at least one LED.
US08217577B2
An apparatus and method of modulating an electron beam to induce a high degree of spatial bunching uses multiple control grids located in close proximity to an electron-emitting cathode. An RF field couples to the electron beam in the cathode-grid gap to induce velocity modulation. The electron beam then propagates through a first control grid, allowing the velocity modulation to induce spatial bunching. The electron beam then traverses a gap between the first grid and a second control grid and interacts with the RF field to induce further bunching of the beam. Simulations show that bunching factors of 50:1 may be achieved.
US08217570B2
Provided are an anthracene derivative having a heteroaryl group containing a nitrogen-containing six-membered ring and having a specific structure and an organic electroluminescence device in which an organic thin film layer comprising a single layer or plural layers including at least a light emitting layer is interposed between a cathode and an anode, wherein at least one layer in the above organic thin film layer contains the anthracene derivative described above in the form of a single component or a mixed component. Provided are the organic electroluminescence device in which homogeneous light emission is obtained over a long period of time and which has a long lifetime and the anthracene derivative which materializes the same.
US08217568B2
The light emitting element includes a first electrode and a second electrode opposite each other and electrically connected respectively to a first conductive-type layer and a second conductive type layer constituting a semiconductor structure. The first electrode has a pair of electrode extending portions disposed opposite each other on an electrode forming surface over the first conductive-type layer which is positioned at the light extracting side. In the opposing direction of the pair of electrode extending portions, a half distance I1 between the electrode extending portions is smaller than the distance L2 from the electrode extending portions to an end edge of the electrode forming surface.
US08217566B2
An electroluminescent device includes an inorganic luminescence diode chip having a radiation exit area, a plurality of contact webs provided to spread current and arranged on the radiation exit area, and a contact structure arranged outside the radiation exit area and electrically conductively connected to contact webs.
US08217565B2
A stable cold field electron emitter is produced by forming a coating on an emitter base material. The coating protects the emitter from the adsorption of residual gases and from the impact of ions, so that the cold field emitter exhibits short term and long term stability at relatively high pressures and reasonable angular electron emission.
US08217561B2
A spark plug includes: a metal shell having a mounting thread formed with a nominal diameter of M12 or smaller; a ground electrode consisting of a first structural member and at least one ith structural member (i=2, 3, 4, 5) laminated to cover an outer surface thereof, the length of protrusion of the ground electrode from a front end face of the metal shell being 4.5 mm or larger, the ground electrode having a bent portion with a curvature radius of 2.3 mm or smaller; and an electrode tip joined thereto at a position facing the front end of the center electrode and having a protrusion length of 0.5 mm or larger and a cross sectional area of 0.20 to 1.13 mm2. The ground electrode has a total thermal conductivity of 35 W/(m·K) or higher at 20° C.
US08217560B2
The invention relates to an ignition device for igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine by means of a corona discharge, comprising an ignition electrode, an outer conductor which surrounds the ignition electrode and has a forward end and a rear end, and an electrical insulator which is arranged between the ignition electrode and the outer conductor, wherein the insulator and the ignition electrode project beyond the forward end of the outer conductor in longitudinal direction and the ignition electrode comprises a plurality of electrode branches which each start from a base point, wherein the insulator extends beyond the base points in longitudinal direction. According to the invention an end surface of the electrode branches is uncovered.
US08217559B2
An opto-electronic device package structure for multicolor light is disclosed. The package structure comprises a transparent carrier, a circuit layer on the transparent carrier, an opto-electronic device emitting the light of the first wavelength and is electrically connecting with the circuit layer on the transparent carrier, a first wavelength conversion structure on the lateral side of the opto-electronic device, a reflective layer on the first wavelength conversion structure, and a transparent material for package on the reflective layer and on the opto-electronic device.
US08217546B2
An electrical machine including a permanent magnet and a coil is provided. The coil is arranged to interact with the permanent magnet via an air gap, which located between the two. Electrical power is generated in the coil when the permanent magnet or the coil is moved in their relative position to each other. The permanent magnet includes a surface, which is aligned to the coil and to the air gap so that that magnetic forces of the permanent magnet interact via the surface and the air gap with the coil by a magnetic flux density distribution. The permanent magnet also includes a base plane and a transition area. A first side of the surface is connected with the adjacent base plane via the transition area. The cross-section of the transition between the surface and the adjacent base plane is determined by a Bezier function.
US08217538B2
A linear motor is provided with a stator, a slider disposed to be movable relatively with respect to the stator with a gap, and a non-magnetic plate mounted to either one of the stator and the slider so as to define the gap between the stator and the slider.
US08217536B2
A first calculation part calculates the phase-to-phase steady-state magnetic flux of the three phases of the power supply. A second calculation part calculates the phase-to-phase residual magnetic flux of the three phases in the primary windings side of the transformer when the circuit breakers interrupt the transformer. A phase detection part detects a voltage phase at which polarity and magnitude of the calculated steady-state magnetic flux and residual magnetic flux coincide. Closing control part firstly causes only the circuit breakers of the two phases to close at the detected voltage phase, and then causes the circuit breaker of the remaining one phase to close.
US08217535B2
A wireless power supply includes: a power transmitting coil resonant at a first resonant frequency that generates a magnetic field resonance, a power receiving coil resonant at the first resonant frequency, a power receiving unit that outputs energy received by the power receiving resonant coil; a distance detector that detects a distance between the power transmitting resonant coil and the power receiving resonant coil; a power transmitting frequency controller that changes the first resonant frequency to a second resonant frequency on the basis of the distance detected by the distance detector; and a power receiving frequency controller that changes the first resonant frequency of the power receiving resonant coil from the first resonant frequency to a second resonant frequency on the basis of the distance detected by the distance detector.
US08217527B2
A midspan power sourcing equipment (PSE) for operation with power over Ethernet (PoE). The midspan PSE provides powering over wire pairs that are also used for data communication. To ensure compatibility with legacy Ethernet devices, the ports used for transmission of data are designed to present an increased level of inductance.
US08217526B2
A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) includes air or water bearing supports. The VAWT may be configured to float. The VAWT may include a 360° rotor, having a precision machined noncorrosive bearing surface at its perimeter, with a system of wind capturing devices configured to collect kinetic energy of wind. The rotor may be supported by at least three air or water bearing supports positioned substantially at a perimeter of the rotor. Electrical generation components may be located substantially at the perimeter of the rotor.
US08217522B2
A printed circuit board is disclosed having coextensive electrical connectors and contact pad areas. Areas of the contact pads where the traces and/or vias are located may be etched away to ensure electrical isolation between the traces, vias and contact pads.
US08217517B2
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a printed wiring board provided with a connection pad, a semiconductor chip provided with an electrode pad and a conductive wire. One end of the conductive wire is connected to the connection pad of the printed wiring board and the other end of the conductive wire is connected to the electrode pad of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip is mounted on the printed wiring board so that the first surface of the semiconductor chip provided with the electrode pad is oriented opposite to the printed wiring board. A first insulating layer is formed on the first surface of the semiconductor chip oriented opposite to the printed wiring board. A thermoplastic second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer. Part of the conductive wire between one end and the other end is buried in the second insulating layer.
US08217514B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system is provided including: providing a substrate; placing a patterned layer over the substrate for substantially removing crying warpage from the substrate, the patterned layer having an opening surrounded by other openings with the substrate exposed from the patterned layer within the other openings; mounting a semiconductor chip within the opening; and attaching a component directly over the other openings, the component having a horizontal length greater than horizontal lengths of the other openings.
US08217506B2
The present application provides a method and semiconductor packaging structure comprising a conductive substrate having a first surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface adjacent to the first surface. A first electrode line with two ends are provided on the first surface and the first lateral surface, and a second electrode line with two ends are provided on the first surface and a second lateral surface respectively. A semiconductor device is provided on the first surface of the conductive substrate which electrically connected to the first electrode line and the second electrode line, a protective plate with through holes covers the first surface, and a sheathing overlays the semiconductor device.
US08217503B2
A package structure for DC-DC converter disclosed herein can reduce the number of encapsulated elements as a low-side MOSFET chip can be stacked above the high-side MOSFET chip of a first die pad, through die pads of different thicknesses or interposers with joint parts of different thicknesses; moreover, it further reduces the size of the entire semiconductor package as a number of bond wires are contained in the space between the controller and the low-side MOSFET chip. Moreover, electrical connection between the top source electrode pin and the bottom source electrode pin of the low-side MOSFET chip is realized with a metal joint plate, such that when the DC-DC converter is sealed with plastic, the metal joint plate can be exposed outside to improve the thermal performance and effectively reduce the thickness of the semiconductor package.
US08217502B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a pillar ball; mounting an interposer having a first functional side and a second functional side over the pillar ball and a semiconductor chip; encapsulating the interposer, the pillar ball, and the semiconductor chip with an encapsulation; forming a via through the first functional side and the second functional side of the interposer, and through the encapsulation to expose a portion of the pillar ball; and filling the via with a pillar post.
US08217496B2
An internal matching transistor comprises: a conductive base material including a groove, a first region, and a second region which is located opposite to the first region across the groove; a transistor bonded onto the first region of the base material; an internal matching circuit bonded onto the second region of the base material; a wire connecting the transistor to the internal matching circuit across above the groove; and a conductive or non-conductive material located between the wire and the groove, wherein capacitance between the wire and the base material is adjusted by the material.
US08217491B2
A semiconductor device includes a base insulating film on which a silicon fuse, silicon wiring patterns, and a silicon guard ring are formed. The silicon guard ring surrounds the silicon fuse and has silicon cutout parts so as not to contact the silicon wiring patterns. A via guard ring, which has via cutout parts located above the silicon cutout parts, is formed in an interlayer insulating film and on the silicon guard ring. A metal wiring guard ring is formed on the via guard ring and the interlayer insulating film. A silicon nitride film is formed on the interlayer insulating film so as to cover the metal wiring guard ring. An interface between the interlayer insulating film and the metal wiring guard ring at the via cutout parts is covered by the silicon nitride film.
US08217486B2
Provided is a semiconductor wafer. In the semiconductor wafer, formation and etching of an n type epitaxial layer and formation and etching of a p type epitaxial layer are alternately performed for at least three times, so that all semiconductor layers are formed of epitaxial layers on a semiconductor substrate. Thereby, the respective semiconductor layers can be formed to have reduced widths. Thus, if a required breakdown voltage is the same, dopant concentrations of the respective semiconductor layers can be increased and a resistance value of the wafer can be reduced. In addition, a space portion remaining in the end is buried with an insulating layer, so that a defect can be avoided in a junction surface of the epitaxial layers.
US08217482B2
Disclosed are various embodiments of an infrared proximity sensor package comprising an infrared transmitter die, an infrared receiver die, a housing comprising outer sidewalls, a first recess, a second recess and a partitioning divider disposed between the first and second recesses. The transmitter die is positioned in the first recess, the receiver die is positioned within the second recess, and at least the partitioning divider of the housing comprises liquid crystal polymer (LCP) such that infrared light internally-reflected within the housing in the direction of the partitioning divider is substantially attenuated or absorbed by the LCP contained therein.
US08217481B2
A solid-state image capturing device according to the present invention includes: a photoelectrical conversion section formed in a semiconductor substrate or in a substrate area provided on a substrate; a first transparent film provided on the photoelectrical conversion section; and a lens provided at a position above the first transparent film corresponding to the photoelectrical conversion section, where the lens is formed by using a second transparent film layered by changing a refractive index successively or incrementally, and at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the second transparent film is formed in a convex shape.
US08217479B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a solid-state image pickup element, including: a semiconductor layer having a photodiode, photoelectric conversion being carried out in the photodiode; a silicon oxide film formed on the semiconductor layer in a region having at least the photodiode by using plasma; and a film formed on the silicon oxide film and having negative fixed charges.
US08217477B2
Provided is a reliable nonvolatile memory with a lower power consumption. A ferromagnetic interconnection which is magnetized antiparallel or parallel to a magnetization direction of a ferromagnetic pinned layer in a giant magnetoresistive device or a tunnel magnetoresistive device constituting the magnetic memory cell, is connected to a ferromagnetic free layer with a non-magnetic layer being interposed in between, the ferromagnetic free layer serving as a recording layer. Thereby, the magnetization of the recording layer is switched by use of a spin transfer torque.
US08217476B2
A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component and the micromechanical component produced thereby. This component is preferably a diaphragm or a diaphragm layer which is independently produced for the purpose of subsequent assembly with other components.
US08217453B2
A three terminal bi-directional laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor which includes two uni-directional LDMOS transistors in series sharing a common drain node, and configured such that source nodes of the uni-directional LDMOS transistors serve as source and drain terminals of the bi-directional LDMOS transistor. The source is shorted to the backgate of each LDMOS transistor. The gate node of each LDMOS transistor is clamped to its respective source node to prevent source-gate breakdown, and the gate terminal of the bi-directional LDMOS transistor is connected to the gate nodes of the constituent uni-directional LDMOS transistors through blocking diodes. The common drain is a deep n-well which isolates the two p-type backgate regions. The gate node clamp can be a pair of back-to-back zener diodes, or a pair of self biased MOS transistors connected source-to-source in series.
US08217436B2
A CMOS single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) design uses conventional, or at least known, CMOS processes to produce a device having a breakdown region in which the main p-n junction is formed of a deep n-well layer, and optionally on the other side, a p-add layer. The SPAD may also have a guard ring region which comprises the p-epi layer without any implant. The SPAD may have curved or circular perimeters. A CMOS chip comprises SPADs as described and other NMOS devices all sharing the same deep n-well.
US08217433B1
To reduce the pixel size to the smallest dimensions and simplest form of operation, a pixel may be formed by using only one ion sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET). This one-transistor, or 1T, pixel can provide gain by converting the drain current to voltage in the column. Configurable pixels can be created to allow both common source read out as well as source follower read out. A plurality of the 1T pixels may form an array, having a number of rows and a number of columns and a column readout circuit in each column.
US08217427B2
A memory circuit includes a plurality of bit line structures, a plurality of word line structures intersecting the plurality of bit line structures to form a plurality of cell locations; and a plurality of cells located at the plurality of cell locations. Each of the cells is selectively coupled to a corresponding one of the bit line structures under control of a corresponding one of the word line structures, and each of the cells in turn includes a logical storage element having at least a first n-type field effect transistor and at least a first p-type field effect transistor. The at least first n-type field effect transistor is formed with a relatively thick buried oxide layer sized to reduce capacitance of the bit line structures, and the at least first p-type field effect transistor is formed with a relatively thin buried oxide layer.
US08217424B2
It is desired for semiconductor devices to reduce leakage currents. In a semiconductor device having a stacked structure including a GaAs layer and an InGaP layer, p-type impurity is doped to the GaAs layer. Consequently, the conduction band of the GaAs is raised to higher than the Fermi level. As a result, electron accumulation is suppressed and the gate leakage current can be reduced.
US08217419B2
Provided is a semiconductor device in which on-resistance is largely reduced. In a region (2a) of an N type epitaxial layer (2) of the semiconductor device 20, each region between neighboring trenches (3) is blocked with a depletion layer (14) formed around a trench (3) so that a current passage (12) is interrupted, while a part of the depletion layer (14) formed around the trench (3) is deleted so that the current passage (12) is opened. In a region (2b), a junction portion (8) between the N type epitaxial layer (2) and a P+ type diffusion region (7) makes a Zener diode (8).
US08217415B2
Electronic device contact structures are disclosed.
US08217413B2
Provided is a package of a light emitting diode. The package according to an embodiment includes a base layer, a light emitting diode chip on the base layer, a lead frame electrically connected to the light emitting diode chip, a reflective coating layer directly on the lead frame, and a molding material covering the light emitting diode chip in a predetermined shape.
US08217412B2
An LED component comprising an array of LED chips mounted on a planar surface of a submount with the LED chips capable of emitting light in response to an electrical signal. The LED chips comprise respective groups emitting at different colors of light, with each of the groups interconnected in a series circuit. A lens is included over the LED chips. Other embodiments can comprise thermal spreading structures included integral to the submount and arranged to dissipate heat from the LED chips.
US08217408B2
A semiconductor light emitting device includes: a conductive substrate; a semiconductor light emitting layer which includes a first semiconductor layer formed on one surface of the conductive substrate and having a first conductivity type, and a second semiconductor layer formed on the first semiconductor layer and having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type; first light emitting spots which are alternately arranged around a periphery of the semiconductor light emitting layer and emitting light to an exterior from the semiconductor light emitting layer; second light emitting spots having surfaces intersecting with the first light emitting spots and emitting light at an amount smaller than an amount of light emitted via the first light emitting spots; and wirings arranged along the second light emitting spots and electrically short circuiting an area between the first light emitting layer and the surfaces of the conductive substrate.
US08217401B2
A light-emitting device that improves the injection efficiency of electrons or holes by providing electrons or holes to an emitting layer using nano size needles, including a first electrode with a first polarity a second electrode with a second polarity opposite to the first polarity an emitting layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode to emit light and a plurality of conductive needles inserted in the first electrode and extending toward the emitting layer.
US08217393B2
A test device, SRAM test device, semiconductor integrated circuit, and methods of fabricating the same are provided. The test device may include a first test active region extending in one direction on a semiconductor substrate, a second test active, apart from the first test active region, extending in one direction on a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of test gate lines crossing the test active regions, a plurality of test contacts on at least one of the test active regions and test gate lines, a plurality of conducting regions electrically connecting the test contacts, and a plurality of conductive wiring lines interconnecting the plurality of test contacts, wherein an open contact chain, which electrically connects the plurality of test contacts, is formed.
US08217389B2
An organic thin film transistor including a substrate having thereon at least three terminals of a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode, an insulator layer and an organic semiconductor layer, with a current between a source and a drain being controlled upon application of a voltage to the gate electrode, wherein the organic semiconductor layer includes a compound having a specified structure; and an organic thin film light emitting transistor utilizing an organic thin film transistor, wherein the organic thin film transistor is one in which light emission is obtained utilizing a current flowing between the source and the drain, and the light emission is controlled upon application of a voltage to the gate electrode, and is made high with respect to the response speed (driving speed) and has a large ON/OFF ratio, are provided.
US08217380B2
A resistive non-volatile memory cell with a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) access device formed in conjunction with the entire memory cell. The memory cell includes a substrate acting as a collector, a semiconductor base layer acting as a base, and a semiconductor emitter layer acting as an emitter. Additionally, metal plugs and the phase change memory element are formed above the BJT access device while the emitter, metal plugs, and phase change memory element are contained within an insulating region. In one embodiment of the invention, a spacer layer is formed and the emitter layer is contained within the protective spacer layer. The spacer layer is contained within the insulating region.
US08217377B2
The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring the width (B) and/or the position of a metal strip (2) or a slab, which has at least two measuring systems (3, 4), with each located on a side (5, 6) of the metal strip (2) or the slab, wherein each measuring system (3, 4) has a sensor (7) designed to detect the lateral end (8, 9) of the metal strip (2). To make the measuring device robust and to enable dynamic measurement, according to the invention the sensor (7) is located on a moving element (10) with which it can be moved in a straight line in a direction (Q) at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of the metal strip (2).
US08217371B2
A luminescent system includes a layer of donor material, an acceptor material and a barrier layer therebetween. The energy transfer between the donor and acceptor is biased to the acceptor layer, by an asymmetric energy transfer efficiency created by the barrier layer. Energy from the donor material is converted into photo-luminescence in the acceptor layer by discouraging photo-luminescence quenching caused by energy backflow.
US08217369B2
The present invention relates to a luminescent glass element comprising a luminescent glass substrate, which a metal layer is positioned on a surface thereof. The metal layer is provided with a metal microstructure. The luminescent glass substrate has composite oxides represented as the following formula: aM2O.bY2O3.cSiO2.dPr2O3, wherein M represents alkali metal element, a, b, c and d are, by mol part, 25-60, 1-30, 20-70 and 0.001-10 respectively. The present invention also provides a producing method of the luminescent glass element and a luminescing method thereof. The metal layer is positioned on the luminescent glass substrate, thereby improving luminescence efficiency of the luminescent glass substrate. The luminescent glass element can be used in luminescent devices with ultrahigh brightness or high-speed operation.
US08217365B2
Disclosed is an ion source comprising a plate-shaped source body which has radioactivity on its both sides and allows positive and negative ions to penetrate through the source body. The present invention gives beneficial effects. First, the ion source structure can improve the ionization efficiency of sample molecules, and the generated sample ions have a centralized distribution within a flat space on both sides of the source body. Such distribution of ion cloud facilitates to improve the IMS sensitivity. Meanwhile, the source body of the present invention has a transmittance in itself. Thus, positive and negative ions generated on both sides of the source body can penetrate through the source body and be separated to the both sides of the source body. In this way, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of ions.
US08217360B2
A neutron moderator includes a neutron generator; a neutron moderating material arranged on one side of the neutron generator; a gamma ray shielding material covering an external surface of the neutron moderating material; and a thermal neutron absorbing material covering the external surface of the neutron moderating material except a side where the neutron generator is arranged.
US08217359B1
A self-aligning collimator for a radiation imaging device that is secured and aligned through the use of a plurality of small magnets. The collimator allows for the rapid exchange, removal, or addition of collimators for the radiation imaging device without the need for tools. The accompanying method discloses the use of magnets and accompanying magnetic fields to align and secure collimators in a radiation imaging assembly.
US08217330B2
An apparatus includes a pixel region having disposed therein in a matrix form a plurality of conversion components, an amplifier transistor which amplifies a signal from the plurality of conversion components, a reset transistor which sets the potential of an input portion of the amplifier transistor to a reset potential, and a select transistor which is connected in series to the amplifier transistor and selects and reads the amplified signal, and well contact regions which are provided within the pixel region. Each of the well contact regions is neighboring to a drain region of the reset transistor, and the drain region of the reset transistor has a lower impurity concentration than the impurity concentration in the source and drain regions of the select transistor.
US08217325B2
Various blanks and constructs formed therefrom are provided. The various constructs include features for supporting a food item at an elevated position to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item in a microwave oven.
US08217320B2
A thermal type flow sensor measures a flow rate of a fluid by means of a heat resistive element having a temperature dependency. The sensor is comprised of: plural heat resistive elements used for a flow rate measurement; and a driver circuit for controlling a current applied to these heat resistive elements to cause their heating. The driver circuit is configured to sense a resistance change of a lower-temperature side heat resistive element among the plural heat resistive elements and to control the current to be applied to the plural heat resistive elements in accordance with a sensed value of the lower-resistance's variation.
US08217316B2
A heating system is disclosed including a cabinet having walls defining an interior heating chamber. Sensors are attached to an exterior surface of the walls. Heating pad subassemblies are attached to the exterior surface of the walls with each heating pad subassemblies located adjacent a corresponding sensor. The heating pad subassemblies include a pad having an attachment face coupled to the exterior surface of the walls and a heating element coupled to the pad. A controller is in electrical communication with the heating elements and the sensors. This controller is configured to independently monitor temperate measurements from each of the sensors and to independently control each of the heating elements. The heating pad subassemblies are positionable on the exterior side of the plurality of walls and the heating system compensates for load variations across the interior heating chamber.
US08217314B2
Disclosed herein is a cooking apparatus that is capable of partially heating a cooking chamber depending upon an amount of food to be cooked through a relatively simple mechanical structure without using an additional control unit. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber, a hot air supply unit to supply hot air into the cooking chamber, and a divider to divide the cooking chamber. The hot air supply unit includes a heater, a blowing fan to supply air heated by the heater into the cooking chamber, a fan cover having inlet holes and outlet holes, an opening and closing cover to partially open and close the inlet holes and the outlet holes of the fan cover, and interlocking units operating together with the attachment and detachment of the divider to move the opening and closing cover.
US08217313B2
A disclosed heating apparatus includes a heating chamber configured to heat a substrate placed in the heating chamber with a heat plate opposing the substrate; a gas stream forming portion that creates a gas stream along a top surface of the substrate in the heating chamber; and a pair of first plate members respectively located between an inner side wall of the heating chamber and a first substrate edge opposing the inner side wall, and between another inner side wall of the heating chamber and a second substrate edge opposing the other inner side wall.
US08217309B2
A glow plug assembly includes an integrated, internal pressure sensor. In order to reduce loading on the center electrode, improve sensor responsiveness, and provide better thermal performance, the pressure sensor assembly is housed in a canister which forms a containment capsule and rigidly connects inside the glow plug shell near its seat area. The pressure sensor makes direct contact with the base end of the heater probe so that movements of the heater probe caused by fluctuations in gas pressure lead directly to changing force on the sensor stack.
US08217307B2
A fixing structure for fixing a heating module of a hair dryer is provided. The fixing structure includes a heat-emitting ceramic, a voltage step-down ceramic, a ceramic sleeve, and a conductive metal bolt. Through holes are configured in centers of the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic. Heat-emitting films are coated on surfaces of the heat-emitting ceramic. Silver paste films are respectively coated on the upper and lower end surfaces of the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic to form silver paste electrodes. A through hole is configured at the center of the ceramic sleeve. The ceramic sleeve is assembled through the through holes of the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic. The conductive metal bolt is assembled through of the ceramic sleeve for fixing the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic on the supporting frame seat of the motor and fan of the hair dryer.
US08217305B2
A system and method for performing a welding-type process includes a welding-type torch having a first electrode connected to receive a welding-type power to effectuate a welding-type process. The welding-type torch also includes a second electrode connected to receive a starting power to initiate the welding-type process and a nozzle surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode.
US08217300B2
A method of manufacturing a vehicle structure including a laser welded fastener includes positioning a first panel in engagement with a second panel to provide access to the first panel by a laser beam. The first panel is laser welded to the second panel. A fastener including projections axially extending from a first surface of a flange are formed. The projections are engaged with a surface of the first panel to space apart the first surface of the flange from the surface of the first panel. Laser welding is initiated by directing a laser beam toward one of the flange of the fastener and the first panel. Gas is vented from an area between the first surface of the flange and the surface of the first panel. The flange is laser welded to the first panel.
US08217291B2
A status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivotable between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being chargeable, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or discharged, and a third indicator for indicating whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.
US08217287B2
A switch for a motor protection circuit breaker capable of reducing a force required to adjust a handle and capable of enhancing the reliability to break a circuit. The switch includes a push link having an outer circumferential curved surface of a varying cam profile, so as to enhance a function to break the circuit by pressing movable contact plates.
US08217286B2
A portable switch enables an operator to open and close an electrical conductive pathway, such as a circuit, from a remote location. The tool may comprise a handle assembly selectively attached to an associated object. The handle assembly has a first member, which has a first position and a second position. A base clamping assembly is selectively attached to an associated open point, such as, but not limited to, an underground switch. A cable has a first end and a second end. The first end is operatively connected to the base clamping system. The second end is connected to an insulating portion. The insulating portion may be interposed between the base clamping assembly and the handle assembly.
US08217279B2
A ceramic electronic component achieves a sufficient drop resistance strength even when terminal electrodes are formed with a higher density. The ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic laminate including ceramic laminates which are laminated to each other, first terminal electrodes disposed in a peripheral portion of a bottom surface of the ceramic laminate, catch pad electrodes arranged in the ceramic laminate so as to face the respective first terminal electrodes, and sets each including at least two first via hole conductors, which electrically connect the first terminal electrodes and the respective catch pad electrodes.
US08217278B2
An embedded wiring board includes an upper wiring layer, a lower wiring layer, an insulation layer, a first conductive pillar and a second conductive pillar. The upper wiring layer contains an upper pad, the lower wiring layer contains a lower pad, and the insulation layer contains an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The upper pad is embedded in the upper surface and the lower pad is embedded in the lower surface. The first conductive pillar is located in the insulation layer and includes an end surface which is exposed by the upper surface. A height of the first conductive pillar relative to the upper surface is larger than a depth of the upper pad relative to the upper surface. In addition, the second conductive pillar is located in the insulation layer and is connected between the first conductive pillar and the lower pad.
US08217274B2
A wiring member comprising a substrate, a copper wiring layer having an electrical resistivity of not larger than 4×10−6 Ωcm in directly or indirectly contact with the substrate, an aluminum diffusion layer, contiguous to the copper wiring layer, having an aluminum concentration gradient descending towards the inside, and an aluminum oxide layer contiguous to and covering the aluminum diffusion layer, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the copper wiring layer to a thickness of the aluminum diffusion layer is 1.5 to 5. The disclosure is also concerned with a method of manufacturing the wiring member and an electronic device.
US08217271B2
A multilayered wiring board is composed of n wiring layers and (n−1) resin base material layers, which are alternately laminated. The (n−1) resin base material layers include fiber bundles impregnated with resin. The n wiring layers include wiring patterns and resin. When half of the wiring layers in the thickness direction of the multilayered wiring board differ in the copper remaining ratio from the other half, the multilayered wiring board might be warped during heating. The crossing point density of fiber bundles in each resin base material layer is adjusted so as to cancel the warpage caused by the difference in the copper remaining ratio between the wiring layers.
US08217262B2
A decorative cover for a device mounted to a wall is provided. The cover has a face panel (that may or may not include artwork or a photo) and a support structure attached to the face panel. The support structure is adapted to attach to the wall. The face panel is pivotable relative to the wall between a closed position and an open position. The cover has a top portion, the top portion has a top opening to allow air flow from an inner side of the top portion to an outer side of the top portion.
US08217261B2
A method for fabricating a thin film solar cell includes providing a soda lime glass substrate comprising a surface region and a concentration of sodium oxide of greater than about 10 wt % and treating the surface region with one or more cleaning process, using a deionized water rinse, to remove surface contaminants having a particles size of greater than three microns. The method also includes forming a barrier layer overlying the surface region, forming a first molybdenum layer in tensile configuration overlying the barrier layer, and forming a second molybdenum layer in compressive configuration using a second process overlying the first molybdenum layer. Additionally, the method includes patterning the first molybdenum layer and the second molybdenum layer to form a lower electrode layer and forming a layer of photovoltaic material overlying the lower electrode layer. Moreover, the method includes forming a first zinc oxide layer overlying the layer of photovoltaic materials.
US08217260B2
Photovoltaic cells comprising an active layer comprising, as p-type material, conjugated polymers such as polythiophene and regioregular polythiophene, and as n-type material at least one fullerene derivative. The fullerene derivative can be C60, C70, or C84. The fullerene also can be functionalized with indene groups. Improved efficiency can be achieved.
US08217259B2
Enhanced efficiency solar cells and methods of manufacture of such cells are described herein. In an illustrative example, the solar cell includes at least one or more collector lens bars each of which extend on sides of front contacts and positioned over a respective active area of one or more active areas in such as position as to guide light onto the one or more active areas. A protective layer covers the at least one or more collector lens bars.
US08217251B2
An interactive assembly for displaying a sequence of words from a text comprising: a processor; at least one memory operatively connected to the processor; at least one speech recognizer operatively connected to the processor; at least one audio input operatively connected the speech recognizer; at least one display operatively connected to the speech recognizer for displaying words of a song based upon the words recognized by the speech recognizer; whereby based upon a word received by the audio input, the next words to be recited incrementally displayed onto the at least one display contemporaneously with the input received from the operator. A method for interactively display the words of a text sequentially on a display comprising: receiving an inputted vocal input in an audio input device; inputting the inputted vocal input into a speech recognizer; comparing the inputted vocal input with words stored in sequence in memory; outputting on a display screen only the next sequential words for display.
US08217241B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH406625. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH406625, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH406625 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH406625.
US08217238B1
A soybean cultivar designated 01272932 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 01272932, to the plants of soybean cultivar 01272932, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 01272932, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 01272932. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 01272932. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 01272932, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 01272932 with another soybean cultivar.
US08217234B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB30V10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB30V10, cells from soybean variety XB30V10, plants of soybean XB30V10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB30V10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB30V10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB30V10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB30V10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB30V10 are further provided.
US08217231B2
A soybean cultivar designated S090244 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090244, to the plants of soybean S090244, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090244, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090244 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S090244, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090244, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S090244 with another soybean cultivar.
US08217227B2
The present invention provides molecular constructs and methods for use thereof, including constructs including heterologous miRNA recognition sites, constructs for gene suppression including a gene suppression element embedded within an intron flanked on one or on both sides by non-protein-coding sequence, constructs containing engineered miRNA or miRNA precursors, and constructs for suppression of production of mature microRNA in a cell. Also provided are transgenic plant cells, plants, and seeds containing such constructs, and methods for their use. The invention further provides transgenic plant cells, plants, and seeds containing recombinant DNA for the ligand-controlled expression of a target sequence, which may be endogenous or exogenous. Also disclosed are novel miRNAs and miRNA precursors from crop plants including maize and soy.
US08217215B2
The instant invention relates to a process and plant for the transformation of dangerous wastes containing chromium six as contaminant into non dangerous wastes that can be stored without special care and will be degraded in the environment without time limit. The process basically consists of milling, extracting chromium six in liquid phase and under controlled conditions of stirring, time and temperature, proceeding then, through reduction, to transform the chromium six in chromium three and then precipitating as chromium trioxide, through gasification. The solid resulting from the transformation process can be used as raw material for the manufacturing of firebricks or eventually for the manufacturing of bricks used in the building industry through a process not included in the instant description.
US08217213B2
This disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a mono-cycloalkyl-substituted aromatic compound, said process comprising contacting a feedstock comprising an aromatic compound and hydrogen under hydroalkylation reaction conditions with a catalyst system comprising a molecular sieve and at least one metal with hydrogenation activity, wherein said molecular sieve has, in its as-synthesized form and in calcined form, an X-ray diffraction pattern including peaks having a d-spacing maximum in the range of 14.17 to 12.57 Angstroms, a d-spacing maximum in the range of 12.1 to 12.56 Angstroms.
US08217203B2
A process for the preparation of E-farnesyl acetone characterized by reaction of nerolidol with isopropenylmethyl ether in the presence of an acidic catalyst at elevated temperature and isolation by fractionated distillation.
US08217200B2
According to the present invention, 2-chloroethoxy-acetic acid-N,N-dimethylamide of the Formula (I) is prepared by reacting 2-hydroxyethoxy-acetic acid-N,N-dimethylamide of the Formula (II) in a solvent optionally in the presence of a catalyst with thionyl chloride and removing the solvent by distillation.
US08217198B2
A process for purifying removal of a chemical target compound from a suspension of crystals thereof in mother liquor in a wash column with forced transport of the crystal bed from the top downward, in which crystals are removed from the lower end of the crystal bed with a rotating removal device and melted, and a portion of the crystal melt is conducted back toward the crystal bed as wash melt, the removal device being secured with a drive shaft conducted into the wash column from the bottom through an inlet having a seal, said drive shaft being driven about its longitudinal axis by a drive unit for rotation and being mounted so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis in more than one bearing, such that the mounting in one of the bearings absorbs the downward force acting on the drive shaft, the mounting in two or more bearings absorbs forces acting radially outward from the drive shaft, and the mounting in one bearing is additionally capable of absorbing an upward force acting on the drive shaft.
US08217190B2
The invention provides a process for the production of ethylene oxide and, optionally, ethylene glycol. A base is added at various positions downstream of the quench section of an ethylene oxide absorber. This mitigates corrosion in the ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol plant.
US08217186B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing ε-caprolactone from 6-hydroxycaproic ester in the gas phase in the presence of activated carbon as a catalyst and subsequent distillation.
US08217182B2
A cyclic polycarboxylic acid anhydride, a polycarboxylic acid, or a mixture of them is allowed to react with hydroxylamine or a salt thereof in an organic solvent under dewatering conditions to yield a corresponding cyclic N-hydroxyimide compound. The cyclic polycarboxylic acid anhydride can be, for example, succinic anhydride or glutaric anhydride. The polycarboxylic acid can be, for example, succinic acid, glutaric acid, or adipic acid. In this process, the reaction is preferably carried out using an organic solvent capable of undergoing azeotropy with water as all or part of a reaction solvent while removing water from the reaction system by azeotropy with the organic solvent. This process produces a cyclic N-hydroxyimide compound in a good yield from any of a cyclic polycarboxylic acid anhydride and a polycarboxylic acid.
US08217181B2
Monomers and polymers based on dihalogen indolocarbazole and poly(indolocarbazoles), and methods of making such and using the same are described, as well as organic electronic devices incorporating the same.
US08217167B2
The present invention provides a compounds of general formula (6), useful as potential antitumour agents against human cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine hybrids of general formula (6).
US08217165B2
A novel, commercially viable process for the extraction of high purity (>70%), bioactive furostanolic saponins including protodioscin (>30%), from the seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) comprising essentially the steps of powdering of the natural material followed by a first extraction, an ion-exchange chromatographic purification and a second extraction using a novel composite solvent and drying of the product under defined conditions, the entire process being carried out at essentially neutral pH and low temperatures of less than 80° C.
US08217162B2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for IRAK4.
US08217161B2
The present invention relates to siRNAs that are targeted to RNAs encoding two or more enzymes of a subfamily of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, along with vectors, cells, and kits comprising the siRNAs. The invention further relates to methods of decreasing expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes in a non-human animal, animals in which expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes has been decreased, and methods of using such animals to study the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes.
US08217158B2
The present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings provides novel recombinant DT-based immunotoxins, and, more specifically anti-T cell immunotoxin fusion proteins. Also provided are immunotoxins that can be expressed in bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cells. The invention also provides means for expression of the immunotoxin fusion protein. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08217148B2
Provided are monoclonal antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, and combinations of the foregoing, that bind to, and inhibit the activity of, c-Met, and that are effective in treating cancers and other diseases, disorders, or conditions where pathogenesis is mediated by c-Met.
US08217145B2
The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel synthetase molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing the unnatural amino acid phenylselenocysteine and translation systems. The invention further provides methods for producing modified proteins (e.g., lipidated proteins) through targeted modification of the phenylselenocysteine residue in a protein.
US08217139B2
The present invention provides peptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for appetite suppression and weight control. Preferred peptides are calcitonin analogs, preferably with specific amino acid changes to make the peptide more amylin-like.
US08217133B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to storage-stable and flowable polyurethane compositions comprising (a) one or more isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers derived from one or more hydrocarbon ring-containing diisocyanates and/or triisocyanates and one or more polyols; (b) one or more metal salt complexes of methylenedianiline; and (c) one or more organic acid halide compounds having one or more acid halide groups, wherein the one or more organic acid halide compounds are in an amount wherein the acid halide groups are present in a minimum concentration of about 100 parts per million by weight of the polyurethane prepolymer. In other aspects, the invention relates to methods for storing the curable polyurethane compositions, as well as methods for producing polyurethane elastomers.
US08217131B2
Disclosed is a method for extracting metal particulates for an aqueous solution using a sol-gel derived sorbent.
US08217130B2
Disclosed herein is a curable composition excellent in workability, adhesion properties, rubber-like properties, storage stability, and quick curability. The curable composition comprises (A) a crosslinkable silyl group-containing organic polymer and (B) a (meth)acrylic polymer obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic monomer having a polymerizable unsaturated bond in the presence of a metallocene compound and a crosslinkable silyl group-containing thiol compound, at least one end of the (meth)acrylic polymer being bonded to a residue, —S—R3 (where R3 represents a group having a crosslinkable silyl group) obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from the crosslinkable silyl group-containing thiol compound.
US08217127B2
(Meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate ester copolymer and cosmetic preparation containing the same
A (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate ester copolymer containing: 95.42 to 97.48% by mass of (meth)acrylic acid; 2.43 to 4.30% by mass of an alkyl (meth)acrylate ester, and 0.08 to 0.30% by mass of a compound having two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups. Use in cosmetics.
US08217126B2
Disclosed herein are novel fluoroolefins of formula Rf—O—(CF2CF2)n(CH2CF2)m—CH═CH2, wherein n is 1 or 2, m is 0 or 1 and Rf is a C1-C8 fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkoxy group. The fluoroolefins may be oxidized to manufacture fluorinated carboxylic acids. Also disclosed are fluoropolymers comprising copolymerized units of the fluoroolefins of the invention and at least one other fluoromonomer.
US08217119B2
Polymeric compositions comprising: 1) at least one thermoprocessable semicrystalline halo-polymer; 2) an additive in amounts between 0.01 and 10% by weight of 1) one or more (per)fluoropolyether polymers of formula: Q-O-[A-B]z-[A-B′]z′-A-Q′ (I) wherein: A=—(X)a—O-A′-(X′)b— wherein A′ is a perfluoropolyether chain; X, X′=—CF2—, —CF2CF2—, —CF(CF3)—; a, b=0 or 1; B derives from one or more olefins, of which at least one homopolymerizable by radical way, of formula: —[(CR1R2—CR3R4)j(CR5R6—CR7R8)j′]— (Ia) wherein j=1-30, j′=0-29, with the proviso that 2<(j+j′)<30; R1-R8=halogen, H, C1-C6 (per)haloalkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, or C1-C6 oxy(per)fluoroalkyl; B′=(Ia) but at least one of R1-R8 has a meaning different from that in B, and 2≦(j+j′)<30; z≧2; z′ is 0 or an integer; z, z′ are such that the number average molecular weight of (I) is between 500 and 500,000; Q, Q′=C1-C3 perfluoroalkyl; C1-C6 alkyl; or functional end group(s).
US08217118B2
Disclosed is a method for activating a solid support material with epoxy groups and for immobilizing ligands thereon, utilizing phase transfer catalytic conditions. The method permits the introduction of epoxy groups and specific nucleophilic ligands on the support material with a high level of substitution. Furthermore, the invention provides a general method for immobilizing a ligand for use in a wide variety of chromatographic separation procedures such as ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), reverse phase chromatography (RPC), or affinity chromatography.
US08217115B2
A liquid resin composition of the present invention is a liquid resin composition for bonding a semiconductor element on a support, exhibiting a tackiness of 0.05 N or less after heating at 120° C. for 10 min and a tackiness of 1 N or more at 80° C. A semiconductor wafer having an adhesive layer of the present invention is a semiconductor wafer having an adhesive layer in which the adhesive layer is formed from the above liquid resin composition. A process for manufacturing a semiconductor element of the present invention has the application step of applying an adhesive as a liquid resin composition containing a thermosetting resin and a solvent to one side of a wafer; the evaporation step of evaporating said solvent while substantially maintaining a molecular weight of said liquid resin composition to form an adhesive layer; the bonding step of bonding a dicing sheet on one side of said wafer; and the cutting step of cutting said wafer into pieces.
US08217103B2
A chain end modified polymer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a silane-sulfide modifier A preferred class of modifiers includes compounds represented by the formula: (RO)x(R)ySi—R′—S—SiR3, wherein Si is silicon; S is sulfur; O is oxygen; x is an integer selected from 1, 2 and 3; y is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2; x+y=3; R is the same or different and is: (C1-C16) alkyl; and R′ is aryl, alkylaryl, or (C1-C16) alkyl. The invention further includes methods for making such chain end modified polymers, their use in preparing vulcanized elastomeric polymer compositions, and articles made from such compositions, including pneumatic tires, tire treads, belts, and the like. The subject compositions exhibit lower Tan δ at 60° C. values, while maintaining good processing characteristics, and a good balance of physical properties, including: abrasion resistance, tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break.
US08217094B2
A monolith separation medium comprising a skeletal phase and continuous pores forming a three-dimensional network structure, which has a functional group enabling the introduction of a new functional group on the surface of the skeletal phase. The skeletal phase has an average diameter of a submicron to micrometer size and is in a co-continuous structure of the non-particle-aggregation type. It is composed of an addition polymer of 1,3-bis(N,N′-diglycidylaminomethyl)cyclohexane as an epoxy compound with a bifunctional or higher amine compound, is rich in organic matters and is free from any aromatic-origin carbon atom. Thus, it is an organic polymer monolith separation medium of the non-particle-aggregation type.
US08217080B2
Compositions, methods and systems for treating disordered epithelial tissues, such as is caused by pathogens and/or by toxins produced thereby. The invention relates to the use of an anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent in a carrier, with vigorous agitation of the disordered epithelial tissue for topical treatment thereof under such conditions sufficient to achieve clinically discernable improvement of the disordered epithelial tissue. The preferred anti-infective and/or antimicrobial active agent comprises an organohalide, such as a quaternary ammonium halide compound, preferably benzalkonium chloride. The inventive compositions and methods may employ the use of an applicator adapted for use in promoting the penetration of the treatment composition and/or the vigorous agitation of the disordered tissue.
US08217077B2
The present invention relates to methods for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer, and involuntary weight loss. In the practice of the present invention patients are enterally administered HMB alone or alternatively in combination with eicosapentaenoic (20:5 ω-3), FOS, carnitine and mixtures thereof. HMB may be added to food products comprising a source of amino-nitrogen enriched with large neutral amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, valine, tyrosine, threonine and phenylalanine and substantially lacking in free amino acids.
US08217076B2
Analogs of largazole are described herein. Methods of treating cancer and blood disorders using largazole and largazole analogs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are additionally described herein. Methods for preparing largazole analogs are likewise described.
US08217064B2
Tetrasubstituted benzenes that act as modulators of gamma secretase and their use in the treatment of one or more symptoms of treating neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., Alzheimer's disease, are described.
US08217060B2
The present invention is directed to benzimidazole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by TRP M8 (transient receptor potential M8 channel). More particularly, the compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of inflammatory pain, inflammatory hyperalgesia, inflammatory hypersensitivity condition, neuropathic pain, neuropathic cold allodynia, inflammatory somatic hyperalgesia, inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia, cardiovascular disease aggravated by cold, anxiety and depression.
US08217056B2
The present invention relates to compound 1, which is useful in the inhibition of c-Met protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising Compound 1 and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative disorders.
US08217054B2
Polyols stabilize polymorphous form of rifaximin, in particular the β form. When polyols having at least two hydroxy groups are added to rifaximin powder, polymorph β is stable and remains stable in time independently from the environment humidity. In this invention a method to prepare formulations constituted by pure and stable polymorphous forms able to give a pharmaceutical product is described.
US08217050B2
The invention provides a compound which is (a) an amino acid derivative of formula (I) or a tautomer thereof, or (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, N-oxide, hydrate or solvate thereof: wherein R1, R2, L1, Het, A, x, y and W are as defined herein. The compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases mediated by HSP90.
US08217046B2
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I): wherein: R1 represents: halogen, CN or NO2; R2 represents: hydrogen or halogen; n represents: 1 or 2; R3 represents: phenyl substituted by one or more halogens or C1-C6 alkyls; or a cyclohexyl; as well as the therapeutically-acceptable salts or solvates thereof. These compounds are useful as protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) antagonists, particularly in the treatment of thrombosis.
US08217044B2
There are provided compounds of the formula wherein X, Y and R1 to R8 are as described herein and the enantiomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof which compounds have anticancer activity.
US08217027B2
The present invention is directed to novel, potent, and selective agents, which are agonists or antagonists of the one or more of the individual receptors of the S1P receptor family. The compounds of the invention are useful as therapeutics for treating medical conditions associated with agonism or antagonism of the individual receptors of the S1P receptor family.
US08217026B2
The present invention relates, in general, to a method of modulating physiological and pathological processes and, in particular, to a method of modulating cellular levels of oxidants and thereby processes in which such oxidants are a participant. The invention also relates to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such methods.
US08217024B2
The present invention is directed to monophasic pharmaceutical compositions comprising a conjugated estrogen and a hydrophilic or lipophilic excipient. The present invention is also directed to kits and applicators comprising the pharmaceutical compositions. The invention is also directed to methods for treating menopausal conditions in a female comprising administration of the pharmaceutical compositions.
US08217015B2
We describe pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers, delivery particles containing pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers. The described particles are capable of delivering polynucleotides to cells from the peripheral circulation with subsequent release from endosomes. The endosomolytic polymers are inactive outside the cell but disrupt membranes upon exposure to an acidified endosomal compartment.
US08217010B2
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for contributing to the treatment of a solid cancerous tumor are disclosed. The methods, compositions and articles of manufacture can utilize an endothelin B agonist (ETB) to enhance the delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent to a solid tumor in mammals, including humans.
US08217009B2
The present invention is directed to a T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing antigenic peptides derived from tumor-associated antigen FMNL1/KW13 and being capable of inducing peptide specific killing of a target cell. The present invention is further directed to one antigenic peptides derived from tumor-associated antigen FMNL1/KW13, to an antigen specific T cell, comprising said TCR, to a nucleic acid coding for said TCR and to the use of the antigen specific T cells for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of malignancies characterized by overexpression of FMNL1/KW13.
US08217004B2
According to the present invention, there is provided a method of sequestering micronutrients when used to provide the micronutrients to a plant, which comprises applying to an area of the plant or soil/substrate surrounding the plant an effective amount of a plant fertilizer composition comprising a surfactant, such as general formula (III), that is capable of forming coordinate bonds with micronutrients.
US08216998B2
The invention relates to the treatment of an ischemic event such as a stroke or myocardial infarction. The invention provides a method for modulating an ischemic event in a subject comprising providing the subject with a gene-regulatory peptide or functional analogue thereof. Furthermore, the invention provides use of an NF-κB-down-regulating peptide or functional analogue thereof for the production of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of reperfusion injury occurring after an ischemic event in a subject.
US08216996B2
As a substance which pharmacologically regulates the function of a cell surface functional molecule, a substance which has specificity and an activity or efficacy equal or superior to an antibody and does not require an advanced production technique and facility for application thereof to a pharmaceutical product has been demanded. The invention relates to a multimer of an extracellular domain of a cell surface functional molecule, particularly a tetramer of an extracellular domain of PD-1 or PD-L1. Further, the invention relates to an application of such a tetramer as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for cancer, cancer metastasis, immunodeficiency, an infectious disease or the like and an application of PD-1 or PD-L1 as a testing or diagnostic agent or a research agent for such a disease.
US08216994B2
A cleaning composition including a C12 phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins.
US08216991B2
A solvent system for use in a microemulsion or protomicroemulsion where the solvents are selected to have a Hansen parameter of δd to be from 15 to about 18; of δp to be from 0 to about 8 and of δH to be from 0 to about 12; such that the resulting Hansen parameter of the solvents comprises has a δd of from 15 to about 18; a δp from about 2 to about 8 and a δH of from about 5 to about 12.
US08216989B2
A composition is provided for removing protein soil and preventing redeposition of soils onto a surface. The composition includes between about 1% and about 90% by weight sugar, between about 1% and about 80% by weight alkalinity source and between about 15 and about 10% by weight surfactant composition. The sugar may be a saccharide or a non-saccharide based sugar. The composition is substantially free of phosphorus-containing compounds and includes less than about 0.05% by weight alkali earth metal.
US08216976B2
The present invention provides an improved herbicidal composition including (a) an effective amount of an herbicidal cyclohexandione oxime compound or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof; (b) one or more esters of a fatty acid; (c) a salt of dodecylbenzensulfonic acid; (d) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene plant oils and polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters; and (e) optionally another herbicide.
US08216967B2
Water-absorbing composites comprising at least two particulate water-absorbing polymers having different pH values and at least one fibrous material are produced without premixing the water-absorbing polymers and are used in hygiene articles.
US08216962B2
The present invention provides a urethane-forming reaction catalyst which is useful for catalyzing a reaction between an isocyanate compound, in particular, an aliphatic isocyanate and a hydroxyl group-containing compound to form a urethane material, which does not affect the performance of the urethane material, and which can be easily removed from the resulting urethane material, and a method for producing a metal compound-free urethane material using the urethane-forming reaction catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention is a urethane-forming reaction catalyst for producing a urethane material by allowing a hydroxyl group-containing compound to react with an isocyanate compound, the catalyst being at least one solid acid catalyst selected from the group consisting of a (A) composite metal oxide in which a metal oxide (A-2) or a non-metal compound (A-3) is carried on a surface of a metal oxide carrier (A-1), (B) zeolite, and a (C) heteropoly acid.
US08216950B2
A semiconductor device includes an operating layer made of a semiconductor and a silicon nitride film formed on the operating layer with the use of a mixed gas that includes mono-silane gas, hydrogen gas, and nitrogen gas, by a plasma CVD apparatus, under a condition that a flow rate of the hydrogen gas is 0.2 percent to 5 percent to an overall flow rate.
US08216948B2
Disclosed herein is a method for forming a semiconductor device that stacks an etched layer and a first hard mask layer on a semiconductor substrate, patterns the first hard mask layer in a high density region and a low density region, using a first exposure mask, forms a first spacer on a sidewall of the first hard mask layer in the high density region, forms a second spacer on a sidewall of the first hard mask layer in the low density region at the same time, etches an end with the first spacer connected thereto using a second exposure mask to thereby form a first spacer pattern, forms a planarized second hard mask layer that exposes the first spacer pattern and the second spacer, removes the first spacer pattern and the second spacer such that the second hard mask layer is left, and etches the etched layer using the second hard mask layer as an mask. This method makes it possible to easily form a micro pattern in the high density region and the low density region.
US08216944B2
Methods of forming patterns in semiconductor devices are provided including forming first patterns spaced apart from one another on an object structure. A first sacrificial layer is formed conformally on the first patterns and the object structure. A second pattern is formed on a sidewall of the first sacrificial layer, the second pattern having a height smaller than that of the first pattern from an upper surface of the object structure. The first patterns are selectively removed to form an opening that exposes the object structure. A third pattern is formed on a sidewall of the opening.
US08216943B2
Epitaxial growth methods and devices are described that include a textured surface on a substrate. Geometry of the textured surface provides a reduced lattice mismatch between an epitaxial material and the substrate. Devices formed by the methods described exhibit better interfacial adhesion and lower defect density than devices formed without texture. Silicon substrates are shown with gallium nitride epitaxial growth and devices such as LEDs are formed within the gallium nitride.
US08216941B2
A method for manufacturing a phase change memory device that prevents or minimizes adverse performance characteristics associated with inadequate overlap between top electrode contacts and top electrodes. The method prevents or minimizes unwanted chemical changes and etch losses of the phase change material when building the top electrode. The method includes forming spacers on sidewalls of remaining portions of the insulation layer and the hard masks so that subsequent etching of the conductive layer and the phase change material layer uses the spacers and the hard masks as an etch mask to form top electrodes and a phase change layer. Accordingly, the method promises to provide a way of achieving a high level of integration for the resultant phase change memory devices.
US08216938B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a partition line pattern and a partition pad pattern connected to an end part of the partition line pattern over the semiconductor substrate. Spacer insulation layers are formed at sidewalls of the partition line pattern and the partition pad pattern. A gap-filling layer is formed between the spacer insulation layers. A first cutting mask pattern is formed to expose a connecting part between the partition line pattern and the partition pad pattern. The partition line pattern and the gap-filling layer adjacent to the spacer insulation layer are removed using the first cutting mask pattern as a mask. A second cutting mask pattern including a first pattern and a second pattern are formed. The spacer insulation layer is removed using the second cutting mask pattern as a mask to form a gate trench in the substrate.
US08216936B1
In one embodiment, a method is presented for formation of a through-silicon via in a silicon substrate. A via is etched in the silicon substrate. A first layer of oxide film is deposited on side walls of the via and on a first surface of the silicon substrate. At least a portion of the first layer of oxide film formed on the first surface of the silicon substrate is etched, and a second layer of oxide film is deposited on side walls of the via and. A conductor is deposited in the via.
US08216935B2
A method of forming a transistor gate construction includes forming a gate stack comprising a sacrificial material received over conductive gate material. The gate stack has lateral sidewalls having insulative material received there-against. The sacrificial material is removed from being received over the conductive gate material to form a void space between the insulative material over the conductive gate material. Elemental tungsten is selectively deposited within the void space over the conductive gate material and a transistor gate construction forming there-from is formed there-from, and which has a conductive gate electrode which includes the conductive gate material and the elemental tungsten. The transistor gate might be used in NAND, DRAM, or other integrated circuitry.
US08216923B2
An improved, lower cost method of processing substrates, such as to create solar cells is disclosed. In addition, a modified substrate carrier is disclosed. The carriers typically used to carry the substrates are modified so as to serve as shadow masks for a patterned implant. In some embodiments, various patterns can be created using the carriers such that different process steps can be performed on the substrate by changing the carrier or the position with the carrier. In addition, since the alignment of the substrate to the carrier is critical, the carrier may contain alignment features to insure that the substrate is positioned properly on the carrier. In some embodiments, gravity is used to hold the substrate on the carrier, and therefore, the ions are directed so that the ion beam travels upward toward the bottom side of the carrier.
US08216915B2
The semiconductor substrate provided with a groove portion is irradiated with ions so that an embrittled region is formed in the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate and a base substrate are bonded to each other with an insulating layer interposed therebetween and a space which is surrounded by the groove portion in the semiconductor substrate and the base substrate is formed, and heat treatment is performed to separate the semiconductor substrate at the embrittled region, so that the semiconductor layer is formed over the base substrate with the insulating layer interposed therebetween.
US08216914B2
An object is to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate including a semiconductor film with high planarity and high crystallinity. After a single crystal semiconductor film is formed over an insulating film by a separation step, a natural oxide film existing on a surface of the semiconductor film is removed and the semiconductor film is irradiated with first laser light and second laser light under an inert gas atmosphere or a reduced-pressure atmosphere. The number of shots of the first laser light that is emitted to an arbitrary point in the semiconductor film is greater than or equal to 7, preferably greater than or equal to 10 and less than or equal to 100. The number of shots of the second laser light that is emitted to an arbitrary point in the semiconductor film is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2.
US08216910B2
A wafer comprising at least one high Ft HBT and at least one high BVceo HBT having various collector profiles on a common III-V compound semiconductor based wafer. The N+ implant in the collector varies the collector profiles of individual HBTs on the wafer. The method for preparing the device comprises forming of HBT layers up to and including collector layer on non-silicon based substrate, performing ion implantation, annealing for implant activation, and forming remaining HBT layers.
US08216906B2
An integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device is disclosed. The disclosed method provides improved control over a surface proximity and tip depth of integrated circuit device. In an embodiment, the method achieves improved control by forming a lightly doped source and drain (LDD) region that acts as an etch stop. The LDD region may act as an etch stop during an etching process implemented to form a recess in the substrate that defines a source and drain region of the device.
US08216903B2
A method of controlling gate induced drain leakage current of a transistor is disclosed. The method includes forming a dielectric region (516) on a surface of a substrate having a first concentration of a first conductivity type (P-well). A gate region (500) having a length and a width is formed on the dielectric region. Source (512) and drain (504) regions having a second conductivity type (N+) are formed in the substrate on opposite sides of the gate region. A first impurity region (508) having the first conductivity type (P+) is formed adjacent the source. The first impurity region has a second concentration greater than the first concentration.
US08216891B2
Lift-off method and half-tone photolithography are used to fabricate LCD TFT array plate. Only two photo masks are used to respectively define a first and a second metal layers to accomplish the LCD TFT array plate.
US08216886B2
A method for assembling a semiconductor package includes a rapid cooling step after post mold curing of an encapsulation material. The rapid cooling step includes blowing chilled, compressed air over the package for about two minutes. The rapid cooling step does not require any clamping pressure be simultaneously applied to the package. The rapid cooling step reduces a temperature of the encapsulation material from a curing temperature to the cooled temperature within a maximum period of less than five minutes. By using rapid cooling, as opposed to cooling the package under a clamping pressure with ambient air, package warpage due to CTE mismatches is prevented.
US08216883B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor package system includes: providing a leadframe, having an open center, with leads adjacent to a peripheral edge of the leadframe; making a die support pad, formed without tie bars, separately from the leadframe; providing a coverlay tape for positioning the support pad centered within the leadframe; attaching a semiconductor die to the die support pad through a die attach adhesive, the semiconductor die being spaced from the leads; and connecting a bonding pad on the semiconductor die to one of the leads using a bonding wire.
US08216882B2
A device (20, 90) includes sensors (28, 30) that sense different physical stimuli. A pressure sensor (28) includes a reference element (44) and a sense element (52), and an inertial sensor (30) includes a movable element (54). Fabrication (110) entails forming (112) a first substrate structure (22, 92) having a cavity (36, 100), forming a second substrate structure (24) to include the sensors (28, 30), and coupling (128) the substrate structures so that the first sensor (28) is aligned with the cavity (36, 100) and the second sensor (30) is laterally spaced apart from the first sensor (28). Forming the second structure (24) includes forming (118) the sense element (52) from a material layer (124) of the second structure (24) and following coupling (128) of the substrate structures, concurrently forming (132) the reference element (44) and the movable element (54) in a wafer substrate (122) of the second structure (24).
US08216879B2
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device or apparatus, and apparatus for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device or apparatus having at least a semiconductor as a component, characterized by including irradiating the semiconductor with light having a longer wavelength than the absorption edge wavelength of the semiconductor to change the threshold voltage of the semiconductor device or apparatus, and checking the threshold voltage of the semiconductor device or apparatus, after or during irradiation with the light, to determine whether the threshold voltage is in a predetermined range, during manufacturing the semiconductor device or apparatus.
US08216869B2
A manufacturing method of a group III nitride semiconductor includes the steps of: depositing a metal layer on an AlN template substrate or an AlN single crystal substrate formed by depositing an AlN single crystal layer with a thickness of not less than 0.1 μm nor more than 10 μm on a substrate made of either one of sapphire, SiC, and Si; forming a metal nitride layer having a plurality of substantially triangular-pyramid-shaped or triangular-trapezoid-shaped microcrystals by performing a heating nitridation process on the metal layer under a mixed gas atmosphere of ammonia; and depositing a group III nitride semiconductor layer on the metal nitride layer.
US08216861B1
Methods for the repair of damaged low k films are provided. Damage to the low k films occurs during processing of the film such as during etching, ashing, and planarization. The processing of the low k film causes water to store in the pores of the film and further causes hydrophilic compounds to form in the low k film structure. Repair processes incorporating ultraviolet (UV) radiation and carbon-containing compounds remove the water from the pores and further remove the hydrophilic compounds from the low k film structure.
US08216859B2
To provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device capable of forming, as a protective film of an MTJ element, a silicon nitride film having good insulation properties without deteriorating the properties of the MTJ element. The method of the invention includes steps of forming a silicon nitride film over the entire surface including an MTJ element portion (MTJ element and an upper electrode) while using a parallel plate plasma CVD apparatus as a film forming apparatus and a film forming gas not containing NH3 but composed of SiH4/N2/helium (He). The film forming temperature is set at from 200 to 350° C. More ideally, a flow rate ratio of He to SiH4 is set at from 100 to 125.
US08216858B2
Provided are a ferroelectric material having good ferroelectricity and good insulation property, and a ferroelectric device using the ferroelectric material. In the present invention, the ferroelectric material includes a metal oxide having a perovskite-type crystal structure, in which: the metal oxide contains bismuth ferrite whose iron is substituted by manganese, and at least one of a copper oxide and a nickel oxide; the bismuth ferrite is substituted by manganese at a substitution ratio of 0.5 at. % or more to 20 at. % or less with respect to a total amount of iron and manganese; and at least one of the copper oxide and the nickel oxide is added in an amount of 0.5 mol % or more to 20 mol % or less with respect to the bismuth ferrite whose iron is substituted by manganese.
US08216855B2
The invention provides a method of processing a biological and/or chemical sample. The method includes providing a fluid droplet, which includes an inner phase and an outer phase. The outer phase is immiscible with the inner phase, and the outer phase is surrounding the inner phase. The inner phase includes the biological and/or chemical sample. The fluid droplet furthermore comprises magnetically attractable matter. The method also includes providing at least one surface, which is of such a texture and such a wettability for the fluid of the inner phase of the fluid droplet, that the fluid droplet remains intact upon being contacted therewith. The method further includes disposing the fluid droplet onto the at least one surface. The method also includes performing a process on the biological and/or chemical sample in the fluid droplet.
US08216848B2
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing diabetes or a predisposition thereof, comprising determining at least one metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to suffer from diabetes or to have a predisposition therefor and comparing the metabolite to a reference to diagnose diabetes or a predisposition therefor. The present invention further encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising the data collection. The present invention also relates to a system comprising methods or devices for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium. The present invention also encompasses diagnostic methods or devices comprising at least one metabolite and use of the metabolite for the manufacture of diagnostic methods and devices for diagnosing diabetes; and a method for identifying diabetes-related metabolites.
US08216847B2
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes, comprising determining a metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to have a predisposition for diabetes and comparing the metabolite to a reference to diagnose the, predisposition for diabetes. Moreover, the present invention encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising the data collection. The present invention also relates to a system comprising methods or devices for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium. Additionally, diagnostic methods or devices comprising a metabolite and its use for manufacture of the diagnostic method or device for diagnosing a predisposition for diabetes are provided, along with a method for identifying diabetes-related metabolites.
US08216845B2
A gaming system of the present invention comprising a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value.
US08216835B2
The invention relates to modulating Cdc14B levels (cell division cycle 14 homolog B) and/or Cdh1 (Fzr1 protein, CDC20-like 1b, or fizzy-related protein) levels to sensitize cells to DNA damage by increasing the abundance of Plk1 (polo-like kinase 1) in a target cell. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to modulating Plk1 levels, and in particular to increasing Plk1 levels, to sensitize target cells such as cancer cells to cell death or apoptosis. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to inhibitors of Cdc14B and Cdh1 that sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy or radiation induced cell death or apoptosis. In addition to applications relating to cancer therapies and diagnostics, the Plk1 modulators and assays will be employed for identifying novel drugs or drug candidates useful for various proliferative and/or differentiative disorders such as major opportunistic infections, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory disorders.
US08216829B2
This invention relates to a device intended for the culture of cells or micro-organisms, characterised by the fact that it comprises a chamber (100) composed of a tank (110) and a lid (150), adapted so that when in the closed state, it defines a sealed volume under a controlled pressure, and an assembly (200) designed to be placed inside the chamber (100), while being removable from it when the lid (150) is opened, said assembly comprising (200) a support frame (210) and a plurality of plates (250) carried by the support frame (210), the chamber (100) also comprising means designed to successively sterilise its content, for seeding a culture medium placed in the trays (250) and a means for controlling the atmosphere in the chamber (100), to enable the culture of cells or micro-organisms.
US08216826B2
A fluid analyzing apparatus. The fluid analyzing apparatus sequentially or simultaneously detects and analyzes a multiplex fluid sample with suitable analyzing elements. Meanwhile, the fluid analyzing apparatus may be disassembled to a first unit, a second unit and a third unit, such that the analyzing elements therein are easily disposed and replaced. The fluid analyzing apparatus analyzes and detects the multiplex fluid sample by allowing the multiplex fluid sample to sequentially or simultaneously flow through a plurality of target chambers. The fluid analyzing apparatus sequentially or simultaneously transports the multiplex fluid sample to the target chambers, thereby enhancing the speed and analysis thereof.
US08216818B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel ketose 3-epimerase, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for producing a ketose by using the enzyme. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a ketose 3-epimerase which is obtainable from a microorganism of the genus Rhizobium, a process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, and a process for converting D- or L-ketohexose into corresponding D- or L-ketohexose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketohexose; and D- or L-ketopentose into corresponding D- or L-ketopentose by epimerizing the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the D- or L-ketopentose; by using the enzyme.
US08216805B2
The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation. “Protuberances” are constructed by replacing small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first polypeptide with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory “cavities” of identical or similar size to the protuberances are created in the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine). The protuberance and cavity can be made by synthetic means such as altering the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptides or by peptide synthesis.
US08216798B2
The present invention relates to methods, reagents, and kits for assessing organ damage, such as damage due to ischemia reperfusion injury, in the course of a transplantation therapy and/or for assessing organ regeneration following transplantation therapy. The invention provides a method for determining an index of organ health in the course of transplantation therapy comprising measuring the expression level of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in the organ. Measuring the expression level of PBR is also useful for assessing the progress of organ regeneration in the course of transplantation therapy by comparing the index of organ health. The expression level of PBR may be used as a predictor of the outcome of transplantation therapy.
US08216795B2
A method of diagnosing in a host infection by or exposure to a mycobacterium which expresses ESAT-6 comprising (i) contacting a population of T cells from the host with one or more peptides or analogues selected from the peptides represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to 11 and analogues thereof which can bind a T cell receptor which recognizes any of the said peptides, and (ii) determining whether the T cells of said T cell population recognize the peptide(s) and/or analogue(s). The method may performed in vivo. Peptides and a kit which enable the method to be carried out are provided.
US08216790B2
The application relates to a method of diagnosing neuropsychiatric diseases, eating disorders and/or metabolic diseases, which comprises: (i) measuring the affinity and/or the avidity of antibodies, derived from a biological sample, directed against a biological molecule involved in homeostatic regulation and/or in motivational behavior and/or in emotion; (ii) comparing the affinity value obtained with a control value.
US08216789B2
The invention provides a method for detection of a malignancy in a specimen of bodily fluid. The method comprises contacting the specimen with at least two antigens selected from the group consisting of p53, IGFBP2, Topo2α, cathepsin D, cyclin B, cyclin D1, MUC1, HER-2/neu and CEA. The method further comprises incubating the specimen and the antigen for a duration and under conditions that are sufficient for the formation of immunocomplexes; and detecting the presence or absence of immunocomplex formation between the antigens and antibodies specific for the antigens in the specimen, thereby determining the presence or absence of the malignancy. Also provided is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of cancer therapy related to a malignancy in a warm-blooded animal, a method for distinguishing between Stage I and Stage II colorectal cancer in a specimen of bodily fluid.
US08216788B2
The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the detection of infectious proteins or prions in samples, including the diagnosis of prion related diseases. One embodiment is an ultrasensitive method for detecting PrP-res (PrPSc) that allows the use of recombinant PrP-sen (rPrP-sen) as a substrate for seeded polymerization. A sample is mixed with purified rPrP-sen to make a reaction mix which is incubated to permit aggregation of the rPrP-sen with the PrP-res that may be present in the sample. Any aggregates are intermittently disaggregated by agitation (for example by sonication) and the reaction allowed to proceed to amplify target substrate. Any rPrP-res(Sc) in the reaction mix is detected to indicate the presence of PrP-res in the original sample. This assay, which is called rPrP-PMCA, is surprisingly much faster than existing PMCA methods, yet it still retains sufficient sensitivity to detect extremely low levels of PrP-res. An alternative of rPrP-PMCA is the QUIC method in which shaking of the reaction mixture is substituted for sonication. The surprising speed and efficiency of the method permits the rapid identification and diagnosis of prion disease, which can limit the transmission of prion diseases, particularly through the food supply.
US08216778B2
This invention provides methods of measuring the viability of cultured cells by detecting one or more cell death-stable proteins or enzyme activities. Methods provided by the invention correlate viability to relative levels of enzyme activity in cell-containing and non-cell-containing fractions of a cell culture.
US08216759B2
The present invention provides an electrophotographic carrier which includes a core particle, a first resin layer containing a charge-generating material for coating the core particle, and a second resin layer containing a hole-transporting material for coating the first resin layer. The invention also provides a two-component developer comprising said carrier, and an image-forming process and apparatus using said developer. According to the invention, high quality images can be formed, with excellent image density (especially when developing solid images) and less fogging.
US08216757B2
There is provided a toner for electrostatic charge image development, which includes a binder resin that includes a non-crystalline polyester resin and a crystalline polyester resin, and a colorant, wherein in a measurement of an acetone-soluble fraction of the toner by gel permeation chromatography, in which W1 represents the total area of an elution curve of the acetone-soluble fraction, F(0-10) represents an eluate corresponding to from the beginning of the elution to 10% elution of W1 over time, and F(80-100) represents an eluate corresponding to from 80% elution to 100% elution of W1 over time, the amount of an aliphatic unsaturated dicarboxylic acid-derived component of the resins contained in the eluate F(0-10) is in the range of from about 0 mol % to about 10 mol % relative to the total amount of the acid-derived components of the resins contained in the eluate F(0-10), and the amount of the aliphatic unsaturated dicarboxylic acid-derived component of the resins contained in the eluate F(80-100) is in the range of from about 20 mol % to about 60 mol % relative to the total amount of the acid-derived components of the resins contained in the eluate F(80-100).
US08216756B2
A polymerized toner is provided. The polymerized toner has cores containing a wax with a polydispersity of 1.05 to 1.1. The fixability of the polymerized toner is improved by the presence of the wax. Further provided is a method of producing the polymerized toner.
US08216744B2
An exposure mask includes: an insulative substrate; a light reflecting film provided on the substrate; a light absorbing film provided on the light reflecting film and forming a pattern in a center region on the substrate; and an interconnect provided on the substrate, the light reflecting film and the light absorbing film not being provided in a frame-shaped region surrounding the center region, and the interconnect being placed so that a portion of a laminated film composed of the light reflecting film and the light absorbing film located inside the frame-shaped region is electrically connected to a portion of the laminated film located outside the frame-shaped region.
US08216742B2
In at least one of flow distribution areas 35 provided on a separator 15, plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a first section (parted regions 32a and 32c) of a center area (including parted regions 32a through 32c) having a relatively high flow rate of a first fluid (refrigerant) are designed to have a larger diameter of a cross section than plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a second section (parted region 32b) of the center area having a relatively low flow rate of the first fluid. This arrangement effectively attains a substantially uniform flow rate distribution of a fluid in a fluid flow path formed on a separator, which is configured to have concavo-convex structures formed in a mutually reversed relation on two opposed sides thereof.
US08216732B2
An electric power generator is particularly suitable for providing back-up power to sites with multiple power requirements. This generator comprises a rack having multiple module bays; at least one power conversion module is mounted in one of the bays and is electrically coupled to a fuel cell stack also mounted in the rack or located remote from the rack. The power conversion module converts the voltage level and/or current type of some of the electricity produced by the stack such that the generator can simultaneously output electricity at multiple voltage levels and/or current types. The rack can be a standardized nineteen relay rack, making the generator relatively compact and compatible with sites configured accept such racks.
US08216731B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell and a supplying unit, which supplies reactive gases to the fuel cell. A control unit includes a power production effective area calculator calculates the areas of the electrodes available for power production as a power production effective area. A current density calculator which calculates a current density of the power production effective area calculated by the power production effective area calculator based on the total amount of power required by the fuel cell. A gas supply amount determiner determines the amount of reactive gas to be supplied to the fuel cell depending on the current density. A gas supply controller controls the supplying unit so as to supply the amount of reactive gas determined by the gas supply amount determiner to the fuel cell.
US08216722B2
An alkali-metal-ion battery is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an anode containing an alkali metal, a cathode, and an electrolyte separator for conducting alkali metal ions between the anode and the cathode. In selected embodiments, the electrolyte separator includes a first phase comprising poly(alkylene oxide) and an alkali-metal salt in a molar ratio of less than 10:1. The electrolyte separator may further include a second phase comprising ionically conductive particles that are conductive to the alkali metal ions. These ionically conductive particles may include ionically conductive ceramic particles, glass particles, glass-ceramic particles, or mixtures thereof.
US08216721B2
A sealed battery includes an electrode group formed by winding or stacking a positive electrode including a current collector carrying an active material layer thereon, a negative electrode including a current collector carrying an active material layer thereon and a separator interposed therebetween. The current collectors of the positive and negative electrodes are exposed at an end thereof and the exposed ends are welded to current collector terminals, respectively. The active material layers formed on the surfaces of the current collectors are covered with heat resistant porous films, respectively. An end face of the separator is flush with or positioned inside relative to end faces of the heat resistant porous films. The heat resistant porous films have a melting point higher than that of the separator and have a thermal conductivity lower than that of the current collectors.
US08216719B2
A non-aqueous secondary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode material mixture layer containing a lithium-containing transition metal oxide. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode material mixture layer and a porous layer containing an insulating material unreactive with lithium formed thereon. The negative electrode material mixture layer includes a negative electrode material including a core and a carbon covering layer covering a surface of the core. The core includes a material containing silicon and oxygen at an atomic ratio x of the oxygen to the silicon of 0.5≦×≦1.5. The material containing silicon and oxygen has a peak at least in a range of 1850 to 1860 eV in an X-ray absorption near edge structure spectrum at the K absorption edge of Si in a state in which discharge of the battery is finished.
US08216715B2
A prismatic battery is provided with a fixing portion composed of projections 29Aa and 29Ba for fixing the position of a flat electrode assembly 11 and a battery outer can 12 by contacting with an insulating sheet 32 on at least one of a positive electrode collector member 16 and a negative electrode collector member 18. The insulating sheet 32 is provided between the projections 29Aa, 29Ba and the battery outer can 12. Tips 29Ab and 29Bb of the projections 29Aa and 29Ba project from the flat electrode assembly 11 towards the battery outer can 12 side. The height of the projections is smaller than the thickness of the insulating sheet 32. This prevents short-circuiting between the positive electrode collector member or the negative electrode collector member, and the battery outer can. Thus, a prismatic battery suitable for EVs and HEVs with excellent safety can be obtained.
US08216706B2
A battery pack includes a bare cell including a cap plate and an electrode terminal insulated from the cap plate and a circuit module including a circuit board having a first short side, a second short side generally opposite the first short side, a first long side and a second long side generally opposite the first long side. The circuit board includes a base lead plate attached to the circuit board and a base fixing protrusion extending from the base lead plate, wherein the circuit module is on and electrically connected to the bare cell. The battery pack also includes an upper cover covering the circuit module, the upper cover including a base fixing groove adapted to receive the base fixing protrusion, wherein base fixing protrusion is in the base fixing groove.
US08216699B2
The invention provides a cyclometallated complex comprising the structure of formula I wherein: M is a d-block transition metal; B is a five- or six-membered aryl or heteroaryl ring which is optionally substituted and optionally fused to one or more other aryl or heteroaryl rings; A is a five- or six-membered heteroaryl ring comprising at least three nitrogen atoms; R1 is a group other than hydrogen; n is zero or an integer equal to or greater than one; and A and B are optionally fused or linked by one or more covalent bonds. The invention also provides the use of such complexes in optoelectronic devices, and in particular in organic light emitting devices.
US08216696B2
A quinoxaline-based, new bipolar organic compound is provided, and a light emitting element using the quinoxaline-based compound is demonstrated. The quinoxaline derivative of the invention has a structure in which carbon at one or both of the 2-position and the 3-position of the quinoxaline unit are bonded, via an arylene group, with an amine unit which has a substituted or unsubstituted five-membered ring or a substituted or unsubstituted condensed ring containing a five-membered ring structure. The quinoxaline-based compound was proven to possess bipolar characteristics in view of carrier transportation, which allows the fabrication of a light emitting element and an electronic appliance with a low driving voltage and low power consumption.
US08216679B2
A glazing system and method for vehicle tops and windows is described therein. The system includes a panel having a top side and a bottom side, a first protective coating deposited on the top side and second protective coating deposited on the bottom side. The protective coatings provide protection from weathering and abrasion.
US08216675B2
Sintered, substantially round and spherical particles prepared from a slurry of a calcined, uncalcined or partially calcined raw material having an alumina content of more than 55% by weight, and a mullite growth promoter in an amount of from about 2 to about 10% dry weight of the total solids in the slurry. The sintered particles are suitable for use as a propping agent or as a foundry media.
US08216673B2
Glass fiber-treating agent which includes: (A) 5-95% by weight of an acetylene glycol or an ethylene oxide and/or a propylene oxide adduct of an acetylene glycol; and (B) 5-95% by weight of a silicone surfactant which may be polyoxyalkylene-modified. The glass fiber-treating agent reduces dynamic and static surface tension and contact angle. The glass fiber-treating agent provides excellent wetting, penetration, and antifoaming properties when glass fibers are treated therewith.
US08216670B2
A heat ray shielding glass for vehicle, including a glass substrate and a heat ray shielding film formed on at least one surface of the glass substrate, in which the heat ray shielding film includes: conductive oxide ultrafine particles dispersed in the film; and a silica binder for binding the ultrafine particles to each other, the silica binder including solid contents produced by hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraalkoxysilane and trialkoxysilane.
US08216667B2
This invention provides a tantalum carbide-coated carbon material, which has excellent corrosion resistance to reducing gases and thermal shock resistance at high temperatures, and a process for producing the same. The tantalum carbide-coated carbon material comprises a carbon substrate and a coating film provided on the carbon substrate directly or through an intermediate layer. The coating film is formed of a large number of densely aggregated fine crystals of tantalum carbide. The diffraction line of the (220) plane of tantalum carbide shows the maximum diffraction intensity in an X-ray diffraction pattern of the coating film. More preferably, this diffraction intensity is not less than four times the intensity of a diffraction line showing the second highest diffraction intensity.
US08216650B2
A protective and decorative ornament that remains substantially in place on a vehicle's outer surface under substantially all vehicle operating conditions. The ornament includes a top decorative layer, upper and lower foam layers beneath the top layer, fastening members that extend outward from at least two edges thereof, a weighted element between the upper and lower foam layers and proximate an edge that does not include a fastening member, a substantially rigid element beneath the lower foam layer, and a substantially smooth bottom layer coupled to contact the vehicle's surface.
US08216648B2
A film formation method includes setting a target object at a temperature of 150 to 550° C., the target object being placed inside the process container configured to hold a vacuum state therein, and then, repeating a cycle alternately including a first supply step and a second supply step a plurality of times to form a silicon nitride film on the target object. The first supply step is a step of supplying monochlorosilane gas as an Si source into the process container while setting the process container at a pressure of 66.65 to 666.5 Pa therein. The second supply step is a step of supplying a nitrogen-containing gas as a nitriding gas into the process container.
US08216644B2
Methods of darkening and preserving wood, including cut wood, are described herein. The methods comprise treating wood, including cut wood, with a solution containing a cell signaling agent to darken wood. Also described herein are methods for preserving the color of wood comprise treating wood, including cut wood, with a solution containing a cell signaling agent inhibitor. Wood, including cut wood, prepared by such methods are further described herein.
US08216639B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for the deposition of a Carbon containing layer on a Silicon surface wherein a (i) substantially Silicon-oxide-free or reduced oxide interface results between Silicon and the Carbon containing layer during the deposition. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for deposition of a Carbon containing layer wherein the deposition process is substantially soot (particle)-free or reduction of soot.
US08216632B2
A method includes: providing a tubular substrate in a chamber, the tubular substrate having a lumen, an a luminal surface and a luminal surface; providing a target in the lumen; depositing a first coating onto the abluminal surface and a second coating onto the luminal surface while keeping the tubular substrate in the chamber. An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, including a first coating on at least one portion of its abluminal surface and a second coating on at least one portion of its luminal surface is also disclosed.
US08216628B2
The present invention relates to a process for purifying starches. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of removing off-flavors, off-odors, and off-colors from starches by extraction of the components causing the off-flavors, off-odors, and off-colors with a fluid in the supercritical or liquid phase.
US08216625B2
An acidic emulsified mayonnaise-like food of the present invention contains an esterified compound composed of a starch and a hydrolysate thereof and an alkenylsuccinic acid, and a thickening polysaccharide, wherein the content of protein is 0% by mass.
US08216622B2
An automatic popcorn popper which has selectable load capabilities for popping various differently sized loads of corn. A heat control system is provided having a selector switch for selecting one of multiple rates of heat to be delivered to the kettle. An oil delivery system is coupled to the selector switch for selecting one of varying amounts of oil to be delivered to the kettle in conjunction with selecting the rate or amount of heat to be delivered to the kettle.
US08216621B2
The present invention generally relates to low calorie bulking agents (e.g., cellulose, starch, bran, glucans, hydrocolloids, and the like) coated with a lipid compound to form a base or inner layer and thereafter encapsulating the fiber/lipid complex within a protein compound as an outer layer. In effect, the present invention provides a delivery system for edible fibers wherein the moisture absorption by the edible fibers can be controlled. Using the encapsulated fiber of this invention, the absorption of water by the edible fiber (and thus the swelling of the edible fiber) can be effectively delayed until the encapsulated fiber reaches the stomach and normal digestive processes begin.
US08216618B2
A cosmetic composition includes at least one extract that is obtained from Ophiopogon japonicus as an active ingredient for improving and/or reinforcing the barrier function of the skin. The reinforcing the barrier function of the skin can be for the purpose of hydration. The active ingredient can stimulate the formation of tight junctions or increase of the level of NMFs of the horny layer.
US08216611B2
The invention relates to a process for the solid oral pharmaceutical formulation of a pharmaceutically active ingredient such as levetiracetam, comprising a wet granulation of the pharmaceutically active ingredient and simultaneous fluid bed drying such that, as the pharmaceutical blend granulates it is simultaneously dried thus preventing it from becoming a paste. The invention therein thus provides a novel formulation preparation process characterized by a “combined” Granulation and Fluid Bed Drying process step.
US08216607B2
This invention provides a method for increasing apoptosis in a cancer cell comprising contacting the cancer cell with (a) gemcitabine and (b) C6-ceramide, sequentially or concomitantly, wherein the gemcitabine and C6-ceramide are in amounts such that the apoptosis induced by the combination of gemcitabine and C6-ceramide is greater than the apoptosis induced by contacting the cancer cell with either gemcitabine alone or C6-ceramide alone. This invention also provides a method of decreasing the size of a tumor, which method comprises contacting the tumor with (a) gemcitabine and (b) C6-ceramide, sequentially or concomitantly, wherein the gemcitabine and C6-ceramide are in amounts such that the decrease in tumor size induced by the combination of gemcitabine and C6-ceramide is greater than the decrease in tumor size induced by contacting the tumor with either gemcitabine alone or C6-ceramide alone. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating a subject afflicted with cancer.
US08216606B2
A dermal composition for administration of a drug comprising a blend of two or more acrylic-based polymers having differing functionalities so as to modulate the drug solubility in the polymer matrix and the delivery rate of the drug, and methods therefor.
US08216605B2
The present invention relates to the use of an oral composition comprising meat extract and peptones, separately or in combination, in the manufacture of an oral composition to treat the effects of infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. Such effects may include the failure of the integrity of the gut epithelial cells and diarrhoea as well as other COX-2 mediated effects.
US08216604B2
A composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal includes an aqueous solution of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from (i) a pectin and (ii) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof; provided that when the composition comprises a pectin it is substantially free of divalent metal ions; and which, in comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, provides a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (Cmax) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose. A method for treating or managing pain by intranasally administering the composition is also disclosed.
US08216601B2
Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.
US08216600B2
The present invention includes biocompatible polymeric coatings, membranes, matrices, and films to be used with implantable medical devices. Medical devices containing such materials applied to a surface thereof contain a film-forming fluorous homo-polymer or copolymer containing the polymerized residue of a fluorous moiety, wherein the relative amounts of the polymerized residues of one or more moieties are effective to provide the coating and films with properties effective for use in coating implantable med devices.
US08216596B2
Disclosed are stabilized body care products, household products, textiles and fabrics which comprise certain sterically hindered amine salt compounds. Dyed products and articles are effectively stabilized against color degradation. The products are for example skin-care products, hair-care products, dentifrices, cosmetics, laundry detergents and fabric softeners, non-detergent based fabric care products, household cleaners and textile-care products.
US08216594B2
The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.
US08216591B2
This invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a polysaccharide and a botulinum toxin for reducing a skin wrinkle. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide comprises disaccharides. In some embodiments, the average molecular weight of a disaccharide unit of the polysaccharide is between about 345 D and about 1,000 D.
US08216577B2
The present invention relates to antibody molecules capable of specifically recognizing two regions of the β-A4 peptide, wherein the first region comprises the amino acid sequence AEFRHDSGY as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof and wherein the second region comprises the amino acid sequence VHHQKLVFFAEDVG as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof. Furthermore, nucleic acid molecules encoding the inventive antibody molecules and vectors and hosts comprising said nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition, the present invention provides for compositions, preferably pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions, comprising the compounds of the invention as well as for specific uses of the antibody molecules, nucleic acid molecules, vectors or hosts of the invention.
US08216568B2
The present invention discloses the use of bacterial IgA1 proteases to treat IgA1 deposition in tissue and organs. Bacterial IgA1 proteases specifically cleave IgA1 molecules and thus provide a means to specifically cleave and remove IgA1 depositions. Accordingly, therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases characterized by IgA deposition are provided. In particular, therapeutic agents to treat IgA nephropathy, Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), and Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HS) are disclosed.
US08216566B2
The present invention provides methods of immunomodulation using placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations. The invention also provides methods of producing and selecting placental cells and cell populations on the basis of immunomodulation, and compositions comprising such cells and cell populations.
US08216556B2
The invention relates to a solid coloring material obtained by precipitation, in an aqueous medium, of the reaction product of an alkali metal silicate with a colored complex obtained by reaction, in aqueous solution, of a hydrolysable tannin or of a plant extract comprising it with a salt of a metal cation. The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition intended for making up the skin or superficial body growths comprising this coloring material. It also relates to a method for making up the skin or superficial body growths comprising the topical application of this cosmetic composition.
US08216554B2
A self-tanning aqueous gel composition containing: (a) a cosmetically acceptable support; (b) at least one monocarbonyl or polycarbonyl self-tanning agent; (c) at least one aqueous phase gelling agent comprising at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible, crosslinked or non-crosslinked polymer or copolymer; d) at least one tinting agent; and (e) optionally, at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible film-forming agent.
US08216553B2
An oral care composition comprising fused silica and a flavoring agent.
US08216552B2
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and a gel network.
US08216546B2
A crystallized solid, referred to by the name IM-14, which has an X-ray diffraction diagram as provided below, is described. Said solid has a chemical composition that is expressed according to the formula GeO2:nY2O3:pR:qF:wH2O, where R represents one or more organic radical(s), Y represents at least one trivalent element, and F is fluorine.
US08216541B2
The present invention provides a process for producing nano graphene platelets (NGPs) that are both dispersible and electrically conducting. The process comprises: (a) preparing a pristine NGP material from a graphitic material; and (b) subjecting the pristine NGP material to an oxidation treatment to obtain the dispersible NGP material, wherein the NGP material has an oxygen content no greater than 25% by weight. Conductive NGPs can find applications in transparent electrodes for solar cells or flat panel displays, additives for battery and supercapacitor electrodes, conductive nanocomposite for electromagnetic wave interference (EMI) shielding and static charge dissipation, etc.
US08216535B2
Methods and systems for reducing mercury emissions from fluid streams having a high concentration of sulfur oxide species are provided herein. In embodiments, mercury is removed from flue gas streams containing sulfur trioxide (SO3) by injecting a dry admixture of a porous mercury adsorptive material and at least one dry agent into the flue gas stream.
US08216533B2
The invention is directed to a process for the continuous preparation of ammonium paratungstate hydrate by back reextraction of a tungsten-laden organic phase with an ammonia-containing aqueous solution in a mixer-settler apparatus. The reextraction is carried out at an NH3:W molar ratio of from 0.83 to 1.30, and a volume feed ratio of the tungsten-laden organic phase to the ammonia-containing aqueous solution of from 5 to 25. The above crystalline is in high purity and in high yield. The production method can be carried out in a simple and energy-efficient manner.
US08216526B2
A microfluidic device is described, capable of generating multiple spatial chemical gradients simultaneously inside a microfluidic chamber. The chemical gradients are generated by diffusion, without convection, and can either be maintained constant over long time periods, or modified dynamically. A representative device is described with a circular chamber in which diffusion occurs, with three access ports for the delivery and removal of solutes. A gradient typically forms in minutes, and can be maintained constant indefinitely. Gradients overlapping with different spatial location, and a controlled rotation of a gradient formed by diffusion are demonstrated. The device can also be used to evaluate chemotactic responses of bacteria or other microorganisms in the absence of convective flow.
US08216525B2
A modular microfluidic system includes modules which are arranged next to each other in a row. Every module has a microfluidic part which rests on a contact surface of the module in a locally limited area and is forced against the contact surface by a fastening element. The microfluidic part includes a fluid channel system with fluid connections that are arranged on the top surface of the microfluidic part in edge areas relative to the adjoining microfluidic parts. The fluid connections of adjoining microfluidic parts are interlinked by respective connecting channels in a connecting part bridging the microfluidic parts, wherein the connecting part rests on the microfluidic parts in the edge areas. A clamping part rests against the lower surfaces of the adjoining microfluidic parts and is connected to the connecting part via an additional fastening element in the area between the microfluidic parts.
US08216523B2
The disclosed invention relates to a decontamination unit that employs a collapsible decontamination enclosure and a decontaminant air stream generator that uses catalytic discharge. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontamination unit. The decontamination unit may be carried by an individual person, for example, in the form of a backpack. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.
US08216522B2
Catalyst regeneration vessels including a chlorination zone that includes an outer mixing chamber, an inner mixing chamber, and a catalyst bed. The outer mixing chamber can include a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion of the outer mixing chamber including at least one air nozzle that injects a drying air stream into the outer mixing chamber, at least one chlorine input nozzle that injects a chlorine input stream into the outer mixing chamber, and at least a first baffle. The chlorination zone can also contain a second baffle that directs the mixed drying air stream and chlorine input stream from the outer mixing chamber to the inner mixing chamber.
US08216521B2
An exhaust gas aftertreatment system for treating an engine-out exhaust gas feedstream of a spark-ignition direct-injection engine includes a multi-stage catalytic converter comprising a converter inlet, a converter outlet, and a substrate having a first end associated with the converter inlet and a second end associated with the converter outlet. The substrate further includes a multiplicity of flow passages between the first and second ends of the substrate, a first surface location corresponding to the first end of the substrate, and a second surface location corresponding to the second end of the substrate. The first and second washcoat stages include washcoats formulated to generate hydrogen and ammonia from the engine-out exhaust gas feedstream. An ammonia-selective catalytic reduction device is downstream of the first and second washcoat stages.
US08216520B2
A process for upgrading heavy oil by mixing the heavy oil with water fluid using an ultrasonic wave generator prior to increasing the temperature and pressure of the mixture to values near to or exceeding the critical point of water, to produce low pour point, high value oil having low sulfur, low nitrogen, and low metallic impurities for use as hydrocarbon feedstock.
US08216514B2
The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.
US08216507B2
A post-combustion lance for directing a gas at least partially therethrough. The post-combustion lance includes a body having a primary tip from which a first part of the gas exits, upper and lower portions, and a post-combustion distributor mounted between the upper and lower portions and upstream from the primary tip. The distributor includes a number of ports through which a second part of the gas exits the lance. The lance also includes an upper inner tube positioned at least partially upstream from the distributor and an internal support assembly for supporting the body. The internal support assembly includes an internal tube positioned inside the body and coaxial with the body.
US08216504B2
A molding apparatus is configured with article molding regions that receive a direct flow of a molding material feed such that external flow channels are not needed. The article molding regions are formed into front sides of opposed “A” and “B” surface mold tools that, when moved into a mating relationship with one another, form closed molding cavities within which molded articles are generated from molding material feed. The article molding regions each generally have a body bounded by a perimeter that establishes an outer edge for an article molded in the one of the closed molding cavities. With at least the “A” surface mold tool, a port is coupled with the body of each article molding region to establish a direct pathway is through which the molding material feed flows to enter the article molding regions, and thus the closed molding cavity, without having to flow along the tool front sides outside of the article molding regions. A distribution channel extends to each port to deliver the molding material feed and a moveable blocking pin is provided for each port to alternately prevent the molding material feed from flowing through the respective port to reach the closed molding cavity and allow the molding material to flow through the respective port to reach the closed molding cavity.
US08216491B2
A method of producing a thin film comprising uniformly dispersed carbon nanotubes, the method comprising the steps of: adapting a molecular semiconductor to make it soluble; adapting the molecular semiconductor to facilitate the formation of a high degree of molecular order and frontier orbital overlap between adjacent molecules; adapting carbon nanotubes to make them soluble; combining the soluble carbon nanotubes and the soluble molecular semiconductor in a solvent to form a solution; producing the thin film from the solution.
US08216486B2
A temperature control module for a semiconductor processing chamber comprises a thermally conductive component body, one or more channels in the component body and one or more tubes concentric therewith, such that gas filled spaces surround the tubes. By flowing a heat transfer liquid in the tubes and adjusting the gas pressure in the spaces, localized temperature of the component body can be precisely controlled. One or more heating elements can be arranged in each zone and a heat transfer liquid can be passed through the tubes to effect heating or cooling of each zone by activating the heating elements and/or varying pressure of the gas in the spaces.
US08216483B2
A super water repellent surface is prepared by arranging plural spherical beads on a substrate surface to form a (N)-th bead layer, etching the substrate surface with the (N)-th bead layer as an etching mask, arranging plural spherical beads, which are larger than the (N)-th beads in diameter, on the substrate surface to form a (N+1)-th bead layer, etching the substrate surface with the (N+1)-th bead layer as an etching mask, removing the beads from the etched substrate surface and coating a fluorine compound on the substrate surface on which a hierarchical concavo-convex structure has been formed. The (N+1)-th bead layer forming step and the (N+1)-th etching step are repeated N times.
US08216481B2
A method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive read sensor that allows the sensor to be constructed with clean well defined side junctions, even at very narrow track widths. The method involves using first and second etch mask layers, that are constructed of materials such that the second mask (formed over the first mask) can act as a mask during the patterning of the first mask (bottom mask). The first mask has a well defined thickness that is defined by deposition and which is not affected by the etching processes used to define the mask. This allows the total ion milling etch mask thickness to be well controlled before the ion milling process used to define the sensor side walls.
US08216479B2
A stormwater filtration system includes a dry well structure including a top having an access opening, a bottom and a sidewall extending between the top and the bottom to define an internal volume of the dry well structure. A deck assembly partitions the dry well structure into an upper region and a lower region. The deck assembly includes a plurality of deck members sized to be delivered through the access opening of the dry well structure and configured to be assembled within the internal volume to form the deck assembly.
US08216475B2
The invention concerns a method for separating fractions of a mixture using a chromatography device. The method includes the following steps: controlling in one node of the device, the history of a specific variable of the fractions of the mixture to be separated; detecting one characteristic point of the history, the characteristic point being between two successive steps of fraction collecting; comparing the position of the characteristic point relative to a target position; adjusting the amount of mobile phase modifying the position of the characteristic point to cause the position of the characteristic point to coincide with the target position. The invention also concerns a device for implementing the method. The method enables the operation of the device to be automatically set.
US08216474B2
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying liquids. In a particular implementation, the system includes a forward-osmosis unit for diluting a water source for a downstream desalination unit. A pretreatment unit may be located hydraulically upstream of the desalination unit, such as upstream or downstream of the forward-osmosis unit. In certain embodiments, the system includes an extraction unit for extracting a relatively easily extractable osmotic agent from an osmotic draw solution. The system may include one or more forward-osmosis units downstream of the desalination unit for diluting a concentrated brine stream produced by the desalination unit. In particular embodiments, a downstream forward-osmosis unit uses the concentrated brine stream as an osmotic agent, such as to extract water from seawater or brackish water. Another downstream forward-osmosis unit may use impaired water as a feed stream.
US08216473B2
Equipment, systems, processes and techniques for conducting reverse osmosis processing of solutions are described. The techniques can be applied to provide diluted solution (i.e. purified solvent), concentrate solution or each. A variety of specific equipment, example systems and processes are depicted and described.
US08216470B2
A filter cartridge is described that is designed to accommodate for example dual stage filtration. The filter cartridge has an endplate structure formed of a heat cured material, such as polyurethane, where at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the outer filter and the inner filter are embedded within the heat cured material. The heat cured material can provide an endplate structure that is convenient for manufacture and that has one or more sealing surfaces to seal with a housing that the filter cartridge is assembled with. For example, the heat cured material of the endplate can seal non-filtered fluid from filtered fluid that has passed through each of the filtration stages available in the cartridge.
US08216468B2
A mobile wastewater separator and recover unit and method for the separation and disposal/recovery of waste water for example in the oil and gas industry. It is fully self-contained and maintains the ability to separate heavy solids, floating contaminants, and water for recovery and reuse or disposal as required. Main components of the system are a large wastewater holding capacity implementing various compartments & separator/recovery mechanisms, evaporation compartments that are interchangeable for efficiency in both warm & extreme cold temperature operations, and finally a condensation recovery system and clean water holding compartment.
US08216455B1
A plurality of buildings each have a plurality of primary devices adapted to dispense potable water and a plurality of secondary devices adapted to dispense salt water. A primary feed line and branch feed lines convey the potable water to the primary devices. A secondary feed line and secondary branch feed lines convey the salt water to the secondary devices.
US08216454B2
An apparatus comprising at least vessel (2) for stocking conductive liquid (1) containing impurities; electromagnetic force generator (3) for generating electromagnetic force (F) capable of circulating the conductive liquid (1) in the conductive liquid (1); and discharging unit (4) for discharging nonmetallic impurities and deemed nonmetallic impurities (21a,21b) accumulated in low-pressure region (1a) by a pressure difference in conductive liquid (1) induced by the electromagnetic force (F), so that by the electromagnetic force (F), any nonmetallic impurities (21a) and deemed nonmetallic impurities (21b) are driven to the low-pressure region (1a), for example, liquid surface and separated.
US08216446B1
The invention relates to a method of labelling and analysing nucleic acids. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of analysing nucleic acids, which comprises contacting the nucleic acids to be detected, which are in the form of single-stranded nucleic acid strands partially (i.e. over a part of the total length of the nucleic acid strands) hybridized with protective strands, with substances which specifically react with nucleobases of the single-stranded sections of the nucleic acid strands, and which are capable of subsequently participating in a reversible redox reaction in electroanalytical processes known to the skilled worker.
US08216445B2
A nanoporous insulating oxide deionization device, method of manufacture and method of use thereof for deionizing a water supply (such as a hard water supply), for desalinating a salt water supply, and for treating a bacteria-containing water supply. The device contains two composite electrodes each constructed from a conductive backing electrode and a composite oxide layer being an insulating oxide or a non-insulating oxide and an intermediate porous layer. The composite layer being substantially free of mixed oxidation states and nanoporous and having a median pore diameter of 0.5-500 nanometers and average surface area of 300-600 m2/g. The composite layer made from a stable sol-gel suspension containing particles of the insulating oxide, the median primary particle diameter being 1-50 nanometers. The difference in zeta potential, at a pH in the range of 6-9, being sufficient to suitably remove alkaline and alkaline earth cations (such as Ca2+ and Na1+), various organic and other inorganic cations and organic and inorganic anions from water, preferably household hard water. One composite layer being constructed from a mixture of Al2O3, MgAl2O4 and/or Mg-doped Al2O3 particles, and the other composite layer being constructed from SiO2 or TiO2.
US08216442B2
A manufacturing method of ultrahigh purity copper is provided wherein, upon subjecting copper to high purification with the electrolytic method, an anode and a cathode are partitioned with an anion exchange membrane, anolyte is intermittently or continuously extracted and introduced into an active carbon treatment vessel, a chlorine-containing material is added to the active carbon treatment vessel so as to precipitate impurities as chloride, active carbon is subsequently poured in and agitated so as to adsorb the precipitated impurities, the adsorbed impurities are removed by filtration, and the obtained high purity copper electrolytic solution is intermittently or continuously introduced into the cathode side and electrolyzed. This technology enables the efficient manufacture of ultrahigh purity copper having a purity of 8N (99.999999 wt %) or higher from a copper raw material containing large amounts of impurities.
US08216437B2
An electrochemical cell for causing a reaction that produces hydrogen, the electrochemical cell comprising: a first electrode comprising: at least one layered electrocatalyst formed of at least one active metal layer deposited on a carbon support, wherein the at least one active metal layer is active to a target species; a second electrode comprising a conductor; a basic electrolyte; ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof; and electrical current in communication with the first electrode.
US08216421B2
A plasma technique in which a plasma generation technique frequently used in various fields including a semiconductor manufacturing process is used, and generation of plasma instability (high-speed impedance change of a plasma) can efficiently be suppressed and controlled in order to manufacture stable products. In a method of disposing an object in a chamber and generating the plasma to treat the object, the chamber is sealed by a surrounding member so as to have an inner space, with at least a part of the member including a dielectric material, an RF induction coil is disposed outside the dielectric member, and a direct-current electric field is supplied into the inner space by a method of passing a direct current through the RF induction coil or another method, so that the plasma is stabilized.
US08216415B2
An embodiment of the invention includes a continuous feed variable depth die cut for use in cutting kinesiology tape. The die cut includes a housing, including a first opening configured to allow the kinesiology tape to enter the housing and a second opening configured to allow the kinesiology tape to exit the housing. The die cut also includes a roller inside the housing, wherein the roller is configured to rotate as the kinesiology tape passes over the roller and a die formed on the outer surface of the roller, wherein the die includes a cutting edge for cutting the kinesiology tape and wherein the cutting edge is formed in the shape of the strip of kinesiology tape to be cut. The die cut further includes a surface inside the housing, wherein the kinesiology tape passes over the surface when the kinesiology tape is being cut.
US08216412B2
A gluing machine for gluing the final edge of a log successively comprising an introduction group of the logs one after the other into the machine, an unwinding group of the log associated with identification means of the final edge, an opening group of the final edge from the log, a glue transfer group onto the log and a rewinding group of the final edge onto the log, in which the unwinding group of the log comprises a pair of rollers arranged one on top of the other to make a passage for the log, the pair of rollers being selectively for the feeding and for the retention in rotation of the log, at least one inclined surface of free rolling of the log being provided downstream of the pair of rollers.
US08216411B2
Disclosed is a nonwoven web material comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The web material has properties desirable for use on machinery having conventional heat sealing stations. Also, disclosed is a nonwoven infusion web material comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The infusion web material has properties desirable for use in making infusion packages.
US08216401B1
Embodiments of the present subject matter provide an improved percussion primer composition and improved hot-wire igniter acceptor, wherein lead styphnate is replaced with a lead-free material, 4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt (KDNP). Embodiments of the percussion primer composition include KDNP, a sensitizer, an oxidizer, calcium silicide, a fuel, and a binder. Embodiments of the hot-wire igniter device include a bridgewire, an acceptor, and an output, where KDNP is the acceptor. Power supply may be in the form of constant current/voltage or current flow from a capacitor discharge. Certain embodiments utilize a variety of output formulations, such as BKNO3, black powder, and Red Dot double base propellant.
US08216400B2
A high-strength steel plate includes the following composition: 0.18 to 0.23 mass % of C; 0.1 to 0.5 mass % of Si; 1.0 to 2.0 mass % of Mn; 0.020 mass % or less of P; 0.010 mass % or less of S; 0.5 to 3.0 mass % of Ni; 0.003 to 0.10 mass % of Nb; 0.05 to 0.15 mass % of Al; 0.0003 to 0.0030 mass % of B; 0.006 mass % or less of N; and a balance composed of Fe and inevitable impurities. A weld crack sensitivity index Pcm of the high-strength steel plate is 0.36 mass % or less. The Ac3 transformation point is equal to or less than 830° C., the percentage value of a martensite structure is equal to or greater than 90%, the yield strength is equal to or greater than 1300 MPa, and the tensile strength is equal to or greater than 1400 MPa and equal to or less than 1650 MPa. A prior austenite grain size number Nγ is calculated by Nγ=−3+log2m using an average number m of crystal grains per 1 mm2 in a cross section of a sample piece of the high-strength steel plate. If the tensile strength is less than 1550 MPa, the prior austenite grain size number Nγ satisfies the formulae Nγ≧([TS]−1400)×0.004+8.0 and Nγ≧11.0, and if the tensile strength is equal to or greater than 1550 MPa, the prior austenite grain size number Nγ satisfies the formulae Nγ≧([TS]−1550)×0.008+8.6 and Nγ≦11.0, where [TS] (MPa) is the tensile strength.
US08216398B2
An efficient method to reduce product wastes due to inaccurate transformation temperatures for shape memory products and parts, which provides a useful method for optimizing shape memory alloys phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties by using heat treatment procedures below 250 degrees C. for extended dwell times.
US08216394B2
The present invention aims at providing a method for production of a steel product which surely retains scale during cooling, storage, and transportation and permits scale to scale off easily at the time of mechanical descaling and pickling that precede the secondary fabrication.The steel product is produced by heating and hot rolling a steel billet and spraying the hot-rolled steel product with steam and/or water mist having a particle diameter no larger than 100 μm, for surface oxidation.
US08216393B2
A powder composite core is to be particularly dense and strong while being produced from soft magnetic alloys. In particular, the expansion of the heat-treated core is to be avoided. To produce this core, a strip of a soft magnetic alloy is first comminuted to form particles. The particles are mixed with a first binder having a curing temperature T1,cure and a decomposition temperature T1,decompose and a second binder having a curing temperature T2,cure and a decomposition temperature T2,decompose, wherein T1,cure
US08216376B1
A method of combinatorially processing a substrate and combinatorial processing chamber are provided. The processing chamber includes opposing annular rings defining a conductance gap that extends radially outward. The opposing annular rings are configured to vary the conductance gap in-situ. The variation of the conductance gap is another parameter for processing regions of a substrate differently to evaluate the impact of the conductance variation on a deposition process.
US08216367B2
A method for producing a silicon carbide layer on a surface of a silicon substrate includes the step of irradiating the surface of the silicon substrate heated in a high vacuum at a temperature in a range of from 500° C. to 1050° C. with a hydrocarbon-based gas as well as an electron beam to form a cubic silicon carbide layer on the silicon substrate surface.
US08216366B2
A cubic silicon carbide single crystal thin film is manufactured by a method. A sacrificial layer is formed on a surface of a substrate. A cubic semiconductor layer is formed on the sacrificial layer, the cubic semiconductor layer having at least a surface of cubic crystal structure. A cubic silicon carbide single crystal layer is formed on the cubic semiconductor layer. The sacrificial layer is etched away to release a multilayer structure of the cubic semiconductor layer and the 3C—SiC layer from the substrate. A cubic silicon carbide single crystal thin film of a multilayer structure includes an AlxGa1-xAs (0.6>x≧0) layer and a cubic silicon carbide single crystal layer. A metal layer is formed on a substrate. The multilayer structure is bonded to the metal layer with the AlxGa1-xAs (0.6>x≧0) in direct contact with the metal layer.
US08216362B2
Processes for preparing a single crystal silicon ingot are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the processes involve controlling (1) a growth velocity, v, of the ingot as well as (2) an average axial temperature gradient, G, a corrected average axial temperature gradient, Gcorrected, or an effective average axial temperature gradient, Geffective, during the growth of at least a segment of the constant diameter portion of the ingot.
US08216356B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink set for ink jet capable of obtaining printed articles superior in warm color representation and weather resistance, an ink jet coloring process and a colored product for outdoor. An ink set for ink jet containing an orange pigment ink (a) and a red pigment ink (b) wherein the orange pigment ink (a) includes iron oxide serving as an orange pigment and a solvent, and the red pigment ink (b) includes iron oxide serving as said red pigment; at least one of a pigment selected from condensed polycyclic compound pigments, said at least one of a pigment serving as said red pigment; and a solvent.
US08216334B2
Air cleaner assemblies and components therefor are described. An example first or main filter cartridge is described which includes a media pack comprising strips of fluted material secured to facing sheets, oriented in a stack. The media pack defines opposite inlet and outlet flow faces, with flutes extending in a direction therebetween. The media pack is non-removably secured within a filter cartridge housing, at a location between opposite sections of a shell, typically secured thereto with an adhesive. The shell also defines a closed end, spaced from, but in overlap with, the outlet end face of the media pack. The closed end is typically curved and the shell typically provides either a d/b-shape or a u-shape. The filter includes an end member, with a outlet flow aperture arrangement therein, allowing for outlet flow from the filter cartridge in a general direction orthogonal to air flow through the media pack. The air cleaner assembly includes a housing having features for receipt of, and engagement by, the filter cartridge. An optional secondary filter cartridge is provided, mountable on the housing in an orientation projecting into a clean air volume in the main filter cartridge.
US08216333B2
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to an air cleaner assembly for a small multi-purpose, combustion engine as may be used for mechanically powering pressure washers, lawn mowers, go-carts, electric power generators, and the like. In some embodiments, the air cleaner assembly includes a casing having an air inlet and an air outlet, and the casing is designed to pivot open to allow a user to access the casing interior. In the casing interior, a filter support is designed to hold an air filter between the air inlet and air outlet. In certain embodiments, the air cleaner assembly also includes a hinge that is integrally formed with the casing. A releasable fastener is designed to hold the casing closed.
US08216327B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing cerium carbonate which enables preparation of hexagonal cerium carbonate by a simplified process, a cerium carbonate powder prepared thereby, and a method for preparing a cerium oxide powder using the same.The method for preparing cerium carbonate comprises the step of contact-reacting orthorhombic cerium carbonate with a primary alcohol aqueous solution comprising water and primary alcohol at a weight ratio of 1:0.1 or more at a temperature of 160° C. or more to form hexagonal cerium carbonate.
US08216321B2
Crosslinkable liquid composition which can crosslink to give a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic silicone elastomer coating, comprising a polyorganosiloxane (POS) resin A exhibiting, per molecule, on the one hand, at least two different siloxyl units chosen from those of M, D, T and Q types, one of the units being a T unit or a Q unit, and, on the other hand, at least three hydrolysable/condensable groups of OH and/or OR1 types, where R1 is a linear or branched C1 to C6, preferably C1 to C3, alkyl radical, a system for promoting attachment B and a polyfluoroacrylate F. Use of this composition to form a silicone elastomer sheath around the constituent yarns, fibers and/or filaments of a textile material and to confer long-lasting oleophobicity and/or hydrophobicity properties.
US08216314B2
A spinal implant assembly includes a housing for containing a bearing member therein and seating within an intervertebral space and a bearing member disposed within the housing for enabling disc-like movement between vertebrae defining the intervertebral space. The combination of the housing and bearing member provide a distracting mechanism disposed within the housing halves 12, 14 for distracting the housing halves 12, 14 from a first condition in which the housing halves 12, 14 are floatable into the intervertebral space to a second condition in which the housing halves 12, 14 are distracted to fixedly engage the opposing vertebral services defining the intervertebral space. A method of inserting the spinal implant assembly into the intervertebral space includes the steps of inserting the spinal implant assembly into the intervertebral space and then distracting the spinal implant assembly from a first condition in which the spinal implant assembly is floatable into the intervertebral space to a second condition in which the assembly is distracted to fixedly engage opposing vertebral services defining the intervertebral space.
US08216304B2
An annuloplasty ring holder includes an angled post for improved visibility and access by the surgeon. The post may be configured to be adjusted in angle and rotation. The ring holder can include a relatively open lower template, including relatively narrow extending radial arms with short, generally arcuate ring-retaining distal portions. The invention includes placements of suture holes and cutting wells which, in combination with improved suture routing, afford the user improved access to cutting the suture that is used to retain the annuloplasty ring to the holder. Another annuloplasty ring and ring holder combination disclosed includes a generally triangular-shaped ring and a generally T-shaped holder. The ring holder has a base portion forming the top of the T shape and engaging against a first segment of the ring, with a radial arm extending from the base portion and forming the post of the T. The radial arm engages against a junction between two segments of the ring.
US08216302B2
An implant delivery system comprising a catheter including at least one lumen, an implant configured to be received in the lumen, and a latching mechanism configured to be received in the implant. The latching mechanism may be configured to releasably couple the implant to a delivery wire and to transmit a torque through the delivery wire to cause at least a portion of the implant to rotate. The an implant may comprise a shaft, a spacer configured to interact with at least a portion of at least one cusp of a heart valve to at least partially restrict a flow of blood through the heart valve in a closed position, a garage configured to couple the spacer to a first end region of the shaft, and at least one anchor mechanism. The garage may define a cavity configured to receive the latching mechanism and to increase rotational and translational stability of the latching mechanism.
US08216295B2
Some embodiments are directed to a catheter system comprising an introducer having a main body, an introducer sheath projecting from the main body, and a first seal supported within the introducer and a catheter having a main body, an outer sheath projecting from the main body, a second seal supported within the catheter, and an inner core configured to be advanced axially through the main body, the second seal, and the outer sheath. The introducer can be configured to be selectively engageable with the catheter so that the catheter can be selectively and removably linked with the introducer in the axial direction. The catheter system can also be configured such that, when the introducer and the catheter are linked, the catheter can be rotatable relative to the introducer. The introducer can be configured to radially restrain an endoluminal prosthesis.
US08216289B2
An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the vent of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.
US08216280B2
An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second screws adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated ligament with a first end connected to the first screw and the second end operatively connected with the second screw. The ligament is made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have ductile inelastic properties at body temperature and is capable of plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. The preferred nickel titanium has a martensite/austenite transition temperature above body temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the second pedicle screw includes a bearing for receiving the ligament in a slidably engageable relationship. The device further includes optional first and second dampening members surrounding the ligament for restraining the spinal column during flexion and extension.
US08216264B2
A puncturing device includes a band-shaped lancet carrier carrying a plurality of lancets, a transport mechanism for positioning the lancets sequentially in a launch position by moving the band-shaped lancet carrier, a lancet drive for a puncturing movement, the lancet drive comprising an energy storage, a trigger element, and a housing which includes at least two housing parts and encloses the band-shaped lancet carrier and the lancet drive, the housing having an opening against which a body part is pressed for puncturing, wherein the transport mechanism includes at least one part arranged in a fixed position with respect to the housing. The puncturing device is adapted for disposable use in that the housing parts were are irreversibly connected upon enclosing the band-shaped lancet carrier, thereby sealing the band-shaped lancet carrier irremovably in the housing. A reusable handling device can also be used with the puncturing device.
US08216263B2
A lancet removal tool 26 comprises an elongate hollow body 28 having an opening 32 at one end. The opening 32 is bounded by resilient fingers 36 which can flex to expand the opening 32 to engage the body 16 of the lancet 14. Withdrawal of the tool 26 after engagement with the lancet body 16 causes the lancet 14 to be removed from the lancet device. Subsequently, the lancet 14 can be moved from the opening 32 into the interior of the tool 26. The tool 26 and the removal procedure enables lancets 14 to be removed without risk of injury or infection from contact with the contaminated needle 18 of the lancet 14.
US08216260B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies, as well as anchor delivery systems, are also provided.
US08216250B2
A sterile drape with integrated sterile adaptor, a telerobotic surgical system, and method of use are provided for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals.
US08216247B2
An endoscopic instrument according to the present invention includes: a wire disposed in a flexible sheath and capable of freely projecting relative to the flexible sheath, the distal end of the wire expanding in radius to form a loop section or a basket section upon being projected from the sheath; and a fixture cylinder for fixing the inserted proximal end of the wire, wherein the fixture cylinder is provided with a wire-radius-increasing-direction-regulating section for regulating the direction in which the radius of the wire increases; and a wire-fixing section, disposed in the vicinity of the proximal end relative to the wire-radius-increasing-direction-regulating section, for fixing the wire.
US08216244B2
A sizing caliper for determining the optimum size of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, a drill guide body, a stylus tower and a graduated stylus slidably coupled to the stylus tower. The caliper body, the drill guide body and the stylus tower are slidably linked to each other by a linkage pin laterally extending there through in a manner thereby when the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced in opposite directions in reference to the drill guide body, the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate with respect to the drill guide body.
US08216238B2
An intramedullary implant, useful particularly for the fixation of fractures of the radius, the implant comprising a first and second end, both ends configured for entry into the intramedullary canal through an entry point on the bone, such as the fracture site, and configured for positioning within the intramedullary canal of the fractured bone, the first end positioned in the intramedullary space of a first bone fragment and the second end positioned in the intramedullary space of a second bone fragment on the opposite side of the fracture. The first end is positioned by displacing the implant in a first direction and the second end is positioned by displacing the implant in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction. The implant further comprises a tip configured to abut an end surface of the second fragment to provide axial support to second fragment.
US08216236B2
An electrosurgical stapling apparatus is provided which uses thermogenic energy as well as surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing hemostasis, tissue joining or welding. The thermogenic energy also strengthens tissue in proximity to a staple line and knife cut line and provides hemostasis along the staple and cut lines formed by the staples and a knife blade during surgical stapling. The use of thermogenic energy provides short-term hemostasis and sealing, and reduces or prevents staple line and cut line bleeding, while the stapling features provide short and long-term tissue strength and hemostasis. The stapling apparatus further substantially reduces or prevents knife cut line bleeding by energizing a knife blade for cauterizing tissue while it is being cut. In one embodiment, energy is applied to the anvil to energize the staples as they make contact with the anvil.
US08216231B2
Large tissue regions are treated using pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays may be concave and disposed in tissue so that their concave portions are opposed to each other. Axial conductors may be provided extending from the arrays and toward each other in order to increase the heating of tissues lying along the axis between the deployed electrode arrays. By properly spacing the electrode arrays apart and selecting the diameters of the arrays, desired volumes of tissue may be treated, typically with a bipolar, radiofrequency current.
US08216222B2
An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive pad having one or more temperature monitoring zones and a patient-contacting surface configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a temperature sensing circuit coupled to the conductive pad. The temperature sensing circuit includes at least one diode disposed within the at least one temperature monitoring zone, the at least one diode having a predetermined forward voltage drop that is indicative of temperature of at least one temperature monitoring zone.
US08216210B2
A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device.
US08216208B2
A medication-delivery method relating to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections.
US08216206B2
A disposable absorbent article comprising: an absorbent body including a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween; and a flap provided along an edge of opposite sides in a width direction of the absorbent core; wherein the flap has a fixing part joined to the top sheet and a rising part extending upward from the fixing part, and the rising part consists of a nonstretch nonwoven fabric which is water-repellent or liquid impermeable. Further, the flap may have a fold back part extending from the rising part and formed by folding back the rising part at an upper end of the rising part, wherein the fold back part consists of a nonstretch nonwoven fabric which is water-repellent or liquid impermeable, and the rising part and the fold back part are fusion-bonded to each other at a fusion-bond part.
US08216202B2
Tampons comprising an asymmetric insertion end are provided. The tampon can comprise a substantially symmetrical absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end, wherein the insertion end is asymmetric around an X axis of the tampon. A method of improving placement of a tampon in a vagina of a female is also provided.
US08216192B2
A medication and needle module (20) for an injection device. The module (20) includes a housing (22) including a first portion (39) and a second portion (38) detachably connected together, the second housing portion having a periphery complementarily shaped with a cavity (154) in the injection device (150) to be loadable therein, a primary container (120) within the first housing portion and including a medication filled reservoir (124), a secondary container (70) within the second housing portion and including a medication tillable reservoir, a needle cassette (60) rotatably mounted within the second housing portion and including a plurality of delivery needles (64), and a transfer needle assembly (100) within the housing. The detachability of the second housing portion from the first housing portion permits the second housing portion with the secondary container and the needle cassette to be loaded as a unit independently of the first housing portion into the injection device cavity for use.
US08216184B2
A removable clamp, for supporting a membrane filter, includes connected and opposing walls. A locking feature, which may be connected to an end of one of the walls, engages and disengages a terminal end of the other wall. When the filter is inserted between the opposing walls of the clamp, and the locking feature engages the terminal end of the other wall, an inner surface of each of the opposing walls is secured against corresponding major surfaces of the inserted filter, in order to support the filter without extending over vent holes of the filter.
US08216180B2
An apparatus for administering a fluid product, including a housing, a product member for accommodating the fluid product and/or a reservoir for the fluid product, which product member can be moved relative to the housing from a start position to an inserted position along a longitudinal axis of the housing, a drive member in the housing and movable relative to the product member for emptying the fluid product from the product member and/or the reservoir, wherein the drive member has at least one holding element which holds the drive member in the start position of the product member and wherein, by the movement of the product member, the holding element is moved from the holding position to a released position in which the drive member is movable relative to the housing.
US08216177B2
Devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more drugs to one or more internal body locations (such as the cerebrospinal fluid) are disclosed. In various aspects, the systems and methods may involve catheters having infusion sections with permeable membranes that develop significant back pressure to enhance uniform delivery of the drug over an infusion section; catheters that have two or more infusion sections spaced apart along the length of the same catheter, catheters that include two or more infusion sections serviced by independent lumens (such that, e.g., different drug solutions can be delivered to the different infusion sections); implantable drug delivery systems with pumps and multiple reservoirs from which drugs can be delivered; systems that are capable of delivering drug solutions with selected densities; etc.
US08216174B2
Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.
US08216165B2
A compression garment includes a backing member with a proximal end portion and opposed distal end portion. The backing member is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of a lower leg between calf and heel and has an inner surface to be disposed facing the lower leg, and an opposite outer surface. The garment further includes at least one compression bladder disposed within the backing member configured to compress at least a portion of the lower leg to augment venous return flow in the lower leg, an elevation member operatively coupled to the backing member and configured to elevate the heel from an underlying support surface and at least one support member disposed along a portion of the elevation member and along a portion of the backing member to retain the elevation member in a desired position with respect to the backing member to elevate the heel.
US08216157B2
Device for measuring the internal rotation of a hip joint, whereby the following steps are performed: a) Positioning a person to be examined (1) on the seating surface (8) of a chair-like positioning aid (5) in a sitting position; b) Fixating at least one of the upper thighs to be examined (3) of the person (1) on the seating surface (8) against translational motions, so that a rotation of the upper thigh (3) around its longitudinal axis is still possible; c) Moving the corresponding lower thigh (4) across the sagittal plane (20) by using a force K of a constant value Z acting on the lower thigh (4), so that the distal end of the lower thigh (4) is deviated from the sagittal plane; and d) Measuring the angle α between the sagittal plane (20) and the longitudinal axis of the lower thigh (4).
US08216153B2
A cryosurgical instrument for separating a tissue sample from a biological tissue to be treated, for purposes of biopsy. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for bringing a probe head up to the biological tissue and a gas line for supplying cooling gas from a gas source of a cryosurgical apparatus to the probe head. The probe head cools a limited tissue region, by means of the supplied gas, for obtaining a tissue sample. The tissue sample can be separated from the surrounding tissue when frozen onto the probe head. The instrument has a support tube in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be supported by means of the support tube during the separating of the tissue sample. The instrument also includes an accelerating device that provides a predefined force for the separating process.
US08216148B2
This disclosure describes methods for detecting early stages of disease, in particular carpal tunnel syndrome, by using cooperative ultrasound techniques. In a particular embodiment, a grayscale ultrasonogram may be used to detect local anatomical features within the carpal tunnel by physically moving a tendon and identifying the corresponding feature on the ultrasonogram display device. A high-resolution color Doppler ultrasound device may then be used to interrogate features of anatomy surrounding the tendon for disease. In a particular embodiment, the color Doppler ultrasound device may be used to measure the velocities of the tendon and surrounding anatomy, in particular the sub-synovial connective tissue; the resultant data may be used to quantify certain anatomical anomalies, indicative or non-indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome.
US08216147B2
A technology for structuring a three-dimensional image in a more accurate position spatially even when an ultrasonic transducer unit does not perform oscillation scanning at completely constant angular velocity is disclosed. According to the technology, an oscillation angle detection means 104 detects an oscillation angle of an ultrasonic transducer unit 1, and a three-dimensional image processing means 11 forms a three-dimensional image based on the oscillation angle detected by the oscillation angle detection means and image data outputted from an ultrasonic receiving means 4.
US08216136B2
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a correlation between heart rate and blood pressure in a patient. When a characteristic of the correlation exceeds a threshold, a patient status indicator signal is sent to a monitoring device. In some embodiments, the patient status indicator signal indicates a particular medical condition or alerts a care provider to a change in status. In some embodiments, the heart rate signal is used to improve a blood pressure estimate generated by a different signal. In some embodiments, the heart rate, blood pressure and correlation signals are used in a predictive mathematical model to estimate patient status or outcome.
US08216132B2
A lifting cap for attachment to a handle of a laryngoscope for facilitating oral endotrachael intubation. The lifting cap includes an undulating side wall that forms a plurality of finger-grip notches. The finger-grip notches enable a second user to securely grip the lifting cap while a first user grips the handle of the laryngoscope during an intubation procedure.
US08216131B2
A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent in order to allow a user to see through the instrument and through the cap.
US08216118B2
A method of forming a carton from a blank. The method comprises obtaining a blank. The blank comprising a first top panel comprising a first handle portion, a handle feature located adjacent to the first handle portion, and a reinforcing handle portion located adjacent to the first handle portion, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the second top panel, and a second top panel comprising a second handle portion. The method comprises folding the reinforcing handle portion of the first top panel about the first fold line, adhering the reinforcing handle portion to the first handle portion, folding the blank so that the second top panel overlaps the first top panel, and adhering the second top panel to the first top panel.
US08216112B2
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively shut-down during engine idle-stop conditions, the system further including a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulically actuated transmission component, an accumulator, and an auxiliary transmission fluid pump. One example method comprises, during a first idle-stop engine shut-down condition, where the accumulator pressure is above a threshold, delivering pressurized transmission fluid to the hydraulic circuit from the accumulator, while disabling the auxiliary pump. The method further comprises, during a second idle-stop engine shut-down condition, where the accumulator pressure is below the threshold, operating the auxiliary pump and delivering at least some pressurized transmission fluid to the hydraulic circuit from the operating pump without travelling through the accumulator.
US08216107B2
In the present invention, an improved planetary gearset which reduces the amount of vibration transferred from the planetary gearset to a housing. The present invention is a new way to interface the ring gear of a planetary gearset with the housing by incorporating a series of lugs around the ring gear and adjusting the number of lugs and the size and the shape of the lugs. The distribution of these lugs affects the sound levels transferred from the planetary gearset. Additionally, multiple rows of lugs can also be strategically arranged on one ring gear to gain further noise and vibration improvement.
US08216101B2
A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a motion power transmission part for transmitting a motion power via a driving medium formed by a belt or a chain; and a tensioner for applying a tension to the driving medium. The tensioner includes: a compression spring for biasing the driving medium; a stopper for preventing the compression spring from being compressed to a length less than a predetermined length; and an adjustment part for pushing the compression spring to be the predetermined length in a direction toward the driving medium. According to this configuration, the tension of the driving medium is dominant at installation. When the driving medium becomes fatigue to some extent, the stopper of the tensioner becomes off and the compression spring absorbs the vibration of the driving medium. As a result, the exchange timing of the tensioner can be extended by a simple configuration.
US08216096B2
Hockey stick configurations and hockey stick blade constructs are disclosed. The blade is comprised of one or more inner core elements, surrounded by one or more walls made of reinforcing fibers or filaments disposed in a hardened matrix resin material. One or more of the inner core elements comprises an elastomer material.
US08216095B2
An artificial pitching mound. The artificial pitching mound includes an artificial pitching rubber and artificial pitching stride component fillable with microbeads or pellets. The artificial pitching mound reduces repetitive movement injuries for baseball and softball pitchers. The artificial pitching mound also allows positive muscle memory development with a surface that duplicates the feel of natural turf during practice session and allows the athlete's muscles to react the same on both the artificial surface and natural turf.
US08216093B2
A strengthened support structure for a net post assembly used in ball games comprises a plurality of lower support units disposed between two lateral support rod assemblies thereof, and each of the lower support units includes a first support section, a second support section, and a support body. The first support section and the second support section are connected to define an angle therebetween, and the support body is connected to the free ends of the first support section and the second support section. Each of the lower support units acts as an independent stress-sharing structure, so that stress can be equally distributed over the lower support units. The angle defined between the first support section and the second support section cooperate with the support body to strengthen the structural strength of the respective lower support units, which maintains the distance between the two lateral support rod assemblies constant.
US08216090B2
The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover, in this order, and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core has a hardness which gradually increases from a center to a surface thereof, the hardness difference in JIS-C hardness units between the core center and the core surface being at least 15 and, letting (I) be the average value for cross-sectional hardnesses at a position about 15 mm from the core center and at the core center and letting (II) be the cross-sectional hardness at a position about 7.5 mm from the core center, the hardness difference (I)-(II) in JIS-C units being not more than ±2. The envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have hardnesses which satisfy the condition: cover hardness>intermediate layer hardness>envelope layer hardness.
US08216088B2
A golf club includes a golf club head having a body, a ball-striking face member and one or more mass members. The body extends from a shaft-attachment structure. The ball-striking face member is located on a front surface of the body. The body is configured to releasably accommodate a first mass member in a first region on its back surface and a second mass member in a second region on its back surface. At least one of the first and second mass members may be releasably attached to the back surface. The ball-striking face member may have an average density that is less than the average density of the body. The mass members may have an average density that is more than the average density of the ball-striking face member and/or of the body. The mass distribution of the club head may be customized via the selection and attachment of a particular mass member. The golf club head may be an iron-type golf club head.
US08216087B2
A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head may be formed by co-molding, eliminating the need for welding or adhesives, freeing mass to be used in more beneficial ways. The club head may be large to increase playability and forgiveness. The club head may include one or more light-weight inserts to manipulate the playing characteristics of the resulting golf club. These inserts may have attachment surfaces that are relatively angled such that the inserts are subjected to compressive forces rather than shear forces upon impact with a golf ball during a golf swing.
US08216081B2
Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads, may include a putter body and an insert forming a ball striking face and engaged with the putter body. Portions of the insert may be formed of a metal material, while portions of the insert may be formed of a polymer material. The insert may include a base portion having grooves formed therein. This base may be joined with another material to form the insert. In some arrangements, the insert may be a two-sided, reversible construction and may have different performance characteristics associated with each side of the insert. Methods for making such putter devices are also described.
US08216074B2
A gaming machine is provided, which includes a housing with an opening in front thereof and a front door that is pivotally coupled to one side of the housing so as to open and close the opening. The front door includes a display, a decorative device, and an operation device. The display device is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. The decorative device is disposed in a lower portion of the housing. The operation device is disposed in a middle portion of the housing. A front portion of the operation device projects with respect to the display device and the decorative device. A rear portion of the operation device is internally installed in the front door. The operation device is configured to move backward such that a front surface of the front door is maintained substantially flush while the front door is opened.
US08216070B2
A repeated determination of a magnitude of a change amount vector with respect to a first threshold value is made. When it is determined that the magnitude is equal to or larger than the first threshold value, predetermined processing is executed, a swinging direction in which an input device is swung is calculated, and intersection of the swinging direction with a second threshold value is determined. After it is determined that the change amount vector intersects with the second threshold value, further, whether or not the magnitude of the change amount vector is smaller than a third threshold value is determined. After the magnitude of the change amount vector is determined to be equal to or larger than the first threshold value, the first threshold is not tested again until the magnitude of the change amount vector is smaller than the third threshold value.
US08216065B2
A gaming system including a plurality of adjacently arranged gaming machines which are linked by a multi-component game. Each of the gaming machines includes a base or primary game which is operable upon a wager by a player. Upon the occurrence of a component triggering event at one of the gaming machines, that gaming machine generates one or more components of the multi-component game. Upon an evaluation triggering event at one of the gaming machines, that gaming machine determines a multi-component game outcome to provide to the player based on that generated components of other gaming machines. The gaming system determines an award, if any, for that player based on the multi-component game outcome.
US08216062B2
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a point or count based system to provide one or more awards to one or more players. Such points are accumulated by a player based on one or more events associated with the player's gaming experience. The points or counts utilized in the gaming system are selectively redeemed by the player in exchange for one or more opportunities to win an award. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the equalizing units disclosed herein are different, separate and independent from any monetary based points or credits, any promotional based points or credits, or any player tracking points.
US08216060B2
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server.
US08216056B2
In various embodiments, players around the casino may predict cards to be dealt in a game of blackjack.
US08216052B2
Systems and methods for presenting streaming video content in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring, in a first gaming machine, access to a set of shared game assets. The method can also include providing a second gaming machine with access to the set of shared game assets. The method can also include conducting, in the first gaming machine, a first wagering game in which one of the set of shared game assets is consumed, and wherein during the first wagering game, the second gaming machine conducts a second wagering game in which another of the set of shared game assets is consumed.
US08216040B2
A method for implementing a casino wagering game to be implemented with physical cards or electronically using an electronic gaming machine. The player can split his or her hand into two smaller hands and a dealer can split his or her hand into two smaller hands. The player can make numerous wagers, such as whether combinations of the player's two hands and the dealer's two hand will form poker ranks.
US08216034B1
An air vent cover system for mounting within a duct has a pair of side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The air vent cover system comprises a housing with an opening. A tensioning mechanism releasably maintains the housing within the duct by applying an outward force on two opposite walls of the duct causing the other two opposite walls to move inward against the housing. A non-pivoting, stationary grate is secured to the housing with the stationary grate having horizontal and vertical bars and the bars spaced from each other to maintain a child-sized hand from going between the bars. A cover grate is pivotally mounted to the housing and has a plurality of semi-circular slits for allowing maximum amount of air to pass therethrough. A latching mechanism secured to the housing and cooperating with the cover grate releasably maintains the cover grate against the housing.
US08216033B2
A low pressure blow-off assembly provides converging airflow around a length of material moving through the assembly. The assembly generally includes a body having an interior wall and an exterior wall. The interior wall defines a bore extending through the body for receiving the material through the body, and the exterior wall surrounds the interior wall and defines an air reservoir within the body generally between the exterior wall and interior wall. A cap is configured to be coupled to the body to cover at least part of the air reservoir. The bore includes a generally tapered end and the cap includes a generally tapered inner lip, where the tapered end of the bore and the tapered inner lip of the cap define an opening therebetween for discharging air from the air reservoir through the opening in a generally converging airflow pattern around the material passing through the body.
US08216030B2
The present invention relates to a flexible grinding product and a method of producing the same. Such a grinding product comprises a flexible underlay (1) which consists of two layers laminated to each other. These comprise a lower base layer (2) and an upper layer (3), a cavity layer. The underlay includes a top surface (5) having at least one adhesive layer (6) arranged thereto after lamination and a layer of grinding agent (7) applied by means of the adhesive layer. The grinding product is characterized in that the layer that is coated with grinding agent includes holes which form cavities (4), whereby the cavities provide space for grinding dust and grinding residues and facilitate their removal from the surface being ground.
US08216028B2
An installation/uninstallation structure for tooling disk of a grinding tool includes a rotary shaft mounted in the grinding tool and a securing assembly including a securing seat, a shift plate and a securing member. The securing member is movably mounted in the securing seat. The shift plate is pivotally disposed on the securing seat for driving the securing member. In use, the securing assembly is fitted around a rear end of the rotary shaft, when the shift plate is shifted to a locking position, the securing member is latched with the rotary shaft to secure the securing assembly to the rotary shaft for fixing the tooling disk. When the shift plate is shifted to an unlocking position, the securing member is unlatched from the rotary shaft, permitting a user to detach the securing assembly from the rotary shaft for taking off the tooling disk without using any tool.
US08216021B1
Kidney-shaped push up insert including first lobe and second lobe is provided. Notch is formed in top side between first lobe and second lobe. Insert has depression formed adjacent top side extending towards notch. Second main surface opposes first main surface. Second main surface is substantially smooth arcuate-shaped surface. First lobe has narrower width between top side and bottom side than second lobe, and second lobe is thicker between first main surface and second main surface than first lobe. Ratio of maximum thickness between first main surface and second main surface to maximum length between opposing ends of first lobe and second lobe is less than about 9 and/or ratio of depth of notch from a straight line connecting first lobe and second lobe along top side of insert to width of insert from top side to bottom side at depth of notch is less than about 4.
US08216020B2
A vehicle reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration includes a body having opposing upper and lower parts extending between lateral sides and ends of the body. A first wheel and a second wheel are each operatively mounted to the body to at least partially support the body for movement. A first suspension assembly and a second suspension assembly pivotally connect each wheel to the body and a linkage assembly connects the body to each wheel. The linkage assembly is adapted to pivot each wheel with respect to the body. A linear compression bias member is mounted between the upper and lower parts of the body to bias the upper part of the body away from the lower part of the body. The vehicle transforms from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration by compression of the upper part and lower part together to actuate the linkage and compress the linear compression bias member.
US08216006B2
A composite assembly for an electrical connector includes a conductive substrate and an electrodeposited layer. The conductive substrate is configured to form a conductive path of the electrical connector. The electrodeposited layer is disposed on the conductive substrate and includes a dielectric material. A method of manufacturing a composite assembly for an electrical connector includes providing a fluid bath that includes a dielectric material and immersing at least part of a conductive substrate into the fluid bath. The method also includes applying a voltage potential between the fluid bath and the conductive substrate and electrodepositing a dielectric layer that includes the dielectric material on the conductive substrate.
US08216004B2
A cable management system is provided including a rack for holding telecommunications equipment, and a ribcage cable support member along a vertical side of the rack. The ribcage cable support member includes a plurality of forwardly and rearwardly extending ribs. The ribs each include cable retention tabs. A plurality of spools are provided for cable storage on the ribcage cable support member. Holes through the ribcage cable support member allow access between the front and rear portions. An additional rack may be positioned on an opposite side of the ribcage cable support member to the first rack, and two columns of ribs are provided.
US08215989B2
An audio jack for an audio plug for use in an electrical device, comprising a non-conductive enclosure having a front side and defining a cavity having an aperture within the front side for receiving the audio plug, the aperture having a first diameter, the cavity extending along a longitudinal axis; a conductive shielding formed from sheet metal folded over at least five sides of the enclosure including the front side, the shielding defining a shielding aperture centered on the enclosure aperture and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter; and a ground contact connected to the conductive shielding.
US08215986B1
The cable connection method is a method of connecting to conductors within a triaxial electrical cable, without completely severing the cable, allowing compact, low cost connections to be made while having the added benefit of strain relief of the cable around the connection point and even within the cable itself.
US08215979B2
A lever (40) is rotatable about shafts (19) between a projecting position where side plates (42) project to a large extent from the rear end of a housing (10) and a retracted position where the side plates (42) do not project far the rear end of the housing (10). Projecting pieces (61) project forward on front end edges of the side plates (42) and leading ends of the projecting pieces (61) overlap the rear end of the housing (10) in forward and backward directions at the projecting position. At the projecting position, spaces (63, 64) are formed by the opposite side edges of the projections (61), the front edges of the side plates (42) and the rear end of the housing (10). These spaces include escaping spaces (63) that receive cam followers (85) on the mating housing (80) at the retracted position.
US08215974B2
A power plug is configured for connecting a power adaptor to a power supply socket. The power plug includes a first portion and a second portion. At least two prongs are disposed on the first portion and are capable of being coupled to the power supply socket. The second portion is configured to be electrically coupled to the power adaptor. The second portion defines a receiving housing capable of accommodating the power adaptor.
US08215970B2
A connector has a housing (10) from the rear surface of which wires (200) are to be drawn out, and a cover (70) to be mounted on the housing (10) for specifying a draw-out direction of the wires (200) at a position facing the rear surface of the housing (10). A plurality of spaced apart legs (77) are formed on a peripheral portion of the cover (70) and project toward the housing (10) for engaging the housing (10). Spaces (60) for exposing the wire (200) drawn out from the rear surface of the housing (10) are defined between the legs (77) with the cover (70) mounted on the housing (10).
US08215964B2
A connector configured to communicatively couple different components. The connector includes a base frame that extends along a longitudinal axis between a pair of frame ends and first and second moveable mating arrays having mating surfaces with terminals arranged thereon. The connector also includes a coupling mechanism that is supported by the base frame. The coupling mechanism holds the first and second mating arrays so that the mating surfaces of the first and second mating arrays extend along the longitudinal axis. The coupling mechanism moves the first and second mating arrays along different mating directions with respect to select components. The coupling mechanism moves the first and second mating arrays between retracted and engaged positions, wherein the corresponding mating array is spaced apart from the select component in the retracted position and engaged to the select component in the engaged position.
US08215963B2
A charging connector and a charging cable unit that are capable of driving a load while being maintenance-free and simply constructed is provided. The charging cable unit includes: a charging cable that includes a signal line for sending a control signal, and an electric power line for sending electric power, and that is provided for connecting the vehicle and an electric power source when the vehicle is charged; and a charging connector connected to an end of the charging cable. The charging connector includes: an electric power terminal to which electric power is supplied from the electric power line; a signal terminal to which the control signal is transmitted from the signal line; and a lighting capable of being driven by the control signal from the signal line.
US08215958B2
The invention is a dental irrigator for delivering irrigant solution from an irrigation solution reservoir to the site of a dental procedure. The irrigator comprises: a hollow dental tool modified by the addition of one or more curved blades either formed directly on the neck of the tool or on a sleeve attached coaxially to the neck, one or more inlets associated with each of the curved blades, a housing that provides a watertight volume surrounding the inlets while allowing the tool to be freely moved with respect to the housing, and a supply hose, which conducts the irrigant solution at relatively low pressure from the reservoir to the housing. When the dental tool is attached to the distal end of a dental hand-piece and the hand-piece is activated causing the tool to move, irrigation solution enters the hollow interior of the neck of the tool and, as a result of the forces created by the motion of the curved blades, is delivered at relatively high pressure to the site.
US08215956B2
The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array.
US08215951B2
A burner surface and creation method are provided. The burner surface includes a frame with a compact layer of unsintered metal and ceramic fibers that have been vacuum cast to a surface of the frame. The layer of unsintered metal and ceramic fibers is not greater than 0.5 inches, and is created without using substantial amounts of polymer pore forming or binding agents. The frame and compact layer additionally include a plurality of apertures that form holes through the burner surface plate. The burner surface plate may be formed by attaching a perforated screen to a fixture, inserting pins through apertures in the screen, introducing a suspension of metal and ceramic fibers into a space above the screen, vacuum casting the metal and ceramic fibers onto the screen to form a layer of metal and ceramic fibers, removing the plurality of pins from the apertures to form a corresponding set of apertures through the layer of metal and ceramic fibers, drying the layer of metal and ceramic fibers to remove moisture, applying colloidal silica to the layer of metal and ceramic fibers, and drying the burner surface.
US08215950B2
A burner tube to provide combustible materials to a combustor is provided and includes an annular shroud and a center body, having a cavity defined therein, disposed within the annular shroud to form an annular passage, the annular passage being communicable with a combustion zone of the combustor at an aft portion thereof and including a fore portion in which fuel is injected into the annular passage. The center body includes a surface having a passage defined therein through which air is to be supplied to the annular passage from the cavity at a position, which is downstream from the fuel injection and upstream from the combustion zone. Also provided is a contouring of the centerbody.
US08215946B2
System, method and process for imprinting a substrate using controlled deformation of a substrate and/or a template. The substrate and/or template may be positioned in single wave formation or double wave formation during an imprint lithography process.
US08215939B2
In a tire vulcanization forming mold which is circumferentially divided into a plurality of segment molds, a plurality of circumferential grooves are formed on each segment mold with spaces in a tire width direction; arc-shape mold blocks are detachably fitted respectively in the plurality of circumferential grooves; a plurality of slit grooves are formed on each mold block to open on side surfaces of the mold block; tread pattern forming blades are detachably inserted into these slit grooves in the tire width direction; and coming-off prevention engaging portions are provided on the slit grooves and the blades. Thus, the tire vulcanization forming mold is capable of enabling the blades to be replaced easily with respect to the segment molds.
US08215938B2
A tire forming mold is disclosed in which letters and lines having different colors are formed in a side wall portion of the tire.
US08215937B2
A housing (2) of a Roots pump (1) supports a drive shaft (3) and a driven shaft (4) with radial bearings (32, 33) so as to be rotatable. The housing (2) is formed by joining an upper housing member (20) to a lower housing member (10). The lower housing member (10) has lower bearing support portions (13), and the upper housing member (20) has upper bearing support portions (23). Opening edges (13a) of each lower bearing support portion (13) are positioned above the centers (P1) of the bearings (32, 33). An opening width (T1) of each lower bearing support portion (13) is smaller than the diameter (D1) of the bearings (32, 33). This structure suppresses the bearings (32, 33) from being separated from the lower housing member (10) during an assembling operation of the fluid machine.
US08215934B2
A pneumatic vane motor includes a stator with a cylinder, an inlet connectable to a pressure air source and an outlet connectable to an exhaust passage, a rotor journalled in the stator, and an output shaft. The stator has a front opening forming a clearance seal relative to the output shaft and an annular front cover with at least one elastic annular seal element encircling the output shaft at a distance from the clearance seal, wherein a low pressure chamber is formed between the clearance seal and the seal element or elements and communicates with the exhaust passage.
US08215929B2
The present invention relates to a detachable pump and a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system using the same. The detachable pump comprises: a top module, including a motor set and a top elastic member; and a bottom module, arranged beneath the top module in a manner that it is connected to the top module by a detachable connection mechanism and comprised of: a base configured with an inlet and an outlet; at least an one-way suction valve; at least an one-way drain valve; a diaphragm element; and a bottom elastic member.
US08215920B2
A ceiling fan comprising bracket components which are easily and conveniently attachable in a suitable position by one person thru simple operation and adjustment of mechanical parts. Attachment components are removably secured to a ceiling plate connected to a house circuit in an initial room then capable of easy removal therefrom and attachable to a ceiling plate installed in another room. A fan circuit is connectable to a house circuit by simple plug members and fan unit is quickly positionable into a secure position by position against and rotation of cooperable components with ceiling plate.
US08215919B2
A rotor assembly for a miniature gas turbine propulsion system comprises a centrifugal compressor wheel, a turbine wheel, a shaft and a tie bolt. The centrifugal compressor wheel includes a first curved tooth coupling, and the turbine wheel includes a second curved tooth coupling interconnected with the first curved tooth coupling. The shaft extends from the centrifugal compressor wheel, and the tie bolt extends between the shaft and the turbine wheel to bring the first curved tooth coupling into compression with the second curved tooth coupling. As such, the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel are assembled and remain, over the operational envelope of the propulsion system, in a reliably robust aligned configuration.
US08215917B2
An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08215910B2
An aircraft turbomachine fan is disclosed. The fan includes a turbomachine inlet cone that has an exterior surface intended to be closely followed by a flow section of the turbomachine, and an annular balancing flange that rotates as one with a fan disk about an axis of rotation and is equipped with a plurality of weight-fixing holes. The fan also includes one or more balancing weights mounted fixedly on the annular balancing flange. The annular balancing flange is positioned inside the inlet cone in such a way that its weight-fixing holes are isolated from the flow section. The flange is produced as a single piece with a fan blade retaining ring.
US08215908B2
An aerodynamic profile includes a main profile body defining a profile depth direction and being shear-flexible in the profile depth direction, a tension-stiff and compression-stiff upper covering skin, a tension-stiff and compression-stiff lower covering skin, wherein the upper and lower covering skins envelope the main profile body, a bearingless and hingeless rear profile deformation region disposed at a rear edge region, and at least one actuator disposed in the main profile body. The at least one actuator is configured to initiate a flexural motion of the main profile body resulting in a curvature of the upper and lower covering skins and to deform the rear profile deformation region and so as to yield a flap deflection directed opposite to a direction of the flexural motion.
US08215906B2
The present invention relates to a method of controlling the aerodynamic load of a wind turbine blade by controlling the tip speed ratio (TSR) and/or blade pitch setting of the wind turbine blade so as to optimize power production. A wind turbine blade undergoes an aero-elastic response including deflection and twist that is a function of the blade loading. The blade loading is dependent on the wind speed, TSR, and pitch setting. The aero-elastic response requires a different TSR and/or pitch to be selected throughout the power curve in order to maintain the optimum power production and to improve energy capture.
US08215904B2
A groove 50 formed in each stator ring segment piece 41 is formed to have side wall portions 50b on opposite sides inclined with respect to a bottom 50a so that a width of the groove 50 gradually decreases from an outer peripheral side toward the bottom 50a. A coupling member 42 has a sectional shape so as to have a maximum width at protrusions 42b at an intermediate portion in a thickness direction. The protrusions 42b on the opposite sides abut against or approach the side wall portions 50b of the groove 50 when the coupling member 42 is placed in the groove 50, a space 100 is formed on the side of the bottom 50a of the groove 50, and a welding groove 200 having a substantially V-shaped section is formed on the side remote from the bottom 50a of the groove 50.
US08215893B2
The present invention relates to a motorized device that can be operated by one person to load and unload a motorcycle onto and off of a truck bed or similar cargo area of a motor vehicle or trailer. The device taught herein may be employed to lift a motorcycle to the level of the truck bed then moved within the bed for transport and storage.
US08215891B2
A substrate treating apparatus includes a treating section, a table for receiving a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) storing the substrates, and an attaching and detaching unit for a lid to/from an access opening of the FOUP placed on the table. A transport unit is movable to a transfer position opposed to the access opening of the FOUP, and has support members for supporting the substrates, the transport unit transporting the substrates held by the support members between the treating section and the FOUP. A substrate detecting unit detects the substrates stored in the FOUP with the lid detached, a support member detecting unit detects the support members of the transport unit, and a control unit determines whether to transport the substrates, with the lid detached and the transport unit moved to the transfer position, based on detection of the substrates, and detection of the support members.
US08215886B2
A termination system which attaches a conventional threaded rod or bolt to a cable. An anchor is attached to an end of a cable using known techniques—such as potting. A threaded rod or bolt is placed on the anchor, pointing away from the direction of the cable. The rod or bolt is mechanically attached to the anchor using several different techniques. The result is an anchor assembly including a threaded protruding shaft. Because the assembly uses an inexpensive prior art rod or bolt, the machining operations are confined to small components needing relatively little material removal.
US08215885B2
A method of locking a fastener assembly against rotation relative to a laminar composite workpiece, the method comprising: passing a fastener through the workpiece; fitting a washer to the fastener; locking the washer against rotation relative to the workpiece; screwing a nut onto the fastener so as to clamp the washer against the workpiece; and locking the nut against rotation relative to the washer; aa fastener assembly comprising: two or more fasteners; two or more nuts; a washer with two or more holes each sized to receive a respective one of the fasteners; and a locking mechanism adapted to prevent relative rotation between the nuts and the washer after the nuts have been screwed up to a desired torque.
US08215883B2
To increase precision in straightness on a journal thrust surface relative to an outer peripheral surface of a journal in a crankshaft, a control system is provided for controlling movement of a cutter in axial directions by running a control program transferred from an automatic programming apparatus. The automatic programming apparatus corrects machining data on the basis of data for correcting the straightness gained through a comparison between results of a measurement of machining dimensions of the journal thrust surface in the workpiece on which a cutting process has been carried out and target machining dimensions for the journal thrust surface. A control program is prepared on the basis of the corrected machining data after correction of the machining data.
US08215882B2
A helical multilevel cutting tool has high heat emission efficiency, great strength and excellent durability, and can be positioned easily during drilling operation. The cutting tool includes a cutter shank and a cutter head which are integrally formed, wherein the cutter head is provided with several helical pieces integrally, each helical piece has a cutting blade thereon, a heat emission platform is formed along the cutting blade, a second cutting blade which faces forwardly as viewed in the direction of the cutting operation is formed in front of the heat emission platform, and a cutting blade outer surface is formed between the heat emission platform front surface and the second cutting blade. An outer front cutting blade is formed on the top surface of the cutter head at a position where the blade meets the heat emission platform front surface, and a front cutting blade is formed between the second cutting blade and the center of the cutter head top surface.
US08215880B2
An apparatus for extruding helical teeth in a gear blank includes a press including a die plate and a die base, the die plate being movable along an axis relative to the die base, the die base supporting the gear blank. A mandrel, aligned with the axis and moveable with the die plate along the axis, includes a surface that includes helical die teeth. A servo motor drives the mandrel in rotation about the axis to the required helix angle as the mandrel moves axially relative to the gear blank.
US08215874B2
Designs and methods for a modular foundation provide a strong and secure foundation in a time efficient and cost efficient manner. The modular foundation can include a cap structure having one or more pile guides coupled together. The modular foundation can further include piles that extend through the pile guides and into the ground. The cap structure and pile guides can be configured to use both vertical and angled piles. A plurality of connectors can connect the cap structure to the piles. The resulting foundation can be used to support various superstructures.
US08215873B1
An anchor pile apparatus for placement in subsea soil has a tubular member has an interior passageway, a support structure affixed to the upper end of the tubular member, a shaft rotatably mounted in the support structure and extending downwardly through the interior passageway of the tubular member, and an auger connected to the shaft. A suitable hydraulic torquing tool can be connected to the shaft so as to cause the shaft to rotate for the purpose of rotating the auger. The auger is rotated so as to draw the tubular member into the subsea soil. The tubular member has a plurality of fins extending radially outwardly therefrom.
US08215870B2
Systems and methods for protecting a subterranean structure. The method can include, but is not limited to, removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation; depositing an isolation layer above the subterranean structure; and depositing at least a portion of the removed earth, a fill material or both to at least partially cover the isolation layer.
US08215868B2
A boat lift apparatus is disclosed. The boat lift apparatus includes a base structure having a first frame section erected over a barrier juxtaposed to a first body of water, the base structure having a second frame section that may be cantilevered over the first body of water and a lift frame operatively coupled with the base structure. The boat lift apparatus further includes a cradle assembly including at least one boat support for receiving a boat and carrying the boat across the barrier, the cradle assembly being moveably coupled to the lift frame. The boat lift apparatus further includes at least one hydraulic cylinder secured to the lift frame and operatively connected to the cradle assembly, wherein activation of the at least one hydraulic cylinder moves the cradle assembly up or down in the vertical direction.
US08215865B2
An anti-ram system and method of construction having a shallow mounted base pad from which extend a plurality of bollards. Very little or only a shallow excavation is required for the base of the bollard system, which can be partially or fully assembled prior to bringing it to the installation site. The shallow mounting pad or base of the bollard system of this invention may be formed or constructed in various ways and of various materials, and in various configurations. The shallow mounting pad or base is constructed so as to have considerable mass.
US08215851B2
When a printer driver is activated in a PC for performing setting about a tab sheet, the printer driver presents a screen for setting a background color of the tab sheet and receives designation of a desired background color for each tab sheet. It also receives designation of an area of the tab sheet to be colored, and in the case of coloring by bordering, it receives designation of thickness and style thereof. It further receives designation of presence/absence of a background color for the back surface of the tab sheet, and designation of the background color when present.
US08215848B1
A method for providing an improved interconnection between an optical fiber and an optical package is described. The method includes inserting an end of the fiber through a feed through tube and into a main body of the optical package, a portion of the fiber proximate the end being metalized, attaching the metalized portion of the fiber within the main body of the optical package, a portion of the metalized fiber remaining within the feed through tube, inserting a stopping device into the feed through tube, melting solder within the feed through tube, in an area between the stopping device and the main body of the optical device, the area containing metalized fiber, compressing the melted solder using the stopping device, removing the stopping device from the feed through tube after the solder has solidified, and attaching a jacket associated with the optical fiber within the feed through tube.
US08215842B2
A fluid dynamic pressure bearing includes a shaft arranged along a central axis, an annular member fixed to the shaft, a sleeve, a lubricant, and a lubricating film. A stepped surface is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The annular member preferably includes a lower surface extending radially with respect to the central axis and arranged to make contact with the stepped surface in the inner edge portion of the lower surface. The sleeve preferably includes an upper surface axially opposed to the lower surface of the annular member. The lubricant is provided between the shaft and the sleeve and between the annular member and the sleeve. The lubricating film is provided on the lower surface of the annular member at least over a region lying radially outwardly of the inner edge portion of the lower surface.
US08215831B2
A sensor element for detecting electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the infrared range, comprises one or more heat-sensitive portions provided on a substrate and one or more influencing layers for influencing the absorption and/or reflection of the electromagnetic radiation to be detected. The heat-sensitive portion(s) and/or the influencing layers are arranged on the substrate in accordance with the thermal properties of the influencing layers, preferably asymmetrically.
US08215829B2
A method of analyzing thermal stress includes calculating a distribution of the number of fillers in a composite integrally molded product by using physical property values of resin material containing fillers, and determining a coefficient of linear expansion of the resin material in the composite integrally molded product, that is used as an input condition of a thermal stress analysis, based on the distribution of the number of the fillers.
US08215828B2
The invention relates to a Breguet overcoil balance spring (1) that includes a hairspring (3) mounted in a single part, made of micro-machinable material, and coaxially with a collet (5). According to the invention, the balance spring has a terminal curve (7) made of micro-machinable material and an elevation device (9) made of micro-machinable material between the outer coil (15) of the hairspring and the terminal curve to improve the concentric development of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece making.
US08215825B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for influencing mixing of a first fluid injected through a slot into a second fluid flowing through a conduit, by automatically or remotely adjusting the slot width to provide at least a certain slot velocity of the first fluid being introduced into the conduit. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for mixing control in injecting titanium tetrachloride into an oxygen stream in a process for making titanium dioxide.
US08215823B2
A cement mixing method for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.
US08215819B2
A clip provided by the present invention includes an insert portion that is inserted into an insertion hole formed in a flat-shaped chassis and that engages with the chassis, and a collar portion that is formed in a flat shape around the circumference of the insert portion. When the insert portion is inserted into the insertion hole, the collar portion and the chassis clamp at least one light emitting board that is positioned in contact with the chassis, and the thickness of the collar portion is set to be equal to or less than an amount of protrusion of a light emitting portion formed protrudingly from the light emitting board.
US08215816B2
A light emitting assembly comprises a light source, a light emitting panel member having an input edge that receives light from the light source, and end edge and side edge reflectors. The panel member is received in a cavity or recess of a tray or housing. An additional component overlies the panel member. Light extracting deformities on or in a surface of the panel member cause light to be emitted from the panel member.
US08215811B2
A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The light source includes at least one light emitting diode.
US08215810B2
An interior component having an illuminated portion comprises a trim cover positioned over a substrate. At least one light conductive element is in communication with an illumination source. A carrier engages the trim cover. The carrier further secures the light conductive element to the trim cover. The carrier has a plurality of windows formed therethrough such that the light conductive element is visible through the plurality of windows. The illuminated portion may further include an emblem in communication with the light source. The illuminated interior component may be formed by a method that includes the steps of forming a light conductive element that includes extruding an optical guide and a carrier having a mounting tab thereon.
US08215806B2
The present invention refers to a cooling device for lamp with power light emitting diode comprising of a number of cooling water containers containing a circulating pump and a temperature sensor installed to a particular body with lighting installed. Cooling water incoming pipe and extruding pipe connected to the cooling water container above are connected to a cooling water circulation passage of power light emitting diode, so that cooling water flows in circulation within the circulation passage. When the temperature of the circulating cooling water rises to a certain point, the circulation of the particular cooling water container stops operating, and another cooling water container is operated to keep the thermal power light emitting diode at room temperature, so that the durability of the power light emitting diode is lengthened, and maximizes the cooling effectiveness and power-saving.
US08215803B2
A one-piece translucent but not transparent flexible plastic cover sleeve has a generally bulbous body and a downwardly extending neck that terminates at a bottom edge, and the neck has upwardly extending slits that terminate in respective orifices, so that the neck resiliently outwardly extends over a CFL bulb and then flexes inwardly to frictionally engage the CFL base. The cover sleeve substantially covers or hides the CFL bulb illumination, and provides a different illumination effect from the illuminated CFL bulb.
US08215801B2
Disclosed is a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes: a first and a second light emitting diode (LED) module including a plurality of LEDs disposed on one side of a substrate respectively; a heat radiating body which radiates heat from the plurality of the LEDs, includes a space for housing the first and the second LED modules, and includes an opening allowing light emitted from the plurality of the LEDs of the first and the second LED modules to be emitted; and, a reflector being disposed on the heat radiating body and reflecting the light emitted from the plurality of the LEDs of the first and the second LED modules to the opening.
US08215798B2
The present teachings relate to semiconductor-based lighting systems and fixtures which process electromagnetic energy from light emitting diodes or the like. A disclosed exemplary system includes at least one occluded remote phosphor and produces substantially white light of desired characteristics. The remote phosphor extends over at least a portion of a surface of a macro optic at an occluded location such that none of the remote phosphor is directly visible through an optical aperture. The phosphor is responsive to electromagnetic energy from a semiconductor device to emit visible light for the emission through the optical aperture.
US08215794B2
A large-angle LED lighting apparatus includes a lamp shield having an outer cover and a diffusing cover; a printed circuit board; a plurality of LED lamps electrically coupled to the printed circuit board; and a heat dissipating post. Wherein, the LED lamps are annularly arranged around a center of the printed circuit board, the LED lamps are electrically coupled to an upper surface or a lower surface or the upper and lower surfaces of the printed circuit board, the LED lamps are arranged to form an angle at a range from 20 degrees to 170 degrees relative to the printed circuit board, and the heat dissipating post is fixedly or detachably connected with the printed circuit board.
US08215788B2
The present invention relates to a tufted textile (100) comprising a primary backing layer (10) which is substantially permeable to light, yarns (40) forming tufts on a first side of the primary backing layer, an adhesive layer (30) provided on a second side of the primary backing layer opposite from the first side, and a light source (50; 80) and a conductor arrangement (60) for the light source arranged in a position facing the second side of the primary backing layer. The adhesive layer, the light source and the conductor arrangement, are arranged so as to allow light from the light source to reach the primary backing layer. The tufted textile (100) may be a carpet.
US08215785B2
An electronic device that includes a light-emitting board and a light characteristics enhancing member. The light-emitting board includes a driving substrate, a semiconductor device disposed on a first surface of the driving substrate, and a signal-receiving member receiving an external wireless control signal to control the semiconductor device. The light characteristics enhancing member includes a base film disposed over the light-emitting board, and a light characteristics enhancing layer formed on a lower surface of the base film, the lower surface facing the light-emitting board. A second refractive index of the light characteristics enhancing layer is greater than a first refractive index of the base film. Therefore, the receive sensitivity of the external wireless control signal is improved.
US08215784B2
A backlight device includes a chassis which is box in shape and having a bottom part and four side walls, a light source arranged on the bottom part of the chassis, a diffuser panel supported by a top end surface of each of the side walls of the chassis, and an optical sheet arranged on the diffuser panel, wherein the top end surface of each of the side walls is downward sloping so that height becomes continuously low toward inside the chassis.
US08215782B2
The present invention discloses a moving head light included a light source group having a plurality of light sources, a reflector group slantwise arranged at a circumference of the light source group, and a rotary drive device for driving the reflector group to rotate relative to the light source group. Each reflector corresponds to each light source one by one, and the reflector group includes a plurality of reflectors. The reflectors are rotated around the light sources, so that the lights sent out from the light sources are projected to the space after being reflected by the reflectors, and the faculae are divided into two from one and jointed into one from two. Accordingly, the stage rendering effect is better and a sort of fantasy feel is produced for persons.
US08215780B2
A hard-coated antiglare film, comprising a transparent plastic film substrate and a hard-coating antiglare layer containing fine particles on at least one surface of the transparent plastic film substrate, wherein an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra (μm) that is defined in JIS B 0601 (1994 version) is in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 μm in an uneven shape of a surface of the hard-coating antiglare layer, and the hard-coated antiglare film includes at least 80 convexities that exceed a roughness mean line of a surface roughness profile in a 4-mm long portion at an arbitrary location of the surface of the hard-coating antiglare layer.
US08215768B2
Optical apparatus (20, 60) includes a spectacle frame (30, 64) configured to be worn by a user (22). A telescope (26, 62) is fixed to the spectacle frame and includes an objective (44), an eyepiece (28), and multiple optical surfaces (48, 56, 58) defining a folded optical path for providing a magnified image to an eye (40) of the user while at least one of the optical surfaces is located at least partially posterior to a coronal plane (41) located at a rear surface of the eyepiece.
US08215764B2
An ink jet recording method for recording an image having a metallic luster on a recording medium with an ink jet recording apparatus includes forming an underlayer on the recording medium by applying droplets of a first ink composition containing a first thermoplastic resin to the recording medium and also includes forming a metallic luster layer on the underlayer by applying droplets of a second ink composition containing a metal pigment and a second thermoplastic resin to the underlayer. The glass transition temperature of the first thermoplastic resin is lower than or equal to the glass transition temperature of the second thermoplastic resin. The underlayer is formed at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the first thermoplastic resin.
US08215762B2
There is provided a recording apparatus including: an intermediate transfer body; a forming unit that forms an ink receiving layer on the intermediate transfer body, the ink receiving layer including a first solution layer containing a curable material that cures when irradiated with ultraviolet radiation, and a second solution layer, on the first solution layer, containing a curable material that cures when irradiated with ultraviolet radiation, and a liquid absorbing component, and in the case in which the first solution layer contains a liquid absorbing component, the content of the liquid absorbing component in the second solution layer being larger than the content of the liquid absorbing component in the first solution layer; an ink supplying unit that supplies ink droplets onto the ink receiving layer; a transferring unit that transfers the ink receiving layer from the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium; and an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates the recording medium with ultraviolet radiation.
US08215760B2
An ink set includes at least a magenta ink composition and a cyan ink composition, wherein the magenta ink composition includes: at least one colorant selected from the group consisting of specific heterylazo dyes; and at least one colorant selected from the group consisting of specific anthrapyridone dyes, and the cyan ink composition includes at least one colorant selected from the group consisting of phthalocyanine compounds meeting requirements 1 and 2: Requirement 1: The ratio of the maximum absorbance within the absorption band of from 660 nm to 680 nm to the maximum absorbance within the absorption band of from 600 nm to 640 nm on the spectral absorption curve of aqueous solution is less than 1; and Requirement 2: The oxidation potential is more positive than 1.0 eV (vsSCE).
US08215754B2
A detachable structure for an ink cartridge in a printer includes a storing unit, an acquisition unit, a determining unit, and an ink supply control unit. The storing unit is provided on the ink cartridge and stores information on the ink cartridge. The acquisition unit is provided on the printer and acquires the information stored in the storing unit when the ink cartridge is attached onto the printer. The determining unit certifies validity of the information acquired by the acquisition unit. The ink supply control unit allows ink supply from the ink cartridge when the validity of the information is certified by the determining unit. According to the structure, versatility of ink cartridges can be ensured and productivity cost for ink cartridges can be restricted. In addition, prevented can be undesirable ink mixture due to an erroneous installation of the ink cartridge by a user.
US08215746B2
A printing device includes a printing process section configured so as to be capable of performing a first printing process in which, in synchronization with transporting of a printing medium performed at intervals of a predetermined constant transport amount, respective printing operations are performed on the printing medium, and a second printing process in which, in synchronization with transporting of the printing medium performed at intervals of a smaller constant transport amount than the predetermined constant transport amount, respective printing operations are performed on the printing medium; a searching section configured to search for a final printing line position of printing image data to be printed on the printing medium from an end edge of a printable area on the printing medium; and a selecting section configured to select either of the first printing process or the second printing process in accordance with the final printing line position of the printing image data obtained by the searching section.
US08215744B2
An inkjet recording apparatus records an image onto a recording medium by using an ink containing a coloring material, and the inkjet recording apparatus has: a first treatment agent deposition device which deposits a first treatment agent having a function of suppressing permeation of liquid into the recording medium, onto the recording medium; a second treatment agent deposition device which deposits a second treatment agent having at least one of a function of aggregating the coloring material contained in the ink and a function of increasing viscosity of the ink, onto the recording medium; an image processing device which converts input image data into dot data; and an ink droplet ejection head which ejects droplets of the ink onto the recording medium in accordance with the dot data.
US08215732B2
Provided are a refrigerator and a refrigerator shelf apparatus configured with a shelf detachably mounted to a drive unit, and the drive unit capable of driving the shelf upward and downward according to electronic controlling by a controller provided on the shelf.
US08215728B2
A storage enclosure includes a housing and first and second doors. The housing defines a front opening for permitting access to an interior of the housing. The first door is connected to the first and second side walls and is upwardly pivotable and inwardly slideable from a closed position covering a lower portion of the front opening to an open position uncovering the lower portion of the front opening. The second door is connected to the housing and is upwardly pivotable from a closed position covering an upper portion of the front opening to an open position uncovering the upper portion of the front opening.
US08215724B2
A pressure regulating reservoir includes, first and second conduits, a reservoir chamber, first and second reservoir ports, a valve portion including a first hydraulic passage, first and second valve bodies, and a valve seat including a second hydraulic passage, a piston portion including a piston and a spring, a mobile member, a protruding portion and a shaft, wherein the first hydraulic passage is closed by the second valve body thereby interrupting the fluid communication when the pump is not actuated, a pressure difference between a brake hydraulic pressure within the reservoir chamber and a brake hydraulic pressure within the first reservoir port is regulated when the pump is actuated while the brake hydraulic pressure is generated by the brake hydraulic pressure generating means, and the second hydraulic passage is opened to establish the fluid communication when the pump is actuated while no brake hydraulic pressure is generated.
US08215723B2
In order to prevent a vehicle fitted with braking assistance and trajectory correction devices and having a highly placed center of gravity from overturning in a bend when there is a sudden turn of the steering wheel at the same time as a sudden braking action, a hydraulic braking circuit comprising a hydraulic pump (3) which sucks a fluid contained in a reservoir (3) through a master cylinder (1), is provided with a bladder (10). The bladder, placed between the master cylinder and the hydraulic pump, reduces the duration of flow of the hydraulic fluid to the pump, ensuring a sufficient suction pressure at the entrance of the pump in order to cram the brake and cause the wheel having the most pressure to skid.
US08215722B2
A method shall render it possible that an especially favorable pilot control can be achieved with an electrically controllable hydraulic valve (10), in particular an analog/digital inlet valve of a friction brake of a motor vehicle brake system. To this end, an actuating current is applied to the hydraulic valve (10), which is determined by linking an available opening current characteristic curve (Iopen(ΔP)table) of the hydraulic valve (10) to a correction value (igrad), with the correction value (igrad) being predetermined depending on a number of parameters that are characteristic of the hydraulic valve (10).
US08215718B2
An end gate assembly of a dump box comprises an end gate panel supported for pivotal movement about a lower pivot axis of a pair of lower latch assemblies in a first released position and about an upper pivot axis of a pair of upper latch assemblies in a second released position. A common actuator is arranged to release both upper latch assemblies in the first released position of the actuator and is arranged to release both lower latch assemblies in the second released position. The common actuator communicates between the latch assemblies on opposing sides of the end gate panel through a connecting member extending across the gate opening below a floor of the dump box.
US08215714B2
A vehicle seat transitional composite with a structural reinforcement member adapted to be mounted within a vehicle seat to provide support to an occupant. The structural reinforcement member has at least two edge regions and an inner region at least partially bound within the at least two edge regions. The at least two edge regions have a plurality of keying apertures. A compliant layer is adjacent to the structural reinforcement member and has a plurality of projections sized to be received within the plurality of keying apertures of the structural reinforcement member for minimizing lateral movement of the compliant layer relative to the structural reinforcement member.
US08215710B2
A seat (10) having a seat panel (12) and a backrest (14) is described. The seat panel (12) is connected to a base device (16) by means of a first connecting device (18). The backrest (14) is connected to the seat panel (12) by means of a second correcting device (20). The first connecting device (18) comprises a pair of front and a pair of rear connecting levers (22, 24). The front connecting levers (22) are longer than the rear connecting levers (24). The rear connecting levers (24) are designed with an angled extension (34) so as to form toggle levers. The second connecting device (20) comprises a pair of rod elements (36) which are mounted in a pivotable and linearly movable manner on the seat panel (12) by way of their front end (38) and which are connected in a pivotable manner to the angled extension (34) of the rear connecting levers (24).
US08215706B2
A vehicle body side structure in which a load acting from the front of the vehicle body is efficiently transferred to a door beam, whereby the weight of a side sill is reduced. A vehicle body side structure includes a front door provided to a front vehicle body opening via a front hinge, a front door beam provided to the front door and coupled at the front end to the front hinge, and an interaction for transferring a load to a rear part of the vehicle body, the interaction being provided to the side of the front hinge facing the front of the vehicle body. The front hinge includes a front attachment part provided to the vehicle body, and a front coupling part rotatably supported on the front attachment part and coupled with the front door beam. The front attachment part has a front bearing for bearing a load acting from the interaction.
US08215695B2
A removable vehicle seat includes a base, a removable seat main body, and a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism configured to removably attach the removable seat main body to the base. The first attachment mechanism includes a pin provided to the removable seat main body; and an attachment member provided to the base, and provided with a groove to which the pin is inserted. A disengagement prevention structure is provided between the pin and the attachment member, the disengagement prevention structure being configured to prevent the pin from disengaging from the groove. The second attachment mechanism includes a striker provided to the removable seat main body; and a lock device provided to the base and configured to releasably engage with the striker.
US08215693B2
A vehicle trunk compartment cargo management system is comprised of a trunk floor panel, a seatback and a pair of dividers. The trunk floor panel provides a vehicle trunk compartment floor surface. The seatback has a pair of pockets. Each pocket secures a seatback flange extending from a divider oriented in an upright position. Each divider has a seatback flange which fits within a seatback pocket to secure the divider in an upright position to the seatback. The dividers are pivotally attached to the trunk floor panel such that they may pivot between an upright position and a closed position. When the dividers are locked into an upright position they form three sub compartments within the vehicle trunk compartment. An optional cargo net fits over the dividers to cover the sub compartments.
US08215688B2
In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
US08215683B2
The invention relates to a closing device, in particular for a cover of a motor vehicle, having a rotary latch which interacts with a cover-side locking clamp (10) and which is held securely in its closed position by means of a pawl, and with a catch hook (20) which can be caused to engage the catch element (42) after transfer of the pawl into the open position and by which the cover is to be kept in the holding position, and the catch hook (20) can be transferred out of the holding position into the open position in which the cover is to be completely opened, the rotary latch and the catch hook (20) being made as separate parts, and the pawl of the rotary latch and the catch hook (20) is to be actuated in a sequence via a common remote actuation element (Bowden cable 24) after one another.
US08215680B2
A threaded joint has an interference between thread roots of the pin and thread crests of the box of between 1% and 5% of the average thickness of the connection, and a root to load flank radius R in the range of 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. In other embodiments the interference can be between thread roots of the box and thread crests of the pin. The threaded joint can also have a surface treatment that includes shot peening applied to the beginning and end of the threaded zone of the pin.
US08215671B2
An air-bag for use in a safety arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a front panel and a rear panel. The two panels are superimposed and attached to one another around their peripheries in order to define an inflatable chamber. The front panel is provided with an aperture within which is secured an additional panel. The additional panel has an area greater than the aperture and is configured so as to define a plurality of adjacent substantially wave-shaped projections which extend forwardly from the front panel when the air-bag is inflated.
US08215670B2
An inflator includes a plate-like retainer that is placed in a pressure container of the inflator for producing gas to be supplied to an airbag. At the center of the inflator is formed a fitting section fitted to a tube placed in the pressure container. The tube separates an ignition source and a gas generation agent. At least one pressure release hole is provided on the outer side of the outer periphery of the fitting section. The retainer has a step formed at a portion where the outer periphery of the retainer is in contact with the filter. The retainer and inflator may have simple structures not affecting productivity and reliably preventing gas leakage between the retainer and a filter.
US08215664B2
A vehicle air bag device may include an air bag having an integrally formed inflator insertion portion 4 into which an inflator 5 for discharging a gas is inserted. A bracket that is formed to attach the inflator to a vehicle body includes an inflator side mounting portion 8 mounted onto an outer side of the inflator insertion portion so as to partially cover the inflator insertion portion partially. A strip-form body 10 is disposed over and attaches the bracket, the inflator insertion portion, and the inflator such that the strip-form body. The strip-form body and the inflation insertion portion are displaced from each other by a step formed by the bracket, thereby forming a gap disposed between the strip-form body and said inflation insertion portion. A seal portion formed on the bracket is sealingly aligned with the strip-form body and seals the gap.
US08215659B2
The invention relates to a ski having a ski blade, the ski being configured in layers, the ski blade having at least one material recess, and the ski comprising at least one strap made of a high-strength opaque material, particularly metal, such as aluminum, and at least one strap made of a rigid translucent material, characterized in that the material recess (4) of the ski blade (2) is formed by cutouts of the strap(s) (7, 10) made of a high-strength opaque material, and that the at least one strap (6, 9) made of the rigid translucent material covers the material recess (4).
US08215648B2
A collet mounting assembly for a die bonder comprises a collet mount having a first end attached to the die bonder and a second end opposite the first end with a cavity defined in the second end for receiving a shaft of the collet. The collet mounting assembly further comprises a fastener for securing the collet inside the cavity of the collet mount. A compression force is generated around the shaft of the collet received in the collet mount by the flexing of the fastener when it is attached to the collet mount, for securing the collet within the cavity of the collet mount.
US08215644B2
A shaft sealing device includes a gland having a flange with an axial hole, a coolant inlet, and a coolant outlet. A shaft sleeve is extended through the axial hole and mounted around a rotary shaft. A plurality of flexible elements extend through a plurality of through-holes in a retainer and each include two ends respectively presaging against two friction ring assemblies, allowing joint rotation of the shaft sleeve and the rotary shaft. The retainer further includes a first tangent groove having an inner end in communication with the axial hole and an outer end in communication with the coolant inlet. The retainer further includes a second tangent groove having an inner end in communication with the axial hole and an outer end in communication with the coolant outlet. Each of the first and second tangent grooves has a width decreasing from the inner end toward the outer end.
US08215643B2
A delivery unit (40) for automatically delivering a viscous sealant at a predetermined pressure to a stuffing box (70) of a shaft (20) is disclosed. The delivery unit (40), such as a pressure booster incrementally displaceable piston, is controlled to deliver the sealant at a predetermined pressure on demand when the pressure of the sealant within said stuffing box is less than the predetermined delivery pressure being sufficient to promote adhesion of the sealant onto a shaft segment and to thereby prevent or retard the egress of working fluid from a corresponding working chamber (17) of a machine adapte to perform work by the shaft. A system for reducing the pressure of sealant within a stuffing box by use of the delivery unit and of an impeller-based dynamic seal is also disclosed.
US08215642B2
The interactive modular tile system of the invention comprises a plurality of modular interactive tiles (11, 13). The system comprises electronic circuitry which is operative to determine a configuration of the plurality of modular interactive tiles, and determine whether a game can be played, which game can be played and/or which variation of a game can be played with the determined configuration. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to function as the interactive modular tile system of the invention.
US08215638B2
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a guide unit for guiding the side end of the sheet; a first roller pair arranged on the downstream side of the guide unit for conveying the sheet, including a driven roller held in contact with a whole sheet in a sheet width direction; and a second roller pair having a conveyance roller arranged on the downstream side of the roller and adapted to convey the sheet, and a plurality of pinch rollers pinching the sheet in cooperation with the conveyance roller, wherein each of the plurality of pinch rollers applies to the sheet a conveyance force inclined toward a conveyance path side end, which is nearer to the pinch roller, and wherein the smaller the distance between the pinch roller and the conveyance path side end, the greater the inclination of the conveyance force thereof.
US08215631B2
An inkjet printing system comprising a media input support and a pivotable pick arm assembly including a pick roller. The assembly is biased to pivot toward the media input support. A rotatable arm is linked to the pivotable pick arm assembly and includes a ramped feature. The printing system further includes a carriage that includes a sloped feature that is in line with the ramped feature of the rotatable arm. When the sloped feature of the carriage is engages with the ramped feature of the rotatable arm the pick arm assembly is pivoted in a direction away from the media input support.
US08215623B2
A panels-off painting process and system adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces includes a carrier having a main platform, stationary support structures, and at least one rotatable assembly interconnected to the platform, configured so as to be caused to shift at least a portion of the workpieces between first and second orientations, and including a counterbalance that reduces the force necessary to cause the shift, and preferably further includes a retrofitted robotic arm programmably configured to apply a coat to the workpieces and subsequently engage the assembly so as to cause the shift.
US08215620B2
Self-pumping spring and damper unit (13) with automatically activated ride level control system for chassis of vehicles having a pump which is driven as a result of the distance between the articulation points (14, 15) which changes as a result of the spring compression and spring extension of the vehicle, wherein an elastic connecting element (35) is arranged between at least one pump part (33) and the associated articulation point (14) in such a way that it at least partially elastically compensates the distance between the pump parts (32, 33) which changes when the vehicle experiences spring compression and spring extension.
US08215619B2
A breakaway support post for a guardrail includes an upper post member and a lower post member. The upper and lower post members are overlapping and configured such that the upper and lower post members are non-rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in an axial impact direction. In one embodiment, a tensile fastener extends in the axial impact direction and connects overlapping portions of the upper and lower post members. In another embodiment, a shear fastener extends transversely to the axial impact direction and is the only connection between the upper and lower post members. In another aspect, a guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.
US08215617B2
A prying tool includes a shank having an engaging portion and two prongs moveably mounted on the engaging portion of the shank. The prongs define a space therebetween such that an item to be pried is received in the space. The prongs are operably moveable so that the space is variable in size. Further, two positioning devices are utilized for holding the two prongs stationary with respect to the engaging portion of the shank respectively.
US08215615B2
The invention relates to a lifting cushion (20) that is wedge-shaped and is formed by a top part (1) and a bottom part (2) with connecting walls (3-33), and which is arranged to be tillable with fluid, e.g., air, gas or liquid. The top part (1) and the bottom part (2) are joined to a common unit (21) in the forward edge (4) of the cushion, and said forward edge (4) is extended in relation to the front wall (3) of the lifting cushion and forms thereby a thin fore extended part (21) in front of said front wall (3) and that is active during the insertion but passive during operation. Said fore part (21) of the wedge-shaped lifting cushion is arranged in such a way that when the lifting cushion (20) is filled with fluid, the fore extended top part (1) and the bottom part (2) are expanded without preventing the fore wall (3) of the lifting cushion from smoothing out and forming the fore part of the lifting cushion in a filled state.
US08215613B2
A cylindrical housing assembly with an adjustable aperture or orifice using an iris shutter system to control the volumetric flow of fuel mixture or exhaust gas by movable blades or leaflets arranged inside a sealed enclosure which is operated by external actuators connected in series.
US08215608B2
A radius forming system has at least one flexible form member with a plurality of stake pockets. The stake pockets are each formed in a single piece having a first and second opening therethrough arranged to receive a fastening element and an intermediate portion having an enclosing shape defining a stake holder. The intermediate portion has at least one opening therethrough and a locking member is received in the opening arranged to engage a stake positioned in the stake holder. The form member has a plurality of vertically aligned pairs of openings spaced along the length of the form member. A plurality of fastening elements are received in the various openings in the form member and the stake pockets to hold the form member and stake pockets together.
US08215607B2
A damping device for a stay cable including a rotating lever, a lever support saddle, a longitudinal connecting member, and a rigid connection rod. When the stay cable vibrates inside or outside the plane thereof, the vibration displacement is transferred to the rotating lever through the rigid connection rod. One end of the rotating lever is connected to the lever support saddle via the longitudinal connecting member, and can rotate up and down with the lever support saddle as the axis and rotate around its central axis. The other end of the rotating lever is connected to a mass block and a damper. The damping device effectively inhibits vibrations inside and outside the stay cable plane, is easy to install and maintain, and does not negatively impact the appearance of a cable-stayed bridge.
US08215606B2
A variable stiffness support has a support housing that is configured to adjust the orientation of an internal elastomer assembly. The support housing includes an adjustment mechanism, and the elastomer assembly includes an outer ring that encircles an elastomeric material, a central bushing embedded in the elastomeric material, and a plurality of shims embedded in the elastomeric material in a parallel planar fashion.
US08215600B2
A connection structure between a lifting device and a lifted body is provided wherein lifted body side portions are connected to a pair of lifting bodies moving up and down on the lifted body outer sides. Gripping means provided in each side of a lifted body grip a lifting arm of each lifting body and include a first gripping piece swingably connected to a base rack and a second gripping piece swingably connected to the first gripping piece. When the lifting arm is separated from the lifted body, the first gripping piece is located outwardly of the lifting arm and a gripper is located within a vertical projective space of the lifting arm, and the first gripping piece is lifted via the second gripping piece, by which a gripper abuts against the lifting arm from below.
US08215595B2
A cable collecting apparatus includes a base plate and a cover plate. The cover plate extends at diagonal relative to the base plate in a first state. A receiving room is enclosed by the base plate and the cover plate in a second state. A first end of the cover plate is rotatably and resiliently connected to the base plate at a joint. A second end of the cover plate is capable of engaging with the base plate.
US08215590B2
An aerofoil is provided having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge between the upper and lower surfaces at the front of the aerofoil, and a trailing edge between the upper and lower surfaces at the rear of the aerofoil. The leading edge has projection where it meets the lower surface of the aerofoil, and a cove between the projection and upper surface of the aerofoil. A flow vortex is formed in the cove which exhibits increasingly axial flow that retains flow attachment to higher angles of attack.
