US08228143B2
An assembly including an electromagnetic relay and a circuit board. The electromagnetic relay includes a body having a lateral surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of terminals protruding outward from the lateral surface of the body. The terminals respectively have distal portions extending beyond the bottom surface of the body. The circuit board is provided with a relay-mount surface. The electromagnetic relay is mounted on the relay-mount surface in an orientation such that the bottom surface of the body is opposed to the relay-mount surface, and the distal portions of the terminals being fixed to the circuit board. Each terminal is formed from a flat plate element and has a shape angled in a width direction of the flat plate element. The body has a height defined in a direction orthogonal to the relay-mount surface of the circuit board and corresponding to a length of a shortest edge of the lateral surface, the shortest edge being shorter than any of edges of the bottom surface.
US08228133B2
A first balance electrode unit electrically connected to a pair of balance terminals (a first balance terminal and a second balance terminal) is formed on a main surface of a fourth dielectric layer sandwiched by an upper grounding electrode and a lower grounding electrode in a dielectric substrate. A second balance electrode unit electrically connected to a pair of balance terminals on the main surface of a seventh dielectric layer. An unbalance electrode unit electrically connected to an unbalance terminal is formed on the main surface of a fifth dielectric layer.
US08228125B2
An electronic circuit has an amplifier with an amplifying transistor and a cascode transistor. A capacitive voltage divider applies a fraction of an RF signal swing from the drain of the cascode transistor to the gate of the cascode transistor, the fraction being determined by a ratio between capacitance values. In addition a bias voltage supply circuit is provided. The bias voltage supply circuit is configured to define a relation between an average gate voltage of the cascode transistor and an average drain supply voltage at the drain of the cascode transistor. This relation increases the average gate voltage with increasing average drain voltage, and the relation provides a non zero average gate voltage when extrapolated to zero average drain supply voltage.
US08228119B2
When an output voltage from the amplifying circuit includes a positive DC voltage, an electric current continuously flows in a power source voltage, a load, and a reference voltage in this order. As a result, the reference voltage increases so as to be a first threshold voltage or more . The detecting section detects that the reference voltage is the first threshold voltage or more. When the output voltage from the amplifying circuit includes a negative DC voltage, an electric current continuously flows in the reference voltage, the load, a grounding potential in this order. As a result, the reference voltage reduces so as to be a second threshold voltage or less. The detecting section detects that the reference voltage is the second threshold voltage or less.
US08228114B1
A direct drive cascode using a gate signal driven D-mode JFET connected in series with a power-enable-signal driven E-Mode JFET to provide a quick-operation high-temperature normally-off cascode configuration with low noise characteristics. The E-mode JFET may have the E-mode gate connected to ground with a pull down power element or resistor.
US08228110B1
A phase interpolator is provided that, in one implementation, includes first and second interpolator modules, each having an output in communication with an output node. The first interpolator includes an input to receive a first plurality of input phase signals, and a selector to select one or more of the first plurality of input phase signals for interpolation at the output node of the phase interpolator. The second interpolator module includes an input to receive a second plurality of input phase signals, and a selector to select one or more of the second plurality of input phase signals for interpolation at the output node of the phase interpolator. Each of the selected ones of the first plurality of input signals and each of the selected ones of the second plurality of input signals are included in an interpolated output signal.
US08228103B2
A circuit breaker having break contacts for disconnecting an electric grid or network in a predetermined manner includes a trigger unit which triggers actuation of the break contacts in response to signals received from a detector which detects aperiodic, substantially step-like changes in the amplitude of at least one electric parameter in the electric network. The trigger unit is operatively connected with the detector. The disclosed circuit breaker reduces the likelihood of a fire caused by faults in electric networks.
US08228088B1
Automated testing of solar panel modules employs a gantry system to continuously transfer modules in and out of a workstation where the modules undergo solar simulation current voltage testing and high voltage safety measurements. The gantry system includes a carriage and a clamp device that is adopted to receive and secure the perimeter of each module, which has a positive and negative junction box, located on its back side and contact pins are inserted into the junction boxes during testing. The clamp has an electrically conductive inner perimeter that engages the corresponding outer perimeter of module. High voltage testing determines the level of current leakage between the interior and exterior of the module. A takt time of fifteen seconds or better is achieved.
US08228082B2
The automatic loading and unloading of devices for burn-in testing is facilitated by loading burn-in boards in a magazine with the stacked boards in the magazine moved into and out of a burn-in oven by means of a trolley. The trolley can include an elevator whereby a plurality of magazines can be stacked in the oven for the simultaneous burn-in testing of devices mounted on the burn-in boards. Each board has rollers on one end which are engagable by pneumatically actuated cam mechanisms for inserting the board into an electrical contact in the oven for burn-in tests. Preferably, the cam mechanisms allow for extraction of a single board for inspection.
US08228081B2
A testing apparatus is provided to test whether a distance between a first and a second portions of an object is eligible. The testing apparatus includes a worktable, a positioning mechanism to support the object, a pressing mechanism to secure the object, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism outputs signals to reflect the relative position of the correspond to-be-tested portion and the actuating mechanism, therefore a controlling device indicates whether the distance between the to-be-tested portion and the base plane is eligible or not according the outputting signals of the corresponding actuating mechanism.
US08228079B2
Voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage state of a voltage source includes a first route, a second route and a comparator. First route is between a voltage source and a ground voltage, having a first current source and a first MOS resistor, connected in series at a first node with outputting a first voltage. Second route is between the voltage source and the ground voltage, having a second current source and a second MOS resistor, connected in series at a second node with outputting a second voltage. The comparator receives the first voltage and the second voltage and outputs the voltage state. The comparator includes a current offset circuit for producing an offset voltage to the second voltage. A voltage comparing unit compares the first voltage and the second voltage with offset by a voltage difference, and outputs the voltage state according to variance of the voltage difference.
US08228067B2
A load bank that is used to test electrical connections. The connections are attached to the load bank, so that the switches are loaded during the testing. The overheating or underheating, of either switches or loads can be tested, evaluated, and used to determine faults and errors.
US08228062B2
Herein a method for slice selection is provided in an MRI process, the method involves controlling a transmit array by adding low flip angle RF pulses interspersed between refocusing pulses that are used to move a k-space weighting function with respect to one or more B 1 fields used to deposit energy according to a desired k-space weighting function. The low flip angle pulses deposit energy so that an envelope traced by the low flip angle pulses in the k-space weighting function is related to a desired spatially excited region of the sample volume, for example by a Fourier transform, if the phase encoding directions are linear axes that coordinatize the sample volume, and the B 1 fields have linear phase gradients.
US08228061B2
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with mitigating off-resonance angle in steady-state coherent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. One example method includes accessing a B0 map and a coil sensitivity profile associated with an MRI apparatus configured to produce a steady-state coherent MRI sequence to image an object. The MRI apparatus is configured with a multi-channel transmission array having individually controllable transmission channels. The method includes computing transmission control parameters for individual transmission channels as a function of the B0 map and the coil sensitivity profile. The transmission control parameters are configured to facilitate controlling the transmission array to create a spatially varying phase profile using a single dimensional radio frequency (RF) pulse.
US08228056B2
The invention relates to a method for analysis of magnetic fields or signals used for the determination of the position of an object, wherein two temporally to each other shifted magnetic signals or fields are generated by two conductors arranged at least in part or completely separated from each other. The magnetic fields generated by the conductors are consecutively being captured by at least one and preferably three sensors arranged orthogonally to each other and determining from the captured signals information for determining the position of the object carrying the sensors relative to the conductors.
US08228050B2
A switching power supply is a buck DC-DC converter that includes a plurality of inductors and switching devices that control the connection relations of the inductors, the ON and OFF of the switching devices are controlled such that the inductors are connected in series to each other while the switching devices are ON and such that the inductors are connected in parallel to each other while the switching devices are OFF for obtaining a low output voltage easily. The ON and OFF of the switching devices are controlled such that some of the inductors are disconnected for realizing a DC-DC converter that exhibits different performance. The switching power supply according to the invention facilitates preventing the circuit scale from being enlarged, preventing especially the number of large-capacity capacitors from increasing and obtaining a low output voltage.
US08228049B2
A control circuit for generating a control signal to add phases to a multiphase voltage regulator. The control circuit includes an input for receiving an error correction voltage from an error amplifier of the multiphase voltage regulator and at least one output for providing a PWM control signal. Control circuitry generates at least one PWM control signal to add a phase to the multiphase voltage regulator responsive to a determination that the error correction voltage has exceeded a threshold level.
US08228048B2
Regulating voltages. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a switching circuit configured to produce an intermediate voltage signal from an input voltage signal, and a first voltage regulator coupled the switching circuit and configured to produce a first regulated voltage signal from the intermediate voltage signal. The switching circuit is configured to create the intermediate voltage signal based on a switching signal having a duty cycle, and wherein the duty cycle of the switching signal is open-loop with respect the intermediate voltage signal and the first regulated voltage signal.
US08228046B2
Systems and methods for operating an uninterruptable power supply are provided. The uninterruptable power supply may include a rectifier that has a transistor and an inductor. The uninterruptable power supply may also include a controller. A current sensor can be configured to detect inductor current and to provide a detected inductor current value to the controller to generate a current error value based and to generate a pulse width modulation control signal based in part on the current error value. The controller can apply the pulse width modulation control signal to the transistor to adjust a switching frequency of the transistor.
US08228039B2
The present invention applies load to a portable telephone by charging and discharging a secondary battery conforming to the actual way of use of the portable telephone, so that the performance of the secondary battery in a portable telephone connected for charging can be accurately tested. A battery testing device of the present invention has: a charge control circuit for controlling input power which is input to a lithium ion battery via an AC adapter; and a radio circuit for controlling output power which is output from the lithium ion battery and discharging the lithium ion battery, wherein when the lithium ion battery reaches a fully charged state, the radio circuit starts discharging while the charge control circuit stops charge of the lithium ion battery using the AC adapter, and when the lithium ion battery reaches a predetermined charged state, the charge control circuit starts charge of the lithium ion battery using the AC adapter while the radio circuit stops discharge of the lithium ion battery.
US08228035B2
A method for controlling regeneration of a battery includes determining a scaled value for a state of charge of the battery, a scaled value for a battery temperature and a scaled value for a maximum charging power of the battery. An actual battery temperature is then compared with a predetermined operating temperature. When the actual battery temperature is less than the predetermined operating temperature, an actual regeneration amount is calculated based upon the scaled value for the state of charge of the battery and the scaled value for the battery temperature. When the actual battery temperature is greater than the predetermined operating temperature, the actual regeneration amount is based upon the scaled value for the state of charge of the battery, the scaled value for the battery temperature, and the scaled value for the maximum charging power of the battery.
US08228034B2
There is provided a system for storing electrical energy during an off-peak period and distributing the electrical energy to consumers during a peak period. The system includes an energy storage means for storing the electrical energy; a first means for directing the electrical energy produced during the off-peak period into the energy storage means; and a second means for directing the electrical energy from the energy storage means to consumers during the peak period. Preferably, the energy storage means consists of five sodium-nickel-chloride batteries having a specific energy in the range of about 80 to about 200 Wh/kg, preferably about 100 to about 150 Wh/kg, and most preferably about 120 Wh/kg.
US08228028B2
Methods for accurately tracking position and orientation of a magnetic-field sensor in a tracking volume when a large magnetic-field distorter is present in the tracking volume. In some of the methods, magnetic field data is collected from within the tracking volume both with and without the large magnetic-field distorter present in the tracking volume. This data is used to obtain correction information that is subsequently used during real-time operation of the magnetic-field sensor to correct the position and orientation solutions for the sensor for magnetic-field distortions caused by the presence of the large magnetic-field distorter in the tracking volume. Others of the methods involve modeling the large magnetic-field distorter using dipole and multipole modeling. Magnetic tracking systems for implementing the methods include hardware and software for carrying out the methods.
US08228027B2
A wireless transmission system having a transmitter and receiver is described. In one embodiment, the transmitter includes an electronically-controlled switch controlled by a first pulse width modulation control circuit, the switch configured to pull current through a first inductor when the switch is closed, the first pulse width modulation control circuit outputting a PWM output signal to control the switch. A first feedback signal obtained from a control input of the switch. A second feedback signal obtained from a terminal of the inductor, wherein a control feedback signal is computed, at least in part, as a difference between the first feedback signal and the second feedback signal is provided to the first pulse width modulation control circuit. In one embodiment, the receiver includes a second pulse with modulation controller, the second pulse width modulation controller controlling the receiver switch to deliver a desired power from the receiving coil to a load.
US08228018B2
A motor control system includes a motor unit and a controller unit electrically connected therewith. The motor unit includes a motor, a resolver detecting a rotational angle of the motor and a first memory storing first error data for detection by the resolver of the motor's rotational angle. The controller unit includes a second memory storing second error data for detection by the resolver of the motor's rotational angle and a motor controller determining an actual rotational angle of the motor according to the detected rotational angle detected by the resolver and the second error data in the second memory and controls the motor's rotation according to the determined actual rotational angle. The motor unit or the controller unit further includes an update section updating the second error data with the first error data according to motor data in the first and second memories.
US08228012B2
A controller of a multi-phase electric motor has a drive section having an upper arm switching element and a lower arm switching element for driving the multi-phase electric motor, a single current detection section for detecting a current value of the multi-phase electric motor, a pulse width modulation signal generation section for generating plural pulse width modulation of each phase within one control period based on the current value detected by the current detection section and a carrier signal, and a phase movement section for moving the pulse width modulation signal of a predetermined phase generated by the pulse width modulation signal generation section by gradually changing a movement amount of the phase in one control period, and outputting the resultant pulse width modulation signal to the drive section.
US08228011B2
The present invention discloses a bi-direction driver IC and a method for bi-directionally driving an object. The method comprises: providing a first and a second integrated circuit (IC) chips, coupled with an object to be driven, wherein each of the first and second IC chips is capable of single-directionally driving the object; providing a reverse current path in each of the first and second IC chips; driving the object in a first direction by the first IC chip, wherein current flows through the reverse current path in the second IC chip; and driving the object in a second direction by the second IC chip, wherein current flows through the reverse current path in the first IC chip.
US08228009B2
A twin motor actuator includes a pair of motor controllers for controlling respective motors according to commands received by each motor controller, and a communication link for communicating the commands received by each motor controller to the other motor controller. The motor controllers are configured to transmit the commands received by the motor controller to the other motor controller via the communication link, determine whether contradictory commands have been received by the motor controllers, and control the motors at a defined state if contradictory commands are received. The communication link is an electrically isolated communication link and the defined state may be the state of the motors immediately before detecting the contradictory commands.
US08228000B2
A circuit arrangement is provided, which may include an input; an output; an inverter, configured to provide an AC supply voltage from a DC supply voltage; a control device configured to drive the inverter, the control device being configured to initiate a preheating phase once a preheating criterion has been met; a resonant circuit having a resonant inductor and having a resonant capacitor; and a transformer configured to preheat electrodes of a gas discharge lamp; wherein the primary winding of the transformer is connected in series with the resonant capacitor and is connected directly to the reference potential of the control device, and an electrical switch is coupled in parallel with the primary winding of the transformer, which switch has a control connection, which is coupled to the control device being configured to transfer the electrical switch into its electrically conducting switching state once the starting criterion has been met.
US08227995B2
This invention relates to a luminaire comprising a light source emitting output light, and a detector unit, which is arranged to detect received light emanating from a remote reflection of said output light, wherein the detector unit comprises a first identifier, which is arranged to identify a remotely introduced reflector identifying light coding of the received light. The invention also relates to a method for determining a property of light at a remote position.
US08227991B2
The invention provides a metal halide lamp with a ceramic discharge vessel and two electrodes. The discharge vessel encloses a discharge volume containing an ionisable salt filling. The ionisable salt filling comprises 3.5-82 mol % sodium iodide, 0.5-8.5 mol % thallium iodide, 14-92 mol % calcium iodide, 0.5-5.5 mol % cerium iodide and 0.5-3.5 mol % indium iodide. The mol percentages are relative to the total amount of ionisable salt filling. The lamp is dimmable, at least in a range of 50-100% of nominal intensity, while maintaining its light-technical properties and while not substantially deviating from the black body locus. Further, the lamp has a relatively high efficacy. Further, the lamp can be operated horizontally and vertically, i.e. the lamp is suitable for universal burning.
US08227979B2
A method of matching a color of a light to the color of an object is presented which results in custom colored light emitting diodes.
US08227968B2
A lamp assembly (1) comprises at least a light source (8) and a reflector for reflecting light from the light source (8). The reflector is positionable with respect to the light source (8) in at least a first position and a second position to obtain a spot-like light emission in the first position and a more or less omnidirectional light emission, in the second position, of the light emitted by the lamp assembly (1). The lamp assembly (1) comprises a reflective layer (7). In the first position of the reflector at least part of the light is reflected by the reflector as well as by the reflective layer (7). In the second position of the reflector at least part of the light is reflected by the reflector and passes along the reflective layer (7).
US08227965B2
A microchannel plate includes a substrate defining a plurality of channels extending from a top surface of the substrate to a bottom surface of the substrate. A resistive layer is formed over an outer surface of the plurality of channels that provides ohmic conduction with a predetermined resistivity that is substantially constant. An emissive layer is formed over the resistive layer. A top electrode is positioned on the top surface of the substrate. A bottom electrode positioned on the bottom surface of the substrate.
US08227950B2
A rolling bearing as a ball bearing comprising an inner ring; an outer ring having the same axial width as said inner ring; balls arranged between said inner ring and said outer ring; and a sealing member having a roughly channel-shaped configuration in cross section projecting from both end faces of said inner ring and said outer ring. A relation between a diameter A of said ball and an axial width W of said inner ring and said outer ring satisfies A/W≧0.4, and a relation between a bearing volume V of said ball bearing and an internal space capacity C of said ball bearing satisfies 0.35≦C/V≦0.55.
US08227947B2
An electric motor is provided that is configured for operation in hazardous or other hazardous environments. The electric motor includes a housing for a rotor and a stator. The housing includes a pair of end caps and a casing positioned therebetween. The end caps and the casing are held together using internal tie bars extending between and connected to the end caps.
US08227939B2
A reconfigurable multi-cell power converter and method wherein a set of cells are connected between an input bus and a load in an input series output parallel configuration or in an input parallel output series configuration. Each cell includes a primary side reconfigurable between series and parallel operation and a secondary side also reconfigurable between series and parallel operation. Switching circuitry is configured to reconfigure the primary side of each cell between series and parallel operation and vice versa and also to reconfigure the secondary side of each cell between series and parallel operation and vice versa. A controller is configured to actuate the switching circuitry depending a voltage on the input bus and/or cell condition to reconfigure all the cell primary sides and/or secondary sides while maintaining a desired input series output parallel or input parallel output series connection for the set of cells.
US08227934B2
A monitoring system includes a controller, a number of input devices, a number of digital sensors, a number of analog sensors, a number of displays, and a number of alarms. Each input device includes a switching circuit, an input circuit, and a connector. The connector is connected to a digital sensor or an analog sensor. The switching circuit includes an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a p-channel MOSFET, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The input circuit includes an operational amplifier and a third resistor.
US08227925B2
An integrated circuit packaging system comprising: a base package substrate; a first integrated circuit die attached over the base package substrate; and an interposer having a recessed edge and a corner that extends to a singulation edge, the interposer mounted over the first integrated circuit die, the interposer having a recess gap between the recessed edge and the singulation edge.
US08227919B2
An interconnection structure and an electronic device employing the same are provided. The interconnection structure for an integrated structure includes first and second contact plugs disposed on a substrate, and a connection pattern interposed between sidewalls of the first and second contact plugs and configured to electrically connect the first and second contact plugs.
US08227917B2
A bonding pad design is disclosed that includes one or more pad groups on a semiconductor device. Each pad group is made up of two or more bonding pads that have an alternating orientation, such that adjacent bonding pads have their bond ball on opposite sides in relation to the adjacent bonding pad.
US08227916B2
A semiconductor package structure is provided. The structure includes a semiconductor chip having a plurality of interconnect layers formed thereover. A first passivation layer is formed over the plurality of interconnect layers. A stress buffer layer is formed over the first passivation layer. A bonding pad is formed over the stress buffer layer. A second passivation layer is formed over a portion of the bonding pad, the second passivation having at least one opening therein exposing a portion of the bonding pad.
US08227913B2
The power semiconductor module (1) comprises several semiconductor components (6, 7, 8), located on a substrate (2). The aim of the invention is to prevent a reduction in the pressure of the substrate against a cooling surface and the resulting loss of cooling arising from deformations. Said aim is achieved, whereby the substrate (2) comprises several substrate regions (3, 4, 5), with one or several connection regions (31, 32), located between substrate regions (3, 4, 5), by means of which the substrate regions (3, 4, 5) are connected such as to move relative to each other.
US08227910B2
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die having contact pads. An encapsulant is disposed around the semiconductor die, and conductive vias are disposed in the encapsulant. Electrically conductive traces are disposed between the contact pads and conductive vias, a thermally conductive channel is disposed in the encapsulant separate from the conductive vias, and a thermally conductive layer is disposed over an area of heat generation of the semiconductor die. A thermally conductive trace is disposed between the thermally conductive layer and thermally conductive channel. The thermally conductive layer, thermally conductive trace, and thermally conductive channel are electrically isolated from the contact pads of the semiconductor die and the electrically conductive traces. The semiconductor package further comprises broad thermal traces disposed over the encapsulant, and a thermally conductive material interconnecting the broad thermal traces and the thermally conductive layer.
US08227907B2
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to fabricate a metal interconnect. A first metal trace is printed on a die attached to a substrate or a cavity of a heat spreader in a package to electrically connect the first metal trace to a power contact in the substrate. A device is mounted on the first metal trace. The device receives power from the substrate when the package is powered.
US08227896B2
Nitrogen-doped MgO insulating layers exhibit voltage controlled resistance states, e.g., a high resistance and a low resistance state. Patterned nano-devices on the 100 nm scale show highly reproducible switching characteristics. The voltage levels at which such devices are switched between the two resistance levels can be systematically lowered by increasing the nitrogen concentration. Similarly, the resistance of the high resistance state can be varied by varying the nitrogen concentration, and decreases by orders of magnitude by varying the nitrogen concentrations by a few percent. On the other hand, the resistance of the low resistance state is nearly insensitive to the nitrogen doping level. The resistance of single Mg50O50-xNx layer devices can be varied over a wide range by limiting the current that can be passed during the SET process. Associated data storage devices can be constructed.
US08227895B2
A capacitor includes a lower electrode formed over a semiconductor substrate; a first insulating film formed over the lower electrode; a second insulating film formed over the first insulating film; a third insulating film formed over the second insulating film; and an upper electrode formed over the third insulating film, the density of the first insulating film being greater than that of the second insulating film, and the density of the third insulating film being greater than that of the second insulating film.
US08227893B2
In a capacitor element in which a highly dielectric metal oxide film formed between wiring layers is used as a capacitor insulation film, the diffusion and thermal oxidation of a lower-layer wiring material are reduced, and the surface on which a thin capacitor insulation film that constitutes a capacitor element is formed is kept flat. A lower electrode (111b) having the ability to prevent diffusion of the wiring material is embedded and formed so as to be in direct contact with a lower-layer wiring (105) in a prescribed area of a wiring cap film (103), and the surface on which the capacitor insulation film is formed is flat. The wiring cap film functions to prevent diffusion and oxidation of the wiring material formed on a wiring disposed in a lower layer of the capacitor element.
US08227890B2
The present invention provides a method of integrating an electrical fuse process into a high-k/metal gate process. The method simultaneously forms a dummy gate stack of a transistor and a dummy gate stack of an e-fuse; and simultaneously removes the polysilicon of the dummy gate stack in the transistor region and the polysilicon of the dummy gate stack in the e-fuse region. Thereafter, the work function metal layer disposed in the opening of the e-fuse region is removed; and the opening in the transistor region and the opening in the e-fuse region with metal conductive structures are filled to form an e-fuse and a metal gate of a transistor.
US08227885B2
A selective light absorbing semiconductor surface is disclosed. Said semiconductor surface is characterized by the presence of indentations or protrusions comprising a grating of dimensions such as to enhance the absorption of selected frequencies of radiation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said grating is formed on the surface of a doped semiconductor for the purposes of optical frequency down conversion. The semiconductor is doped so as to create energy levels within the forbidden zone between the conduction and valence bands. Incident radiation excites electrons from the valence to conduction band from where they decay to the meta-stable newly created energy level in the forbidden zone. From there, electrons return to the valence band, accompanied by the emission of radiation of lower frequency than that of the incident radiation. Optical frequency down-conversion is thus efficiently and rapidly accomplished. In a further embodiment of the present invention said grating is formed on the entrance and exit surfaces of one or more layers of a single or multi-junction solar cell. In this embodiment said grating is characterized by indents of depth λ/4 and width >λ, where λ is the wavelength of solar radiation incident on the layer under consideration.
US08227881B2
A solar cell having improved efficiency and its method of manufacture includes: forming a porous layer on a surface of a semiconductor substrate; spraying a compound containing a dopant on the porous layer; and forming an emitter layer on the surface of the semiconductor substrate by diffusing the dopant.
US08227878B2
An electronic component includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposing to the first surface; a trans-substrate conductive plug that penetrates the semiconductor substrate from the first surface to the second surface; an electronic element provided in the vicinity of the first surface of the semiconductor; and a sealing member that seals the electronic element between the sealing member and the first surface, wherein the electronic element is electrically connected to the trans-substrate conductive plug.
US08227876B2
A SOI-based MEMS device has a base layer, a device layer, and an insulator layer between the base layer and the device layer. The device also has a deposited layer having a portion that is spaced from the device layer. The device layer is between the insulator layer and the deposited layer.
US08227872B2
Example embodiments relate to a heterojunction diode, a method of manufacturing the heterojunction diode, and an electronic device including the heterojunction diode. The heterojunction diode may include a first conductive type non-oxide layer and a second conductive type oxide layer bonded to the non-oxide layer. The non-oxide layer may be a Si layer. The Si layer may be a p++ Si layer or an n++ Si layer. A difference in work functions of the non-oxide layer and the oxide layer may be about 0.8-1.2 eV. Accordingly, when a forward voltage is applied to the heterojunction diode, rectification may occur. The heterojunction diode may be applied to an electronic device, e.g., a memory device.
US08227870B2
A method and structure to scale metal gate height in high-k/metal gate transistors. A method includes forming a dummy gate and at least one polysilicon feature, all of which are formed from a same polysilicon layer and wherein the dummy gate is formed over a gate metal layer associated with a transistor. The method also includes selectively removing the dummy gate while protecting the at least one polysilicon feature. The method further includes forming a gate contact on the gate metal layer to thereby form a metal gate having a height that is less than half a height of the at least one polysilicon feature.
US08227869B2
Stress engineering for PMOS and NMOS devices is obtained with a compressive stressor layer over the PMOS device, wherein the compressive stressor layer has the shape of a polygon when viewed from a top down perspective, and wherein the polygon includes a recess defined in its periphery. The NMOS device has a tensile stress layer wherein the tensile stressor layer has the shape of a polygon when viewed from the top down perspective, wherein the polygon includes a protrusion in its periphery, the protrusion extending into the recess of the first stressor layer. Thus, stress performance for both devices can be improved without violating design rules.
US08227868B2
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type having a top surface and a rear surface, a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type formed on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate, having a top surface and a rear surface, and having the rear surface in contact with the top surface of the semiconductor substrate, a body region of the first conductivity type formed in a top layer portion of the semiconductor layer, a first impurity region of the second conductivity type formed in a top layer portion of the semiconductor layer and spaced apart from the body region, a second impurity region of the second conductivity type formed in a top layer portion of the body region and spaced apart from a peripheral edge of the body region, a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor layer and opposed to a portion between the peripheral edge of the body region and a peripheral edge of the second impurity region, a field insulating film formed in a portion of the top surface of the semiconductor layer between the body region and the first impurity region, and a plurality of field plates formed on the field insulating film and spaced apart from each other, and a spacing between adjacent field plates decreases as the body region is approached from the first impurity region.
US08227862B2
A field-effect transistor (142) includes a lowly p-doped region 110 formed on a surface of a substrate (102), an n-doped drain region 112 and n-doped source region 114 arranged on a surface of the lowly p-doped region 110, and a device isolation insulating film 132 and device isolation insulating film 134. Here, the device isolation insulating film 132 is formed greater in film thickness than the device isolation insulating film 134; and in the n-doped source region 114, the peak concentration section having a highest dopant concentration is formed in a deeper position than in the n-doped drain region 112.
US08227860B2
A device for providing a high power, low resistance, efficient vertical DMOS device is disclosed. The device comprises providing a semiconductor substrate with a source body structure thereon. The device further comprises a plurality of slots in the source/body structure and providing a metal within the plurality of slots to form a plurality of structures. A slotted PowerFET array is disclosed. This slotted approach results in a dense PowerFET, a low Ron due to the slotted design, an oxide isolated process without any due extra steps other than the slots, lower capacitance, lower leakage, smaller die, improved heat transfer, improved electro-migration, lower ground resistance, less cross talk, drops the isolation diffusion and the sinker diffusion, mostly low temperature processing and provides double metal with single metal processing. Also disclosed is a method for integrating this vertical DMOS with CMOS, bipolar and BCD to provide an optimized small, efficient die using the buried power buss approach and these technologies.
US08227858B2
A power MOSFET is described. A trench is in a body layer and an epitaxial layer. An isolation structure is on the substrate at one side of the trench. An oxide layer is on the surface of the trench. A first conductive layer fills the trench and extends to the isolation structure. A dielectric layer is on the first conductive layer and isolation structure and has an opening exposing the first conductive layer. At least one source region is in the body layer at the other side of the trench. A second conductive layer is on the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the source region while electrically isolated from the first conductive layer by the dielectric layer. A third conductive layer is on the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the first conductive layer through the opening of the dielectric layer. The second and third conductive layers are separated.
US08227856B2
Provided is an ESD protection element, in which: LOCOS oxide films are formed at both ends of a gate electrode, and a conductivity type of a diffusion layer formed below one of the LOCOS oxide films which is not located on a drain side is set to a p-type, to thereby limit an amount of a current flowing in a portion below a source-side n-type high concentration diffusion layer, the current being generated due to surface breakdown of a drain. With this structure, even in a case of protecting a high withstanding voltage element, it is possible to easily satisfy a function required for the ESD protection element, the function of being constantly in an off-state during a steady state, while operating, upon application of a surge or noise to a semiconductor device, so as not to reach a breakage of an internal element, discharging a generated large current, and then returning to the off-state again.
US08227854B2
A semiconductor device includes: a drift layer having a superjunction structure; a semiconductor base layer selectively formed in a part of one surface of the drift layer; a first RESURF layer formed around a region having the semiconductor base layer formed thereon; a second semiconductor RESURF layer of a conductivity type which is opposite to a conductivity type of the first semiconductor RESURF layer; a first main electrode connected to a first surface of the drift layer; and a second main electrode connected to a second surface of the drift layer. The first RESURF layer is connected to the semiconductor base layer. The second semiconductor RESURF layer is in contact with the first semiconductor RESURF layer.
US08227850B2
A method for fabricating a gated semiconductor device, and the device resulting from performing the method. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes forming a hard mask for use in gate formation on one or more layers of alternately insulating and conducting material that have been formed on a substrate. The hard mask preferably includes three layers; a lower nitride layer, a middle oxide, and an upper nitride layer. In this embodiment, the middle oxide layer is formed with the rest of the hard mask, and then reduced in a lateral dimension, preferably using a DHF dip. A dielectric layer formed over the gate structure, including the hard mask, then etched back, self-aligns to be reduced-dimension oxide layer. In addition, where two conducting, that is gate layers are present, the lower layer is laterally reduced in dimension on at least one side to create an undercut.
US08227844B2
A CMOS active pixel sensor (APS) cell structure includes at least one transfer gate device and method of operation. A first transfer gate device comprises a diodic or split transfer gate conductor structure having a first doped region of first conductivity type material and a second doped region of a second conductivity type material. A photosensing device is formed adjacent the first doped region for collecting charge carriers in response to light incident thereto, and, a diffusion region of a second conductivity type material is formed at or below the substrate surface adjacent the second doped region of the transfer gate device for receiving charges transferred from the photosensing device while preventing spillback of charges to the photosensing device upon timed voltage bias to the diodic or split transfer gate conductor structure.
US08227835B2
One embodiment of an electrostatic protection diode in an integrated circuit includes a base area having at least two bends therein.
US08227833B2
Non-silicon metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) devices and methods of forming the same. The non-silicon MIS device includes a gate dielectric stack which comprises at least two layers of non-native oxide or nitride material. The first material layer of the gate dielectric forms an interface with the non-silicon semiconductor surface and has a lower dielectric constant than a second material layer of the gate dielectric. In an embodiment, a dual layer including a first metal silicate layer and a second oxide layer provides both a good quality oxide-semiconductor interface and a high effective gate dielectric constant.
US08227817B2
The present invention relates to light emitting diodes comprising at least one nanowire. The LED according to the invention is an upstanding nanostructure with the nanowire protruding from a substrate. A bulb with a larger diameter than the nanowire is arranged in connection to the nanowire and at an elevated position with regards to the substrate. A pn-junction is formed by the combination of the bulb and the nanowire resulting in an active region to produce light.
US08227810B2
There are provided a semiconductor device that includes a bypass protection unit against surge voltage or the like, achieves good withstand voltage characteristics and low on-resistance (low On-state voltage), has a simple structure, and is used for large-current purpose and a method for producing the semiconductor device.In the present invention, the semiconductor device includes an n+-type GaN substrate 1 having a GaN layer that is in ohmic contact with a supporting substrate, a FET having an n−-type GaN drift layer 2 in a first region R1, and an SBD having an anode electrode in a second region R2, the anode electrode being in Schottky contact with the n−-type GaN drift layer 2. The FET and the SBD are arranged in parallel. A drain electrode D of the FET and a cathode electrode C of the SBD are formed on the back of the n+-type GaN substrate 1.
US08227808B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and thin film transistor (TFT) manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. According to the present invention, poly-silicon layers for forming active areas of non-driving TFT (e.g. peripheral circuit TFT and switch TFT) and driving TFT used in the OLED display are respectively made by using standard laser crystallization method and non-laser crystallization method or low energy laser crystallization method. Therefore, the peripheral circuit TFT has excellent electrical performance such as high carrier mobility, while the OLED-driving TFT has good stability so that the resultant display can operate with improved luminance uniformity.
US08227806B2
A p channel TFT of a driving circuit has a single drain structure and its n channel TFT, a GOLD structure or an LDD structure. A pixel TFT has the LDD structure. A pixel electrode disposed in a pixel portion is connected to the pixel TFT through a hole bored in at least a protective insulation film formed of an inorganic insulating material and formed above a gate electrode of the pixel TFT, and in an interlayer insulating film disposed on the insulation film in close contact therewith. These process steps use 6 to 8 photo-masks.
US08227779B2
The present invention relates to a gas discharge source, for generating EUV radiation and/or soft X-radiation, comprising at least two electrode bodies (110,120), of which a first electrode body (110) comprises a rotatably mounted electrode disk (100). The source further comprises a rotary drive (130) for the electrode disk, a device for applying a liquid film of a target material (140) onto a radial outer surface of the electrode disk (100), and a laser that is focussed, within a discharge area (240), onto the radial outer surface of the electrode disk (100) to evaporate target material. The source is characterized by an intermediate space (160) is formed between the electrode bodies, which intermediate space has a reduced width of <5 mm outside the discharge area (240), which is smaller than the intermediate space in the discharge area. The source enables the generated radiation to be emitted in a simple manner through a larger solid angle, without being shadowed by the electrodes.
US08227775B2
A particle beam therapy system includes a synchrotron which accelerates beams of charged particles to a desired energy level and permits extraction of the beams of charged particles exceeding a stability limit, an irradiation device which irradiates an object with the beams of charged particles, a beam transport system which conducts the beams of charged particles extracted from the synchrotron to the irradiation device, and a control unit which provides control to remove part of the beams of charged particles circling in the synchrotron and allow the rest of the circling beams of charged particles to be extracted from the synchrotron and conducted to the irradiation device. The particle beam therapy system produces irradiation beams suitable for high-precision particle beam therapy by the spot scanning method or the like.
US08227771B2
A debris prevention system is constructed and arranged to prevent debris emanating from a radiation source from propagating with radiation from the radiation source into or within a lithographic apparatus. The debris prevention system includes a first foil trap that is rotatable around an axis of rotation, and a second foil trap that at least partly encloses the first foil trap. The second foil trap includes a plurality of foils optically open respective to a central location for placement of a radiation source and optically closed respective to directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
US08227768B2
An ion implantation system configured to produce an ion beam is provided, wherein an end station has a robotic architecture having at least four degrees of freedom. An end effector operatively coupled to the robotic architecture selectively grips and translates a workpiece through the ion beam. The robotic architecture has a plurality of motors operatively coupled to the end station, each having a rotational shaft. At least a portion of each rotational shaft generally resides within the end station, and each of the plurality of motors has a linkage assembly respectively associated therewith, wherein each linkage assembly respectively has a crank arm and a strut. The crank arm of each linkage assembly is fixedly coupled to the respective rotational shaft, and the strut of each linkage assembly is pivotally coupled to the respective crank arm at a first joint, and pivotally coupled to the end effector at a second joint.
US08227765B2
This invention provides a method of combining an array-type nanospray ionization source comprising a set of externally wetted proud features and a contact electrode with a pneumatic nebuliser acting to enhance the flux of sprayed ions. Methods of fabricating a substrate combining a set of proud features with analyte delivery and gas flow channels in silicon-based materials are described.
US08227762B2
Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the calibration and quality assurance of motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machines. A phantom, capable of mimicking human breathing through inflation and deflation of the lungs, houses an independently moving target (tumor) that detects the amount of radiation received from the radiation therapy machine. This amount can be compared with a desired amount to determine if adjustment or repositioning is necessary. The servo-mechanism(s) of the motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machine(s) are adjusted in comparison of detected versus programmed motion of the respiring phantom having incorporated independently moving target that incorporated radiation dose detector(s). In the invention, motion tracking and irradiation mechanisms of the radiation therapy machine are adjusted to calibrate with reference to performance specifications of the radiation therapy machine.
US08227756B2
A flame detection apparatus is provided that provides low cost fire detection with improved false alarm discrimination and that includes at least two optical sensors, each configured with a Long Wave Pass IR filter with distinct minimum responsive wavelengths and arrayed to broadly sample the MWIR band.
US08227753B2
Charged particle beams with different charged particle currents are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes exposing a sample to a first ion beam having a first ion current at the sample, and exposing the sample to a second ion beam having a second ion current at the sample, where the first ion current is at least two times greater than the second ion current. In certain embodiments, a method includes creating a first ion beam at a first pressure, exposing a sample to the first ion beam, creating a second ion beam at a second pressure, and exposing the sample to the second ion beam, where the first pressure is at least two times greater than the second pressure.
US08227752B1
A method of inspecting an object using a scanning particle beam microscope, the method comprising: operating the microscope in a high-resolution mode by laterally scanning a particle beam of the high-resolution mode; operating the microscope in a 3D-mode for acquiring a three-dimensional representation of the object by laterally scanning a particle beam of the 3D-mode; wherein the particle beam of the high-resolution mode and the particle beam of the 3D-mode have a same beam energy and a same focus distance; and wherein an aperture angle of the particle beam of the 3D-mode is at least 2 times greater, or at least 5 times greater, or at least 10 times greater, or at least 100 times greater than an aperture angle of the particle beam of the high-resolution mode.
US08227745B2
A height adjustment apparatus for a projector includes a lifting assembly, a pushing rod, and an operation member. The projector includes a bottom wall having a recessed portion extending towards the inner side of the projector. The lifting assembly is received in the recessed portion, and includes a housing secured to the recessed portion, a supporting member, a first engaging member, and a second engaging member. The supporting member has one end pivotably connected to the housing the other end capable of being rotated out of the recessed portion. The first engaging member is connected to the supporting member and includes a first toothed engaging surface. The second engaging member includes a second toothed engaging surface, and is slidable in the housing. The pushing rod and the operation member control the engagement between the first and second toothed engaging surfaces to allow the supporting member to rotate or not.
US08227739B2
A photodetector amplifier circuit that converts a photodetector signal photoelectrically into a photocurrent and controls on or off state of an output transistor according to the photocurrent. The photodetector amplifier circuit has a first control circuit that is connected to a control terminal of the output transistor and controls on or off state of the output transistor according to the photocurrent and a switch that is connected between the control terminal of the output transistor and a ground voltage terminal and if the output transistor is turned off, discharges the control terminal of the output transistor by making the control terminal of the output transistor conductive with the ground voltage terminal.
US08227738B2
A digital camera includes: an image capture data creation unit; a CPU for directing the image capture data creation unit to perform image captures several times and acquire a plurality of image capture data; and an image processing device that determines whether or not a common specific image region exists in a plurality of image capture data acquired by the CPU and, in the case where it is determined that a specific image region exists, performs a pixel additive synthesis for image data of the specific image region and creates image data.
US08227733B2
A multi-layer photoelectric conversion device and technology is disclosed. A first photoelectric converter is separated from a second photoelectric converter by an insulative layer. The photoelectric converters may be of a variety of types, and the insulative layer provides protection to reduce pinhole faults in the multi-layer photoelectric conversion device.
US08227732B2
A light source device includes an elliptical resonator, an electric discharge lamp that has an electric discharge tube and an electrode connected to the electric discharge tube and is disposed at one of two confocal points of the elliptical resonator, and a power supply antenna that supplies a microwave to the electric discharge lamp and is disposed at the other confocal point.
US08227729B2
A method and apparatus for thermally processing a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, a method for thermally treating a substrate is provided. The method includes transferring a substrate to a chamber at a first temperature, the chamber having a heating source and a cooling source disposed in opposing portions of the chamber, heating the substrate in the chamber during a first time period to a second temperature, heating the substrate in the chamber to a third temperature during a second time period, and cooling the substrate in the chamber to a fourth temperature that is substantially equal to the second temperature during the second time period, wherein the second time period is about 2 seconds or less.
US08227728B2
An emitter tube has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a cavity of the emitter tube, and the cavity of the emitter tube is adapted for receiving food. An outer tube has an inner surface that defines a cavity of the outer tube, and the emitter tube is positioned in the cavity of the outer tube. A heating unit is for heating the outer surface of the emitter tube so that heat energy is transferred by conduction from the outer surface of the emitter tube to the inner surface of the emitter tube, and the inner surface of the emitter tube emits infrared radiant energy into the cavity of the emitter tube so that a majority of the energy that is transferred to the food within the emitter tube is in the form of infrared radiant energy.
US08227721B2
This interrupter device includes a parallel branch (4) in which a vacuum switch chamber is connected for breaking current. The branch is inactive in normal operation, with current flowing in it only when the disconnector (2) has started its opening movement, by progressive transfer of the current from the main power line (1) to the branch (4). Since the vacuum switch (6) is generally at rest, it no longer needs to be dimensioned to satisfy stringent electrical and dielectric requirements for normal operation.
US08227718B2
Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.
US08227711B2
A coreless packaging substrate includes: a substrate body including an auxiliary dielectric layer having opposing first and second surfaces, an inner wiring formed on the second surface, and a built-up structure formed on both the second surface of the auxiliary dielectric layer and the inner wiring; and a plurality of conductive bumps including metal pillars having opposing first and second ends and a solder layer formed on the first end, wherein the second ends of the metal pillars are disposed in the auxiliary dielectric layer and electrically connecting with the inner wiring, and the first ends of the metal pillars with the solder layer protrude from the first surface of the auxiliary dielectric layer, thereby achieving ultra-fine pitch and even-height conductive bumps. A method for fabricating the coreless packaging substrate as described above is further provided.
US08227709B2
A multi-layer printed wiring board includes a first insulating layer, a second insulating layer having a dissipation factor higher than a dissipation factor of the first insulating layer, a first conductive layer, and a first via connected to a lead wire in the first conductive layer. The first via includes a stub extending through the second insulating layer.
US08227702B2
A multilayer ceramic substrate in which an active element and a passive element are surface-equipped over the outermost surface on one side is provided. The multilayer ceramic substrate comprises a plurality of laminated ceramic substrate layers, a surface layer terminal electrode provided in a via hole of an outermost ceramic substrate layer on at least one side and having a surface layer via electrode and a metal plating layer deposited over an end surface of the surface layer via electrode, and a via conductor which connects the surface layer terminal electrode and circuit patterns over the ceramic substrate layer at the inside, wherein a via hole size of a surface layer terminal electrode for connection of the active element is smaller than a via hole size of a surface layer terminal electrode for connection of the passive element.
US08227700B2
A chip includes a chip body having an upper surface on which an active surface is formed, and at least one side protrusion terminal protruding from a lateral surface of the chip body and electrically connected to the active surface. As a plurality of semiconductor chips or parts may be connected to one another on a single package, a one-chip or one-package of a package is possible and the thickness of the package can be reduced.
US08227699B2
A printed circuit board includes a base insulating layer, first to third signal lines, a first cover insulating layer and a conductive layer. Wide parts are formed in the first to third signal lines. The first cover insulating layer is provided on the base insulating layer so as to cover the wide parts. The conductive layer is provided on the first cover insulating layer so as to cover a portion above the wide parts.
US08227693B2
A power-supplying system for a sliding structure includes: a protector cover having a base plate and a flange-shaped peripheral wall; a link arm rotatably supported along the base plate in the protector cover, and supporting a wiring harness at a top end side of a rotation; and an elastic member urging the link arm in a harness slack absorbing direction. The power-supplying system is disposed in the sliding structure. The protector cover is fixed to a panel of the sliding structure. An opening of the protector cover facing the base plate at a rear side is covered by the panel. The wiring harness is guided out from an oblong opening interposed between the protector cover and the panel toward a fixing structure.
US08227691B2
Processing additives, as well as related compositions, photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic modules, and methods, are disclosed.
US08227681B2
An active material assembly is provided having a thermally-activated active material apparatus with an elongated, non-planar shape and a thermoelectric device in thermal contact therewith. The thermoelectric device is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows through the device to activate the thermally-activated active material apparatus, thereby altering at least one dimension thereof. Multiple discrete thermoelectric devices may be in thermal contact with the active material apparatus and electrically in parallel with one another. The active material apparatus, which may be multiple active material components, each with one of the thermoelectric devices thereon, may be encased within a flexible electronic-insulating material to form an articulated active material assembly that can achieve different geometric shapes by separately activating one or more of the different thermoelectric devices. A method of fabricating an articulated active material assembly is also provided.
US08227671B1
A soybean cultivar designated 03440625 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 03440625, to the plants of soybean cultivar 03440625, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 03440625, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 03440625. 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 03440625. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 03440625, 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 03440625 with another soybean cultivar.
US08227646B2
A process for the production of propylene glycol by reaction of a feed material comprises glycerol in the presence of hydrogen which comprising the steps of: (a) supplying a stream comprising the feed material to a first vaporisation zone and contacting said feed with cycle gas comprising hydrogen such that at least a portion of the feed is vaporised by and into the cycle gas; (b) supplying at least a portion of the cycle gas and the vaporised feed material to a first reaction zone comprising catalyst and operating under reaction conditions to allow hydrogenation and dehydration to occur such that a major part of the glycerol is converted; (c) recovering from the first reaction zone an intermediate product stream comprising cycle gas, minor amounts of unconverted glycerol, and desired product(s); (d) supplying the intermediate product stream from the preceding reaction zone to a final vaporisation zone and contacting it with additional feed material such that an amount of glycerol, approximately equivalent to that vaporised in the preceding vaporisation zone, is vaporised by and into the intermediate product stream; (e) supplying the stream from step (d) to a final reaction zone comprising catalyst and operating under reaction conditions to allow hydrogenation and dehydration to occur such that a major part of the glycerol is converted; and (f) recovering from the final reaction zone a final product stream comprising cycle gas, minor amounts of unconverted feed glycerol and the desired product(s).
US08227644B2
A process for the selective production of acetaldehyde by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form acetaldehyde is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over platinum and iron supported on silica selectively produces acetaldehyde in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 300° C.
US08227642B2
A method for producing amines by the hydrogenation of nitrile compounds in the presence of a catalyst, notably a method for producing diamines by the continuous hydrogenation of dinitrile compounds in the presence of a Raney-metal catalyst, includes controlling the molar flow of nitrile compounds and the mass flow of catalyst in a hydrogenation piston reactor in order to minimize the occurrence of impurities and deterioration of the catalyst.
US08227626B2
The invention relates to novel fluorinated achiral 1,3-benzodioxanes of the general formula (I-a) and (I-b) and to the preparation thereof.
US08227618B2
This invention provides an anorectic or anti-obesity composition comprising a compound of the formula (I): formula (I): a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1 is optionally substituted lower alkyl, Y is —S(O)n- wherein n is 1 or 2, or —CO—, R2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R7 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is lower alkylene, lower alkenylene, arylene, cycloalkylene or the like, and Z is lower alkyl, optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or the like.
US08227614B2
The invention relates to the formation of synthesized fractal constructs and the methods of chemical self-assembly for the preparation of a non-dendritic, nano-scale, fractal constructs or molecules. More particularly, the invention relates to fractal constructs formed by molecular self-assembly, to create synthetic, nanometer-scale fractal shapes. In an embodiment, a nanoscale Sierpinski hexagonal gasket is formed. This non-dendritic, perfectly self-similar fractal macromolecule is comprised of bisterpyridine building blocks that are bound together by coordination to 36 Ru and 6 Fe ions to form a nearly planar array of increasingly larger hexagons around a hollow center.
US08227608B2
The present invention provides processes for the production of opiate alkaloids. In particular, the present invention provides processes for recycling impurities into useful intermediates during the synthesis of opiate alkaloids.
US08227596B2
A process is described for the preparation of drospirenone, a synthetic steroid with progestogenic, antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity, useful for preparing pharmaceutical compositions with contraceptive action by the oxidation of 17α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-6β,7β,15β, 16β-dimethylene-5β-androstane-3β,5,17β-triol.
US08227593B2
Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of forkhead box O1A. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding forkhead box O1A. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of forkhead box O1A expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of forkhead box O1A are provided, in particular, for methods of treating diabetes.
US08227590B2
The present invention relates to a high sensitivity assay for molecular typing of a biological sample using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) including resonance scattering (SERRS); capture probes for capturing nucleic acid; a detector probe to detect captured nucleic acid; a kit for molecular typing of biological sample using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) including resonance scattering (SERRS); and lastly a method of manufacturing said kit.
US08227584B2
The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a 30 kD Brachyspira hyodysenteriae lipoprotein and to parts of such nucleic acid sequences that encode an immunogenic fragment of such lipoproteins, and to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof. The invention also relates to a 30 kD Brachyspira hyodysenteriae lipoprotein and immunogenic parts thereof encoded by such sequences. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising such nucleic acid sequences and parts thereof, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof, lipoproteins or immunogenic parts thereof and antibodies against such lipoproteins or immunogenic parts thereof. Also, the invention relates to the use of said lipoproteins in vaccines and for the manufacture of vaccines. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said nucleic acid sequences, lipoproteins or antibodies for diagnostic or vaccination purposes. Finally the invention relates to diagnostic kits comprising such a nucleic acid, lipoprotein or antibodies against such lipoprotein.
US08227578B2
The present invention provides an antibody specifically against hDlk-1 and having anti-tumor activity in vivo (an anti-hDlk-1 antibody), a fragment of the antibody, a hybridoma that produces the antibody, a complex of the antibody or antibody fragment and an agent, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody and the like, a tumor therapeutic agent, a tumor angiogenesis inhibitor, a tumor diagnostic agent, a method for detecting a tumor, a kit for detecting and/or diagnosing a tumor, etc.
US08227571B2
The present invention relates to the preparation of insulinotropic peptides that are synthesized using a solid and solution phase (“hybrid”) approach. Generally, the approach includes synthesizing three different peptide intermediate fragments using solid phase chemistry. Solution phase chemistry is then used to add additional amino acid material to the third fragment which is then coupled to the second fragment and then the first fragment in solution. Alternatively, a different second fragment is coupled to the first fragment in the solid phase. Then, solution phase chemistry is then used to add additional amino acid material to a different third fragment. Subsequently, this different third fragment is coupled to the coupled first and different second fragment in the solution phase. The use of a pseudoproline in one of the fragments eases solid phase synthesis of that fragment and also eases subsequent solution phase coupling of this fragment to the other fragments. The present invention is very useful for forming insulinotropic peptides such as GLP-1(7-36) and its natural and non-natural counterparts.
US08227567B2
Disclosed herein are precursor polymers containing units of heteroaryls and units of Si, Sn, Ge, or Pb, methods of producing the precursor polymers, and applications utilizing these precursor polymers to prepare conductive polymers.
US08227557B2
Specific iron complexes (A), a catalyst system for polymerization of olefins comprising at least one metal complex (A) and/or (A′), a prepolymerized catalyst system, the use of these catalyst systems for the polymerization of olefins, and a process for the preparation of polyolefins by polymerization or copolymerization of olefins in the presence of one of the described catalyst systems.
US08227545B2
Disclosed embodiments involve a novel blend composition for use in sports equipment, particularly for use in golf ball manufacture. The composition comprises three components, (A), (B), and (C). Component (A) can be selected from polymer(s) comprising an ethylene moiety and one or more unsaturated carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or phosphoric acid groups. Component (B) is a compound having a formula (R2N)m—R′—(X(O)nORy)m and component (C) is a basic metal ion salt having the ability to neutralize some, or all of the acidic groups present in components (A) and (B). The blend composition can also comprise an additional polymer and/or the reaction product of one or more ionomers and component (B). In particular embodiments, the blend composition is used in golf balls, comprising a core; an outer cover layer; and 0-5 intermediate layers; wherein one or more of said core, outer cover, and/or intermediate layers, if present, includes the blend composition.
US08227543B2
The invention relates to a flexible thermoplastic composition resistant to the ageing effects of oil, said composition comprising a grafted copolymer containing polyamide blocks and consisting of a polyolefin backbone and at least one polyamide graft. According to the invention, the grafts are attached to the core by the residues of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a function that can react with a polyamide comprising an amine end or a carboxylic acid end; the residues of the unsaturated monomer (X) are attached to the backbone by grafting or copolymerization from the double bond thereof; and the composition comprises between 40 to 90 wt % of the polyolefin core comprising the unsaturated monomer (X); between 5 to 40 wt % of polyamide grafts; and between 5 to 40% of at least one polymer selected from a saponified ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and a polyamide.
US08227522B2
A surface-modified blade rubber includes a surface modified by being subjected to irradiation treatment that generates radical active sites in the blade rubber and polymerization for graft polymerization starting from a generated radical active site. A method for modifying a blade rubber surface includes subjecting rubber of a blade rubber to irradiation treatment that generates radical active sites and polymerization for graft polymerization starting from a generated radical active site.
US08227500B2
The present invention provides compounds useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with abnormal serum uric acid level which has a uricosuric activity or the like. The present invention relates to 5-membered heterocyclic derivatives represented by the following general formula (I) having xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities and useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with abnormality of serum uric acid level, prodrugs thereof, or salts thereof. In the formula (I), T represents nitro, cyano and the like; ring J represents aryl or heteroaryl; Q represents carboxy, 5-tetazolyl and the like; Y represents H, OH, NH2, halogen, haloalkyl and the like; X1 and X2 independently represent CR2 or N; R2 represents H, alkyl and the like; R1 represents halogen, cyano, haloalkyl, A-D-E-G-L-M, -N(-D-L-M)2 and the like, in the formula, A represents a single bond, O, S and the like; D, G and M independently represent optionally substituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, heterocycloalkylene, arylene, heteroarylene and the like; E and L independently represent a single bond, O, S, COO, SO2 and the like.
US08227496B2
A method of treating osteoporosis comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising a compound, 4-{5-[4-(5-isopropyl-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)phenoxy]pentoxy}-benzamidine or a salt thereof, is described. A method of inhibiting osteoclast activity and stimulating osteoblast activity in a subject also is described.
US08227495B2
The present disclosure provides 2,4-disubstituted thiazoles of the general structure shown below that are agonists of G-protein coupled receptor (IC-GPCR2). Also, provided are compositions comprising these compounds as well as methods for using these compounds in a variety of applications including diabetes and metabolic disorders.
US08227488B2
An injectable depot formulation comprising crystals having structure (I) wherein R is (FII) and the X50 value of the crystals is from 1 to 200 microns. Depot formulations containing crystals of iloperidone or its metabolites have the following advantages: (i) release of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (ii) absorption of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (iii) the particle size of the crystals can be controlled by crystal engineering and/or milling; and (iv) the crystals are stable upon storage, and stable to sterilization procedures, such as gamma irradiation.
US08227486B2
The compounds of the present invention are represented by the chemical structure found in Formula (I): wherein: the carbon atom designated * is in the R or S configuration; and X is a fused bicyclic carbocycle or heterocycle selected from the group consisting of benzofuranyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzoisothiazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolizinyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzooxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3 -a]pyridinyl, thieno[2,3-b]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-b]pyridinyl, 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, indenyl, indanyl, dihydrobenzocycloheptenyl, tetrahydrobenzocycloheptenyl, dihydrobenzothiophenyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, indolinyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, 9aH-quinolizinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinoxalinyl, benzo[1,2,3]triazinyl, benzo[1,2,4]triazinyl, 2H-chromenyl, 4H-chromenyl, and a fused bicyclic carbocycle or fused bicyclic heterocycle optionally substituted with substituents (1 to 4 in number) as defined below in R14; with R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R14 defined herein.
US08227479B2
The present invention relates to a docosahexaenoic acid ester with an alcohol chosen among the group-B vitamins or provitamins, advantageously comprised by: nicotinyl alcohol of the following formula (I), panthenol of the following formula (II), and inositol of the following formula (III) or with isosorbide of the following formula (IV) or isosorbide mononitrate of the following formula (V). It also relates to a method of preparation of same, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same and the use of same in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disease, in particular auricular fibrillation.
US08227471B2
The invention relates to the use of flibanserin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, for the treatment of disorders of sexual desire.
US08227462B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein the substituents are as defined in the description, to compositions and use of the compounds in the treatment of diseases ameloriated by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.
US08227458B2
The present invention is concerned with arylcyclohexylethers of dihydro-tetraazabenzoazulenes, i.e. arylcyclohexylethers of 5,6-dihydro-4H-2,3,5,10b-tetraaza-benzo[e]azulenes of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein, their manufacture, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The compounds according to the invention act as V1a receptor modulators, and in particular as V1a receptor antagonists. The active compounds of the present invention are useful as therapeutics acting peripherally and centrally in the conditions of dysmenorrhea, male or female sexual dysfunction, hypertension, chronic heart failure, inappropriate secretion of vasopressin, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, anxiety, depressive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and aggressive behavior.
US08227454B2
Novel estrogenic compounds of Formula I are provided. wherein the bond represented by the wavy line may be a single or double bond such that when the wavy line is a single bond, R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, sulfate and glucoronate or other esters, and when the wavy line is a double bond, R1 does not exist; R2 is lower alkyl; R3 may be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, sulfate, or glucuronide or other esters; and R4 through R13 may independently be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, ketone, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, and carbonyl groups and R14 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, sulfate and glucoronide and other esters. When R1 is hydroxy, the hydroxy or ester substituent may have either an α or a β orientation. Compositions of matter including compounds of the present invention are also provided as are methods of treating mammals in need of treatment using compounds of the present invention.
US08227451B2
The present invention relates to new phenylacetic acid inhibitors of cyclooxygenase activity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US08227444B2
Disclosed herein are siRNA compositions and methods useful for inhibiting expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms. Diseases which involve angiogenesis stimulated by overexpression of VEGF, such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration and many types of cancer, can be treated by administering small interfering RNAs as disclosed.
US08227441B2
The SOST gene gives rise to sclerostin, a protein that leads to apoptosis of bone progenitor cells. The invention provides antagonists to the sclerostin protein, and methods for identifying new sclerostin antagonists. The invention also provides molecules that can depress expression of the SOST gene, as well as methods for identifying such molecules. Such molecules and antagonists are useful for increasing bone mineralization in mammals, for example, in the treatment of osteoporosis.
US08227438B2
The present disclosure relates to oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress an immune response. Methods are disclosed for preventing or treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as, but not limited to, an autoimmune disease, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of suppressing an immune response in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide.
US08227435B2
The electrotransfer of a nucleic acid into tissue cells, in particular in a muscle or a tumoral tissue, is carried out by an electric stimulation of the tissue as follows: first with at least one, preferably a single, pulse of a High Voltage field strength of between 200 and 2000 volts/cm second with a single pulse of Low Voltage field strength of between 50 and 200 volts/cm and of duration of between 300 ms and 2000 ms.
US08227426B2
This invention relates to certain complexes of ascorbic acid and its derivatives with certain natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ketones for topical or oral application; said complexes having general chemical formula (I), its isomers, and salts thereof, including their optically active or racemic forms. This invention also relates to a method of treatment of skin condition, including dark skin, age spots, acne, inflammation, loss of cellular antioxidants, collagen loss with aging, loss of skin pliability, loss of skin suppleness, skin wrinkles, oxidation, damage from radiation, malfunction of matrix metalloproteases, malfunction of tyrosinases, damage from free radicals, photo-damage, nutritional deficiency, and combinations thereof;
US08227408B2
The present invention relates to methods for treating, preventing, or diagnosing the pathology of progressive cognitive disorders resulting from accumulation of an amyloid peptide, in particular, Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, in mammalian subjects using a composition comprising therapeutically effective amount of a leptin, leptin mimic, leptin derivative, leptin agonist, or AMP-dependent protein kinase activator, alone, or in combination with, one or more lipolytic/antilipogenic compounds. It further relates to methods for improving cognitive function using a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of leptin, a leptin mimic, a leptin derivative, an AMP-dependent protein kinase activator, a leptin agonist, a leptin blocker, a mimic of a leptin blocker, a leptin antagonist, an AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08227397B2
The disclosure relates to an enzyme stabilization system, compositions with the enzyme stabilization system, and methods of using the enzyme composition. Preferred ratios of acid to amine are effective at stabilizing enzyme. Optional nonionic surfactants and solvents also positively contribute to enzyme stability. The compositions are useful in cleaning applications.
US08227395B2
Process solutions comprising one or more surfactants are used to reduce the number of defects in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. In certain preferred embodiments, the process solution of the present invention may reduce post-development defects such as pattern collapse when employed as a rinse solution either during or after the development of the patterned photoresist layer. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the number of pattern collapse defects on a plurality of photoresist coated substrates employing the process solution of the present invention.
US08227390B2
The present invention provides a binder resin for a friction material, which enables high-temperature short-time thermoforming and can omit a post-curing step and suppress the generation of a pyrolysis component at molding; a friction material using the binder resin; and a binder resin composition for a friction material, which is enhanced in the heat resistance and can suppress a rapid increase of the wear amount, and in addition to these properties, which has good dynamic property and enables high-temperature short-time thermoforming. The present invention relates to a binder resin for a friction material which comprises (A) one kind or two or more kinds of polybenzoxazine resins selected from a condensation reaction product of an aminophenol compound with formaldehydes and a condensation reaction product of a bifunctional phenol compound and a bifunctional amine compound with formaldehydes; a binder resin composition for a friction material which comprises: the component (A); and further (B) one kind or two or more kinds of particles selected from an inorganic particle and an inorganic-organic composite particle, and a friction material obtained by the binder resin or binder resin composition.
US08227387B2
The present invention provides a refrigerating machine oil, a compressor oil composition, a hydraulic oil composition, a metalworking oil composition, a heat treating oil composition, a lubricating oil composition for machine tools and a lubricating oil composition which comprise a lubricating oil base oil having % CA of not more than 2, % CP/% CN of not less than 6 and an iodine value of not more than 2.5.
US08227381B2
Low molecular weight graft copolymer comprising a synthetic component formed from at least one or more olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers or salts thereof, and a natural component formed from a hydroxyl-containing natural moiety. The number average molecular weight of the graft copolymer is about 100,000 or less, and the weight percent of the natural component in the graft copolymer is about 50 wt % or greater based on total weight of the graft copolymer. Processes for preparing such graft copolymers are also disclosed.
US08227378B2
An arsenic sorbent includes monohydrocalcite that has been precipitated by mixing an aqueous solution of a soluble carbonate or a carbonate with an aqueous solution that includes an Mg2+ ion and a Ca2+ ion in a ratio “Mg/Ca” of 0.3 or more, the monohydrocalcite having a molar ratio “Mg/(Ca+Mg)” of 0.1 or less. The arsenic sorbent exhibits a high arsenic sorption ability, and can stably retain a sorbate. A purification method using the same is also disclosed.
US08227373B1
A catalyst and its use for the abatement of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in the exit stream of a combustion device, such as an automobile and spray paint booths are disclosed.
US08227372B2
The invention is directed to core/shell type catalyst particles comprising a Mcore/Mshell structure with Mcore=inner particle core and Mshell=outer particle shell, wherein the medium diameter of the catalyst particle (dcore+shell) is in the range of 20 to 100 nm, 5 preferably in the range of 20 to 50 nm. The thickness of the outer shell (tshell) is about 5 to 20% of the diameter of the inner particle core of said catalyst particle, preferably comprising at least 3 atomic layers. The inner particle core (Mcore) of the particles comprises metal or ceramic materials, whereas the material of the outer shell (Mshell) comprises precious metals and/or alloys thereof. The core/shell type catalyst particles are preferably supported on suitable support materials such as carbon black and can be used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells and for other catalytic applications.
US08227371B2
This invention relates to a metathesis catalyst comprising (i) a Group 8 metal hydride-dihydrogen complex represented by the formula: wherein M is a Group 8 metal; X is an anionic ligand; and L1 and L2 are neutral donor ligands; and (ii) a ligand exchange agent represented by the formula J-Y, wherein J is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl, and a C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl; and Y is selected from the group consisting of halides, alkoxides, aryloxides, and alkyl sulfonates.
US08227358B2
Novel silicon precursors for low temperature deposition of silicon films are described herein. The disclosed precursors possess low vaporization temperatures, preferably less than about 500° C. In addition, embodiments of the silicon precursors incorporate a —Si—Y—Si— bond, where Y may comprise an amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group, or oxygen. In an embodiment a silicon precursor has the formula: where Y is a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, oxygen, or an amino group; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently a hydrogen group, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, a heterohydrocarbyl group, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be the same or different from one another; X1, X2, X3, and X4 are each independently, a hydrogen group, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, or a hydrazine group, wherein X1, X2, X3, and X4 may be the same or different from one another.
US08227356B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor device having an improved silicon oxide film as a gate insulation film of a Metal Insulator Semiconductor structure and a method of making the same.
US08227354B2
Provided is a method of forming patterns of a semiconductor device, whereby patterns having various widths can be simultaneously formed, and pattern density can be doubled by a double patterning process in a portion of the semiconductor device. In the method of forming patterns of a semiconductor device, a first mold mask pattern and a second mold mask patter having different widths are formed on a substrate. A pair of first spacers covering both sidewalls of the first mold mask pattern and a pair of second spacers covering both sidewalls of the second mold mask pattern are formed. The first mold mask pattern and the second mold mask pattern are removed, and a wide-width mask pattern covering the second spacer is formed. A lower layer is etched using the first spacers, the second spacers, and the wide-width mask pattern as an etch mask.
US08227348B2
A method for patterning nanowires on a substrate. The method includes procedures of preparing a substrate having a patterned sacrificial layer of barium fluoride thereon; growing nanowires on an entire surface of the resultant substrate including the patterned sacrificial layer; and removing the patterned sacrificial layer using a solvent to remove part of the nanowires on the patterned sacrificial layer such that part of the nanowires in direct contact with the substrate remains on the substrate to thereby form a nanowire pattern.
US08227341B2
An object is to prevent a failure, such as a wiring separation or a crack, in an insulating film under a copper wire, in a semiconductor device formed by wire-bonding the copper wire on a portion above the copper wiring. A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a copper wiring formed above a semiconductor substrate, a plated layer formed so as to cover a top surface and side surfaces of the copper wiring, and a copper wire which is wire-bonded on the plated layer above the copper wiring.
US08227338B1
A semiconductor package including a top-surface metal layer for implementing circuit features provides improvements in top-surface interconnect density, more flexible routing and mounting of top surface semiconductor packages, dies and passive components or a conformal shield cap implementation. The metal layer interconnected with an internal substrate of the semiconductor package by blind vias laser-ablated through the encapsulation and filled with metal. The vias extend from the top surface to an internal package substrate or through the encapsulation to form bottom-side terminals. The metal layer may be formed by circuit patterns and/or terminals embedded within the encapsulation conformal to the top surface by laser-ablating channels in the top surface of the encapsulation and filling the channels with metal. A conformal coating may be applied to the top surface of the semiconductor package over the metal layer to prevent solder bridging to circuit patterns of the metal layer.
US08227332B2
A method for fabricating electrical bonding pads on one face of a wafer includes the production of electrically conductive areas and electrical connection branches connecting these conductive areas. A layer of mask material is deposited and openings are produced in this mask layer which extend above said conductive areas and at least some of which extend at least partly beyond the peripheral edges of the underlying conductive areas. Blocks made of a solder material are produces in the openings by electrodeposition in a bath. The mask material is then removed along with the connection branches. The wafer is passed through or placed in an oven so as to shape, on the conductive areas, the blocks into substantially domed electrical bonding pads.
US08227329B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes steps of preparing a semiconductor substrate having a first conductive type; implanting a first impurity having the first conductive type in the semiconductor substrate to form a well region having a bottom portion; and implanting a second impurity having a second conductive type in the semiconductor substrate to form an impurity region having a top portion, the top of the impurity region being in contact with the bottom portion of the well region. Implantation of the second impurity includes a first step of implanting the second impurity and a second step of implanting the second impurity, wherein a first implantation area of the first step of implanting the second impurity being broader or narrower than a second implantation area of the second step of implanting the second impurity.
US08227328B2
This disclosure relates to the synthesis of Er doped GaN epilayers by in-situ doping by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). In an embodiment, both above and below bandgap excitation results in a sharp PL emission peak at 1.54 μm. Contrary with other growth methods, MOCVD grown Er-doped GaN epilayers exhibit virtually no visible emission lines, an present a small thermal quenching effect. The Er incorporation has very little effect on the electrical conductivity of the GaN epilayers and Er doped layers retain similar electrical properties as those of undoped GaN.
US08227326B2
A crystallization method, a method of manufacturing a thin-film transistor, and a method of manufacturing a display device are provided. The crystallization method includes: forming a backup amorphous silicon layer on a substrate, forming nickel particles on the backup amorphous silicon layer, converting the backup amorphous silicon layer into an amorphous silicon layer by thermally processing the backup amorphous silicon layer so as to diffuse the nickel particles throughout said backup amorphous silicon layer; and irradiating the amorphous silicon layer with energy from a laser.
US08227316B2
A finFet controls conduction channel conditions using one of two gate structures, preferably having a gate length shorter than the other gate structure to limit capacitance, which are opposed across the conduction channel. An asymmetric halo impurity implant performed at an angle adjacent to the gate structure for controlling conduction channel conditions forms a super steep retrograde well to limit short channel effects in the portion of the conduction channel which is controlled by the other gate structure.
US08227315B2
This invention discloses an inverted field-effect-transistor (iT-FET) semiconductor device that includes a source disposed on a bottom and a drain disposed on a top of a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor power device further comprises a trench-sidewall gate placed on sidewalls at a lower portion of a vertical trench surrounded by a body region encompassing a source region with a low resistivity body-source structure connected to a bottom source electrode and a drain link region disposed on top of said body regions thus constituting a drift region. The drift region is operated with a floating potential said iT-FET device achieving a self-termination.
US08227313B2
One-transistor memory devices facilitate nonvolatile data storage through the manipulation of oxygen vacancies within a trapping layer of a field-effect transistor (FET), thereby providing control and variation of threshold voltages of the transistor. Various threshold voltages may be assigned a data value, providing the ability to store one or more bits of data in a single memory cell. To control the threshold voltage, the oxygen vacancies may be manipulated by trapping electrons within the vacancies, freeing trapped electrons from the vacancies, moving the vacancies within the trapping layer and annihilating the vacancies.
US08227307B2
The present invention provides a method of forming a threshold voltage adjusted gate stack in which an external acid diffusion process is employed for selectively removing a portion of a threshold voltage adjusting layer from one device region of a semiconductor substrate. The external acid diffusion process utilizes an acid polymer which when baked exhibits an increase in acid concentration which can diffuse into an underlying exposed portion of a threshold voltage adjusting layer. The diffused acid reacts with the exposed portion of the threshold voltage adjusting layer providing an acid reacted layer that can be selectively removed as compared to a laterally adjacent portion of the threshold voltage adjusting layer that is not exposed to the diffused acid.
US08227303B2
A method of manufacturing a CMOS transistor can be provided by forming first and second gate electrodes on a substrate and forming a gate insulation layer on the first and second gate electrodes. A semiconductor channel material having a first conductivity type can be formed on the gate insulation layer. A pair of ohmic contacts can be formed on the semiconductor channel material such that the ohmic contacts cross over both side portions of the first gate electrode, respectively. A pair of Schottky contacts can be formed on the semiconductor channel material such that the Schottky contacts cross over both side portions of the second gate electrode, respectively.
US08227295B2
A method of forming integrated circuit (IC) die configured for attachment to another die or a package substrate, and stacked IC devices therefrom. At least one IC die having a top semiconductor surface and a bottom surface and at least one through substrate via (TSV) including a tip protruding beyond the bottom surface to a tip length is provided. The tip has an outer dielectric tip liner, and an electrically conductive portion within the outer dielectric tip liner. A compliant layer is applied to the bottom surface of the IC die. The dielectric tip liner is removed from a distal portion of the tip to expose an electrically conductive tip portion. A solder material is deposited on the exposed distal portion of the tip. The solder material is reflowed and coalesced to form a solder bump on the distal portion of the tip.
US08227293B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an organic electronic device, comprising providing by electro-deposition an electrode to a surface of an electro-active material—the electro-active material comprising an organic electro-active compound—or providing said electrode to a surface of a substrate for said electro-active material, after which the electro-active material is applied to a surface of the electrode, wherein the electro-deposition comprises the use of a plating liquid comprising an ionic liquid and metal or metalloid ions which metal or metalloid ions are reduced and deposited to form the electrode.
US08227288B2
Provided is a method of fabricating an image sensor device. The method includes providing a device substrate having a front side and a back side. The method includes forming first and second radiation-sensing regions in the device substrate, the first and second radiation-sensing regions being separated by an isolation structure. The method also includes forming a transparent layer over the back side of the device substrate. The method further includes forming an opening in the transparent layer, the opening being aligned with the isolation structure. The method also includes filling the opening with an opaque material.
US08227283B2
Provided is a top-emitting N-based light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The N-based light emitting device may include an n-type clad layer, an active layer, a p-type clad layer, and a transparent conductive thin film which may be sequentially stacked on a substrate. The transparent conductive thin film may have a surface nano-scale patterned by wet-etching and then annealing without using a mask for improving the light extraction rate. A light emitting device having a higher brightness may be prepared by increasing or maximizing the light extraction rate by employing the transparent conductive thin film having the surface patterned by wet-etching and then annealing.
US08227282B2
A method of manufacturing a vertical light emitting diode includes: providing a first substrate; forming a lapping stop layer on the first substrate, the lapping stop layer being harder than the first substrate; depositing an epitaxial layer on the lapping stop layer; bonding a second substrate on the epitaxial layer; and removing the first substrate from the lapping stop layer.
US08227275B2
A method to form a an LD with the buried mesa type is disclosed, in which the n-type current blocking layer is stably kept with a distance to the active layer in the buried mesa. The method of the invention includes a step to form the mesa by iterating the RIE and the ashing to obtain in a mesa side a steep edge with the (110) surface. A wet-etching process subsequent to the iterative etching and ashing removes residuals left on the mesa side. Then, the growth of the current blocking layer shows two modes of the horizontal growth of the (110) surface and the vertical growth of the (001) surface comparably.
US08227259B2
Methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of one or more hormones by mass spectrometry are disclosed. The methods require minimal sample size and minimal preparation time. The methods comprise ionizing the hormones and analyzing the hormones by mass spectrometry. In addition, methods, systems and kits for the simultaneous or sequential analysis of free thyroxine (FT4) hormone and free-triiodothyronine (FT3) is disclosed comprising ionization of the FT4 and FT3 hormone in the negative mode using an electrospray source.
US08227252B2
The invention relates to methods for multiplex analysis of complex protein samples from plants using mass spectroscopy. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns methods for maintaining a transgenic plant variety, for example by analyzing generations of a transgenic plant variety for presence and concentration of multiplexed transgenic proteins.
US08227249B2
The present invention provides methods of site-specifically integrating a polynucleotide sequence of interest in a genome of a eucaryotic cell, as well as, enzymes, polypeptides, and a variety of vector constructs useful therefore. In the method, a targeting construct comprises, for example, (i) a first recombination site and a polynucleotide sequence of interest, and (ii) a site-specific recombinase, which are introduced into the cell. The genome of the cell comprises a second recombination site. Recombination between the first and second recombination sites is facilitated by the site-specific recombinase. The invention describes compositions, vectors, and methods of use thereof, for the generation of transgenic cells, tissues, plants, and animals. The compositions, vectors, and methods of the present invention are also useful in gene therapy techniques.
US08227248B2
To provide a nucleic-acid-transfecting composition which exhibits low cytotoxicity, which facilitates a nucleic acid transfection into cells, and which improves expression of the nucleic acid in the cells. The invention provides a composition for transfecting a nucleic acid into a cell, including a compound represented by the following formula (I) (wherein each of R1 and R2, which are identical to or different from each other, represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group; R3 represents a C1-6 alkyl group or a C1-6 hydroxyalkyl group; m is an integer from 1 to 10; and X represents a halogen atom), and a phospholipid.
US08227247B2
A method of differentiating embryonic stem cells into oligodendroglial precursor cells and oligodendroglial cells by culturing a population of cells comprising a majority of cells that are characterized by a neural tube-like rosette morphology and are Pax6+/Sox1+ into a population of cells that are PDGFRα+.
US08227241B2
Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special universal cloning vectors are provided for the preparation of expression vectors which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.
US08227237B2
The present disclosure identifies pathways and mechanisms to confer production of carbon-based products of interest such as ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof in photoautotrophic organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into carbon-based products of interest, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof.
US08227231B2
Specified restriction endonucleases have been characterized for the first time by their amino acid and DNA sequences. These sequences and those with at least 90% identity thereto have been used as probes in sequence similarity analyses to identify sequence matches in a sequence database that corresponds to novel restriction endonucleases or isoschizomers. The sequence similarity analyses includes selecting a positive sequence match from any sequence producing an expectation value of less than or equal to e-02.
US08227229B2
The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize chiral compounds.
US08227226B2
It is possible to eliminate fluctuation in the pellet strength of the entrapping immobilization pellets according to production lots, and constantly and stably produce the entrapping immobilization pellets having high pellet strength regardless of the production lots. An apparatus for producing entrapping immobilization pellets by polymerizing an immobilizing material into a gel in the presence of an activated sludge to entrap and immobilize microorganisms in the immobilizing material, the apparatus including: a line mixer which mixes an activated sludge with an immobilizing material to prepare a raw material solution, a temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the prepared raw material solution, an addition pump which adds a polymerization initiator to the prepared raw material solution, and a controller which controls the addition pump according to the measured temperature to control an additive rate of the polymerization initiator.
US08227222B2
The hydrogen-producing method of the an aspect of the present invention is a method for producing hydrogen in which hydrogen is produced from an organic matter using a microorganism, characterized by using pellets on which hydrogen-producing acid-resistant bacteria are entrapped and immobilized, producing hydrogen by bringing the pellets into contact and react with the organic matter in an environment of a pH of 4 to 6. The inventors of the present invention have obtained a finding that a hydrogen-producing bacteria are entrapped and immobilized, so that the optimum pH of the hydrogen-producing bacterium shifts to low range. The present invention is made based on the above finding and uses pellets on which the hydrogen-producing bacteria are entrapped and immobilized, so that the hydrogen-producing bacterium is activated at a low pH range of 4 to 6 to produce hydrogen. Therefore, the effects of contaminated bacteria that consume hydrogen are less, and the yield of hydrogen can be improved.
US08227220B2
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of ethanol from starch. Specifically, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ethanol from starch such as tapioca, potato, sweet sorghum, rice by liquification and saacharification of starch and subsequent fermentation of mono saccherides to ethanol in presence of thermophilic micro-organisms.
US08227213B2
The N-acetyl-D-galactosamine transferase protein of the present invention is characterized by transferring N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with β1,3 linkage, and it preferably has the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4. The canceration assay according to the present invention uses a nucleic acid for measurement which hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or a nucleotide sequence complementary to at least one of them.
US08227211B2
The present invention relates to a humanized antibody or functional fragment thereof which binds to a mammalian (e.g., human) CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) or a portion of the receptor and blocks binding of a ligand to the receptor. The invention further relates to a method of inhibiting the interaction of a cell bearing mammalian CCR2 with a ligand thereof, and to use of the antibodies and fragments in therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods.
US08227209B2
There is provided a process for industrial production of non-naturally occurring proteins composed of less than 20 amino acids, wherein the proteins retain their original functions while being capable of site-specific modification or immobilization, or having new functions not found in nature in addition to the original functions of the proteins. Specifically there are provided a process for producing a functional non-naturally occurring protein having a specific amino acid type(s) replaced with a natural amino acid(s) other than the amino acid type(s).
US08227201B2
The present invention relates to use of β-2-microglobulin (B2M or β2M) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as biomarkers of peripheral artery disease and/or atherosclerosis.
US08227199B2
The invention provides methods for identifying immunobinders, such as scFv antibodies, capable of specifically binding to cell surface antigens, and compositions identified according to said methods.
US08227193B2
The invention provides nucleotide sequences that mediate one or more functions of IKKα, kits and methods for using these sequences to identify therapeutic compounds that alter IKKα related pathology.
US08227187B2
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor polynucleotide complementary to the target polynucleotide. The sensor polynucleotide comprises a signaling chromophore to receive energy from the excited multichromophore and increase emission in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.
US08227185B2
Retroviral strains of the non-M, non-O HIV-1 group, in particular a strain designated YBF30, its fragments and also its uses as a diagnostic reagent and as an immunogenic agent.The HIV-1 viruses which differ both from the M group and the O group exhibit the following characteristics: little or no serological reactivity with regard to the proteins of the M and O groups and strong serological reactivity with regard to the proteins which are derived from the strain YBF30 according to the invention or the strain CPZGAB SIV; absence of genomic amplification when using primers from the env and gag regions of the M and O HIV-1 groups; genomic amplification in the presence of primers which are derived from the YBF30 strain according to the invention; and homology of the products of the envelope gene which is greater than 70% with regard to the YBF30 strain.
US08227184B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the expression, processing, post-translational modification, stability and/or activity of XBP-1 protein, or a protein in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-1 to treat dyslipidemias and steatosis disorders. The present invention also pertains to methods for identifying compounds that modulate the expression, processing, post-translational modification, and/or activity of XBP-1 protein or a molecule in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-1.
US08227180B2
An anti-reflective coating material, a microelectronic structure that includes an anti-reflective coating layer formed from the anti-reflective coating material and a related method for exposing a resist layer located over a substrate while using the anti-reflective coating layer provide for attenuation of secondary reflected vertical alignment beam radiation when aligning the substrate including the resist layer located thereover. Such enhanced vertical alignment provides for improved dimensional integrity of a patterned resist layer formed from the resist layer, as well as additional target layers that may be fabricated while using the resist layer as a mask.
US08227175B2
A method for smoothing a printed circuit board (PCB), comprising: providing a PCB having a first smooth outer surface and an opposite second outer surface, the second outer surface including a smooth region and a plurality of dimples; applying a liquid photoresist layer onto the second outer surface of the PCB to fill the dimples; solidifying the liquid photoresist in the dimples to obtain a solidified photoresist layer; polishing the solidified photoresist layer until a surface thereof being coplanar with the smooth region; and polishing the entire second outer surface until the solidified photoresist layer is removed, thereby obtaining a plain outer surface parallel to the first smooth outer surface.
US08227166B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member incorporating an outer layer having a nano- to micron-scale pattern imprinted into its surface to lower friction with the cleaning blade and improve print quality and performance. Embodiments also pertain to methods for making the improved imaging member.
US08227159B1
The present disclosure provides toner particles having excellent charge characteristics. In embodiments, a toner particle of the present disclosure includes a cation binding material possessing cation binding groups. Processes for producing toners with these cation binding materials are also provided. The resulting toners exhibit excellent stability with respect to relative humidity and excellent charging characteristics.
US08227156B2
To provide an electrophotographic photoconductor that has a layer containing a compound represented by the following general formula (1), and an image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic photoconductor. where R1 and R2 independently represent any one of a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group and substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, and R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 independently represent any one of a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, amino group, hydroxyl group, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group and substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group.
US08227138B2
A phosphorus containing monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the polymer, and a fuel cell including the electrode. The phosphorus containing monomer is represented by Formula 1: Group A is represented by:
US08227134B2
Disclosed are self-hydrating membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), including MEAs that have been magnetically modified, which comprises (i) a cathode comprising an electrically conducting material having a catalytic material on at least a portion of a first surface thereof, the catalytic material comprising an effective amount of at least one catalyst component and at least one ion conducting material; (ii) a separator adjacent to and in substantial contact with the first surface of the cathode and comprising an ion conducting material; and (iii) an anode adjacent to and in substantial contact with the surface of the separator opposite the cathode and comprising an electrically conducting material having a catalytic material on at least a portion of a surface thereof adjacent to the separator, the catalytic material comprising an effective amount of at least one catalyst component and at least one ion conducting material; wherein the separator permits water to pass from the first surface of the cathode to the surface of the anode in an amount sufficient to sustain hydration of the anode and further wherein the cathode produces sufficient water to sustain hydration of the anode. Also disclosed are methods of manufacture of the self-hydrating MEAs, as well as fuel cells that require only a self-hydrating MEA and a source of fuel.
US08227125B2
A stable fuel supply system in a fuel cell system produces heat and electricity by combining hydrogen modified from a major raw material selected from various hydrogen compounds, with oxygen existing in air. A fuel supply device and a fuel supply method in a fuel cell system, which automate a steam to carbon ratio (S/C) control and a lamda control, and achieve a fuel cell system operation efficiently and stably coping with pressure loss and pulsation occurring within the system, while using a minimum number of balance-of-plant (BOP) units. A method more efficiently and precisely supplies fuel during the start-up and operation of the fuel cell system, while preventing flame failure of a burner and maintaining an appropriate carbon monoxide concentration even when an abrupt flow rate variation occurs. Also, an operating method improves functions associated with a decomposition ability based on selection of the specification of a fuel pump, and thus, is more economical and stable in terms of the costs and configuration of the fuel cell system.
US08227119B2
A fuel cell system provided with a fuel cell module, a water supply device for supplying water to the fuel cell module, a water container for supplying water to the water supply device, and a condenser for condensing water vapor in the exhaust gas which is discharged from the fuel cell module and supplying the condensed water to the water container. The water container contains therein an ion exchange device for removing impurities which are contained in the water supplied from the condenser. The water supply device is provided below and downstream of the water container. A pressure regulating device for absorbing a pulsation of the water supply device and absorbing the variation in the pressure in the fuel cell module is provided between the water supply device and the fuel cell module.
US08227113B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material includes a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the space group R-3m, and contains lithium in 3b sites that contain transition metals. The lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is represented by the molecular formula Li[LixNiyMnzMb]O2-a where: 0
US08227112B2
A sealed battery includes a battery case with a liquid inlet, a power generating element in the case, a lid member closing the liquid inlet and having a peripheral edge welded to the case over the entire circumference, a circular groove in the outer surface of the case and around the entire periphery of the liquid inlet, a peripheral portion provided over the entire periphery of a portion in the back surface of the lid member facing the liquid inlet, and a protrusion partially placed around the liquid inlet between the circular groove and the peripheral portion to form a clearance between the circular groove and the peripheral portion. The space facing the inner surface in a portion melted during welding between the peripheral edge and the case is continuous to the liquid inlet through a clearance formed by the protrusion between the circular groove and the peripheral portion.
US08227109B2
A packing material for a lithium cell of the present invention includes a first adhesive layer, an aluminum foil layer, a coating layer, an adhesive resin layer or a second adhesive layer, and a sealant layer laminated sequentially on one surface of a base material layer, wherein the coating layer is a multilayer structure comprising a layer (A), in which 1 to 100 parts by mass of a phosphoric acid or a phosphate has been blended into 100 parts by mass of a rare earth element-based oxide, and a layer (X) which contains an anionic polymer and a cross-linking agent that causes cross-linking of the anionic polymers.
US08227097B2
One feature of the present invention is to provide a buffer layer made of a composite material for a light emitting element including aromatic hydrocarbon containing at least one vinyl skeleton and metal oxide in part of a light emitting substance containing layer, in the light emitting element formed by interposing the light emitting substance containing layer between a pair of electrodes. The composite material for a light emitting element for forming the buffer layer of the present invention has high conductivity and is superior in transparency.
US08227094B2
Provided is an organic electroluminescent device for emitting blue light, which has high luminous efficiency and good drive durability. This organic electroluminescent device for emitting blue light includes an anode 2, a cathode 6, and a layer which contains an organic compound interposed between the anode 2 and the cathode 6, the layer which contains an organic compound including at least a light-emitting layer 4, wherein the light-emitting layer 4 contains a bipolar host having a hole mobility and an electron mobility of 10−4 cm2/Vs or greater, a light-emitting dopant and a carrier trapping dopant, and the light-emitting dopant energy gap EgB, the bipolar host energy gap Egh, and the carrier trapping dopant energy gap Egd are such that Egd>Egh>EgB.
US08227083B2
Titanium dioxide and an electro-conductive titanium oxide which each includes particles having a large major-axis length in a large proportion and comprises columnar particles having a satisfactory particle size distribution. A titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are heated/fired in the presence of titanium dioxide nucleus crystals having an aspect ratio of 2 or higher to grow the titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Subsequently, a titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are further added and heated/fired in the presence of the grown titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Thus, titanium dioxide is produced which comprises columnar particles having a weight-average major-axis length of 7.0-15.0 μm and in which particles having a major-axis length of 10 μm or longer account for 15 wt. % or more of all the particles. A solution of a tin compound and a solution of compounds of antimony, phosphorus, etc. are added to a suspension obtained by suspending the titanium dioxide. The particles are sedimented. Subsequently, the product obtained is heated/fired to produce an electro-conductive titanium oxide which comprises the titanium dioxide and an electro-conductive coating formed on the surface thereof.
US08227079B2
A laminated vehicle glazing, suitable for use with an optical sensor (for example a LIDAR type sensor), comprises first and second plies of glazing material joined together by a ply of interlayer material between them, and either: a) the first ply is a pane of body-tinted glass having a colorant portion consisting of 0.70 to 1.00% by weight total iron (calculated as Fe2O3), 0 to 1.0% titania and 0 to 2.0% ceria, such that the glazing has a transmittance of at least 30% in the wavelength range 400 to 2100 nm, or b) the first ply of glazing material is a pane of body-tinted glass having a colorant portion consisting of 0.30 to 0.80 by weight total iron (calculated as Fe2O3), 0 to 1.0% titania (calculated as TiO2) and 0 to 2.0% ceria (calculated as CeO2), and the ply of interlayer material is a solar (IR) absorbing material, such that the glazing has a transmittance of at least 30% in the wavelength range 750 to 1300 nm.
US08227070B2
A decorative member (1A) includes: a resin layer (2) having a front surface (2b) and a back surface (2a); and a reflective layer (3) formed on the back surface (2a) of the resin layer (2). The back surface (2a) of the resin layer (2) includes a receding surface (21) formed therein. The receding surface recedes gradually toward the front surface (2b) to change a thickness of the resin layer (2). A pigmented layer (4) configured so that lightness/depth of color thereof changes in accordance with the change in the thickness of the resin layer (2) is provided between the back surface (2a) of the resin layer (2) and the reflective layer (3).
US08227069B2
A graphene/SiC composite material is provided in which a large-area graphene layer that is flat at an atomic level is formed on an SiC single crystal substrate. The process for producing the graphene/SiC composite material includes the steps of removing an oxide film that is formed by natural oxidation and covers a surface of the SiC single crystal substrate, thereby exposing an Si surface of the SiC single crystal substrate, heating the SiC single crystal substrate with the Si surface exposed under an oxygen atmosphere, thereby forming an SiO2 layer on the surface of the SiC single crystal substrate, and heating the SiC single crystal substrate under vacuum on which the SiO2 layer was formed.
US08227066B2
The invention relates to an annular disc of bent sheet material (21) with at least one junction at which the annulus is closed. Furthermore, a method for producing an annular disc is disclosed, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sheet material; (b) bending the sheet material into an annular disc; (c) severing the sheet material, so that an annular disc with a junction at which the annulus is open is provided; (d) closing the junction, so that an annular disc with a junction at which the annulus is closed is provided. A description is given of a method for producing an annular disc comprising the steps of: (i) providing a sheet material; (ii) bending the sheet material into a first part of an annular disc; (iii) severing the sheet material, so that a first part of an annular disc is provided; (iv) repeating steps (i), (ii) and (iii) at least once, so that at least one further part of the annular disc is provided; and (v) connecting the first part and the further parts of the annular disc, so that an annular disc with at least two junctions at which the annulus is closed is provided.
US08227064B2
The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape containing a woven reinforcement fabric and a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side of the woven fabric reinforcement. The woven reinforcement fabric contains weft yarns and monofilament warp yarns. The woven fabric reinforcement contains between about 30 and 100 ends per inch and the monofilament warp yarns have a linear mass density of between about 20 and 100 denier.
US08227061B2
A heat resistant air hose which is excellent in oil-bleeding resistance and causes reduced vibration noise is provided. The heat resistant air hose has an inner layer formed of an inner layer material comprising silicone rubber as a major component thereof; and an outer layer provided on an outer periphery of the inner layer and formed of an outer layer material comprising acrylic rubber as a major component thereof, and the acrylic rubber contains not less than 50 wt % of ethyl acrylate and has a dissipation factor (tan δ) of not less than 0.09 at 150 ° C. and a storage elastic modulus (E′) of not less than 7.0 MPa.
US08227050B1
The present invention is directed to a UV curable coating composition, which includes one or more monomers, one or more multifunctional oligomers, one or more pigments, one or more photoinitiators, and volatile organic solvent. The coating composition can be used as a primer in repairing and refinishing automobiles. The coating composition provides short drying times and a cured coating that does not need to be wiped. A method of applying the coating composition is also provided.
US08227040B2
A method for forming an inorganic or hybrid organic/inorganic layer on a substrate, which method comprises applying a metal alkoxide to form a layer atop the substrate and exposing the metal alkoxide layer to heat from a catalytic combustion heater in the presence of water to cure the layer is provided.
US08227036B2
A method of making a heater structure and a corresponding heater structure are disclosed. The method comprises providing a porous reinforcement material such as glass cloth, applying a metal to the porous reinforcement material such as by spraying and applying resin to the porous reinforcement material with metal already applied thereto to make the structure substantially rigid. Applying the metal to the porous reinforcement material before applying the resin provides a number of advantages such as enhanced shear strength between the porous reinforcement material and the applied metal layer and the ability to manipulate the porous reinforcement material with metal applied thereto prior to applying the resin. The heater structure may be used in many applications, some of which arc described.
US08227033B2
A method for applying membrane lipids to a substrate includes providing a substrate and an ink reservoir having an ink including a membrane lipid. The tip of a scanning probe microscope is dipped into the ink so as to dispose the membrane lipid on the tip. The tip of the scanning probe microscope is brought into contact with a surface of the substrate. The tip is moved over regions of the surface so that the membrane lipid migrates from the tip of the scanning probe microscope onto the surface of the substrate in the regions and the membrane lipid organizes itself in the regions in a form of a single lipid layer or in a form of one or a plurality of mutually superposed lipid bilayers. The tip is removed from the surface of the substrate.
US08227030B2
A process for producing a semiconductor device, in which in the formation of a boron doped silicon film from, for example, monosilane and boron trichloride by vacuum CVD technique, there can be produced a film excelling in inter-batch homogeneity with respect to the growth rate and concentration of a dopant element, such as boron. The process includes the step of performing the first purge through conducting at least once of while a substrate after treatment is housed in a reaction furnace, vacuuming of the reaction furnace and inert gas supply thereto and the steps of performing the second purge through conducting at least once of after carrying of the substrate after treatment out of the reaction furnace, prior to carrying of a substrate to be next treated into the reaction furnace and while at least no product substrate is housed in the reaction furnace, vacuuming of the reaction furnace and inert gas supply thereto.
US08227029B2
Method for depositing a vapour deposition material on a base material, in particular for doping a semiconductor material, in which a vapour deposition batch, in which the vapour deposition material is enclosed in an air-tight manner by a shell, is introduced into a vapour deposition chamber and the shell is opened in the vapour deposition chamber, so that the vapour deposition material in the vapour deposition chamber then evaporates and is deposited on the base material, wherein the shell is opened by at least partially melting by heating a meltable shell material which at least partially forms the shell at a melting temperature which is lower than an evaporation temperature of the vapour deposition material.
US08227027B2
A method of cleaning and coating at least one surface of a container for storing a medicament or other ingestible non-pharmaceutical product, the method comprising the steps of using a water-based cleaning composition in conjunction with a water-based crosslinked acrylic resin containing coating material. The process makes the cleaning and coating technology consistent with present environmental regulations and workplace safety requirements, including control of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Further, the concentration of extractible organic compounds has been reduced to the lowest practical level. The process is also applicable to other substrates where it is desired to have low-extractable organics and high adhesion of the subsequently applied coating.
US08227016B2
The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried and the first polymer is cured to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent framework. The steps of dipping the stent framework into the first polymeric solution, drying the first polymeric solution, and curing the first polymer are repeated until a target drug-polymer coating thickness is disposed on the stent framework. A drug-polymer coated stent including a stent framework and a laminated drug-polymer coated stent, a system for treating a vascular condition, and a method of treating a vascular condition are also disclosed.
US08227014B2
The present invention relates to a particulate composition in the form of a large spherical glassy bead having a cross-sectional diameter greater than 5 mm. The bead comprises an encapsulating carrier composition essentially made of fibrous materials, which are both sugarless and non-cariogenic and an encapsulant, such as a flavor material.
US08227008B1
The present invention comprises low carbohydrate, functional-like foods and systems incorporating same. Various embodiments utilizing minimally nutritive sugar substitutes, as well as konjac glucomannan, are disclosed. Methods for weight loss are also disclosed.
US08227000B2
Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
US08226992B1
Methods and compositions useful for preventing the disruption of thiol (sulfur) signaling which affects degenerative/age related disease and other disease states related to thiol redox signaling, such as S-glutathiolation. The compositions are capable of increasing the DNA transcription of Gamma-Glutamyl-cysteine synthase which is the rate limiting enzyme for the production of the thiol regulating enzyme Glutathione. The acid-stable compositions disclosed herein contain esterfied and free form cafestol and kahweol, and may be formed using ground roasted or unroasted coffee beans. The beans in combination with water are exposed to cavatonic energy sonic or mechanical. C&K typically increase cholesterol and damage the liver. The compositions disclosed are absorbed before or after the distal portion of the small intestines, eliminating liver toxicity and increases in cholesterol. Additional materials may be added to the compositions, such as additional hydrophobic compounds hydrophilic compounds, and may be added to the film or embedded in the compositions by the cavitation process. The process is also adapted for use in all standard methods of brewing coffee, causing the coffee to possess the disclosed compositions.
US08226991B2
A foodstuff, includes: an extract of a plant of genus Salacia; and a flavonoid, wherein 50% inhibition concentration (IC50 value) of sucrase is 300 μg/ml or less.
US08226990B2
The present invention relates to a composition for treating diabetes and a preparation method thereof as well as use thereof. The present invention provides a composition for treating the diabetes, comprising the following active components based on the parts by weight: 10-100 parts of Pumpkin powder; 6-200 parts of spirulina; and 2-90 parts of Lychee Seed. The invention further provides the preparation method of the composition and the use of the medicament for treating the diabetes. By taking the composition, the blood sugar concentration of the diabetics can be effectively controlled, the complicating diseases of the diabetics can be avoided, and the health of the diabetics can be protected.
US08226987B2
An herbal preparation comprised of sage, thyme and cumin is found to relieve the symptoms of inflammation and smooth muscle contraction. The preparation preferably comprises sage, thyme and cumin in the proportions 0.50, 0.43 and 0.07 respectively. The symptoms of menstrual cramps and asthma are relieved by administration of the preparation.
US08226984B2
A process for the preparation of encapsulates, employs: a pumpable emulsion having (i) a continuous phase containing a solvent and a matrix-forming solute dissolved in the solvent and (ii) a dispersed phase; an extractant including supercritical, subcritical or liquefied gas; the solvent being substantially more soluble in the extractant than the matrix-forming solute and the process including the successive steps of: a) combining the pumpable emulsion with the extractant under mixing conditions; b) allowing the formation of particulate encapsulates in which the dispersed phase is encased in a solid matrix of the matrix-forming solute; c) collecting the encapsulates and separating them from the extractant. The present processes is particularly suitable for producing particles containing active ingredients that are very sensitive, whose activity is adversely affected by exposure to oxygen, light, moisture, heat and/or friction.
US08226979B2
The present invention is directed to aqueous drug coatings that include at least one insoluble drug, wherein the drug accounts for about 85 wt % to about 97 wt % of the drug coatings. A drug coating according to the present invention may include only one insoluble drug, two or more insoluble drugs, or one or more insoluble drugs in combination with one or more soluble drugs. The present invention also includes drug coating formulations suitable for providing drug coatings according to the present invention and dosage forms that include a drug coating according to the present invention.
US08226977B2
This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing irbesartan, providing oral formulations with a high relative amount or concentration of irbesartan. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an oral formulation of irbesartan containing greater than 70% w/w irbesartan. In another embodiment, the invention provides an oral formulation of irbesartan which exhibits a dissolution profile according to which greater than about 85% of the Irbesartan is dissolved within about 30 minutes using USP apparatus 2, placing the tablet in 1000 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at 37° C. with paddle speed of 50 rpm. The formulation can optionally contain at least one additional active ingredient.
US08226974B2
The invention relates to transdermal therapeutic systems which have the active ingredient nicotine and have particularly high flexibility. This flexibility decisively improves wearer comfort on the skin, since the system is readily capable of adapting to the surface of the skin and its constant movement. Surprisingly, the nicotine TTS of the invention is markedly more flexible than the conventional nicotine TTS products which are leaders in the market, although at least some of those systems are comparably thin.
US08226972B2
Drug delivery compositions which are suitable for vaginal administration for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the urogenital tract are described. The compositions may be in the form of a tablet, liquid suspension or dispersion, dried powder, topical ointment, cream, foam, suppository, or aerosol.The drug delivery compositions are administered directly to the vagina and do not require the use of a solid device. This method of administration reduces the systematic levels of the drugs.
US08226966B2
The present invention relates N-(aromatic, 6-membered, fused, (hetero)aryl-methylene)-N-cycloalkyl carboxamide derivatives, their thiocarboxamide or N-substituted carboximidamide analogues, all of formula (I) wherein A represents a carbo-linked 5-membered heterocyclyl group; T represents O, S, N—Rc, N—ORd, N—NRcRd or N—CN; Z1 to Z3 and B represents an aromatic, 6-membered, fused, (hetero)aryl; their process of preparation; their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions.
US08226964B2
A process for improving a liquid carrying system comprising physically disrupting a biofilm on interior surfaces of the liquid carrying system and then providing molecular iodine onto the disrupted biofilm in a concentration in aqueous material onto the biofilm of at least 10 parts per million. The reactants may be provided before physical disruption also. The molecular iodine may be added in gaseous or liquid or solid state, and may be formed in situ in the interior of the liquid carrier system using available or added water in the reaction.
US08226959B2
The present invention provides methods for the treatment or prevention of allergic airways diseases, the suppression of allergic immune responses, and the induction protective immunity against allergic airways diseases wherein the methods comprise administering to subjects in need thereof an effective amount of a Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide and a Streptococcus pneumoniae exotoxin or exotoxoid, optionally together with one or more additional antigenic or immunomodulatory constituents, components or fractions of Streptococcus pneumoniae and/or immunopotentiators. Administration of individual components is also contemplated. Also provided are vaccine compositions suitable for use in accordance with methods disclosed herein.
US08226955B2
Env-CD4 polypeptide complexes and hybrids that expose cryptic epitopes important in virus neutralization are disclosed. Method of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polypeptides are also provided.
US08226951B2
The invention features methods and compositions for preventing or treating bone cancer pain including cancer pain associated with bone metastasis by administering an antagonist of nerve growth factor (NGF). The NGF antagonist may be an anti-NGF (such as anti-hNGF) antibody that is capable of binding hNGF.
US08226947B2
The methods and compositions provided herein relate generally to IL-10 specific antibodies and uses thereof. More specifically, compositions of humanized IL-10 specific antibodies and methods to use such antibodies in modulating the biological activity of IL-10, particularly in autoimmune disorders and pathogen-mediated immunopathology.
US08226946B2
The efficacy of light activated therapy treatment is enhanced by stimulating the immune system of the patient substantially above a normal level. Abnormal tissue that is destroyed by the light activated therapy releases factors that stimulate the immune system, leading to systemic reductions in abnormal tissue (i.e., reduction beyond the region treated using light). By further stimulating the immune system using an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, the systemic destruction of abnormal tissue is enhanced.
US08226938B1
A biopesticide formulation using isolates of the fungus Beauveria bassiana has been developed, which can be used to control arachnid infestations of honeybee hives. The formulation is particularly useful for controlling infestations of Varroa destructor in honey bee hives.
US08226932B2
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive, wherein the fused silica has a median particle size of at least about 7 microns and wherein the composition has a PCR of at least about 100.
US08226931B2
The invention relates to a mixture of compounds having the sensory properties of wintergreen, to fragrance and flavoring compositions containing said mixture and to flavored and perfumed products containing said mixture, to a method of adding a wintergreen flavor, odor or note to (non-wintergreen) flavored or perfumed products. Further the present invention relates to the use of said mixture as an enhancement, or as complete or partial replacement for methyl salicylate, in particular in chewing gum, foods, dentrifices, mouthwashes and other orally consumable products. The mixture comprises or consists of dihydroanethole, o-anisaldehyde, 1,3-dimethoxybenzene, 2′-hydroxyacetophenone, and optionally 2-methoxyacetophenone.
US08226927B2
The present invention relates to new 11C/18F-labeled inhibitor compounds for over-expressed GSK-3 prepared from the GMP synthesis method. The present invention provides novel 11C/18F inhibitor compounds for over-expressed GSK-3 that are suitable for use as an in vivo imaging agent. A pharmaceutical comprising the compound and a kit for the preparation of the pharmaceutical are also provided.
US08226926B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases and disorders including cancer and various other angiogenic-dependent diseases, vascular malfunctions, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), hemorrhagic processes and treatment of pain, in particular tumor-related pain by drug delivery and/or therapeutic embolization using microspheres. More particularly the invention relates to microspheres containing non-ionic contrast agents, to compositions comprising these microspheres, as well as methods for preparing and using such compositions for embolization therapy. The invention further relates to compositions and methods using detectable microspheres for targeted drug delivery, irrespective of whether embolization is also needed.
US08226921B2
The present invention provides a raw coke having such a structure that the graphitized product resulting from graphitization of the raw coke at a temperature of 2800° C. under an inactive gas atmosphere will have ratios of the crystallite size to the lattice constant of 360 or less in the (002) plane and 1500 or less in the (110) plane, as a raw coke providing active carbon produced by alkali-activating the raw coke, which is reduced in remaining alkali content and can simplify washing operation because washing liquid can easily pass through the activated carbon, or as a raw coke for the production of needle coke.
US08226920B1
The invention concern an apparatus and a method for manufacturing polycrystalline silicon having a reduced amount of boron compounds. The invention feeds Ar gas in a trichlorosilane line, which connects a trichlorosilane (TCS) tank and a series of distillation units. The distillation units have a pressure transducer and a pressure independent control valve (PIC-V) positioned on a vent gas line for discharging vent gas from the distillation units. Ar gas is fed to the TCS line with higher pressure than the pressure set for opening the PIC-V. The TCS is distilled by the distillation units with continuously discharging vent gas from the distillation units.
US08226916B2
Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. A nitric oxide delivery system that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid.
US08226913B2
Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.
US08226911B2
A method is provided for producing TiO2 nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can be further processed by neutralization, calcination, and/or micronization. The TiO2 nanoparticle size is controlled by controlling synthetic and process conditions. TiO2 nanoparticles produced are of the anatase polymorph, of the rutile polymorph, or a mixture thereof, and have particle sizes in the range of from 10 nm to 100 nm.
US08226905B2
A blood glucose measuring system comprising: a computer mouse that transmits data to an associated computer; a LED display residing on the computer mouse; a blood glucose strip receiver residing on the computer mouse; a blood glucose measurement mechanism; and software residing on the associated computer which receives blood glucose data, where the software stores the data onto a database within the associated computer. In one exemplary embodiment, the mouse may include two actuation pads and Bluetooth technology to transmit data from the mouse to the associated computer. The LED display provided on the mouse displays the glucose results measured by the measurement means. The software residing on the associated computer tabulates the blood glucose measurements and stores the data in a predetermined format.
US08226902B2
Provided are an apparatus for manufacturing carbon nanotubes and a method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes with the apparatus. A plurality of carbon-nanotube-synthesizing units are disposed in series to continuously perform a carbon-nanotube-synthesizing process. Thus, carbon nanotubes having a uniform quality can be synthesized.
US08226883B2
System and method for hardening rails by cooling, in a cooling medium, at least one part of a respective rail cross-section of a rail over an entire length of the rail. The system includes a cross displacement device arranged in an area of a roller table, at least one positioning device, at least one coolant container containing the cooling medium, a manipulation gripper comprising a plurality of pincers and being structured and arranged to move the rail. The method includes at least one of moving the rail from the roller table to the at least one coolant container positioning the rail into the at least one positioning device via the manipulation gripper, as well as moving the rail into the coolant medium with the at least one positioning device.
US08226878B2
A method of forming articles having closed microchannels includes the steps of providing a substrate including a composite material, the composite having metal nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix. The substrate is irradiated with a laser beam at an intensity and time sufficient to selectively remove the polymer below a surface of said substrate to form at least one microchannel, wherein the intensity and time is low enough to avoid removing the polymer above the microchannel, wherein an article having at least one closed microchannel is formed. A metal nanoparticle/polymer composite composition can have functionality that can undergo addition reactions to seal or join pieces of polymers or composites upon irradiation of the composition placed on one or more pieces.
US08226872B2
An electrical apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a molded device having a molded portion and being formed via an overmolding process. The electrical apparatus includes a wire set at least partially overmolded within the device, the wire set having an outer sheath surrounding a plurality of wires. The molded portion surrounds a portion of the wire set. The electrical apparatus further includes polyurethane bonding material occurring between the outer sheath and the molded portion. The polyurethane bonding material bonds at least a portion of the wire set to the molded portion during the overmolding process.
US08226866B2
The method for making a continuous laminate, in particular suitable as a spar cap or another part of a wind energy turbine rotor blade comprises the steps of providing a plurality of parallel fibers, embedding the fibers in a curable matrix material, curing the matrix material so as to obtain a fiber reinforced laminate having upper and lower major surfaces, and forming channels into at least one of the upper and lower major surfaces of the laminate wherein the channels on the upper and/or lower major surfaces are angled with respect to the direction of the fibers.
US08226863B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a three-dimensional product having a nanoporous surface in which the pore density, pore size or pore size distribution can be easily and readily controlled. The invention combines two techniques: a method for producing a three-dimensional product in which a yarn is knitted or woven to finish into an arbitrary three-dimensional shape, and a method for transforming a surface consisting of a material in which nanoparticles are dispersed in a matrix to a nanoporous surface by immersing the surface in a liquid which dissolves the nanoparticles but does not dissolve the matrix.
US08226862B2
The present invention discloses an approach for making mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and methods for using these membranes. These MMMs contain a continuous polymer matrix and dispersed microporous molecular sieve particles. This invention also pertains to control of the thickness of the thin dense selective mixed matrix membrane layer that is equal to or greater than the particle size of the largest molecular sieve particles for making large scale asymmetric MMMs. In particular, the invention is directed to making asymmetric flat sheet MMM by a phase inversion technique. The MMMs of the present invention exhibit at least 20% increase in selectivity compared to the polymer membranes prepared from their corresponding continuous polymer matrices. The MMMs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of liquid, gas, and vapor separations.
US08226860B2
A method for controlling positive birefringence in an optical compensation film (positive C-plate) having high positive birefringence throughout the wavelength range 400 nm<λ<800 nm is provided. The method includes selecting polymers with optically anisotropic subunits (OASUs) that exhibit the buttressing effect, wherein the OASUs may be disks, mesogens or aromatic rings substituted with birefringence enhancing substituents. The method further includes processing the polymer by solution casting to yield a polymer film with high birefringence without the need for stretching, photopolymerization, or other processes. These optical compensation films may be used in LCDs, particularly IPS-LCDs.
US08226854B2
A photoelectric conversion device is provided and includes a photoelectric conversion layer containing a compound represented by the following formula (1). Formula (1): In the formula, Z1 represents an atomic group for forming a 5- or 6-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; Za represents an atomic group for forming a 5- or 6-membered ring; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; L11 to L14 each represents a methine group which may have a substituent or may form a ring with another methine group; p1 represents 0 or 1; n1 represents an integer of 0 to 4 and when n1 is an integer of 2 or more, each L13 or L14 may be the same as or different from every other L13 or L14; M1 represents an ion for neutralizing the electric charge; and m1 represents a number necessary for neutralization of the electric charge; provided that a compound where Z1 is an atomic group forming a thiazoline nucleus or a thiazole nucleus is excluded.
US08226851B2
The present invention comprises a liquid-crystalline polymer composition comprising a nanostructured hollow-carbon material and a liquid-crystalline polymer. The nanostructured hollow-carbon material may comprises particles, each particle of which is selected from the group consisting of a particle which is composed of a carbon part and a hollow part and has a structure that the hollow part is entirely enclosed by the carbon part; and a particle which is composed of a carbon part and a hollow part and has a structure that the hollow part is partly enclosed by the carbon part.
US08226846B2
A de-icing and anti-icing composition in the form of an aqueous solution which includes sugars, and an inorganic freezing point depressant in the form of a chloride salt.
US08226842B2
Novel solvent composition for selective removal of COS from a gas stream containing same, said composition comprising a) at least one polyalkylene glycol alkyl ether of the formula R1O-(Alk-O)n—R2 (I) or 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone or a mixture of N-formylmorpholine and N-acetylmorpholine wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; Alk is an alkylene group, branched or unbranched, having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is from 1 to 10; and b) at least one alkanolamine compound of the formula R3NHR4OR6 (II) or at least one piperazine compound of formula wherein R3 is hydrogen, an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or the R4OH group; R4 is a branched or unbranched alkylene group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R5, independently in each occurrence, is hydrogen or an hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R6 is hydrogen, an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
US08226834B2
A backwash distribution apparatus for a filter having a filter tank and a plurality of underdrain laterals includes a first and second separator device positioned in a common main conduit to define first and second auxiliary flumes. The first and second auxiliary flumes are in fluid communication with the common main conduit and the underdrain laterals. The first separator device has at least one flume liquid metering orifice preferably located near the bottom of the first separator device so that it may be below a gas liquid interface in the first auxiliary flume. The second separator device has either a weir edge or a plurality of metering orifices (or both) for passing backwash liquid from the common main conduit into the second auxiliary flume. The second separator device creates an adequate liquid pool in the common main conduit to prevent short circuiting of gas into a liquid opening for the common main conduit and also to provide low velocity flow of backwash liquid therein, while also providing uninhibited flow of backwash gas. The second separator also controls the distribution of backwash liquid and/or gas inside the common main conduit. A method for gas backwash in the presence of liquid according to the invention is also disclosed.
US08226828B2
A wastewater treatment system comprising one apparatus (1) for de-nitrification and effluent solids removal, another apparatus (2) for biological main treatment, and a further apparatus (3) for solids removal (5), each apparatus including a volume (40) in which each process is performed, a media-retaining sieve (6) at the volume (40) and arranged to retain buoyant media particles (4) in the volume (40), and a gas sparging device (8), (9) which is located in a lower end region of the volume (40) and which is controllable by way of valves (11) and (15). The three volumes (40) are substantially (10) identical to, or multiples of, each other, the three sieves (6) are substantially identical to each other, and the three sparging devices (8), (9) are substantially identical to each other. The gas is sparged into the main treatment bed at a lower flow rate for wastewater aeration but intermittently at a higher flow rate to disrupt and clean the bed. In a preferred embodiment it is possible to use relatively small media particles because of the provision of the in-situ cleaning arrangement. The biological main stage comprises up to four treatment stages either in internal partitions or in separate tanks.
US08226823B2
A salometer and flow rate sensor assembly for a water softener system including a brine tank containing a brine solution including at least one sensor housing provided in the brine tank, a first detector set associated with the housing and configured for indicating whether the brine solution is adequately concentrated and a second detector set associated with the housing and configured for measuring the brine solution flow rate during brine draw and refill cycles of regeneration.
US08226822B2
A cyclone separator includes a wall, a first passage, a second passage, and an oil debris monitor. The wall defines a cyclone cavity. The first passage has a first passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a first passage outlet at an exterior of the cyclone separator. The second passage has a second passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a second passage outlet at the first passage. The oil debris monitor detects debris flowing through the second passage.
US08226819B2
An extraction aid has been found which provides for enhanced contaminate removal, such as metals and amines, from crude oils that uses components that are desirable in desalting processes as the components are water soluble, have low toxicity, are highly biodegradeable and exhibit high thermal stability. According to one embodiment of the invention, an extraction aid that provides enhanced extraction properties is comprised of a blend of acids, particularly water soluble acids. More specifically, a combination of two acids chosen from the group consisting of acetic acid, sulfuric acid, glycolic acid, citric acid and methanesulfonic acid.
US08226814B2
Enzyme-based electrochemical sensors comprising transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators and include substituted or unsubstituted pyridyl-imidazole ligands. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.
US08226810B2
The invention concerns a galvanic deposition method for an anthracite colored coating for metallic parts, including a first step of depositing a gold-nickel alloy by means of an electrolytic bath, characterized in that it includes a second step of treating said gold-nickel alloy by means of a diluted acid bath, containing an acid selected from among hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, phosphoric, nitric and sulphuric acid.
US08226803B2
A coated article is provided so as to have a fairly high visible transmission (TY or Tvis) to sheet resistance (Rs) ratio (i.e., a ratio Tvis/Rs). The higher this ratio, the better the coated article's combined functionality of providing for both good solar performance (e.g., ability to reflect and/or absorb IR radiation) and high visible transmission. In certain example embodiments, coated articles herein may be heat treatable. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, architectural or residential monolithic window units, vehicle window units, and/or the like.
US08226798B2
A method of forming a pyrolysed biocarbon from a pyrolyzable organic material is delineated. The method involves the conversion of pyrolyzable organic materials to biocarbon for subsequent use. A carbonization circuit is employed with individual feedstock segments being advanced through the circuit. The method facilitates user manipulation of rate of advancement of the feedstock through the circuit, selective collation of volatiles from pyrolyzing feedstock, selective exposure of predetermined feedstock segments to collated volatiles as well as thermal recovery and redistribution as desired by the user. This results in the capacity for a customizable biocarbon product, the latter being an auxiliary feature of the methodology.
US08226792B2
A method for manufacturing a flooring product with integrated circuitry, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pieces (6), stacking said pieces on top of each other, displaced in relation to each other to form an offset stack (10), and compressing said offset stack to form said flooring product. The method further comprises arranging flexible circuitry (7) on an upper surface of at least one piece, so that, when said pieces are stacked, a first portion (7a) of flexible circuitry on the at least one piece is exposed, said first portion (7a) including circuitry for interacting with the environment. By arranging the circuitry in the flooring during such a manufacturing process, a flooring product is achieved where only a portion of the circuitry is exposed, and another portion is embedded in the flooring. This allows for exposing those parts of the circuitry that are adapted to interact with the surrounding environment, such as optical components, pressure sensitive components, acoustic components, etc.
US08226777B2
A heat recovery device is provided for recovering thermal energy from a fluid medium, in particular for use in a waste-water system of a dishwasher. The heat recovery device comprises at least one heat exchanger with at least one heat exchanger surface. The heat recovery device further comprises at least one heating device, which is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger surface, and also at least one controller. The controller is designed to carry out a self-cleaning process for the heat exchanger, with the heat exchanger surface being briefly heated by means of the heating device during the self-cleaning process.
US08226775B2
The embodiments of the present invention provide methods for cleaning patterned substrates with fine features. The methods for cleaning patterned substrate have advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features by using the cleaning materials described. The cleaning materials are fluid, either in liquid phase, or in liquid/gas phase, and deform around device features; therefore, the cleaning materials do not substantially damage the device features or reduce damage all together. The cleaning materials containing polymers of a polymeric compound with large molecular weight capture the contaminants on the substrate. In addition, the cleaning materials entrap the contaminants and do not return the contaminants to the substrate surface. The polymers of one or more polymeric compounds with large molecular weight form long polymer chains, which can also be cross-linked to form a network (or polymeric network). The long polymer chains and/or polymer network show superior capabilities of capturing and entrapping contaminants, in comparison to conventional cleaning materials.
US08226768B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for evaporation comprising a vacuum chamber, a substrate stage defining a substrate plane and at least one effusion cell, the effusion cell comprising a crucible having a volume, wherein said effusion cell, crucible and substrate stage are arranged inside the vacuum chamber. The crucible comprises a first end, a second end, at least one side wall and an aperture. In a typical apparatus according to the invention the aperture is situated in the first wall or in a side wall closer to the first end than the second end, the second end arranged closer to the substrate plane than the first end. The invention also relates to a crucible for evaporation, having a volume, comprising a first end, a second end, at least one side wall and an aperture. The invention further relates to a method of growing a film on a substrate.
US08226764B2
The invention relates to a monophase hydraulic binder containing silicon, calcium, oxygen and hydrogen atoms in an arrangement comprising silicate building units having an average connectedness of higher than Q1.5 and silanol groups, with none or a part of the calcium atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[6]x+ sixfold or higher-coordinated with oxygen and/or none or a part of the silicon atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[4]y+ tetrahedrally coordinated with oxygen, the molar ratio of [CaO+(x/2)·(M[6]x+Ox/2)]: [SiO2+M[4]y+Oy/2] having a value of 0.2 to 2.0, and the binder having an H2O content of 3.5% by weight to 20% by weight, as well as a mixture containing this binder. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for manufacturing the binder or a mixture containing this binder by reaction grinding a starting material of silicate building units having a connectedness of Q0 to Q2, and optionally further materials, with a solid silicate raw material having a ceonnectedness of the silicate building units of Q3 to Q4 and optionally drying the monophase hydraulic binder to an H2O content of 3.5% by weight to 20% by weight.Finally, the invention relates to a building material made by setting the binder or a mixture containing this binder with water and subsequent hardening.
US08226762B2
The self-leveling fluid screed cement composition with limited shrinkage, formed by a mixture of a cement binder, a fluidizing adjuvant, granulates and water, is characterized in that the binder includes 70% to 85% by weight of Portland cement, 7% to 18% by weight of sulfo-aluminous clinker, and 6% to 14% by weight of calcium sulfate, with a calcium sulfate C$/calcium sulfo-aluminate C4A3$ molar ratio of between 5 and 7 and a water/binder ratio by weight of between 0.60 and 0.90. The self-leveling fluid screed that is thus produced has a mechanical resistance to its compression at 24 hours that is at least equal to 1 MPa, shrinkage at 7 days, measured under a relative hygrometry of 50%, less than 500 μm/m, and an endogenic expansion value that is measured at 7 days, less than 1,000 μm/m, as well as a very slight lifting of edges.
US08226759B2
An ink composition of inkjet recording which includes at least one surfactant containing benzophenone polyoxyethylene glycol-based compound, a colorant, and a solvent. A multi-color ink set that includes the ink composition of inkjet recording, a cartridge of inkjet recording, and an inkjet recording apparatus are also provided.
US08226756B2
One embodiment of the invention is an emulsion type inkjet ink including water, a pigment, an emulsifier, and an alcohol compound in which the alcohol compound is dispersed in water with the emulsifier. The emulsifier is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester compound, and the alcohol compound is a compound including an aromatic ring and having a boiling point of 180° C. or higher.
US08226752B2
An air purification device that is decorative and effective in removing contaminants from indoor air. The air purification device includes a carbon matrix composite.
US08226747B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an adsorbent suitable as an adsorbent for a canister which is capable of reducing an amount of evaporated fuel gas released into the atmosphere even where a motor vehicle is allowed to park for a prolonged period of time, a process for producing the adsorbent as well as a canister using the adsorbent and a method for using the canister. The above object can be accomplished by an adsorbent in which an integrated volume of pores having an average diameter of 3,000 to 100,000 nm as measured with a mercury porosimeter is 6.5 mL/dl or more and an equilibrium adsorption as measured in an n-butane volume concentration of 2,000 ppm is 0.16 g/dL or more, a process for producing the adsorbent, as well as a canister and a method for using the canister.
US08226745B2
Provided herein are new compact and miniature oxygen concentrator apparatus, as well as methods incorporating use of the apparatus. The apparatus and methods utilize selected cycle times, adsorbent specifications and novel conditions to produce a fast Pressure Swing Adsorption (“PSA”) system. The oxygen concentrator apparatus and methods herein have significant utility in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, and medicine. A particularly advantageous use of this invention is as a “snap on” portable oxygen concentrator, where piped compressed air is already available such as in civil and military hospitals, ambulances, air craft cabins, mobile fish tanks, etc. Those embodiments eliminate the need for dedicated moving machinery (blower, compressor, vacuum pump) normally associated with a conventional PSA oxygen concentrator.
US08226740B2
An inorganic material that consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said spherical particles comprising metal nanoparticles that are between 1 and 300 nm in size and a mesostructured matrix with an oxide base of at least one element X that is selected from the group that consists of aluminum, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, gallium, germanium, tin, antimony, lead, vanadium, iron, manganese, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, yttrium, cerium, gadolinium, europium and neodymium is described, whereby said matrix has a pore size of between 1.5 and 30 nm and has amorphous walls with a thickness of between 1 and 30 nm, said elementary spherical particles having a maximum diameter of 10 μm. Said material can also contain zeolitic nanocrystals that are trapped within said mesostructured matrix.
US08226729B2
Methods, devices and compositions for fusing adjacent vertebrae, and otherwise localizing bone growth, are provided. In one form of the invention, a method for fusing adjacent vertebrae includes preparing a disc space for receipt of an intervertebral disc implant in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae, inserting the implant into the intervertebral disc space and providing an osteoinductive composition that includes an osteoinductive factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The carrier is advantageously substantially impermeable to efflux of the osteoinductive factor and is released as the carrier is resorbed or biodegraded. Preferred carriers include a hardened, resorbable carrier, such as a calcium phosphate cement that retains at least about 50% of the osteoinductive factors greater than about 2 days. Preferred osteoinductive factors are growth factors and include bone morphogenetic proteins and LIM mineralization proteins. In alternative forms of the invention, the method may be performed without utilization of a load-bearing spinal implant by disposing the osteoinductive composition in the disc space. The method is advantageously performed on lumbar vertebrae by a posterior approach. Intervertebral fusion devices and methods for their preparation are also provided.
US08226728B2
A hip joint prosthesis with a shaft fastened on the shaft head of which there is a ball head which in turn is inserted in a rotatable manner in the spherical recess of a socket insert and the socket insert is coupled with a hip socket wherein the shaft can be implanted in the femur and the hip socket can be implanted in the pelvic bone. To avoid transmission of vibrations, damping elements of a vibration-damping material are arranged at the coupling points of the shaft head with the ball head and/or of the socket insert with the hip socket.
US08226727B2
The present invention relates to a femoral prosthesis that includes a cement introduction port which may be used to facilitate delivery or introduction of bone cement into the prosthesis/bone interface after the prosthesis component has been placed on a resurfaced femur bone. The femoral prosthesis may have a keel with undercuts which are configured to assist in controlling the flow of bone cement during implantation and to improve stability of the prosthesis following implantation. The femoral prosthesis is suitable for implantation using arthroscopic, as well as open, surgical procedures. The present prostheses may be used as unicondylar implants in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.
US08226725B2
A prosthetic bone implant, the bone implant forming one side of a joint and including a prosthesis and a soft tissue attachment component. The soft tissue attachment component is connected to the bone implant and extends outwardly therefrom and towards a joint line. The soft tissue attachment component is moveable with respect to the prosthesis while connected thereto.
US08226713B2
A coating for an orbital implant where the coating has an anterior portion having a different, longer term bioabsorbability than a posterior portion. This allows the implant to have a smooth surface for insertion and to provide reduced irritation to neighboring tissues, to help prevent exposure of the porous core of the implant, and to provide a stable anchorment for extraocular muscles, but which also encourages rapid fibrovascular ingrowth. The coating is marked with a visual indicator to facilitate proper orientation. Shell materials are further selected to allow for sterile packaging, the securing of therapeutic agents thereon, and to provide adequately strong securing of the coating to the core. Apertures are formed through the coating to enhance fluid flow to and from the core, and to provide exposure of the surface of the core to extraocular muscles, and for sutures. The apertures are sized and shaped to reduce irritating surface contact with orbital tissues.
US08226711B2
A device for heart valve repair including at least one tension member having a first end and second end. A basal anchor is disposed at the first end of the tension member and a secondary anchor at the second end. The method includes the steps of anchoring the basal anchor proximate a heart valve and anchoring the secondary anchor at a location spaced from the valve such that the chamber geometry is altered to reduce heart wall tension and/or stress on the valve leaflets.
US08226710B2
A heart valve prosthesis is provided having a self-expanding multi-level frame that supports a valve body comprising a skirt and plurality of coapting leaflets. The frame transitions between a contracted delivery configuration that enables percutaneous transluminal delivery, and an expanded deployed configuration having an asymmetric hourglass shape. The valve body skirt and leaflets are constructed so that the center of coaptation may be selected to reduce horizontal forces applied to the commissures of the valve, and to efficiently distribute and transmit forces along the leaflets and to the frame. Alternatively, the valve body may be used as a surgically implantable replacement valve prosthesis.
US08226703B2
An aneurysmal repair system that utilizes a modified intraluminal scaffold apex and a delta stitch suture to secure graft material to the scaffold structure allows for no relative movement between the graft material and the scaffold structure. The absence of relative movement reduces the wear on the graft material.
US08226698B2
The present invention relates to a therapeutic cranial wrap for use with a thermal contrast therapy systems and methods for providing a temperature regulated fluid. The cranial wrap includes an active thermal exchange bladder and an active compression bladder, adapted to fit the cranial therapy site. The thermal exchange bladder may be coupled to the thermal contrast therapy system. The compression bladder may compress the therapy site. In some embodiments, the compressive bladder may be integrated into the thermal exchange bladder, or may be omitted. The cranial wrap also includes a contoured shell, known as a hood shaped therapy pad, which is adapted to snugly fit the cranial therapy site and provide neck support. Adjustable straps, including at least one strap that circumvents the cranium, secure the cranial wrap in a fitted position adjacent the therapy site. The cranial wrap couples to the thermal contrast therapy system which includes a hot and cold fluid reservoir, a mixing valve, and a fluid pump.
US08226693B2
An orthopedic bone bridge, suitable for internally fixating and stabilizing fractured bones. The bone bridge includes: first and second bone plates for attachment to bone fragments by bone screws or the like on opposite sides of a bone fracture, a pair elongate parallel hollow legs on which the plates are mounted and the second plate is slidably engaged and is moveable with respect to the first plate, and an elastic cable or microcable attached to the first plate and extending down through the legs and around said second plate. The elastic cable is configured to provide a controlled tensile force between the plates when they are pulled into a longitudinally spaced apart position with the bone bridge then applying a correspondingly compressive force onto the bone fracture when the plates are secured to bone fragments on opposite sides of a bone fracture.
US08226677B2
Sensing arrangements for a handpiece sense suction pressure or fluid flow within a suction path to determine the position of a movable cutting element relative to a fixed cutting element of a cutting accessory. A controller calculates actual speed of the movable cutting element from measured pressure or measured fluid flow. The cutting elements have openings that, when aligned, form a window. The controller controls power to a motor that drives the cutting element. When the handpiece is deactivated, the controller stops the movable cutting element at a predetermined position to close or partially close the window. The controller controls the cutting speed in view of joint pressure combined with suction pressure, or in view of fluid flow through the suction path, to maintain an optimal fluid flow rate that enhances the cutting action of the cutting accessory. Pressure or flow sensors may detect a clog in the suction path.
US08226672B2
A method of occluding a vessel, comprises forming an incision through tissue covering the vessel to expose a portion of the vessel and looping a first suture around the vessel such that ends of the first suture extend out of the incision in combination with closing the incision with the ends of the first suture protruding through the closed incision, placing a force distribution element over the incision and tightening the first suture over the force distribution element to form a kink in the vessel.
US08226668B2
A tensioning system for restricting the available volume of a gastric cavity includes a base material that is shaped and dimensioned for surgical attachment to surfaces on or within the body. Multiple tensioning members are incorporated into the base material, each of the tensioning members including a first end and a second end, wherein pulling upon the tensioning member will cause edges of the base material to be drawn together. The method for restricting the available volume of a gastric cavity includes securing edges of a tensioning system to the gastric cavity and drawing the edges of the tissue together to create a fold in the tissue.
US08226665B2
An ultrasonic needle driver is provided. The driver includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer mounted within the housing, a coupling mechanism operably connected to and extending distally from the ultrasonic transducer, and a tool assembly operably connected to the coupling mechanism. The tool assembly may be configured for selectively retaining a suture needle. The housing may include a handle assembly for actuating the tool assembly. The handle assembly may include a pair of handles. The handles are spaced apart from the housing when in a first position. The handles may be approximated toward the housing to actuate the tool assembly. The tool assembly may include a jaw member. The housing may be configured for operable engagement by a user and may define a substantially elongated body. The housing may define a pistol or pencil grip. The driver may also include an activation mechanism for activating the ultrasonic transducer. The driver may further include a control module integrally formed therewith.
US08226661B2
An insertion device for inserting a therapeutic device into organic tissue is disclosed and described. The device is particularly suited to insertion of such as nerve stimulating electrode arrays. The insertion device has at least one controllable positive pressure source (greater than atomospheric), two vacuum sources and a dual vacuum pressure control system. The positive pressure and the dual vacuum pressure control systems are manipulated to allow the manipulation and insertion or retrieval of a therapeutic device. The insertion device can be spatially manipulated by hand, without requiring other equipment for positioning the insertion device.
US08226652B2
The present invention is directed to a variety of interbody spinal fusion implants having at least a partially frusto-conical configuration. An external thread is employed to increase implant stability and implant surface area, and for the purpose of advancing the spinal fusion implant into the fusion site. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may be relatively solid or hollow and may have surface roughenings to promote bone ingrowth and stability. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may have wells extending into the material of the implant from the surface for the purpose of holding fusion promoting materials and to provide for areas of bone ingrowth fixation.
US08226648B2
The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive conductive composition when sufficient pressure is applied to transform the pressure-sensitive conductive composite to an electrical conductor. An electrically insulative flexible layer, which may include a passageway for a fill material is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems can also be used for targeted delivery of compounds, such as drugs, using a bipolar electrode.
US08226643B2
An electrosurgical instrument for providing pressurized ionized gas to a surgical site includes a hand-held applicator having proximal and distal ends, a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent the distal end of the hand-held applicator. A portable actuator assembly is included that is capable of receiving a source of pressurized ionizable gas therein. The actuator controls the delivery of the gas and energy to the hand-held applicator. A pressure safety connects to the portable actuator and to the hand-held applicator. A pressure safety system having two or more cascaded pressure change members connects between the input port and the output port, the pressure change members are configured to regulate pressurized gas into the environment until the portable actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08226640B2
An electrical leakage detection method and system for use with laparoscopic electrosurgical instruments are provided. The present disclosure provides for an electrosurgical unit for providing electrosurgical energy at an active output thereof and for controlling the flow of the energy through the active output; an active electrode coupled to the active output for transmitting electrosurgical energy to a patient in an electrosurgical procedure; a first sensor disposed at a distal end of the active electrode and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at the distal end; a second sensor disposed at a proximal end of the active electrode and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at the proximal end; and a comparison circuit coupled to the first and second sensors for receiving the first and second signals and determining a difference value, the difference value being indicative of leakage current.
US08226630B2
Method of using prefilled, single dose, one time use self-destructing, auto-disabling safety syringe
The present invention relates to the method of use for a single dose, single use, self-destructing, auto-disabling safety syringe. The invention successfully addresses and solves the problems of the prior art by combining the use of COC injection molding with the advantages presented by the ampoule cartridge and the traditional safety syringe all integrated into a single device. A pre-filled ampoule or barrel is molded with minimal draft enabling the syringe's piston plunger to be partially self-lubricated by the syringe's contents. The addition of an internal auto disabling coupler to the piston plunger allows the device to be used only a single time. In addition, the present invention's structure is such that its safety sleeve necessarily moves forward to cover the syringe's needle after use. The invention's elements solve the biocompatibility and safety problems of the prior art and provide an exact dose, prefilled, single use, safety syringe.
US08226614B2
Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods. The fluid delivery devices may be used to delivery fluid (e.g., insulin) to a user. The devices may have one or more inlets, and may be configured for use with an injection device, such as a syringe, and/or with a pump.
US08226611B2
An anti-IL-6 antibody, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-6 antibody, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.
US08226605B2
An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.
US08226597B2
A fluid delivery system having a closed-loop control process for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. A fluid infusion system includes a pump for delivering a fluid to a patient via an administration tube. A flow sensor associated with the administration tube provides an indication of the actual flow rate of fluid in the administration tube. Such a flow sensor may comprise a positive displacement flow sensor constructed using micro-fabrication and/or micro-molding techniques. A reader reads the actual flow rate signal and provides an indication to a controller for controlling the pump. The flow rate information can also be used for providing status information, such as the existence of a blockage in the fluid delivery system.
US08226594B2
A system for treating a disorder of a central nervous system (CNS) comprises first and second conduits, distal ends of which are open to a patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A proximal end of the second conduit opens to drain CSF from the CNS. A first implantable reservoir holds a first material to be introduced to the CNS. An intracranial pressure detecting unit includes a transmitter for providing auditory signals to the patient and a BAUR analyzer for analyzing brainstem evoked auditory potentials to determine current intracranial pressure. A pump is coupled to the first reservoir and introduces the first material to the CNS via the first conduit. A brain activity detection unit delects and analyzes brain activity of the patient and controls drainage of CSF based on input from the intracranial pressure detecting unit to maintain intracranial pressure within a predetermined range.
US08226590B2
A knee positioning device for applying stress to a knee joint during a radiographic procedure. The device comprises at least one sectional support board having a plurality of slots therein, a plurality of holding members positioned within the slots, wherein each holding member is configured to support a positioning structure.
US08226581B2
A bite force measuring device includes a handle having first and second ends. A measurement shaft extends outwardly from the handle first end and includes a distal end relative to the handle. A test plate is positioned on the measurement shaft. The measuring device includes a flexible reservoir positioned inside the measurement shaft that is in contact with the test plate that contains a generally incompressible fluid such that the flexible reservoir undergoes pressure changes when the test plate bears against the reservoir. A plunger shaft is operatively connected to the reservoir and is pushed outwardly therefrom when pressure in the reservoir is increased. The plunger shaft may include indicia indicative of a measurement of a relative bite force.
US08226576B2
The present invention is a holder assembly having a holder housing, collar and safety shield. The safety shield is pivotably attached to the collar. The collar is receiving within a recess defined by the annular skirt and needle receiving port of the holder housing. The collar and attached safety shield may thus be rotated about the holder housing and an attached needle assembly, thereby allowing a user to freely position the safety shield during needle insertion and preventing the dislocation of safety shield from the holder housing.
US08226570B2
An implantable respiration monitor can be used to detect disordered breathing or periodic breathing events that can be categorized, such as according to one or more of sleep, exercise, and resting awake states. The categorized frequency of such events can be compared to independently specifiable thresholds, such as to trigger an alert or responsive therapy, or to display one or more trends. The information can also be combined with detection of one or more other congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms to generate a CHF status indicator or to trigger an alarm or responsive therapy or to display one or more trends. The alert can notify the patient or a caregiver, such as via remote monitoring. The sleep state information can be further categorized according to central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) events.
US08226560B2
An ultrasonic image 105, 106 is captured by an ultrasonic probe 104. A reference image 111 is obtained by extracting a tomographic image corresponding to the scan plane of the ultrasonic image from volume image data that is pre-obtained by a diagnostic imaging apparatus 102 and that is stored in a volume-data storing unit 107. The ultrasonic image and the reference image 111 are displayed on the same screen 114. In this case, of the reference image, a portion corresponding to the view area of the ultrasonic image is extracted and the resulting reference image having the same region as the ultrasonic image is displayed as a fan-shaped image.
US08226551B2
A scanning endoscope, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, and a mirror, is provided. The first transmitter emits a beam of radiant light from the first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end in a direction perpendicular to an emission direction. The mirror is arranged from the first emission end to the first direction. The mirror comprises a through-part and a reflection surface. The radiant light emitted from the first emission end passes through the through-part when the first emission end is within a first circumference. The reflection surface reflects the radiant light emitted from the first emission end toward the observation area around the first straight line when the first emission end is outside of the first circumference.
US08226549B2
A continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and meant to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that the detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope or a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity.
US08226525B2
A hybrid powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, and a hybrid transmission having an input member, an output member, and at least one motor/generator operable to provide or receive torque. A damper connects the crankshaft with the input member. A bi-directional rotational position sensing system operatively connects with either the crankshaft or an input side of the damper, and is configured to sense the rotational position and direction of the crankshaft, and provide a position signal indicative thereof. At least one controller is configured to receive the position signal and to provide a torque command to the motor/generator based at least in part on the position signal. The torque command is operable to cause the motor/generator to substantially cancel an expected engine torque pulse associated with the sensed rotational position during starting of the engine with the damper open. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain is provided.
US08226522B2
A coupling system includes a dynamoelectric device selectively operable as either a generator or an electric motor, a gas turbine engine, a main differential operably connected between the dynamoelectric device and the gas turbine engine, a rotationally powered accessory engaged with the main differential, an epicyclic start differential operatively connected to the main differential, and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is configured for selectively braking the epicyclic start differential when the dynamoelectric device operates as an electric motor to direct torque transmission to the gas turbine engine, and is further configured to cease braking the epicyclic start differential when the dynamoelectric device operates as a generator such that the main differential transmits torque to power the rotationally powered accessory and to the dynamoelectric device.
US08226521B2
An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08226511B2
A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body having a first side surface and a second side surface, a plurality of sprocket teeth extending radially outwardly from a root portion of the sprocket body, and a shift assist recess formed in the root portion below a first sprocket tooth at the first side surface of the sprocket body. A radially outermost surface of a second sprocket tooth defines a reference tooth radius, and a radially outermost surface of a third sprocket tooth defines a shift assist tooth radius. The radially outermost surface of the third sprocket tooth has a convex shape, and the shift assist tooth radius is greater than the reference tooth radius.
US08226498B2
A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face includes one or more stiffening members or other structures on the inner surface of the face to provide locally increased stiffness to particular areas of the face. Certain stiffening members may provide greater stiffness than other stiffening members, allowing the face to be configured for areas of greatest stiffness and greatest COR tailored to common impact patterns.
US08226497B2
A single sheet golf club grip comprises a single sheet layer wrapped around and adhered onto a sleeve body of an inner lining sleeve, an inner surface dimension of the sheet layer being longitudinally narrower than an outer surface dimension of the sleeve body to form an axial gap between two axial margins of the sheet layer, an axial seam structure including a seam strip and a plurality of flat binding surfaces along each side of the axial gap between the seam strip and each of the two axial margins to be strong enough to hold a single natural leather sheet to give the grip a soft, firm look and feel for slip resistance, a dense structure for torque resistance, and a durable gripping surface.
US08226495B2
Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to at least one or more of golf club reminding and golf data collecting and recording. In one embodiment an apparatus on a golf club includes an integrated reminder and a stroke cancellation system and is semi-automatic in that the recording of the stroke is directly in response to changing the state (e.g. activating) of a switch which indicates that the golfer has pressed a button on the golf club. The pressing of the button indicates that the golfer will or has taken a stroke with the golf club and that the stroke is to be recorded, with the location of the stroke and an identifier of the club (e.g. 9 iron). The system may also be equipped with a missing club reminder and theft prevention function that notifies the golfer is a golf club has been left behind or if a club or golf bag has been removed without authorization.
US08226477B1
An exemplary method for automatically simulating calling scenarios comprises the steps of receiving, from a user, information relating to a call center scenario, automatically obtaining at least one calling scenario template based on the information, automatically merging code modules specific to the scenario with the template to generate a simulation program, executing the simulation program, and providing simulation results to the user.
US08226474B2
Novel gaming networks, devices, and systems for enabling game play on wireless, mobile gaming devices based on the location of the device are described. A mobile gaming device can be used for wagering game play when the device is physically present in an authorized game play zone in a gaming environment and is used by an authorized and verified user. A gaming environment is divided into zones wherein a zone either allows wagering game play on a device or does not. A zone has multiple transmitters that transmit security signals that are detectable by a mobile device at all times while the device is in the zone. An appropriate wireless communication standard can be used to transmit the security signal, such as near-field magnetic communication. The device has at least one user identification and authentication mechanism to ensure that only an authorized user is using the device.
US08226460B2
Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described.
US08226455B2
A vacuum-assisted sanding device removably connectable to a conventional sanding pad of the type used with mechanical sanders. The sanding device may include a swiveling connection tube for connecting dust removal channels and a recess of a handle block of the sanding device to a vacuum system. The manual sanding device may also include a plate system for suctioning away dust and other particulate matter created during the sanding process.
US08226453B2
A shoulder strap includes a first stretch fabric and a second stretch fabric, and a first rigid fabric sandwiched between the first stretch fabric and a second stretch fabric and adhered to the first stretch fabric. The rigid fabric is located at an intermediate position between opposite ends of the first stretch fabric and the second stretch fabric.
US08226444B2
A power strip has a power cord socket having a main electric receptacle provided on a face panel and a side electric receptacle provided on a stepped sidewall thereof, and an extension socket having a main electric receptacle provided on a face panel and a side electric plug provided an inverted stepped sidewall thereof, wherein the side electric plug is insertable into the side electric receptacle in a direction perpendicular to the base of the power cord socket, thereby connecting the extension socket to the power cord socket. The extension socket further includes an opposite stepped sidewall wherein two extension sockets can be connected together. The power strip includes an end piece with a plug insertable into the receptacle of the power cord socket or extension socket. Projection-and-groove and catch-and-trough engagements are formed on mating stepped sidewalls of the sockets and end piece.
US08226440B2
A lighting system comprising an electrical lamp (6) having an electrical lamp connector (32), a holder (5) having a front electrical connector adapted to be back-connected to a power supply and a cap (7) to interface the electrical lamp and the holder, said cap extending along a mounting direction between a top side for receiving the lamp connector and an opposite bottom side for receiving the holder connector, and having axial holes extending between the bottom side and the top side for receiving within at least a part of an electrical cap connector able to electrically connect the lamp connector with the holder connector once the lighting assembly is assembled. The cap further comprises a cap guide and the holder further comprises a holder guide, said cap guide and holder guide being adapted to cooperate with one another by fitting in the mounting direction, such that any significant motion of the cap into directions perpendicular to the mounting direction is prevented by the holder guide, ensuring a positioning step of the cap with respect to the holder before an electrical contacting step of the cap connector with the holder connector.
US08226439B2
An electrical connector has an insulating housing. The insulating housing has a base. At least one positioning block is protruded from a front of the base and separates the base into several equal parts. A plurality of terminals is mounted into the insulating housing. A connecting element is fixed on the positioning block. A shielding shell wraps the insulating housing. The positioning block cooperates with the shielding shell to form receiving spaces for receiving plug connectors. So, the electrical connector is capable of receiving multiple plug connectors. Meanwhile, the electrical connector simplifies the soldering process while assembling multiple connectors, and also, improves the assembly accuracy.
US08226428B2
In an electrical connection for high-voltage or medium-voltage switchgear, a bar (2) is inserted in a recess (6) provided with a projection (10). In the invention, the dimensions are established so that the axes (AA, BB) of the bar (2) and of the projection (10) can be inclined relative to each other. Spring-forming conductor elements (12, 14) establish the electrical connection even in the event of tilt. A high-performance electrical contact can thus be obtained compactly, which makes it possible to perform assembly/disassembly operations on electrical equipment without any additional element of the telescopic ferrule or separable bar type.
US08226426B2
A portable electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, an antenna, and a RF connector. The circuit board, the antenna, and the RF connector are within the housing. The antenna and the RF connector are electrically connected to the circuit board. The RF connector includes a probe and is capable of receiving test signals through the probe to test the portable electronic device, and the RF connector is also capable of connecting the antenna through the probe to receive communication signals to implement communication function of the portable electronic device. A RF connector used in the portable electronic device is also provided.
US08226419B2
The present invention provides a computer port interface apparatus having a compound swivel. The apparatus comprises: a computer port connector portion configured for mated coupling with a computer port, a compound swivel portion, and a peripheral portion operatively coupled to the computer port connector portion. The peripheral portion may include an integral peripheral device or a connector for mated coupling with a device. The computer port connector portion and peripheral portion extend at angles from opposing ends of the compound swivel portion. The compound swivel portion comprises two or more swivels in series. Each swivel is operatively coupled to a swivel stop assembly configured to limit relative rotation of the swivel to a predetermined range. Swivelling allows reorientation of the peripheral portion and a device coupled thereto to facilitate operation. Swivel stop assemblies protect portions of the apparatus and/or facilitate operation.
US08226418B2
An presentation generator is disclosed for generating presentations for interacting with a user on a personal topic of, e.g., the user's selection, wherein the presentations assist the user in obtaining a greater awareness of his/her motivations and/or behaviors relating to the topic. In one embodiment, the presentation generator generates and presents to the user textual observations, questions, and/or statements for the user's consideration. Such presentations use and/or are consistent with textual descriptions obtained from: (a) the results of one or more personality/motivation test results, and (b) user inputs, e.g., regarding the selected topic together with his/her confidence in the validity of such inputs. The invention organizes the textual descriptions so that outputs to the user can be generated from various personality/motivational perspectives thereby assisting the user in viewing the topic of discussion from different perspectives and thereby becoming more aware of his/her biases, motivations, and/or concerns relating to the topic.
US08226413B2
A human head model for hairdressing and beauty training is disclosed. The head model comprises: a head component having a neck portion; a skin portion covered over the head component; and a plurality of connecting assemblies provided on the neck portion of the head component and the skin portion; wherein the skin portion is fixed to the head component via the plurality of connecting assemblies. The connecting assembly may be a rivet or a snap button. The present invention is of stable structure. For the skin portion and the head model are separate parts, and the head component is reusable, which saves materials and caters for environment protection. Meanwhile, the skin portion is of light weight, and occupies small space, which saves costs of transportation. The head model is adapted for use in haircut practice and also in dressing practice.
US08226400B2
A die for extrusion-forming a honeycomb structure which includes: a die base provided with ceramic puddle introducing holes and slits in communication with the ceramic puddle introducing holes; and a substrate layer, which roughly defines the final width of the slits, and a surface layer, which precisely defines the final width of the slits, formed on the die base in this order so that the final width of the slits becomes 15 to 200 μm, wherein the surface layer is made up of tungsten carbide particles which are 5 μm or less in average particle diameter and contain W3C as a main ingredient. According to this invention, there is provided a die for extrusion-forming a honeycomb structure which can restrain fluctuation in extrusion-forming speed among its parts and resistance to pushing force, both caused at the time of extrusion-forming, to be very small and is superior in productivity and durability.
US08226399B2
This invention provides methods and devices for manufacturing moldable materials including various types of natural and synthetic clays, edible materials such as cookie dough, and modeling compound by forming a moldable billet through various techniques, and reducing the cross section of said moldable billet such that features in the moldable billet appear in a similar arrangement in the resulting extruded product.
US08226393B2
The system for vacuum formation of a dental appliance is a fully automated vacuum formation machine for dental appliances, such as retainers and the like. The system includes a base having a perforated top vacuum plate in communication with a vacuum source. A heating unit is positioned above the perforated top vacuum plate, and a controller is in communication with the heating unit and the vacuum source for selective actuation thereof. A holder releasably receives a thermoplastic plate. The holder is selectively positionable vertically over the perforated top vacuum plate and a dental impression cast mounted thereon. The holder is positioned by a linear actuator or the like, in communication with the controller. A sensor is positioned adjacent the perforated top vacuum plate for measuring the thermoplastic plate's thickness as it is molded about the dental impression cast, and is communication with the controller.
US08226382B2
In an engine driven unit of a feed pump, the feed pump is accommodated in a hollow space which is enclosed radially by a rotating functional wheel of a component of the motor vehicle formed, for example, by a pulley wheel, which may be driven directly by the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine.
US08226380B2
The invention relates to a chamber, in particular a pump chamber, comprising a plate-shaped first half (10) and a plate-shaped second half (12). The first and second halves are connected to one another by a closed connecting seam (20) in a surface-to-surface relation, and at least one half has at least one aperture (14) lying within the connecting seam. Furthermore, at least the second half is thermally deformed within the closed connecting seam in such a manner that it is formed to bulge relative to the connecting surface with the first half such that a hollow space (30) is formed between the first and second halves. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a pump having a configuration as described above. In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a chamber as described above.
US08226379B2
A hydraulic pump includes a housing, a seat portion, and a valve element. The housing has a compression chamber and a fluid passage. The seat portion is provided midway through the fluid passage. The valve element is located between the compression chamber and the fluid passage. The valve element is a closed-end cylindrical member having a bottom portion, a cylindrical portion, and an opening end arranged in this order. The cylindrical portion is located farther away from the seat portion than the bottom portion. The valve element is seated to the seat portion at the bottom portion. A stopper substantially closes the opening end when making contact with the opening end to regulate movement of the valve element.
US08226372B2
A compressor includes a motor driven by a controller and having a rotor and a stator, a compressing unit driven by the motor in a hermetic container in which refrigerant is filled. Driving the motor at a low rpm, the controller practices a feedback control which determines a timing of turning on/off switching elements based on a signal detecting a position of the rotor, and when the motor is driven at a high rpm, the controller practices an open-loop control which outputs a given frequency and drives the motor synchronizing with the given frequency. This structure achieves a compressor working with a fewer noises in PWM driving.
US08226371B2
A pump control unit incorporates an accelerometer as a sensor. Responsive to outputs from the sensor, electrical load driving signals can be provided to energize a pump motor to reduce a fluid level in an enclosure.
US08226366B2
Disclosed is an axial rotor section for a rotor of a turbine, on which a sealing element, which is provided on an end side surface, is secured by means of a bolt against movement in the circumferential direction, with the bolt being reliably secured against becoming loose by means of a securing plate. One particular advantage of the invention is the comparatively simple and low-cost design, comprising a securing plate, a bolt, holes and grooves. Furthermore, these components can be fitted and removed quickly, because of their simple geometry.
US08226359B1
A variable guide vane actuator for positioning the guide vanes of a turbine engine in a hypersonic missile uses compressor exhaust to drive a linked, floating piston assembly that is coupled to the guide vanes. The relatively low pressure compressor exhaust is metered by a valve to drive the piston arrangement to accurately position the guide vanes in proportion to the input control signal. Reliability and accuracy gains are achieved by inhibiting the effects of vibration and thermal distortion through the elimination of piston/bore contact, the use of a rigid, cantilevered mounting arrangement and cooling with the pre-combusted liquid fuel.
US08226355B2
A torque coupling (13) for a rotor head (11) of a rotary-wing aircraft has upper and lower plates (29, 31) configured for rotation with a rotor mast (19). Drive links (33) pivotally connected to the upper and lower plates (29, 31) pivot about a pivot axis generally parallel to and radially offset from an axis of rotation of the plates. Each link (33) is engaged with adjacent drive links (33) to form a continuous ring of links, such that motion of one link (33) about its pivot axis causes motion in an opposite direction of each adjacent link (33) about its pivot axis. Drive elements (25) connect the drive links (33) to an assembly configured to receive rotor blades. The drive elements (25) may be components of a universal joint, a multiple trailing-link configuration, a pad-bearing configuration, or another type of articulating assembly.
US08226352B2
A discharge head features a motor mounting plate configured for mounting on a motor; a base plate configured for mounting on a pump assembly; an elbow transition mounted on the base plate configured for providing discharge from the pump assembly; a seal housing pipe coupled to the elbow transition configured for receiving a mechanical seal or packing arrangement; supporting pipes arranged between the motor mounting plate and the base plate; and ribs arranged between the supporting pipes and the seal housing pipe configured to prevent substantially lateral and torsional movement, including movement due to reacting hydraulic forces at a pump nozzle and inertia from a driver. The discharge head according to the present invention makes it quicker and easier to couple together the shaft of a pump and the shaft of a motor in such VTSH pumps when compared to the techniques known in the art.
US08226347B2
A wind turbine system is provided for geographic regions having multiple soil layers, such as permafrost. The wind turbine includes a plurality of blades mounted to a nacelle on top of a tower. The tower is supported by a foundation that extends through or into the multiple soil layers. The wind turbine monitors the condition of a top layer of soil and calculates a natural frequency for the wind turbine system based on the changes to the layer of soil. Changes in operation of the wind turbine are made in response to changes in the natural frequency of the wind turbine system.
US08226345B2
A device for processing mail items, having: at least one stacking device for forming a bundle of superimposed mail items and moving it from a forming position to a loading position; one or more robots for removing the bundles in the loading position and moving them into a covering position; one or more covering devices for placing upside down containers over the bundles in the covering position, so the bundles of mail items are housed inside the containers; a conveying system supplied by the covering devices with bundles of mail items covered with respective upside down containers; and a turnover device for turning the containers over through 180°, so the containers are positioned with their respective openings facing upwards.
US08226339B2
A threaded collapsible insert is utilized for insertion into a hole in a workpiece for subsequent installation of a threaded fastener. The insert has a axially-aligned opening extending for most or all of the entire length of the body of the insert. The hollow body has a first section and a second section, where the wall thickness of the first section is less than the wall thickness of the second section, such that the first section preferentially collapses upon application of a linear force to the insert. The second section comprises internal threads for engaging the fastener. The head member has a top side and an underside. The underside of the head member may comprise a plurality of knurls radiating outwardly on the underside of the flange. The outside of the first section may also comprise a plurality of axially aligned rib members extending from the proximal end to the distal end.
US08226329B2
The invention relates to a device for producing vibrations, particularly for fastening to ramming bodies, which are rammed into or pulled out of a burrow by said vibrations, comprising at least two balancing weights (15, 16) rotating in opposite directions in a synchronized manner and rolling on a track and driven by separate shafts. According to the invention, the track is a bearing ring (32) that is fitted into the housing, wherein said bearing ring is made of rolling bearing steel that has a hardness of HRC≧50.
US08226328B2
A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector. Each cable segment includes an inner jacket defining a hollow core, a braided strength fiber surrounding the inner jacket, and an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding the braided strength fiber, wherein the connector isolates the first and second cable segments.
US08226327B2
Method for laying a pipeline onto a seabed from a lay barge, the pipeline having an inner corrosion proof metallic cladding that is closely fitted with metallic contact to an outer pipe material that is less corrosion proof. The method includes reeling a section of the pipeline onto a pipe laying drum, while an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the section by a pressurized fluid inside the section, b) joining a further pipeline section to the section already reeled onto the pipe laying drum, while the pipeline is motionless without mechanical movement, as the overpressure can he relieved as long as the sections are without mechanical movement, c) applying an overpressure of 5-25 bar within the sections and the further section is reeled onto the pipe laying drum, d) and joining several sections together and reeling the joined sections onto one or several pipe laying drums by repeating step b) and c) until the predetermined pipeline length is achieved. The pipeline is laid from the lay barge onto the seabed using a conventional method, while an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the pipeline by means of a pressurized fluid until the pipeline is correctly placed onto the seabed.
US08226322B2
Disclosed is a self-contained, pop-up bollard barrier system (10) that is capable of working from a single electromechanical actuator (29) with a series of belts (30) and pulleys (38, 38A). The system (10) is built in two parts that once the foundation vault (44) is in place, the internal apparatus or bollard assembly (11) can be removed as a unit for maintenance or can be completely replaced with another assembly to have a brand new barrier without the need of replacing or moving any of the initial foundation. The system (10) enhances the ability of the contractor on site to have a self contained product that only needs wiring and requires no grease while minimizing the installation cost, which is passed on to the end user.
US08226320B2
A bolted joint for connecting structural parts established by at least two bolt eyes formed in each part. Two conically configured bolts are each surrounded by a slotted sleeve having a conical inner surface and a cylindrical outer surface. A thin end of each bolt has a threaded journal and a thick end has a spanner lug. Slotted eccentric bushings are inserted into the bolt eyes, which each receive a slotted sleeve and a bolt. Each threaded journal interacts with a nut so when the nut is tightened, a radial force is exerted by the sleeve upon the bolt eyes. The sleeves each have a rim with two diametrically opposing, mutually parallel flattenings. The sleeves are secured against twisting by an anti-twist protection which is formed of two rings, connected to each other via a web. The rings have bearing edges which interact positively with the flattenings.
US08226315B1
An apparatus includes a first nib structure that includes a first main body having a first and a second end. The first end is opposite to the second end. The first nib structure further includes a first nib coupled to the first end. The apparatus further includes a capacitive force sensor coupled to the second end of the first nib structure. The capacitive force sensor is configured to measure more than two levels of force being applied to the first nib. The capacitive force sensor comprises (i) a first plate and (ii) a second plate. The first plate is made of a material that is elastic to bend towards the second plate when the first nib structure transfers at least a portion of a force applied to the first nib.
US08226312B2
A valve door for a seal cylinder comprises a lid having first and second surfaces and a connecting means connecting the lid with an actuating mechanism, the connecting means distributes forces from the actuating mechanism across a portion of the first lid surface in order to bias the lid to a closed position. A force directing member is attached to the first lid surface, the force directing member being adapted to distribute force from the connecting means over a portion of the lid surface, thereby maintaining a positive seal and reducing lid deflection.
US08226307B2
An imaging body (1) includes: an attachment/detachment portion (2) to which an imaging optical system (12) is detachably attached; an imaging element (3); and a conversion optical system (4). The conversion optical system (4) is constituted by front side lens systems (4a, 4b) and a rear side lens system (4c). The conversion optical system (4) forms an intermediate image between the attachment/detachment portion (2) and imaging element (3). A shutter (5) is provided near the intermediate image.
US08226299B2
A novel two-piece backing ring assembly for a railcar axle is presented. The backing ring assembly has an annular body affixed to the fillet of the journal and a locking ring for further affixing the annular body into position on the journal. The locking ring has an inboard end affixed to the dust guard of the shaft and an outboard end for engaging a slot in the annular body. The locking ring assembly may be retrofitted to older generation railcar axles to increase the structural rigidity of the bearing assembly and minimize fretting wear caused by railcar axle deflection.
US08226290B1
A cooking and mashing device for cooking and mashing a food in a bowl comprising a generally flat cooking panel; a hot plate component disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; a motor housing disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; an arm pivotally attached to the top surface of the motor housing via a pivot component, wherein the arm can move between an up position and a down position; a plurality of mashing blades attached to the second end of the arm; a first motor for driving the mashing blades to rotate; and a drain for draining excess water that accumulates atop the hot plate component.
US08226289B2
A pVT cell for testing of fluids at high pressure includes a piston (1) and a stirring system for rapidly providing equilibrium prior to test measurement. The stirring system includes: an impeller (10) mounted for rotation on a shaft (11) in an impeller recess (2) on a fluid side of said piston (1), said impeller (10) including at least one permanent magnet; at least two driving solenoids (3) inside said piston (1) for influencing said at least one permanent magnet and thereby providing impeller (10) movement; and a monitoring solenoid (5) arranged inside said piston (1) close to but isolated from the impeller recess (2) in order to monitor the rotation of the impeller (10).
US08226287B2
A light guide plate capable of guiding a light beam from a light emitting device and a backlight module using the light guide plate are provided. The light guide plate includes a light-transmissive substrate and optical structures. The light-transmissive substrate has a first surface, an opposite second surface, and an incident surface connecting the first and the second surface. The light beam enters the light-transmissive substrate through the incident surface and is emitted out of the light-transmissive substrate through the first surface. The optical structures are disposed on the second surface. Each optical structure has a first total internal reflection (TIR) surface, a second TIR surface, and a third TIR surface. The second TIR surface connects the first and third TIR surfaces. Part of the light beam from the incident surface is totally internally reflected by any adjacent two of the first, second, and third TIR surfaces in sequence.
US08226280B2
A socket assembly is provided for mounting on a base of a lighting fixture. The socket assembly includes a socket housing having a base side, a clip side, and a side wall extending from the base side to the clip side. The base side of the socket housing is configured to be mounted on the base of the lighting fixture. The socket housing includes a receptacle extending therein. A light emitting diode (LED) is held within the receptacle of the socket housing. The socket assembly further includes a mounting clip having a strap and an arm that extends from the strap. The strap extends over and is engaged with the clip side of the socket housing. The arm extends outwardly from the strap along the side wall of the socket housing and is configured to engage the base of the lighting fixture to hold the socket housing on the base.
US08226279B2
The invention relates to a lighting fixture (1) which comprises at least one lighting fixture housing (2) and a cover (3) and which is constructed particularly as a safety and/or emergency exit light and/or as an explosion-proof light. A light is held by a clamp connection (5) at the lighting fixture housing, and at least one auxiliary electrical device (6) into the light is disposed at the lighting fixture housing. The lighting fixture can be expanded with a lower expense for the installation and with all explosion-protection measures observed, by virtue of the lighting fixture housing (2) having conductor rails (7) for supplying electricity to the light and to the auxiliary electrical device, where the auxiliary electrical device is constructed as a plug-in module which can be plugged onto the conductor rails.
US08226278B2
Disclosed is an adjustable light fixture. The light fixture can include a housing assembly comprising an outer housing surrounding a central opening; a first adjustment mechanism configured to tilt the light source comprising a first rotating member; and a second adjustment mechanism configured to rotate the light source comprising a second rotating member, where the first and second rotating members are substantially parallel to one another. The light fixture can also include a biasing member that will return the housing assembly to a first tilted position from a second titled position.
US08226269B2
A color mixer for producing a colored beam of light in combination with a light source. The color mixer includes a plurality of color media configured to pass a light beam such that the color media may be repositioned relative to one another to produce a color mixing effect resulting in many available combinations of color and hue.
US08226268B2
A watertight rope light of the present invention includes two parallel wires, a plurality of light emitting diodes and a transparent enclosing layer. The light emitting diodes are substantially parallel to the wires. Each light emitting diode has a semiconductor die, a lens, an anode leg and a cathode leg. The lens has a distal end, which is formed with an awl-shaped concave surface, and the semiconductor die is adapted to emit light toward the concave surface. As such, the light emitted from the semiconductor die can be reflected radially outward to illuminate the surrounding uniformly.
US08226265B2
The present disclosure provides a lighting device that includes an array of LEDs arranged on a circuit board with a reflector that rotates relative to the LEDs to reflect the light in various directions. The reflector according to the present disclosure includes a compact construction that allows for effective light reflection. A related lighting system and method is also provided.
US08226255B2
A button includes a keycap made of transparent material and including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, a light guide block set on the first side surface of the keycap, and an ultraviolet lighting element set on the first side surface to emit ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet lighting element may enter into the light guide block, then is reflected by the light guide block to pass through the keycap to arrive to the second side surface of the keycap.
US08226253B2
The invention is directed to a system for concentrating light for solar thermal and solar photovoltaic generating systems. The system includes a plurality of concentrating regions. Each concentrating region includes an input end having a perimeter or width in a lenticular configuration, an output end having a perimeter or width in a lenticular configuration, and a portion located therebetween defined by a reflective boundary. The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing a light collection system. The method includes forming a film having multiple recesses. Each recess includes an input end, an output end and a reflective boundary. The output end has a smaller perimeter or a width in a lenticular configuration than a perimeter or a width of the input end in the lenticular configuration.
US08226250B2
The optical element includes a base member configured to have an optical surface, a concave-convex structure configured to have an average pitch smaller than a shortest wavelength of a use wavelength range, and an intermediate layer formed between the optical surface and the concave-convex structure, made of a material different from that of the concave-convex structure, and having a refractive index between those of the base member and the material of the concave-convex structure. The optical surface is formed into a shape having a rotational symmetry axis. A thickness of the intermediate layer or each of thicknesses of the intermediate layer and the concave-convex structure varies so as to increase as a distance from the rotational symmetry axis increases. The optical element has good anti-reflection performance not only at a central part of the optical surface having a small curvature radius but also at a peripheral part thereof.
US08226249B2
A retroreflective sheeting (10) comprising a cube layer (20) having a front light-receiving surface (30) and a rear retroreflecting surface (32), and a metallic layer (22) covering the rear retroreflecting surface (32). The rear surface (32) comprises an array of retroreflective elements (34) and diffusing patches (36) within such array (without retroreflective elements (34)). The metallic layer (22) covers the retroreflective elements (34) and the diffusing patches (36), whereby diffusing patches (36) scatter incoming light increasing daytime brightness to a desired level.
US08226246B2
An image display apparatus includes: a first spatial light modulator (SLM) and a second modulator for modulating a first and a second illumination lights for displaying images; an SLM control unit for generating first control data and second control data for controlling the first and second SLMs respectively in accordance with the first and second control data, wherein each of the first control data and second control data is generated for each of a plurality of sub-frame periods divided from one frame period for displaying the images, and the start timing of one sub-frame period of the first control data is different from the start timing of one sub-frame period of the second control data.
US08226245B2
A composite optical element is provided. The composite optical element includes a plurality of optical elements, in which at least one of the optical elements is formed of an element modifying an optical path and the other optical elements are bonded to an incident surface and/or exit surface of the element modifying the optical path with a low refractive index material layer in between.
US08226244B2
LED modules (1R, 1G, 1B) for respectively emitting red, green and blue colors of light, illumination optical systems (2R, 2G, 2B) for guiding light from the LED modules, and a liquid crystal panel (7) for modulating the light from the LED modules guided by the illumination optical systems on the basis of an image signal are placed. The LED modules are provided with respective cooling units connected to the backside thereof through spreaders (11R, 11G, 11B) as thermal conductive members. Only the cooling device for the red LED module (1R) is formed by using a red Peltier device (12) as a thermoelectric element capable of controlling heating and absorbing heat. Efficient temperature control by appropriately using a Peltier device for cooling the plurality of solid light sources that emit colors of light different from each other becomes possible.
US08226242B2
Provided is a compact projection display with high throughput. The projection display includes: an illumination unit which irradiates a plurality of single color light beams; a first scanner scanning the plurality of light beams irradiated from the illumination unit along a first direction; a light modulator with a linear array of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices that are arranged parallel to the first direction; an F-θ lens disposed between the first scanner and the light modulator and having a first entrance pupil and a second entrance pupil; and a second scanner disposed opposite to the second entrance pupil of the F-θ lens and which scans a light beam passing through the second entrance pupil of the F-θ lens on a screen along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.
US08226238B2
An article for performing a subjective refraction includes a lens having a mean power that varies across the lens in a first direction and a cylindrical power that varies across the lens in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the mean power varies by four diopters or more and the cylindrical power varies by four diopters or more.
US08226233B2
An image acquisition apparatus that uses optical coherence tomography includes a scanning unit provided within a light path that guides signal light to be incident on an examination object towards the examination object and configured to scan the signal light in a main scanning direction; and a control unit configured to control the scanning unit such that an integration time of an optical interference signal per pixel in at least one predetermined area other than opposite ends, in the main scanning direction, of an image acquisition region scanned by a plurality of main scan lines is increased relative to that of an area other than the predetermined area.
US08226232B2
An optical system and measurement method for imaging three-dimensional objects with low light scatter comprising at least one source of radiation; a radiation projection means for creating a set of foci through a volume of an object; and a means for imaging the returned light from the set of foci on at least one camera, wherein the imaging of the volume of the object is at a different angle from the projection, allowing for detection of the returned light on separate camera pixels. The measurement method further comprises projecting a longitudinal grid of elongated foci through the volume of an object; imaging returned light from the object at a different angle on at least one camera, so as to avoid overlapping the elongated images; and analyzing the imaged, returned light to yield depth information of the object at a multiplicity of points.
US08226231B2
A method to improve the receptiveness of a person to a training session of the human visual system where at least one visual stimuli arrangement is provided to the person and where means are provided so that the high order aberrations of the system consisting of the combination of said means and the eye of the person is lower than the high order aberrations of the eye of the person. The method to improve deficiencies, inefficiencies or both in neuronal interaction comprising preceding improvement method. A system such as a lens system, an artificial pupil or a clipable lens adapted for said methods. Related computer program product and computer-readable medium.
US08226222B2
An ink set is provided which, when used in color ink-jet printing, can give a full-color printed image having a satisfactory hue and brightness and excellent in various fastness properties. More specifically, an ink set for ink-jet recording is provided that is an ink set of at least two colors which includes at least two ink compositions, i.e., a cyan ink composition and a magenta ink composition. The cyan ink composition contains a cyan dye which is a dye represented by the following formula (7) or a salt thereof. The magenta ink composition contains a magenta dye which is a dye represented by the following formula (6) or a salt thereof.
US08226220B2
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head which reciprocates in a first direction on a predetermined plane and which discharges the liquids; liquid supply sources which store the liquids; flexible tubes which are arranged in a state of being bent and separated from each other and each of which constructs a part of a liquid flow passage; and a regulating member which is arranged on an outer circumferential side of the bent tubes and which regulates movement of the tubes, and connecting ports of the liquid discharge head, to which first ends of the flexible tubes are connected, are arranged in a second direction on the plane; the tubes are arranged in a third direction intersecting the predetermined plane at fixed portion of the tubes; and the regulating member has accommodating sections which accommodate the flexible tubes respectively.
US08226213B2
A method of actuating a thermal bend actuator having an active beam fused to a passive beam. The method comprises passing an electrical current through the active beam so as to cause thermoelastic expansion of the active beam relative to the passive beam and bending of the actuator. The current is delivered in an actuation pulse having a pulse width of less than 0.2 microseconds.
US08226207B2
A coating for an ink jet printhead front face, wherein the coating comprises a low adhesion coating, wherein when the low adhesion coating is disposed on an ink jet printhead front face surface, jetted drops of ultra-violet gel ink or jetted drops of solid ink exhibit a low sliding angle with the printhead front face surface, wherein the low sliding angle is less than about 1° to less than about 30°. In embodiments, the low adhesion coating is an oleophobic coating that exhibits a contact angle of greater than about 35° with ultra-violet gel ink or solid ink.
US08226203B2
A liquid discharge head comprises a discharge port member provided with a discharge port to discharge a liquid and a tape having an adhesive layer comprising an adhesive, which tape adheres to a surface having the discharge port of the discharge port member so that the discharge port is sealed through the adhesive layer. The adhesive contains a compound having at least one of an epoxy group and an oxetanyl group and a compound having a ketimine group.
US08226201B2
The ejection positions of a plurality of pre-processing agent ejection nozzles and the ejection positions of a plurality of ink ejection nozzles as seen in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of a recording medium are in a one-to-one correspondence with each other. A controller causes the process of ejecting ink of a first color from the ink ejection nozzles onto the recording medium subjected to the ejection from the plurality of pre-processing agent ejection nozzles so as to form a failure detection printing pattern which is a printing pattern formed by providing a time lag between the processes of ejecting the ink from adjacent ones of the plurality of ink ejection nozzles. An ejection failure in the pre-processing agent ejection nozzles is detected by judging that a pre-processing agent ejection nozzle corresponding to a region where bleeding results suffers the ejection failure.
US08226200B2
An inkjet printing device comprises an inkjet print head, a carriage on which the print head is mounted and which moves to and fro in a main scan direction while facing a sheet, a detector unit mounted on the carriage and detecting whether or not the sheet exists at a position facing a detecting position (prescribed position of the carriage in the main scan direction), an acquisition unit which acquires a print command including size information specifying sheet size, a setting unit which sets the detecting position depending on the size information, a moving unit which moves the carriage to the detecting position set by the setting unit, and a checking unit which checks whether the sheet exists at the position facing the detecting position by use of the detector unit after the carriage is moved to the detecting position and before the printing on the sheet is started.
US08226195B2
On a region of a recording medium that is scanned by overlapping portions of overlapping heads a plurality of times, an image is recorded in at least one scan, without using ejection nozzles in one nozzle array corresponding to the overlapping portions of the overlapping heads and by using ejection nozzles in the other nozzle array corresponding to the overlapping portions.
US08226191B2
Provided are method of controlling nozzles of an inkjet head and an apparatus for measuring the amounts of ink ejected from the nozzles of the inkjet head. The method includes: preparing a mass measuring device, which measures the mass of ink by using an oscillation change, in a pixel; ejecting ink into the pixel from a nozzle of the inkjet head, and measuring the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle by using the mass measuring device; and adjusting a voltage waveform applied to the nozzle of the inkjet head.
US08226190B2
A recording element substrate includes a recording element, a first voltage conversion circuit configured to receive a first control signal and to output the first control signal with an increased amplitude, a second voltage conversion circuit configured to receive a second control signal and to output the second control signal with an increased amplitude, a PMOS transistor connected to one end of the recording element, and an NMOS transistor connected to the other end of the recording element, wherein the PMOS transistor has a gate connected to an output of the first voltage conversion circuit, and the NMOS transistor has a gate connected to an output of the second voltage conversion circuit.
US08226182B2
Disclosed related to a refrigerator according to the present invention capable of preventing the drooping of bin when the bin is pulled out of the storage space. Further, the refrigerator does not need to fit guide device when users push the bin into the storage space, since the bin is completely separated from the guide device.
US08226177B2
An anti spinning device for a powered vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes at least one driveline, the driveline including a power source and at least one rotatable element, which power source is connected to and arranged to transmit power to the at least one rotatable element. The anti spinning device includes an arrangement for detecting the fulfillment of a preset condition and an arrangement for interrupting the power transmission to the individual rotatable element when the preset condition is fulfilled. A method for controlling an anti spinning device, and a vehicle and a work vehicle such an anti spinning device, are also provided.
US08226176B2
A brake system includes a master cylinder which generates brake fluid pressure by a braking operation of a driver, an electric motor-driven slave cylinder which generates brake fluid pressure based on an electric signal responsive to a braking operation of a driver, and a wheel cylinder for braking a wheel by the brake fluid generated in the master cylinder or slave cylinder. During normal operation of the brake system, the brake fluid generated in the slave cylinder is transferred to the wheel cylinder. During abnormal operation of the brake system, the brake fluid generated in the master cylinder is transferred to the wheel cylinder. The brake system also includes an opening and closing valve in a fluid passage connecting the slave cylinder to the wheel cylinder. When a problem occurs with the slave cylinder, the opening and closing valve is closed for a predetermined amount of time.
US08226169B2
A lock (10) is provided for a vehicle, particularly for a vehicle seat that interacts with a counterelement (B) in the locked state. The lock includes a catch (15) pivotally supported about a first bearing pin (14), having a holder (15a) for the counterelement (B) and a functional surface (15b), and at least one securing element (20, 22) pivotally supported about a second bearing pin (18). The securing element interacts in the locked state, at least intermittently, with the functional surface (15b) in order to secure the locked state of the lock (10). The counterelement (B) approaches the functional surface (15b), the catch (15) having a contact lug (30) that comes into contact with the counterelement (B) approaching the functional surface (15b) before the counterelement (B) can come into contact with the functional surface (15b).
US08226163B1
An extendable leg for use in an aircraft seat can be coupled to an individual seat or a divan or bench. The extendable leg includes an exterior leg and an interior leg that are coupled together through a slot in the interior leg that is traversed by a bolt or cross member that is integrally formed with or sits through a set of holes defined by the exterior leg. The slot tapers towards the upper end. When the leg to extends and the bolt or cross member travels up the slot, the materials of the interior leg deform as the slot narrows until the stop or bushing is reached. The extendable leg may also have a mounting mechanism at the bottom that couples the leg to a cabin floor and enables one or two arcs of rotation to further diminish the sheering forces on the cabin floor.
US08226160B2
Provided is a vehicular roof structure, which can adjust the quantity of daylighting and which can be set to give a sense of spaciousness to a passenger in the rear seat by the wide field of view from the vehicular upper side while blocking the incident light upon the front seat side. Three louvers are enabled to change their angles of inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. If the individual louvers arranged at the blocking positions are oriented to slope in a slightly downward direction of the vehicle toward the rear side thereof, a passenger in a rear seat can see, while an incident light to the front seat side is being blocked by the three louvers, the outside of the upper side of the vehicle through the three inclined louvers.
US08226150B1
A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension.
US08226143B2
A joint structure of a door edge member (such as a garnish or trim) includes a door upper edge member having a baglike cross section (such as a partially hollow open receptacle), constituted by inner surfaces, at the longitudinal end portion thereof, and a door rear edge member having the longitudinal end portion inserted into the end portion of the door upper edge member having the baglike cross section and connected to the door upper edge member. The baglike cross section of the door upper edge member has a first cross-sectional portion provided on one end portion of the door upper edge member in the short side direction thereof, and a second cross-sectional portion provided on the other end portion side in the short side direction. A hold plate, which is inserted into the first cross-sectional portion to come into contact with the inner surface thereof, and a hold member, which is inserted into the second cross-sectional portion to come into contact with the inner surface thereof and formed of a resin integrally with the hold plate, are provided at the end portion of the door rear edge member.
US08226138B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for securing rescue operations by helihoisting that comprises three attachments to the helicopter, the lifeguard and the belay tether. A trigger control mechanism includes a mobile pawl pivotally mounted on the hook between a closing position and a release position of the opening, respectively for maintaining the tether in the hook and for releasing the same, and a latch submitted to the action of a polarisation spring for locking the pawl in the closed position in the absence of a tension on the first attachment, and for unlocking the pawl when the force applied on the first attachment exceeds that of the polarisation spring. The assembly is arranged for triggering the automatic release of the belay tether that remained attached when the tensioning by the helicopter traction cable exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08226135B1
The present invention is concerned with a locking arrangement having a first wall defining a surface and a second wall defining a surface with the surfaces abutting each other. The first wall is provided with a first bulge defining a first elongate groove facing a first direction and the second wall is provided with a second bulge defining a second elongate groove facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the grooves are positioned to define a channel in which a ball bearing is movable there across. The first groove has a substantially same width there across and the second groove has a narrower end and a wider end, the locking arrangement is adapted to, depending on the orientation of the channel, assume a first configuration in which the ball bearing is positioned at one end of the channel or a second configuration in which the ball bearing is positioned at the opposite end of the channel. In one of the two configurations when the channel is oriented to allow the ball bearing to roll to the wider end of the groove, the ball bearing becomes out of a path of relative movement of the walls whereby the walls become movable relative each other and hence unlocking the locking arrangement for the walls.
US08226133B2
A bumper attachment device is provided for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body disposed between the body and the bumper. A bumper support which can support the bumper and an attachment insert that can be rotatably attached to a securing part secured to the body are provided. The attachment insert has an insertion part inserted into and through a through hole in the bumper support, the insertion part is inserted into and through the through hole, and the insertion part is turned in the through hole while supporting the bumper support; in this way, a part of the attachment insert is caused to abut a part of the bumper support, and through that abutment, the position of the bumper support relative to the body is adjusted.
US08226129B2
A link 11 reaches a locking position in response to movement of a rod 9. A cab lock hook 12 is rotatably supported by the link 11, and arrives at a locking position in response to rotation of the link 11 toward the locking position, thereby engaging with a pin 4 on the chassis side 2. A switch 40 is fixed to a cab 1, and when it is pressed down, the state thereof changes accordingly. A lock close portion 60 is rotatably supported by the other end of the cab 1, and is movable between a closing position and a non-closing position. The lock close portion 60 in the closing position engages with a rod connecting shaft 27 while the link 11 is in the locking position, and prevents movement of the link 11 in a lock release direction. The lock close portion 60 includes a switch pressure section 66, which presses down the switch 40 when the lock close portion 10 reaches the closing position from the non-closing position.
US08226123B2
A fuel tank has a primary sump and secondary sump. A first vent valve and a second vent valve are disposed within the fuel tank. The first vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the primary sump is equal to or higher than a first predetermined filling level, and the second vent valve is closed when a level of fuel in the secondary sump is equal to or higher than a second predetermined filling level in a refueling procedure.
US08226122B2
A linear pretensioner for use as part of a motor vehicle occupant belt restraint system mountable to vehicle structure and coupled with a belt restraint system component. The pretensioner includes at least one base plate having a slot and at least one closure plate fixedly attached to the base plate. The closure plate(s) and the slot of the base plate(s) form a cavity having an open end. A piston plate has a piston tail slidably disposed within the cavity and a piston head extending from the open end. A cable is coupled with the piston plate, the base plate(s), and/or the closure plate(s). The piston plate, the slot of the base plate(s), and the closure plate(s) cooperate to form an expanding chamber that enlarges when pressurized by a gas generator, which drives the piston plate and the base plate relative to each other to exert tension on the cable.
US08226119B2
An occupant restraint device includes an inflatable airbag cushion, a tether including a first end connected to the airbag cushion and a second end connected to a tether control mechanism. The tether control mechanism including a tether payout mechanism and a tether length adjustment mechanism. The tether length adjustment mechanism controls a length of tether available for payout by the tether payout mechanism, and the tether payout mechanism is operationally decoupled from the tether length adjustment mechanism.
US08226111B2
A baby stroller for transporting an infant at speeds faster than normal walking is disclosed. This baby stroller can be folded to make it easier to stow and transport. The folding mechanism, a unique feature of the design is directed toward compactness, ease of use, reliability, and reduction in manufacturing costs.
US08226107B2
The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.
US08226103B2
Front wheel drive vehicles, bicycles or motorized scooters, include an enclosed drive belt connected to provide power to the front wheel through a chain, where the vehicle is steered by way of a front fork extending outside and over the head tube of the frame, and methods of use thereof. Movable linkages, which may be belts, chains, or other linkages, provide power generated using pedals or a motor to the front wheel. The belts are preferably enclosed within the frame or the front fork to prevent interference or damage. A chain is preferably used to drive the front wheel. Having the front fork outside the head tube allows for the head tube to route the linkage from the frame to the front fork without interference by the steering connection to the front wheel, allowing for a full range of motion of the front wheel.
US08226101B2
A torsion system (20) comprising a housing (24) adapted to be secured to a structural portion of a vehicle. A shaft (23) has a core portion (32) accommodated in the housing (24) and defines concavities (34) in the core portion (32). The shaft (23) has a connector end (30) connected to a crank arm. The connector end (30) protrudes out of the housing (24). Elastomeric members (25,25′) are received in the concavities (34) of the shaft (23). The elastomeric members (25,25′) each have a geometry so as to at least partially fill the concavities (34) and contact an inner surface of the housing (24), whereby a rotation of the crank arm results in a deformation of the elastomeric members (25,25′).
US08226098B2
The suspension system of the present invention broadly comprises a method of retrofitting an existing torsion axle suspension carried by a frame with an air spring comprising the steps of removing an original torsion axle that was fixed to a frame from the frame and mounting the torsion axle to at least one rotatable arm such that rotation of the arm causes vertical translation of the original torsion axle. The suspension system also comprises a retrofit kit for use with a torsion axle suspension system having a torsion axle and a spindle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be attachable to the frame, a pivot arm for mounting to the hanger bracket and adapted for rotatably supporting the existing torsion axle, an air spring, a support assembly secured to the pivot arm for supporting the air spring, and an attachment for securing the pivot arm to the support assembly.
US08226095B2
A mobile platform such as, but not limited to, a skateboard type of structure capable of movably transporting an individual over a supporting surface. A wheel assembly connected to the platform includes at least one but more practically a plurality of wheels having a spherical configuration extending outwardly from opposite surfaces of the platform into engagement with the supporting surface so as to define at least two operative positions of the platform. A mounting assembly and each of a plurality of different embodiments of a bearing assembly are structured to facilitate a substantially universal, rotational movement of said wheel(s) relative to said platform. The different embodiments of the bearing assembly facilitate either a free or unrestricted universal rotational movement of the one wheel relative to the platform or alternatively a universal, rotational movement thereof concurrently about more defined rotational axes.
US08226094B1
A combination scooter and pogo stick apparatus comprising a set of handlebars connected to a set of side bars serving as a frame; a spring coil located towards the bottom of the frame; a scooter board having a bottom surface with at least two wheels, the scooter board being arranged at the bottom of the frame; a set of footrests located at the bottom of the frame; a rotational member that controls the positioning of a bottom stubbed portion, the bottom stubbed portion positioned at the bottom-most portion of the frame; and a holding member that latches the scooter board in a vertical position.
US08226092B2
An equipment carrier for transporting one or more work items includes a vertical frame attached to a base frame, where the base frame has, in a preferred embodiment, an expandable portion that telescopes out from the vertical frame. The equipment carrier also includes a locking mechanism for attaching the equipment carrier to a standard dolly. The use of the equipment carrier in combination with the dolly allows for easy transport of the equipment carrier. In one embodiment, work piece arms for supporting work items are pivotally connected to the front of the vertical frame allowing them to swing into horizontal position and then fold down into a vertical position. Also attached to the vertical frame is a strut that is also pivotally connected to the front face of the vertical frame. The strut swings up to support the work piece arm when it is in the horizontal position. The equipment carrier also has components for carrying additional accessories work items needed.
US08226083B2
A recording target medium feeding apparatus includes a body having a switching section and a feeding section that feeds a recording target medium. A recording target media cassette that receives the recording target media has an inner wall facing the leading edge of the recording target medium and switches between first and second states. In the first state, the inner wall has a predetermined angle with respect to a bottom surface of the recording target media cassette. In the second state, the inner wall has a steeper angle of inclination. In the first state, the inner wall separates the uppermost of the recording target media from a second recording target medium. In the second state, the inner wall contacts the leading edge of the recording target media loaded in the recording target media cassette and sets the leading edge of the recording target media at a uniform edge position.
US08226081B2
A paper tray of printer is provided, which includes a paper tray body, a slide shaft, a first pick arm, a second pick arm and a paper width guide. The first pick arm is fixed on the slide shaft, and the second pick arm is slidely disposed on the slide shaft. The paper width guide is disposed on the paper tray body and is connected to the second pick arm through a linkage device to drive the second pick arm, so that a position of the second pick arm varies along with a position of the paper width guide. Accordingly, an interval between the first pick arm and the second pick arm can be varied along with a size of a paper, so as to avoid paper skew when the paper is fed.
US08226079B2
A stapling apparatus includes: a processing tray; a paper discharge unit configured to discharge sheets on the processing tray; an aligning unit configured to align sheets manually inserted onto the processing tray from a paper discharge port of the paper discharge unit; and a stapler configured to staple the sheets manually inserted on the processing tray.
US08226073B2
A testing apparatus is for testing products on an assembly line and includes a worktable, a positioning device, and a testing member. The worktable includes a number of wheels pivotably attached to a bottom thereof, and a number of retractable feet attached to the bottom thereof. The positioning device is attached to the worktable and includes a number of clamping members to position a product to be test. The testing member is attached to the worktable and operated by a control box to move a robot arm with a testing head to test the product.
US08226067B1
A cradle has upper and lower surfaces, a periphery and opposed first and second ends. A closed projection extends upwardly from the first end with spaced parallel faces and co-axial bores. Laterally spaced open projections extend upwardly from the second end. Each open projection has a free exterior with a recess extending inwardly. A draw latch fabricated of an elastomer has a handle and a major portion. The major portion has a fixed end positioned between the parallel faces of the closed projection. The fixed end has a central bore. A pivot pin extends through the central and co-axial bores. The major portion has a movable end with an enlargement. The draw latch is adapted to be unstretched whereby the enlargement is located between the recesses.
US08226063B2
An adjustment mechanism is disclosed for moving a movable member relative to a fixed member. A threaded screw is fixedly secured to the fixed member. A gear is rotatably disposed about the threaded screw. A housing includes a bore and an opening in a lower surface. A rotatably driven worm is disposed within the bore and includes a threaded outer surface that protrudes through the opening in the lower surface of the housing and threadably engages the gear. A generally U-shaped retainer strap partially surrounds the gear and is adapted to couple the housing and gear together to align and preload the worm and gear. A generally U-shaped bracket is adapted to be fixedly secured to the movable member, wherein the gear, housing, worm, and retainer strap are disposed within the bracket and the threaded screw passes through a pair of openings in the bracket.
US08226057B2
In the field of communication technologies, a fixing device for a holding pole is provided, so as to solve the problem of increased mounting cost due to too much manpower occupied by mounting the fixing device for the holding pole. The fixing device for the holding pole includes a first fastener, a second fastener, and a securing member, two ends of the first fastener are radially engaged with two ends of the second fastener to form a ring, and the securing member rotatably runs through the first fastener or the second fastener to reach the inside of the ring.
US08226050B2
A clamping device for clamping a hard disk drive includes a supporting frame and a spacing member. The supporting frame includes a connection board, a fixing arm, and a spacing arm. The fixing arm and the spacing arm extend from opposite ends of the connection board in a direction away from the connection board. The connection plate, the fixing arm, and the spacing arm cooperatively define a receiving space for receiving the hard disk drive. The spacing arm includes an internal surface facing the receiving space and an external surface opposite to the internal surface. The spacing member includes two elastic elements. The spacing member is arranged on the external surface, with portions of the elastic elements protruding out of the external surface.
US08226042B1
A spin control system includes first and second thrusters coupled to an object hanging from a suspension member. When activated, the first and second thrusters generate thrust in opposing directions that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suspension member. When the object spins, a controller activates at least one of the first and second thrusters to approximately align the object with a reference position.
US08226038B2
The invention relates a method and apparatus for reducing the drag on aircraft, particularly aircraft with an upswept afterbody. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of drag reducing elements on the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the drag reducing elements are positioned on the fuselage from a position at the breakline of the fuselage and extending toward the tail of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of drag reducing elements is positioned such that a first end of the drag reducing element is at an angle of between approximately 15 and 35° nose up relative to the flow of air about the fuselage at the location where the drag reducing element is positioned.
US08226035B1
Apparatus and methods provide for a blended wing passenger or cargo aircraft. Aspects of the disclosure provide an aircraft having wings with spars having a thickness at the wing root corresponding to a height of the payload space within the fuselage to which the wings are attached. The wing spars within the wings on each side of the aircraft may each be spliced into an aircraft frame that is part of the fuselage. The wing thickness provides mounting locations for aircraft engines and other components within the wing and passing through the wing spars. With this mid-wing configuration, the fuselage provides support for the various loads experienced by the wings without the use of a conventional structural wing box.
US08226032B2
The present invention relates to a device for the installation of commercial components in an aircraft that features at least one equipment carrier for accommodating the components, wherein the at least one equipment carrier is arranged between a luggage rack and the skin of the aircraft and held on the aircraft structure such that it can be pivoted between a maintenance position and an installation position. In order to accommodate the commercial components in a space-saving fashion and to simplify the installation and maintenance work, the equipment carrier can be at least partially pivoted into the luggage rack and is accessible in order to perform installation and maintenance work from the luggage rack in the maintenance position.
US08226024B2
A self-retracting lifeline includes a reserve lifeline portion and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, and a lifeline. A stop member is operatively connected to an intermediate portion a distance from a first end of the lifeline. A bumper portion is operatively connected to the housing and includes a bore through which the lifeline extends, the bore being smaller than the stop member to prevent passage of the stop member through the bore and out of the housing. At least a portion of the bumper portion disconnects from the housing when a predetermined force is exerted on the bumper portion to allow the stop member to exit the housing.
US08226023B2
A refiner (1) comprising a stator (2) and a rotor (4). The stator (2) and the rotor (4) comprise a flat portion (7, 9) and a conical portion (8, 10). The conical portion has a first end (17) of smaller diameter (D1) and a second end (18) of greater diameter (D2) such that the first end is directed towards the flat portion and the second end is directed away from the flat portion. The refining surface (12) of the conical portion of the stator comprises at least an outer zone (23) arranged at the second end of the conical portion and an inner zone (22) arranged relative to the outer zone on the side of the first end of the conical portion. A portion of the length of the blade bars (20) in the outer zone are arranged relative to the rotation direction (RD) of the rotor such that they have a retentive effect on the material to be refined. Also a blade segment (19) for a conical portion of a stator of a refiner.
US08226011B2
For executing an application (13) in a mobile device (1) comprising a camera (14), a visual background (2) is captured through the camera (14). A selected application (13) is associated with the visual background (2). The selected application (13) is executed in the mobile device (1). Determined are orientation parameters indicative of an orientation of the mobile device (1) relative to the visual background (2). Based on the orientation parameters, application-specific output signals are generated in the mobile device (1). Particularly, the captured visual background (2) is displayed on the mobile device (1) overlaid with visual objects based on the orientation parameters. Displaying the captured visual background with overlaid visual objects, selected and/or positioned dependent on the relative orientation of the mobile device (1), makes possible interactive augmented reality applications, e.g. interactive augmented reality games, controlled by the orientation of the mobile device (1) relative to the visual background (2).
US08226003B2
The present disclosure includes a system and method for adjusting parameters associated with leakage signals. In some implementations, an RFID reader includes an RF antenna, a transmitter section, a receiver section, a control module and a cancellation noise reduction (CNR) section. The transmitter section is coupled to the RF antenna and operable to generate a transmit signal to be transmitted by the RF antenna. The receiver section is coupled to the RF antenna and operable to receive a receive signal from the RF antenna. In addition, the receiver section further includes a de-rotation module and a control module. The de-rotation module is operable to de-rotate, by θ, an in-phase signal and quadrature signal associated with the leakage signal. The control module is operable to generate control signals used to produce a signal for reducing the leakage signal in a receive path of the reader. The CNR section is operable to subtract from the reduction signal from the leakage signal.
US08225999B2
The aim of the invention is to devise an inexpensive method and device that allows predefined target tolerances of an automatic weapon (1) to be maintained even in the range of prevailing resonant cadences. This aim is achieved by modifying the actual cadence of the automatic weapon from shot to shot around a predefined cadence lying within the range of a resonant cadence so that the time interval between successively triggered shots is alternately shorter and longer than the calculated constant time interval between the individual triggered shots that is calculated for the predefined cadence and that corresponds to the constant time interval required to fire the automatic weapon at the predefined cadence. In this way, the automatic weapon is controlled to fire at a time averaged cadence that is equal to the desired predefined cadence while avoiding ever actually firing the automatic weapon, shot-by-shot, at the resonant cadence.
US08225995B1
Retail point-of-transaction systems, program products, and related computer implemented methods to provide a customized set of identification data to facilitate a retail sales point-of-sale transaction which includes the use of one or more electronic coupons is provided. The retail point-of-sale system can include a computer having memory and configured to facilitate one or more transactions each of which include the use of one or more electronic coupons through a retail point-of-transaction terminal positioned remote from, and adapted to be in communication with, the computer. The computer can also include a set of instructions that when executed by the computer cause the computer to redeem one or more electronic coupons for one or more retail transactions responsive to a customized set of identification data provided by the computer responsive to a data profile derived from a set of personal data of at least one of a plurality of remotely positioned users.
US08225984B1
A welding method is provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The method includes heating the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding process, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during the heating process.
US08225983B2
A joining jig 5 is constituted of a pair of flat-plate sandwiching portions 17, 18 including sandwiching faces 15 which sandwich therebetween a plate member laminate 4 prepared by laminating two plate members 2, 3 with providing a solder on a joined face between the plate members. The joining jig has a plurality of vapor inflow ports provided in the sandwiching face 15 so that surplus solder vapor on the joined face flows into the vapor inflow ports in a case where the plate member laminate 4 is heated while sandwiching the plate member laminate between the pair; vapor flow paths provided so that the vapor flow paths communicate with the vapor inflow ports; and vapor discharge ports 42 provided in the side surface of the joining jig so that the vapor discharge ports communicate with the vapor flow paths to discharge the vapor of the solder to the outside.
US08225982B2
The invention discloses apparatus and methods for the formation of bond wires in integrated circuit assemblies by attaching two separate wires using a dual capillary bond head. The separate wires are preferably non-identical, for example, being of different gauges and/or material composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, dual capillary bond head apparatus includes a rotatable ultrasonic horn with a pair of capillaries for selectably dispensing separate strands of bond wire and for forming bonds on bond targets. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for dual capillary IC wirebonding including steps for using two dual capillary bond heads for contemporaneously attaching non-identical bond wires to selected bond targets on one or more IC package assemblies.
US08225980B1
A surgical stapler may include a staple holder; an anvil movable relative to the staple holder; a feeder belt extending into the staple holder; staples frangibly affixed to the feeder belt; and a buttress belt extending onto a surface of the anvil that is oriented toward the staple holder. A surgical method for treating tissue within a patient may include providing a staple holder, an anvil movable relative to the staple holder, a feeder belt extending into the staple holder, staples frangibly affixed to the feeder belt, and a buttress belt extending onto a surface of the anvil that is oriented toward the staple holder; clamping tissue between the anvil and staple holder; deploying staples through the clamped tissue and into the buttress belt, where the staples are connected to said buttress belt as a result; breaking the deployed staples from the feeder belt; and leaving at least a portion of the buttress belt in position against tissue within the patient.
US08225977B2
A wire feeder for an electric arc welder comprising feed rolls driven by an electric motor for moving a welding wire toward a workpiece for an arc welding process. The motor is rotated at a speed determined by a WFS signal from a controller when energized by actuation of a start switch, a switch network has a first condition allowing the motor to operate at the speed determined by the WFS signal and a second override condition forcing the motor to rotate at a fixed lower speed, a toggle circuit with a first position to shift the switch network into the second condition upon actuation of the motor start switch and a second position to shift the switch network to the first condition upon receipt of a toggle signal, and a device to create the toggle signal when the load current to the motor exceeds a given value.
US08225976B2
The present invention relates to a belt assembly and to a container therefore. The belt assembly includes an inner belt, a supporting belt and at least one container. The inner belt is adapted to be installed around a wearer's waist. The supporting belt is adapted to be cohesively affixed to the inner belt. The container is adapted to be affixed to the supporting belt and cohesively affixed to the inner belt. The container is adapted to carry equipment in a receiving compartment, and includes a fixating structure for affixing the receiving compartment to the supporting belt and cohesively affixing to the inner belt.
US08225970B2
Buckles for releasably connecting a first object and a second object. Example buckles may include a base including a first upstanding wall including a first boss extending therefrom and a second upstanding wall including a second boss extending therefrom. A housing may be mounted to a connector. The housing may include a hook section shaped to engage the first boss and the second boss and including a mouth for receiving the first boss and the second boss therethrough. A trigger may be configured to selectively obstruct the mouth. The trigger may include a first leg, a second leg, and one or more actuators operative to move the first leg and the second leg generally towards each other such that the first leg and the second leg may pass between the first boss and the second boss as the first boss and the second boss pass through the mouth.
US08225965B2
A foamer pump for dispensing foam has a simple construction and utilizes a single piston to reduce the volume of both a fluid chamber and an air chamber. A portion of the actuating mechanism helps to unseat a check valve at the outlet of the fluid chamber. The foamer pump has a fluid chamber, and an outlet of the fluid chamber is connected to a mixing chamber. An air chamber has an air channel that connects the air chamber to ambient air in a first position and to the mixing chamber in a second position. A piston causes the volume of air chamber and the liquid chamber each to be reduced, forcing air from the air chamber and foamable fluid from the liquid chamber into the mixing chamber where they blend to form an air/liquid mixture.
US08225959B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
US08225952B2
The present invention provides a 3D tumbler structure including an inner tumbler body, made of a transparent material, having an accommodating space therein; a metallic painting layer, coated on the outer surface of the inner tumbler body, wherein when at least one soft magnet is provided in the accommodating space, the metallic powders contained in the metallic painting layer will be attracted and gathered by the soft magnet to form patterns with 3D halo effect according to the shape of the soft magnet; and an outer tumbler body, made of a transparent material, covering on the inner tumbler body and the metallic painting layer to form a integral tumbler structure by an injection molding process for providing a 3D visual effect. Therefore, the present invention can provide enhanced texture and distinguishability for the tumbler.
US08225950B2
A fruit holder for removable attachment to the top of an open bottle such as, for example, an open beer bottle. The fruit holder is characterized by its construction including a bottle top engaging portion in fluid communicating relation to a beverage contained by the bottle, a funnel portion integrally formed above the bottle top engaging portion, and a wedge holder integrally formed on a segment of the funnel and extending outwardly from the funnel so that a fruit wedge may be placed and held on the wedge holder and juice from the fruit wedge, when squeezed, will flow along the wedge holder into the funnel, and through the bottle top engaging portion to the beverage contained by the bottle.
US08225944B2
An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.
US08225942B2
An influent feed system for directing the influent liquid via hydraulic energy to scour the surface of primary treatment tank walls and base to move the scoured solids to a sludge trough. Scouring action takes place during periods of low liquid levels in the tank. The system comprises two identical, adjacent tanks sharing a common distribution box. Either or both of the tanks are in use at any given time. The tank in use will be empty occasionally each day. Influent feed troughs disposed transversely in each tank directs solids towards a sludge hopper in the tank bottom. The IFTs extend over the width of the tank to provide scouring of the entire end wall and floor surface. Each IFT has a sump with a valved discharge piped directly to the sludge trough, and the floor of each IFT is sloped towards the sump to facilitates draining of solids.
US08225941B2
The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane for treating liquids. When used for a hollow fiber membrane module for refining a fermented liquid such as beer or wine, the hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high filtration performance per unit area thereof, with reduced clogging of the membrane. The membrane performance is sufficiently recovered by washing.The present invention is a hollow fiber membrane for treating liquids, wherein a ratio of Flux 120 to Flux 30 is 0.45 or higher when filtration is performed by supplying a solution having a turbidity of 20 NTU into a hollow fiber membrane having an internal diameter of 500 to 1500 μm and a membrane thickness of 100 to 500 μm with a transmembrane pressure of 1.5 bar, the Flux 30 being flux 30 minutes after the start of the filtration, the Flux 120 being flux 120 minutes after the start of the filtration.
US08225939B2
An appearance inspection apparatus 1 has an aligning and conveying device 25 which has an aligning and conveying member 26 with one or a plurality of conveying passages, and a vibration exciter for alignment 37 for applying a vibration to the aligning and conveying member 26 and which aligns the inspection objects in a row and conveys them in each of the conveying passages, a slide-down mechanism 40 which has slide-down passages separately connected to the respective conveying passages of the aligning and conveying member 26 an provided to be tilted downward with respect to extensions of the slide-down passages, an imaging device 60 disposed in the vicinity of the slide-down passages for imaging the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages, and a sorting device 80 for analyzing the images of the inspection objects captured by the imaging device, judge the qualities thereof, and sorting the inspection objects sliding down in the slide-down passages on the basis of analysis results.
US08225937B2
Disclosed is a method for separating differently additivated polymers based on polystyrene, the copolymers and/or blends thereof. This method is used in particular when recycling flame-retardant plastic materials, in particular from old electrical appliances. The method is characterised by a density separation with at least one liquid or gaseous separation medium.
US08225931B2
A package (10) comprising a belt (42) extending between a first end (37) and a second end (39) of a belt path; and first and second tab members (14, 16) attached to the belt (42) such that when the first tab member (14) is moved in a first direction, the second tab member (16) is driven by the belt (42) to move in a second direction different to the first direction. The tab members (14, 16) are attached to the belt (42) by respective bonds (45, 46), the movement of the tab members (14, 16) in either direction being delimited by at least one bond reaching an end of the belt path; and when at least one of the tab members is in a closed position, said bond is positioned inwardly from the ends of the belt path so that said tab member can move in both the first and second directions from the closed position before the bond reaches an end of the belt path to delimit said movement.
US08225914B2
A shock absorbing device may include a first stem having an inner surface extending along a longitudinal axis, and a second stem configured to receive a portion of the first stem. The shock absorbing device may also include a guide member having an outer surface configured to prevent the first stem from rotating relative to the guide member. The shock absorbing device may further include a shock absorbing structure disposed between the first stem and the second stem. The shock absorbing device may further include a bearing device configured to rotatably guide movement of the first stem relative to the second stem along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first stem and prevent radial sway between the first and second stems.
US08225912B2
A method of manufacturing a railroad freight car brake beam strut assembly including the steps of: providing a railroad freight car brake beam strut having an axially aligned slot defined between first and second sides of the strut, with each side of the strut defining a bore opening to the slot and to an exterior of the strut, with the bores defined by the strut being aligned relative to each other along an axis extending generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the strut. The methodology of the present disclosure further includes the step of: pressing a brake pin bushing into each bore of the strut in a direction extending away from the longitudinal axis of the strut. A railroad freight car strut assembly is also disclosed.
US08225904B2
An apparatus is provided for supporting a worker on an upper chord of a roof truss. The apparatus includes a saddle member which is positioned over an installed upper chord of a roof truss and secured thereto to prevent inadvertent movement of the apparatus with respect to the upper chord upon which it is mounted. The apparatus includes a pair of hanger assemblies which are pivotally secured to the saddle member and which extend downwardly therefrom for supporting a pair of footrests thereon. In use, the worker straddles the saddle member and the chord upon which it is mounted with his/her feet resting on the footrests. The footrests may be adjusted to compensate for varying roof pitches.
US08225898B2
A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an internal combustion engine supported on the vehicle body frame, a propeller shaft assembly operatively connected to a crankshaft of the engine, a driveshaft, a final drive unit disposed between the front propeller shaft assembly and the driveshaft, a pair of occupant seats arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction, a pedal cluster, and a reduction gear located rearward of the pedal cluster and frontward of the occupant seats. The propeller shaft assembly includes a first propeller shaft disposed at a rear of the reduction gear, and a second propeller shaft disposed at a front of the reduction gear. The second propeller shaft is offset toward a second seat side in a vehicle width direction with respect to the first propeller shaft.
US08225896B2
A vehicle is shown such as a snowmobile, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front frame portion comprised of cast halves. A suspension system is comprised of upper and lower control arms connected to the front frame portion. Some of the frame components are adhesively fixed together. A powertrain is supported by the frame, and is comprised of an engine and a clutch. The clutch includes a clutch guard supporting an oil container. The engine has an exhaust system which extends through the front frame portion. The snowmobile also has a rear snow deflector.
US08225893B2
The application is directed to solving the problem of generation of overdischarging from a power storage device according to compensation for reduction in electrical power generated by a first motor generator (MG1) corresponding to reduction in the revolution speed of the MG1. When detection is made of reduction in the revolution speed of the MG1 corresponding to reduction in the engine speed, any of the four following operations is carried out: (1) modifying the output torque of the MG1 such that electrical power generated by the MG1 increases; (2) modifying the output torque of a second motor generator (MG2) such that power consumption by the MG2 is reduced; (3) forcing the control mode of the MG1 to be changed to PWM control from one-pulse switching control; and (4) reducing the DC voltage command value for the converter.
US08225892B2
A hybrid mobile robot includes a base link and a second link. The base link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and a turret. The second link is attached to the base link at a first joint. The second link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and to be deployed for manipulation. In another embodiment an invertible robot includes at least one base link and a second link. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a chassis and a track drive pulley system including a tension and suspension mechanism. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a wireless communication system.
US08225889B2
A drill head extending along a drill axis made of hard metal for rock drills is disclosed. The drill head features at least one major cutting edge and at least one minor cutting edge, where the major cutting edge extends from a first radially inner end to a first radial outer end which lies on a first diameter and where the minor cutting edge extends from a second radially inner end to a second radially outer end which lies on a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. A first enveloping surface defined by the minor cutting edge projects completely axially over a second enveloping surface defined by the major cutting edge.
US08225887B2
A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough. Cutting elements and methods of use may be included. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element may be included. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements may be included. Telescoping casing sections and bits may be included. Embodiments may include: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
US08225882B2
A device for boring holes in rock mass working in a system, in which the reference axis is the axis of gravity, with thermal, pressure and sound energy comprises an assembly of at least one cone-shaped disintegrator body having an inner feed space. The front of the body houses nozzles followed by pressure sensors and has drainage flow lines distributed at its sides and leading into the surrounding space. The assembly further includes a cooperating hollow geometrical penetrator body. A forced movement of at least one disintegrator body occurs within the inner space of the penetrator body. The penetrator body has a broader front part, the cavity of which houses combustion chambers as well as signal and power media feed controlling components and has relaxation flow lines distributed at its sides. The middle part houses technical assemblies separating the working space at the front from the feed space.
US08225879B2
Method and blowout preventer for sealing a well. The blowout preventer includes a body having first and second chambers, the first chamber extending substantially perpendicular to and intersecting the second chamber; first and second ram blocks configured to move within the first chamber to seal a first region of the second chamber from a second region of the second chamber; first and second rods connected to the first and second ram blocks, respectively, and configured to extend along the first chamber; first and second bonnets partially covering first and second rods, respectively, the bonnets being detachably attached to the body; and first and second stroke limiting devices configured to pierce through end parts of the first and second bonnets and limit a stroke of the first and second rods by a predetermined amount.
US08225878B2
An expansion and cementing assembly is run into the well as the expandable liner is made up. A work string is tagged into the expansion assembly and run to depth. Pressure drives the swage to initially expand and move uphole with the attached work string until the liner is expanded above the location of the subsequent cement placement. The assembly is then lowered to engage the guide/float shoe to perform the cementing step. The swage assembly is then released from the guide/float shoe and the balance of the expansion is performed without further expansion against the recently placed cement. The expansion assembly can start at the guide/float shoe or higher, in which case expansion can occur initially in a downhole direction and later be completed in an uphole direction. Variations without cementing are also contemplated.
US08225877B2
A downhole releasable tubing connection includes a joint between two tubing strings, wherein one of the two tubing strings is radially expanded and plastically deformed by an expansion device. When the expansion device is moved adjacent to the joint, a mechanism in the joint reacts to the radially outward forces of the expansion device and releasably expands, separates, breaks, or otherwise provides a release between the two tubing strings. One tubing string and the expansion device can then be removed to the surface of the well bore while the expanded tubing remains installed in the well bore.
US08225875B2
A control line positioning apparatus (10) comprising a retainer arm (30), having a control line retainer thereon, is driven between a removed position with the retainer arm (30) positioned adjacent to a base and adjacent to a rig floor and a raised position with the retainer arm (30) raised by a drive member to a raised position to hold one or more control lines (90) along a portion of the length of a pipe string (80) to facilitate application of a clamp to secure the control lines to the pipe string (80). In one embodiment, the retainer arm (30) may be releasably secured to a docking assembly (50) disposed adjacent to the pipe engaging apparatus and adjacent to a rig floor. In one embodiment, the control line positioning apparatus may comprise an ascending control line pathway (112) comprising a plurality of rolling members to direct one or more control lines to a retainer assembly.
US08225869B2
Methods and devices are provided for accurately determining depths of certain structures in downhole strings. Locator tools comprise a shaft and a plurality of locator springs longitudinally mounted on the shaft. The locator springs are biased to expand and are configured to compress to allow the tool to traverse past restrictions in the downhole string. Each locator spring includes a locating pad that allows it to engage with an internal locating notch in the downhole string. The internal locating notch is sized to mate with the locator tool, i.e., to allow the locator springs to engage the internal locating notch. In this way, the depth of internal locating notches may be determined precisely and accurately by sensing engagement of the tool with the internal locating notch. Advantages of certain embodiments include more accurate depth determination, repeatable engagements of the tool, and reduced false engagements.
US08225863B2
A modular screen system allows connection of screens using couplings that connect the annular space in each module between the screen material and the base pipe. A series of connected screens and couplings feed into a single valve to control the flow through many screens. The valve is preferably located in a coupling and the passages through the coupling or the screen can also accommodate instrumentation to detect, store or transmit well data or flows through the various screen modules.
US08225856B2
A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.
US08225848B2
The invention relates to a device for reducing fouling in a tube (1) through which a fluid passes. The inventive device comprises a mobile rotary element (3) and a fixed bearing-forming element (2) which can be solidly connected to the upstream end of the tube (1). In addition, the mobile element (3), which is connected to the fixed element (2), comprises an upstream trunnion-forming part (4) and a downstream turbulence-generating part (5) which is shaped such as to be rotated by the flow of the fluid in the tube (1). The aforementioned upstream (4) and downstream (5) parts are connected to one another by means of an elongated flexible connector (6) that is deformable along the entire length thereof.
US08225838B1
A wheel servicing machine provides a rotatable shaft having a retractable rod slidably disposed in a center bore of the rotatable shaft, wherein the retractable rod is longitudinally moveable relative to the shaft. A rotatable locking member is disposed on the distal end of the retractable rod. The locking member includes one or more mounting studs protruding radially therefrom for engaging a centering cone or a wheel clamp. A tool support arm including a stage protrudes from the base. A tool adapted for engaging a sidewall of a tire is attached to support arm. A second stage including a second tool configured for engaging the opposite sidewall of the tire may also extend from the base. A platform assembly having one or more spring-loaded rollers is attached to the base in some embodiments. A longitudinally moveable travel arm with a jointed auxiliary arm is also provided. A wheel clamp having a plurality of arms, wherein at least one arm is moveable relative to at least one other arm, is also provided. A method of securing a wheel to a wheel servicing machine is also provided.
US08225835B2
Provided is a pneumatic radial tire: that includes a circumferential-direction reinforcement layer having a width increased with fatigue break of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer being suppressed at edge portions thereof; and that suppresses separation in each of cross belt layers at edge portions thereof. A pneumatic radial tire according to the present invention is a pneumatic tire including: at least two cross belt layers disposed on an outer circumferential side of a carcass layer in a tread portion; and at least one circumferential-direction reinforcement layer disposed between these cross belt layers, a width of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer being smaller than that of each cross belt layer. The pneumatic radial tire is configured so that: the cross belt layers are separated away from each other at outer sides respectively of end positions, in a width direction, of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer; the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer includes steel cords of two types which differ in elongation at break; and the steel cord having relatively small elongation at break is disposed in a center portion of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer, whereas the steel cord having relatively large elongation at break is disposed in each of outer side portions of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer.
US08225829B2
Transferable organizers provide stabilization and ease of location for objects carried in handbags and other bags. The organizers may be independently usable and freestanding, and may be inserts inside an existing bag. At least some walls of the organizer are substantially rigid to protect the contents, make the organizer freestanding, or to conform to the dimensions of the existing bag. At least one wall of each organizer may be expandable by means of an expansion panel that can be stowed when expansion is not needed using a fastener, such as a zipper, snap, or magnetic connection. Expansion panels enable adjustment of the width, length, or height of the organizer. A eyeglass case includes an inwardly extending lip that curls over the lens of the glasses and is adjacent a rigid front section. A shoe organizer includes a cushion flap and a stabilizing flap that protects and positions the shoes.
US08225828B2
A modular conical chipper/canter head and method. A preferred method adjusts the cutting head for changes in chip length. The method includes the steps of providing an annular facing module, providing a conical, solid hub module for mounting one or more chipping knives, and at least one of (a) installing one or more control plates between the facing module and the hub module, and (b) removing the one or more control plates from between the facing module and the hub module, for spacing the facing and hub modules apart a selected amount.
US08225826B2
A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid from a first fluid container to a second fluid container such as a piercing member protection device. The fluid transfer device can comprise a longitudinal axis A and a first connection part comprising a connector that connects to the first fluid container. The fluid transfer device can further comprise a second connection part rotatably mounted to the first connection part by a mounting element, and the second connection part can further comprise a threaded coupling that connects the second fluid container. The mounting element can enable turning of the second connection part with respect to the first connection part. Such a device can allow a user to safely turn e.g., a syringe after assembly to read a volume indication or similar.
US08225823B2
A hand sanitizer compartment is embedded into a fuel pump dispenser to provide a patron with the option to cleanse his hands after pumping fuel. The hand sanitizer compartment includes a hand sanitizer dispenser that includes a circuit configured to receive an activation signal from a computer system of the fuel pump dispenser when a patron request access to the hand sanitizer dispenser.
US08225818B1
A valve arrangement includes a valve body with a bore within which a spool slides to control fluid flow between first and second ports. The bore has an annular recess into which the first port opens and in which is located a check valve band formed by a strip with overlapping ends. Pressure in the first port causes the check valve band to contract and expand circumferentially to open and close the first port. A stop is located near one end of the strip and is engaged by the other end to limit the amount of contraction of the check valve band. Thus the diameter of the check valve band cannot contract smaller than the diameter of the bore, thereby retaining the check valve ring in the annular recess. The check valve band optionally has a plurality of tabs projecting from each edge and engaging side walls of the annular recess.
US08225817B2
A rotary valve (10) for distributing a flow of a fluid is provided, the valve comprising a stator (11) and a rotor (12). Furthermore a chromatography system, comprising such a rotary valve and three different components or component groups connected to the valve is provided. With this rotary valve according to the invention the flow direction is kept constant through one of the three components or component groups while the flow direction through the other two component or component groups can be changed.
US08225807B1
A shade system for mounting atop a vehicle. The system features a first support panel attachable flush with the top of the vehicle via an attachment means and a second support panel pivotally attached to the first support panel. The second support panel can pivot from atop the first support panel to a vertical position perpendicular to the first support panel via a hydraulic arm. A shade housing is disposed atop the second support platform. A shade component is rolled on a spool in the shade housing. The shade component can be extended from and retracted into the shade housing. The shade component can be stabilized to keep the shade component in an extended position via a securing means.
US08225806B1
An umbrella having housing with a deployable canopy extendable and retractable therefrom. The canopy comprises a material covering supported by flexible ribs and rib extension retainer cords. The umbrella further provides an adjustable strap extending between the exterior distal ends and a handle on one distal end of a flexible collapsible material. The adjustable strap further provides a D-ring and clasp on one end allowing for removal of said strap.
US08225804B2
A multipurpose parts washer may include an automatic cleaning portion, having a first cleaning chamber for spraying parts and a second cleaning chamber for soaking and agitating parts, and a manual cleaning portion. The first cleaning chamber may include spray bars that are selectively rotatably adjustable and each bar may have an orifice to discharge cleaning solution that is stationary during operation. Cleaning solution may be disposed in a reservoir of the first cleaning chamber at a reservoir level and in the second cleaning chamber at an agitation level that is above the reservoir level. The manual cleaning portion may be configured as a sink that is movably connected to the automatic cleaning portion to provide selective access thereto.
US08225803B2
A substrate processing method and apparatus can securely carry out a pre-plating treatment that enables uniform plating in the necessary area of the surface of a substrate. The substrate processing method carries out a cleaning treatment and a catalyst-imparting treatment of a surface of a substrate as pre-plating treatments and then electroless plates a metal film on the catalyst-imparted surface of the substrate. The cleaning treatment is carried out in a wider area of the surface of the substrate than that area to which a catalyst is imparted by the catalyst-imparting treatment.
US08225799B2
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device having an anvil and a tubular body portion, wherein the anvil is selectively attachable to the tubular body portion by a shaft; and a support structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue. The support structure includes a body defining an aperture therein for receiving the shaft. The body has an outer terminal edge. The support structure includes at least one layer of expandable material disposed at the outer terminal edge of the body.
US08225798B2
A device for use in performing minimally invasive surgery. A system for performing minimally invasive surgery comprising the device according to the present invention. A method for performing minimally invasive surgery.
US08225790B2
The present invention relates to an Breath actuated inhaler (BAI) actuator, comprising: a loading element capable of being loaded with an actuation force, a breath actuated trigger mechanism arranged to counteract the actuation force of the loading element, and to fire the actuator by releasing the actuation force of the loading element in response to an inhalation breath, and actuation locking means moveable between a locked position wherein it relieves the actuation force from the trigger mechanism setting the trigger mechanism in a neutral position, and an armed position wherein the trigger mechanism is set in an armed position.
US08225786B2
A variable speed blower for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation of patients includes two impellers in the gas flow path that cooperatively pressurize gas to desired pressure and flow characteristics. Thus, the blower can provide faster pressure response and desired flow characteristics over a narrower range of motor speeds, resulting in greater reliability and less acoustic noise.
US08225780B2
Provided herein is a metered dose inhaler for use with a pressurized aerosol container which is preferably breath-actuated. The metered dose inhaler contains a diaphragm which includes a central disk of a first, relatively high stiffness material and a peripheral ring, coupled by a flexure of a second, relatively low stiffness material.
US08225777B2
A crossbow has a stock assembly and a bow assembly. The stock assembly has a body, a retainer and a buffering spacer. The retainer is made of hardened plastic and has a vibrating frequency, a bolt groove, a mounting hole and a holding protrusion. The buffering spacer is made of hardened plastic and has a shape corresponding to the retainer, a vibrating frequency different from the vibrating frequency of the retainer, a gap, a through hole and a holding hole. The bow assembly is securely connected to the stock assembly and has a mounting base, two bow arms, a bowstring and a fastener. The different vibrating frequencies between the buffering spacer and the retainer can destroy the transmission of the shock wave between the retainer and the buffering spacer to disperse and reduce the impact force of the crossbow after shooting a bolt.
US08225774B2
A lubrication system for a four stroke engine including an oil pan for storing lubrication oil; a crankcase, wherein a crankshaft is disposed, which crankshaft has a balance weight and is coupled with a piston of a cylinder; a gear assembly room; a rocker-arm chamber; and a gas-oil separator for separating gas and oil from a mix of gas and oil; wherein the oil pan communicates with the crankcase by an oil suction passage, in which a first check valve is disposed; the crankcase communicates with the gear assembly room by a first oil delivery passage; the gear assembly room communicates with the rocker-arm chamber by a second oil delivery passage, and the gear assembly room communicates with the oil pan by a third oil delivery passage; the rocker-arm chamber communicates with the crankcase by a first oil return passage having a second check valve therein.
US08225760B2
A valve motion for an internal combustion engine which suppresses the height of the internal combustion engine low. In a valve motion for an internal combustion engine, a driving mechanism includes a ball screw disposed over an intake side camshaft and an exhaust side camshaft and having threaded portions provided thereon which are threaded in different directions from each other on the intake side and the exhaust side. Sliders are individually provided on the intake side and exhaust side and movable on the ball screw with connecting link members provided between the sliders and a holder member.
US08225759B2
A valve drive for activation of gas exchange valves of internal combustion engines, with which valve stroke switching is accomplished with little effort, a low construction height, and at low switching forces. Incorrect switching and damage to the camshaft during valve stroke switching are avoided, even at high engine speeds of rotation. An adjustment shaft that is rotatable by the camshaft and parallel to the camshaft has two adjustment devices rotatably disposed on it, along with two tappets between the adjustment devices. The tappets are connected with a shift gate for valve switching between two different cam profiles of a cam package that is axially displaceable on the camshaft. The tappets each have a contour that contacts the adjustment devices via a guide pin. A gear wheel engages with a gear segment on the camshaft, via a drive on the adjustment shaft, to rotate the adjustment shaft.
US08225746B2
A pet bed that includes a fabric shell and a fill material contained therein. The shell defines a support region and sidewalls radially emanating therefrom. The sidewalls are defined by stitching which also define the support region and radially extending from the support region to substantially the outer edge of the sidewalls thus defining pocket regions therein. The sidewalls are sized to extend diagonally from the support region in a first orientation when in use and forming a substantially planar surface with the support region in a second orientation during storage.
US08225736B2
A gauge of an instrument cluster includes a glow hub. The gauge includes a dial and a pointer including a hub portion rotatably mounted in the instrument cluster and movable to a plurality of positions. A light source is disposed in the gauge and adapted to direct light in a first direction through a translucent portion of the hub. A first reflecting surface portion of the hub is adapted to receive light directed from the light source and adapted direct light in a second direction. A second reflecting surface portion of the hub is adapted to receive light directed from the first reflecting surface portion and adapted to direct light in a third direction.
US08225734B2
A method for beaching a boat that includes four steps. The first step is to attach one end of a boat fender to one end of another boat fender to form a roller assembly. The second step is to position the roller assembly near and parallel to a shoreline of a body of water. The third step is to position a boat in the water and perpendicular to the shoreline with the center of the bow of the boat centered at the center of the roller assembly. The fourth step is to move the boat toward and onto land, the boat rolling on the roller assembly. In addition, an article of manufacture and an apparatus for joining boat fenders together to form such a roller assembly. The boat can be stowed on the roller assemblies and can be launched back into the water by reversing the method.
US08225724B2
A portable workstation has a closed position and an operating position and can be easily installed or removed by one person. A portable workstation has two walls that are hingedly connected to either side of an elongated member with a foldable work surface hingedly connected to both walls, the work surface being shaped to provide a continuous work surface when unfolded. The workstation also has one or more foldable shelves. Preferably, all of the components of the workstation remain connected to the workstation in the closed position and in the operating position, and no assembly is required. One person can install or remove the workstation from a work area without tools.
US08225713B2
A baling press for producing large square high-density bales has a pick-up device picking up crop, a cutting device downstream of the pick-up device, a conveying device downstream of the cutting device, and a pressing channel disposed downstream of the conveying device and receiving the crop from the conveying device. The crop is shaped to high-density bales in the pressing channel. A tying device is provided that, for ensuring a permanent cohesion of the bales and completing the bales, ties tying medium strands, connected in endless loops, in longitudinal direction of the bales about the bales. A spacing of outermost tying medium strands, disposed next to outer parallel longitudinal bale edges, relative to the outer parallel longitudinal bale edges, respectively, is at least as large as or greater than an average spacing between neighboring tying medium strands in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal bale edges.
US08225709B2
The present invention relates to a unit for the preparation of infusions comprising a stationary piston, a mobile chamber (46) and a mobile piston concentric to the mobile chamber, arranged to co-operate for the preparation of infusions and to generate a tablet of exhausted powder apt to be ejected by an ejection device (93, 97, 99). The unit comprises also a plate (45) moved by a motor and elastically linked to the mobile chamber (46) so that such a resilient link is arranged to allow relative movement of the chamber (46) as to the plate (45) and to induce the activation of the ejection device. Advantageously, the resilient link between the plate and the chamber makes the unit of particularly simple realization. The invention also relates to an infusion machine, to the ejection device and to a method for realizing the unit.
US08225684B2
A ceramic honeycomb filter including trapping holes forming lattices is used to detect particulates trapped in the filter. An electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the filter in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trapping hole. The electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave passes through the filter is received and the particulates trapped in the filter are detected on the base of a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave has a frequency of 0.294 c/a or more and c/a or less (a represents a lattice spacing of said trapping holes and c represents the speed of light). The electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the filter wherein the particulates are not trapped and an inclined angle θ of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the lattices is changed so as to increase a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave.
US08225679B2
The present invention relates to a load carrier foot (1) and a torque indicator device (25, 34, 44, 532, 74) for use with various sports equipment accessory devices, preferably a load carrier foot, the torque indicator providing a signal alerting an operator that a desired torque has been reached, thereby avoiding over-tightening or under-tightening of the device.
US08225676B2
Sealing strip (1) intended to be combined between a vehicle bodywork (2) and glazing (3), characterized in that it constitutes an acoustic damping means when subjected to the action of a vibrational field; it works in shear combined with local movements of the glazing in its plane, while the bodywork deforms in the direction of the local normal to the glazing.
US08225671B2
An apparatus and method for non-contact blade vibration measurement is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes sensors which are arranged around the circumference of a rotor which is formed with rotor blades, a signal detection unit, and an evaluation unit. Devices are provided to determine the rotor position and/or the housing deformation. This avoids the technical problems of the prior art, and provides an improved apparatus and an improved method for non-contact blade vibration measurement. In particular, the attainment according to the invention eliminates the effect of rotor radial movements and housing deformations, i.e., oval deformations, on the measurement data, thereby ensuring high amplitude resolution for the vibration analysis under all conditions.
US08225668B2
An ultrasonic wave propagating method capable of propagating plate waves between a probe and a test piece despite variations in the thickness or the surface angle of a test piece, and an ultrasonic propagating device and an ultrasonic testing device using this method. Ultrasonic waves are propagated between a probe (20) for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and a test piece (100) for propagating plate waves. When propagating ultrasonic waves, a probe that can set an ultrasonic wave incident angle from the probe (20) to the test piece (100) and/or an ultrasonic wave receivable angle from the test piece to the probe in a plurality of states is used. A focal point type probe may be used as the above probe (20). When this type of a probe is used, it is oriented such that an oscillating direction axis L1 in the direction of which a reference axis along the propagation route of ultrasonic waves is oscillated around the focal point of the probe crosses the propagation element surface L2 including the test piece surface of a ultrasonic wave propagation element.
US08225661B2
An external-force detecting apparatus includes at least one drive line connecting the corresponding drive electrodes to a driving unit and at least one monitor line connecting the corresponding monitor electrodes to the driving unit. The driving unit outputs a drive signal to the at least one of the drive electrodes through the at least one of the drive lines to drive an oscillator and performs automatic gain control to the level of the drive signal based on the oscillation state of the oscillator acquired from the at least one of the monitor electrodes through the at least one of the monitor lines. The external-force detecting apparatus further includes a switching circuit arranged to switch between connection and disconnection of an electric path between the oscillator and the driving unit via at least one of the drive lines or the multiple monitor lines.
US08225659B2
A piezoelectric vibrator of a vibration gyro vibrates in response to a drive voltage Vdrv input into a drive electrode, and when deformed by a Coriolis force, generates detection voltages Vagc, between which a potential difference corresponds to the deformation, at detection electrodes. An AGC circuit outputs a drive voltage Vdrv while performing automatic gain control so that the detection voltages Vagc have a given amplitude. A phase inversion circuit and a BTL amplifier circuit output a BTL voltage Vbtl, whose phase is opposite to the detection voltage Vagc and whose amplitude has been increased, to the detection electrodes via detection resistances. The AGC circuit reduces the detection voltages Vagc in order to prevent the drive voltage Vdrv from exceeding a design upper limit value V′drv.
US08225640B2
A soot sensor and method for detecting soot is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a sensing element for a soot sensor is disclosed herein, the sensing element having a pair of peripheral edge sensing electrodes each having a portion disposed on a peripheral edge of a non-conductive substrate of the sensing element; a first pair of side sensing electrodes disposed on a first side of the sensing element, the first side having a first area partially bounded by the peripheral edge, wherein a resistance between the pair of peripheral edge sensing electrodes decreases as soot accumulates on portions of the pair of peripheral edge sensing electrodes and a resistance between the first pair of side sensing electrodes decreases as soot accumulates on portions of the first pair of side sensing electrodes.
US08225639B2
A universal air bubble detector allows for use with a variety of sizes and types of tubing. The detector maintains proper alignment of a sensor emitter and receiver with different sizes of tubing. The detector may be mounted on existing equipment or may be used to monitor a tubing at any position along the tubing, and may operate in a stand alone mode or in combination with existing equipment.
US08225628B2
A drum-type washing machine is disclosed, in which bearings are received in the bearing housing assembly. The bearing housing assembly may include a support portion coupled to a motor, and a coupling portion connected to a damper bracket.
US08225622B2
A system for cooling items of freight on board an aircraft includes a refrigerating device and also a cooling station to which cooling energy generated by the refrigerating device is supplied by a refrigerant medium. The cooling station is capable of being connected to a freight compartment of the aircraft or to a freight container on board the aircraft, in order to lead the cooling energy supplied to the cooling station away into the freight compartment or into the freight container. A freight container for receiving items of freight designated for transportation on board an aircraft is capable of being connected to a cooling station of a system for cooling items of freight on board an aircraft, so that the cooling energy supplied to the cooling station is capable of being led away into the freight container.
US08225610B2
A method of assembling a fuel delivery system is provided. The method includes providing a base that includes a surface, a receptacle extending into the base from the surface along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of channels extending into the base from the receptacle. Each of the plurality of channels includes an inlet end and an outlet end, and each of the plurality of channels intersects the receptacle at the outlet end, wherein the receptacle and the plurality of channels are formed integrally within the base such that the plurality of outlet ends are spaced axially from one another. The method further includes securing a fuel nozzle within the receptacle, the fuel nozzle including a plurality of separate flow paths, wherein each of the plurality of channels is in flow communication with one of the plurality of separate flow paths.
US08225608B2
A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is provided. The powertrain includes an engine boosted by a turbocharger. The turbocharger includes a first motor-generator mounted with respect to the turbocharger, and arranged to selectively assist acceleration of the vehicle by driving the turbocharger, to provide regenerative charging of an energy storage device and to be idle, as its modes of operation. The powertrain additionally includes a second motor-generator mounted with respect to the powertrain, and arranged to selectively assist acceleration of the vehicle, to provide regenerative charging of the energy storage device and to be idle, as its modes of operation. A controller responsive to sensed vehicle operating parameters is arranged on the vehicle for controlling and coordinating the modes of operation of the first motor-generator and of the second motor-generator.
US08225604B2
A shock absorption device and a control method thereof for a small swing radius (SSR) excavator are provided, which can relieve shock generated on a boom cylinder by controlling only the discharge flow rate of hydraulic pumps, being supplied to the boom cylinder, even without controlling a main control valve when a boom of the excavator ascends at its maximum height through manipulation of a control level. The shock absorption device for an SSR excavator includes first and second hydraulic pumps, a control lever, a boom cylinder coupled to the first hydraulic pump, a main control valve for controlling a start, a stop, and a direction change of the boom cylinder, a boom-up manipulation amount detection means, a hydraulic pump flow computation means, a boom confluence means for making hydraulic fluid discharged from the first and second hydraulic pumps confluent together, a boom deceleration region detection means for detecting a boom deceleration region, and a flow controller for controlling the discharge flow rate of the first and second hydraulic pumps.
US08225598B2
A metering device for introducing liquid reducing agent into an exhaust gas pipe. A metering valve is supplied with contents from a working tank by a delivery unit and dispenses the tank contents in a discharge direction. The delivery unit establishes a negative pressure between the delivery unit and the metering valve when the delivery direction is reversed. The negative pressure causes gas to be drawn off through the metering valve against the discharge direction. The delivery direction is reversed by either a feed pump with a reversible effective direction or a feed pump and a repolarization valve which communicates with the feed pump and transposes an inlet and an outlet of the feed pump.
