US08248277B2
Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement. In at least some embodiments, a key or keyboard element can be associated with comparatively little or no actuation force and/or travel distance. As a result, the amount of work necessary to actuate the key or keyboard element can be significantly decreased or eliminated.
US08248276B2
A scanning circuit includes n rows L1˜Ln, 2n columns P1-1˜P1-n and P2-1˜P2-n, and the n rows L1˜Ln and the n columns P1-1˜P1-n cooperatively form a switch matrix comprising n*n switches S1-1˜Sn-n, with ends of the switches in the same row electrically connected to one of n I/O ports K1˜Kn, respectively, the ends of the switches in the same column are electrically connected to ground via one resistor R1-1˜R1-n, respectively, each of resistors R2-1˜R2-n is electronically connected in one column of the columns P2-1˜P2-n, and connected between one of the I/O ports K1˜Kn and ground via one of the resistors R1-1˜R1-n, respectively. A keyboard and a scanning method are also provided.
US08248269B1
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for auditing the installation of smart meters via a computer system. The method includes receiving a plurality of installation data for each smart meter installed; loading the plurality of installation data into an auditing utility operating on the computer system based on auditing criteria; performing an audit for each smart meter installed via the auditing utility; submitting the audit for each smart meter installed for recording in an audits database; verifying the audit for each smart meter installed; and generating and analyzing audit reports stored in the audits database.
US08248267B2
Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improving the reception of data in wireless communication environments. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for improving the reception of meter data in an AMR system. In particular, the method includes obtaining a sample of data indicative of channel quality for each transmission channel in the operational frequency band of the endpoint device. Then, the data is analyzed and a determination is made as to whether the reception of data by the collection system can be improved. If the reception of data by the collection system can be improved, a command is generated for reprogramming the endpoint device. In one embodiment, the command includes channel reprogramming data for reprogramming the endpoint device.
US08248254B2
A system for certifying provenance of an alcoholic beverage includes a radio-frequency identification tag and a server. The radio-frequency identification tag, associated with a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, periodically measures a plurality of values of an environmental condition of the bottle. The radio-frequency identification tag stores the plurality of measured values. The server receives the plurality of measured values for analysis. The server provides, via a user interface, a description of a provenance of the alcoholic beverage, the description generated responsive to an analysis of the plurality of measured values.
US08248240B2
An RFID tag includes an inlay which has a base, an antenna formed on the base, and an IC chip. The IC chip is enclosed in a surface mount package and soldered to the antenna and carries out radio communication through the antenna. The RFID tag further includes underfill that fills a gap between the base and the surface mount package, and a sheath protecting material enclosing the entire inlay.
US08248234B2
Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device are disclosed herein. An example portable audience measurement device includes a media detector carried by a housing to collect media exposure data; a distance comparator to compare a first distance to an object at a first time and a second distance to the object at a second time; and a compliance detector to validate the media exposure data based on the comparison of the distance comparator.
US08248229B2
A powerline network system having data relay function includes a plurality of power monitoring zones mutually connected with a powerline network and at least one repeater. Each of the power monitoring zones has at least one power monitoring device. The repeater is connected with each power monitoring device in two adjacent power monitoring zones through powerlines and has a first and a second relay units. The first and second relay units employ two different sets of transmitting and receiving bands to fetch data contained in powerline signals transmitted by each power monitor in adjacent power monitoring zones. The data are received by a relay unit are modulated with different transmitting band and then transmitted to powerlines of another power monitoring zone. The repeaters are not required to be serially connected to the powerlines, and incorrect data read can be also eliminated.
US08248217B2
A tactile display apparatus includes a plurality of stimulation pins in contact with a skin; an operating unit for vertically moving the stimulation pins; and a housing accommodating the stimulation pins and the operating unit, the housing having an opening in one surface thereof such that the stimulation pins protrude outward. Here, the plurality of stimulation pins are arranged such that a contact area occupied by front ends of the stimulation pins is smaller than an area occupied by rear ends of the stimulation pins.
US08248213B2
Methods for efficiently querying and identifying multiple items on a communication channel are disclosed. The methods preferably use radio frequency identification with interrogation devices and systems that identify radio frequency identification transponders. A depth-first tree traversal protocol algorithm, including commands and symbols, preferably is used to more efficiently interrogate a plurality of transponders in a short amount of time. The communication channel may be an RFID communication channel or a wired communication channel. The time required to obtain the identification numbers of the objects may be made deterministic. The objects to be identified may be clothing, luggage, furniture, computers, parcels, vehicles, warehouse inventory, components on an assembly line or documents.
US08248205B2
The invention relates to an external door handle consisting of a support (10), which is fixed to a door (11) and on which a handle (20) is mounted. In an unlocked position the handle acts on a lock and is inactive in the locked position of said lock. A capacitive sensor is provided to trigger the control of the lock, said sensor comprising an external electrode that is equipped with a sensor surface (37) and is located in the outer region of the door handle. To provide a wide range of configuration options for the location of the sensor surfaces, at least two additional internal electrodes are provided in the inner region of the external door handle, in addition to the sensor surface (37), said electrodes having active surfaces in the form of a transmission surface (36) and an excitation surface (35). An electric switching matrix (50.1), which is connected in series to the field of the sensor surface (37) that is active in the outer region of the external door handle, is generated between the two internal electrodes.
US08248204B2
A tag detecting system for detecting a movement of a person or an object that mounts an RFID tag, a moving object detecting method, and an entrance/exit management system using the moving object detecting system are provided. The tag detecting system detects a specific person or object by restricting a detection area of the RFID tag to a narrow area. Since the moving object detecting method detects a piggyback, the entrance/exit system prevents the piggyback even if there are a number of persons passing through an entrance/exit gate almost at the same time.
US08248202B2
A metal strip resistor includes a resistor body having a resistive element formed from a strip of an electrically resistive metal material and a first termination electrically connected to the resistive element to form a first junction and a second termination electrically connected to the resistive element to form a second junction, the first termination and the second termination formed from strips of electrically conductive metal material. The resistive element, the first termination, and the second termination being arranged mitigate thermally induced voltages between the first junction and the second junction.
US08248201B2
A metal oxide sintered compact used for a thermistor includes a composite oxide represented by the general expression La(Cr1-xMnx)O3 (with x=0.0 to 0.6). Furthermore, the thermistor element 3 includes the metal oxide sintered compact 2 for a thermistor and a pair of leads 1, one terminal of each of which is fixed to the metal oxide sintered compact 2 for a thermistor.
US08248200B2
In an inductance component, a stress is not locally applied even in the condition where heat is applied to entire component, such as when implementing soldering, so that high reliability is realized. For realizing this, the component includes an element, a coil formed in the element, terminals electrically connected to the coil, and magnetic layers arranged so as to be substantially parallel to a winding surface of the coil are formed in the element and the entirety of the magnetic layers is covered with a material of which thermal expansion and contraction rate is uniform.
US08248199B2
An electric terminal member includes a connector portion (4), a wire connecting portion (6) spaced apart from the connector portion and lying parallel to the connector portion, and a bridge portion (8) extending between one end of the connector portion and one end of the wire connecting portion in a direction transverse to any one of the connector and wire connecting portions and for connecting the connector portion with the wire connecting portion. The wire connecting portion has a retaining hole (12). The wire connecting portion also has a flux applying surface (18) and a wire holding surface (16) opposite to each other, the flux applying surface facing towards the connector portion whereas the wire holding surface faces in a direction away from the connector portion.
US08248196B2
The invention relates to a magnet arrangement for magnetic levitation vehicles. Said arrangement comprises a magnetic back box and a plurality of magnetic poles that are connected to said back box and that have magnetic pole faces bordering on a common reference surface. According to the invention, the reference surface extends along an elastic line when the magnetic pole is in the unloaded state, said elastic line being inverse to the curvature of the surface that is obtained under a nominal load of the magnetic poles when the magnetic pole faces are in the unloaded state on a plane. The invention also relates to a method for producing said type of magnet arrangement.
US08248192B2
A pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising: (i) a body, (ii) a ferrite core, (iii) a plunger, (iv) a ferrite surrounding, (v) a permanent magnet, (vi) a trip/reset coil, (vii) a reset spring positioned between a plunger block and the body, (viii) a first fixed contact holder having a first fixed contact point, and (ix) a first movable contact holder having a first movable contact point, wherein the first movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.
US08248183B2
The present invention provides a transmission line portion for a circuit board including a conductive strip and a pad portion including a conductive pad connected to the conductive strip, wherein an impedance discontinuity or mismatch between the transmission line portion and the pad portion is reduced or controlled. Impedance discontinuity or mismatch may be controlled by controlling the dimensions of the pad portion, for example the pad width or distance between pad and ground. A ground pad associated with the pad portion may be provided on a different layer than a ground plane of the transmission line portion. The ground pad and ground plane may be connected by vias. The ground pad may comprise a patterned conductive region, the pattern configured so as to desirably configure impedance of the pad portion. Also provided are a method, circuit board layout, and the like, related to the above.
US08248182B2
The communication system includes a trunk line constituted of first and second signal lines for transmitting differential signals, a plurality of branch lines each branching from the trunk line and connected with a node, and at least one reflection prevention circuit connected between the first and second signal lines. The reflection prevention circuit includes a rectifier circuit configured to inhibit a current from flowing between the first and second signal lines when a voltage between the differential signals is smaller than or equal to a predetermined voltage, and allow a current to flow between the first and second signal lines when the voltage between the differential signals is larger than the predetermined voltage, and a resistive element connected in series to the rectifier circuit between the first and second signal lines.
US08248178B2
Embodiments of the invention provide high power waveguide polarizers with broad bandwidth and low loss, and methods of making and using the same. Under one aspect of the present invention, a waveguide polarizer includes a hollow waveguide body having an interior surface; a first ridge disposed on the interior surface of the hollow waveguide body and having an inward-facing surface; and a first plurality of projections disposed on the inward-facing surface of the first ridge. The projections may have a width that is narrower than that of the ridge, and a length that is tunable. The length of the projections may be selected to induce about a 90-degree phase delay in a first mode propagating in a plane parallel to the first ridge relative to a second mode propagating in a plane perpendicular to the first ridge.
US08248176B2
A disclosed current source circuit includes a current mirror circuit having two enhancement-type MOS transistors, a depletion-type MOS transistor configured to be connected to a drain of one of the two enhancement-type MOS transistors and to function as a constant current source, and a resistor configured to have a negative temperature property and be connected to a source of the one of the two enhancement-type MOS transistors.
US08248169B2
The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first oscillator, a second oscillator (PLL), a third oscillator (ring oscillator), a selector that switches, in turn, based on a clock of the third oscillator, and outputs a clock of the first oscillator or a clock of the second oscillator, and a determination circuit that counts up or counts down the clock output from the selector, based on the clock of the third oscillator, determines the correspondence of the clock output from the selector and the clock of the third oscillator, based on a result of the counting up or the counting down, and determines whether either of the clock output from the selector or the clock of the third oscillator occur an abnormal oscillation.
US08248168B2
Various embodiments relate to a receiver and a timing circuit for synchronization between a transmitter clock of an MPEG stream and the local system clock of a receiver. The timing circuit may implement a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit with a PID controller to produce a control signal based on the difference between the transmitter reference clock and the local system clock. Various embodiments may use clock differential signals and an accumulated error signal to produce proportional, integral, and derivative output components for a control signal. The control signal may control a signal generator that adjusts the frequency and/or phase of the local signal clock to lock with the transmitter reference clock. Various embodiments may also include an outlier filter to remove error signals outside a defined range and/or a programmable system clock to add precision to the generated local system clock.
US08248163B2
A system for preventing power amplifier supply voltage saturation includes a multiple stage voltage regulator configured to provide a regulated voltage, a power amplifier configured to receive the regulated voltage, and a saturation protection circuit configured to apply a current into a first stage of the multiple stage voltage regulator when the regulated voltage reaches a reference voltage, the applied current causing a subsequent stage of the multiple stage voltage regulator to prevent the regulated voltage from exceeding the reference voltage.
US08248160B2
Systems, methods, and devices relating to the provision of deliberate predistortion to an input signal to compensate for distortions introduced by an amplifier subsystem. An input signal is received by a signal processing system which includes a predistortion subsystem. The input signal is decomposed and the fragments are then predistorted by the predistortion subsystem by applying a deliberate predistortion to the fragments. The predistorted fragments are then separately processed and recombined to arrive at the system output signal. The predistortion subsystem adaptively adjusts based on characteristics of the system output signal. Also, the predistortion subsystem is equipped with a control system that is state based—the state of the predistortion subsystem is dependent upon the prevailing conditions and, when required, the control system switches the state of the predistortion subsystem. A feedback signal, a replica of the system output signal, is used in updating lookup table entries used to determine the predistortion.
US08248158B2
A chopper stabilized amplifier may include a modulation circuit that performs a digital conversion on an input signal so as to convert the input signal into a first modulated signal by using a modulation signal, the modulation signal being a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency, an operational amplifier circuit that amplifies the first modulated signal so as to convert the first modulated signal into a second modulated signal, and a demodulation circuit that performs analog conversion on the second modulated signal so as to convert the second modulated signal into an output signal by using a demodulation signal, the demodulation signal having a waveform that corresponds to the differences between frequency components of the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal.
US08248155B2
A voltage adjusting circuit includes a voltage regulator module (VRM), a control chip, a connection device, and a number of first resistors. The VRM includes an input receiving a first voltage from a motherboard, and an output connected to a liquid crystal display (LCD). A number of sense terminals of the control chip are connected to the LCD to sense current of the LCD. A driven terminal of the control chip is connected to a control terminal of the VRM to output corresponding driven signals to control the VRM to output corresponding voltage to the LCD. A first terminal of each first resistor is connected to a corresponding sense terminal of the control chip. A second terminal of each first resistor is grounded. The connection device is configured to cut off or connect the first resistor from or to the corresponding sense terminal of the control chip.
US08248145B2
An electronic system includes a low breakdown voltage (LBV) switch internal to an integrated circuit controller to control conductivity of an external, high breakdown voltage (HBV) switch. In at least one embodiment, the internal LBV switch and a cascode configuration of the LBV and HBV switches allow the controller to control the LBV switch and the HBV switch using an internal (“on-chip”) control signal. In at least one embodiment, the LBV switch and the cascode configuration of the HBV switch also allows the controller to control the LBV and HBV switches with more accuracy and less parasitic losses relative to directly controlling the HBV switch. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the low breakdown voltage switch is fabricated as part of an integrated circuit controller, and the high breakdown voltage switch is fabricated separately and located external to the integrated circuit controller.
US08248142B1
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising providing an integrated circuit with a level shifting circuit having a pull up device that is configured to selectively pull up a voltage level of an output signal from a low voltage level to a high voltage level, and having a pull down device that is configured to selectively pull down the voltage level of the output signal from the high voltage level to the low voltage level; ascertaining a high level of an input control signal; and when the output signal is at the high voltage level, deasserting the pull up device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08248141B2
A signal processing circuit includes an input inverter and an output inverter. Each inverter has a signal input for receiving an input rectangular signal, a signal output for providing an inverted output rectangular signal, and a pair of voltage outputs for developing a rectified dc output voltage. A first circuit input terminal is connected to the output of the input inverter and the input of the output inverter. A second circuit input terminal is connected to the input of the input inverter and the output of the output inverter, wherein the signal input terminals receive an input signal having a data component. A pair of supply voltage output terminals is connected to the voltage output terminals of the inverters for providing a rectified dc supply voltage output. A first circuit output terminal is connected to one of the supply voltage output terminals, and a second circuit output terminal connected to the second circuit input terminal, wherein the circuit output terminals provide an output signal including the data component.
US08248138B2
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus, during a phase switching process, for choosing all of outputted phases upon the clock phases devoid of phase switching so as to avoid glitches during clock switching. Compared with the conventional approach for removing glitches by controlling a clock switching sequence, an improvement of a phase rotator is further disclosed in the present invention, which eliminates the glitches of the outputted phase clock so as to realize a glitch-less phase switching in a phase interpolation circuit.
US08248128B2
A semiconductor device includes: a voltage-control-type clock generation circuit having a plurality of stages of first delay elements and whose oscillation frequency is controlled according to a control voltage applied to the first delay elements; a delay circuit having a plurality of stages of second delay elements connected serially; and a selection circuit selecting one from pulse signals output by the plurality of stages of respective second delay elements. The first delay elements and the second delay elements have a same structure formed on a same semiconductor substrate, and a delay amount of the second delay elements is adjusted according to the control voltage.
US08248127B2
A Digital Phase-Locked Loop (DPLL) has a digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) that generates an output clock frequency determined by a digital input with most-significant-bits (MSB's) and a least-significant-bit (LSB). The LSB is generated by a Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) controller clocked by a control clock that is the output clock divided by C. A reference clock is compared to a feedback clock that is the output clock divided by M. The PWM controller generates M/C LSB's for each reference clock period and loads them in parallel to a parallel-to-serial shift register that serially delivers the LSBs. The pulse width is determined by a fine digital loop filter that filters phase comparison results using a fine time resolution. A coarse digital loop filter generates the MSB's from phase comparison results using a coarse time resolution. LSB waveforms are dithered by randomly selecting high-going or low-going pulses and randomly adjusting pulse widths.
US08248123B2
A loop filter having a first node on which to receive an input signal to the loop filter, a second node on which to provide an output signal of the loop filter, and a cascade arrangement of at least a first circuit that generates a zero, a second circuit that generates a first pole, and a third circuit that generates a second pole to form a passive loop filter of at least 3rd order. The cascade arrangement includes a first signal path coupling the first node to the second node, such that the first circuit is coupled to the first node through the second circuit and the third circuit. Further, the loop filter includes at least one transistor circuit, and a second signal path coupled in parallel to the first signal path at the first node and coupled to the second node through the transistor circuit.
US08248122B2
According to one embodiment, a PLL circuit generates a first signal of 1/m times from a reference clock and a second signal of 1/n times from an output of an oscillator, obtains a quantized phase difference corresponding to a shift amount between the both signals, integrates the phase difference, predicts a control value for the oscillator based on the integrated value, converts the predicted control value into an analog value. Sequential integration is performed for the phase difference until the polarity of the phase difference is reversed from negative to positive and then from positive to negative again, or until the polarity is reversed from positive to negative and then from negative to positive again, a predictive weight value is generated by multiplying the integrated value by a predictive coefficient value of optional ratio, and the control value is obtained by adding the predictive weight value to the integrated value.
US08248120B1
A frequency divider can include at least one input device receiving an input signal, the at least one input device converting the input signal to a current signal; a driver stage with at least two drivers, the at least two drivers receiving the current signal from the at least one input device; a latch stage with at least two latches receiving output signals from the driver stage, the latch stage amplifying the output signals from the driver stage in proportion to an imbalance on the driver stage; and a feedback loop feeding back latch stage output signals to the driver stage. The driver stage and the latch stage can divide the input signal such that the current signal has a frequency of a multiple of the divided signal, and the frequency divider can also include at least one output device to convert the divided signal to a divided voltage signal.
US08248114B2
A drive circuit and a method for maintaining an operating state of the drive circuit. The drive circuit includes a capacitor connected to an inverting input terminal of an operational amplifier and to a terminal of a current sensitive load through a switch. The output of the operational amplifier is connected to a switching regulator which has an output terminal connected to another terminal of the current sensitive load. An energy storage element is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier. Energy is stored in the energy storage element during a first portion of a PWM pulse which is used during a second portion of the PWM pulse to generate the error signal. A drive signal is generated from the error signal where the drive signal is used to generate a voltage that biases the current source during the second portion of the PWM pulse.
US08248113B2
Methods and apparatus are provided in the present invention to adjust the frequency of an output clock close to within a required accuracy of an oscillation frequency. In another embodiment, a method comprises: entering a calibration mode; generating a first control word to control a timing of a clock synthesizer; adjusting the first control word until the timing of the clock synthesizer is sufficiently accurate with respect to a timing of a reference clock; sensing a temperature using a temperature sensor; storing a present value of an output of the temperature sensor and the first control word into a non-volatile memory; exiting the calibration mode; entering a normal operation mode; sensing the temperature using the temperature sensor; generating a second control word to control the timing of the clock synthesizer in accordance with an output of the non-volatile memory and the output of the temperature sensor.
US08248108B2
A comparator formed by first and second stages. The second stage is formed by a pair of output transistors connected between a power-supply line and respective output nodes; a pair of bias transistors, connected between a respective output node and a current source; a pair of memory elements, connected between the control terminals of the output transistors and opposite output nodes; and switches coupled between the control terminals of the respective output transistors and the respective output nodes. In an initial autozeroing step, the first stage stores its offset so as to generate an offset-free current signal. In a subsequent tracking step, the second stage receives the current signal and the memory elements store control voltages of the respective output transistors. In a subsequent evaluating step, the first stage is disconnected from the second stage and the memory elements receive the current signal and switch the first and the second output node depending on the current signal. In subsequent comparisons, the tracking and evaluating steps follow one another without performing the autozeroing step.
US08248106B1
A system and method are provided for frequency lock detection using a digital phase error. A lock detection module accepts a digital phase error (pherr) message proportional to an error in phase between a reference clock and a (synthesizer clock*Nf). Also accepted is a unitless frequency error tolerance value (Δf). The lock detection module periodically supplies a lock detect signal, indicating whether the synthesizer clock frequency is within the frequency error tolerance value of the reference clock frequency.
US08248101B2
Some embodiments provide an IC with configuration context switchers. The IC includes several configurable circuits, each of which configurably performs one of several operations at any given time, based on the configuration data set that it receives at that time. The IC includes several storage circuits for storing several configuration data sets for each of the configurable circuits. The IC also includes a context switching interconnect circuit for switchably connecting the configurable circuit to different sets of storage circuits to receive different sets of configuration data sets. The context switcher includes one or more stages for re-timing the data coming from the configuration storage elements. The stages can include interconnect circuitry or storage circuitry. Some embodiments build one of the stages in the configuration data storage elements. Some embodiments encode the configuration data bits and hence utilize a decoder in the context switcher to decode the encoded configuration data.
US08248098B2
An apparatus and method for measuring the characteristics of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The measuring apparatus may include first to M-th (wherein M is a positive integer not less than 1) starved devices each being biased in response to a bias voltage varying in accordance with a variable first supply voltage, thereby varying an amount of current flowing through a semiconductor device included in the starved device. Interconnect lines may interconnect the first to M-th starved devices. A measuring unit measures at least one of a delay time caused by the semiconductor devices of the starved devices themselves, and a compound delay time caused by the semiconductor devices of the starved devices themselves plus a delay time caused by the interconnect lines. The measured results can be analyzed under conditions more approximate to diverse situations exhibited in practical chips in accordance with development of manufacturing processes and techniques. It is also possible to provide the basis of a model which more effectively represents coupling geometry of more complex semiconductor devices and interconnect lines. The basis of the model may be applied to development of various tools, etc.
US08248096B2
Various embodiments of a test mode signal generating device are disclosed. The device includes first and second test mode signal generating units. The first test mode signal generating unit is configured to receive test address signals to generate a first test mode signal when a first mode conversion signal is enabled. The first test mode signal generating unit is also configured to enable a second mode conversion signal when the test address signals correspond to a first predetermined combination. The second test mode signal generating unit is configured to receive the test address signals to generate a second test mode signal when the second mode conversion signal is enabled. The second test mode signal generating unit is also configured to enable the first mode conversion signal when the test address signals correspond to a second predetermined combination.
US08248094B2
A test structure for gathering switching history effect statistics includes a waveform generator circuit that selectively generates a first test waveform representative of a 1SW transistor switching event, and a second test waveform representative of a 2SW transistor switching event; and a history element circuit coupled to the waveform generator circuit, the history element circuit including a device under test (DUT) therein, and a variable delay chain therein, wherein a selected one of the first and second test waveforms are input to the DUT and the variable delay chain; wherein the history element circuit determines fractional a change in signal propagation delay through the DUT between the 1SW and 2SW transistor switching events, with the fractional change in signal propagation delay calibrated with timing measurements of a variable frequency ring oscillator; and wherein the test structure utilizes only external low-speed input and output signals with respect to a chip.
US08248091B2
A universal system for testing different semiconductor devices provides a probe head with a probe pattern that may be used to test different test patterns formed on different semiconductor devices. Each of a plurality of bumps or pads of the test pattern contacts a corresponding probe of the probe head to enable the semiconductor device to be tested. The universal probe head may additionally or alternatively include a substrate design on the probe head that provides a pattern on the substrate of the probe head that may be used in conjunction with different patterns formed on a plurality of different printed circuit boards for testing different semiconductor devices.
US08248090B2
A ZIF connector and a semiconductor testing device using the ZIF connectors are provided. The ZIF connector comprises a body portion and a clamping portion. The body portion is a print circuit board provided with circuit patterns, and further comprises a plurality of signal holes disposed on an upper part of the body portion for electrically connecting a plurality of corresponding signal cables, and a plurality of electrical terminals disposed on a lower part of the body portion and arranged on two lateral sides of the body portion for electrically connecting a plurality of corresponding electrical pads of a substrate. The circuit patterns are provided in the body portion to connect to the electrical terminals through the signal holes accordingly. The clamping portion is horizontally extended on one lateral side of the body portion for securing the ZIF connector in a connector board.
US08248066B2
A Hall integrated circuit with adjustable hysteresis is disclosed. The circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic field-pulse convertor, which outputs a pulse-shaped voltage difference pulse by converting a change in two voltages as a pulse and in which the change occurs in accordance with a magnitude of a magnetic field inputted by a Hall sensor, a polarity determining unit, which determines polarities of two signals outputted by the Hall sensor by using the voltage difference pulse and one of the two signals outputted by the Hall sensor, a magnetic flux density determining unit, which outputs a high signal or a low signal by comparing the voltage difference pulse with a set value, and a first flip-flop outputs a result signal having a hysteresis characteristic according to inputs by the polarity determining unit and the magnetic flux density determining unit.
US08248059B2
A method and apparatus for mounting an electronic measuring device inside the housing a pad mount low voltage distribution power transformer are provided. The space inside a transformer enclosure cover contains the power input and output connections and cables. The electronic measuring device includes a surface mounting assembly that is configured to mount the measuring device at multiple locations of the housing.
US08248057B2
A method for measuring the mains frequency by a digital control system of an electrical appliance, in particular an electrical household appliance, in which the digital control system is prearranged for performing rigorous measurements of the value of the mains frequency and of its variations through an operation of calibration of the means for measurement of the mains frequency performed prior to marketing of the product.
US08248054B2
An ON/OFF detection circuit for detecting an electronic device includes a switch circuit, a current sampling circuit, an amplifying circuit, and a control circuit. The switch circuit includes an input terminal connected to a constant voltage source, an output terminal coupled to the electronic device, and a control terminal. The current sampling circuit is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the switch circuit, and is configured for sampling current flowing to the electronic device and converting sampled current into sampled voltage. The amplifying circuit is configured for filtering and amplifying the sampled voltage. The control circuit controls the ON and OFF of the electronic device and compares the sampled voltages with a comparison voltage to judge the electronic device is qualify or disqualify.
US08248053B2
A circuit for regulating the level at a power converter output is disclosed. An example circuit includes an input for receiving a feedback signal. The feedback signal has a first feedback state that represents a level that is above a threshold level and a second feedback state that represents a level that is below the threshold level. An oscillator is included that provides an oscillation signal that cycles between two states. A switch having a first terminal, a second terminal and a control terminal are also included. The switch is operable to couple or decouple the first terminal and the second terminal in response to a control signal received at the control terminal. The control signal is responsive to the oscillation signal and to the first and second feedback states.
US08248051B2
An apparatus includes a control unit to generate a control signal to control a duty cycle of a PWM switching signal that controls a switch in a PFC converter. The control unit includes a PWM converter to produce a PWM signal responsive to an output voltage of the PFC converter. A switching circuit switches a current representing an input current of the PFC converter in response to the PWM signal. A circuit generates the control signal in response to the switched current. The control unit includes an amplifier that receives a current sense signal and provides the current representing the input current of the PFC converter. An offset unit generates a variable offset signal to generate the control signal. The offset unit provides the offset signal as an offset current for offsetting a current at an input of the amplifier.
US08248050B2
A biologic and medical multi-channel low voltage micro-electric-field generator including a power supply unit, at least one micro-electric-field generating unit set comprising a step-down unit, a linear regulator unit, and a pulse generating and outputting unit, and a programmable logic control unit. The micro-electric-field generating unit set is connected to an output end of the power supply unit. The step-down unit depresses the voltage of frequency power. The linear regulator unit regulates the output of the step-down unit. The pulse generating and outputting unit turns on/off the output of the linear regulator unit and connects to a network electrode group. The programmable logic control unit controls the characteristics of the output pulse from the pulse generating and outputting unit. The generator is applicable in gene, protein, drug and/or a variety of plasmids delivery to the organs, cells within the tissues of large animal or human.
US08248042B2
A power converter includes an input terminal configured to be connected to a power supply, an output terminal, and a first switching element coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The first switching element includes a semiconductor multilayer structure formed on a substrate and made of a nitride semiconductor, a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor multilayer structure, a first and a second ohmic electrode, and a back electrode formed on a back surface of the substrate. A potential is supplied from the power supply connected to the input terminal to the back electrode so that a potential difference between the back surface and the second ohmic electrode is reduced. When the first switching element is in the on-state, a positive voltage bias is applied to the back electrode.
US08248039B2
A method for validating and initializing a control system for an electrical generator connected to a power converter in a wind turbine. The method may include generating a first parameter value representing control signal for controlling the stator flux of a stator of the electrical generator, measuring a second parameter value specifying an electrical operational characteristic of the electrical generator, and determining an accuracy level of the control signal based on the first parameter value and the second parameter value, wherein the accuracy level of the control signal has to fall within a predefined threshold for the control system to be validated.
US08248037B2
A mother board including a controller, a rapid charging initiation unit, a connection port, and a switching unit is provided. The rapid charging initiation unit provides a first voltage ranging from 3.2 V to 11 V and a second voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 0.6 V. A voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage ranges from 0.5 V to 0.8 V. The connection port is coupled to a smartphone. The switching unit is coupled to the controller, the rapid charging initiation unit, and the connection port for determining whether the connection port is coupled to the controller or the rapid charging initiation unit according to a switching signal. When the connection port is coupled to the rapid charging initiation unit, the first voltage and the second voltage are sent to the smartphone through the connection port for activating the rapid charging function of the smartphone.
US08248026B2
A wireless charger authentication system includes an electronic device and a wireless charger. The electronic device includes an emitting module configured for producing an unauthenticated signal and a modulating module configured for modulating the unauthenticated signal into a high-frequency signal. The wireless charger includes a source signal produced by a power supply, a mixing module, an analyzing module, a comparing module and a triggering module. The mixing module is configured for mixing the high-frequency signal and the source signal to get a recognized signal. The analyzing module is configured for analyzing the parameters of the recognized signal. The comparing module predetermines a number of preset parameter values and is configured for comparing the parameters with the preset parameter values. The triggering module is configured for triggering the wireless charger to charge the electronic device if the parameters of the recognized signal are substantially equal to the preset parameter values.
US08248021B2
A solar energy storing system includes a solar energy converting unit, a rechargeable battery unit, a charging unit, a switch unit, a detecting unit, and a controlling unit. The solar energy converting unit converts solar energy into electrical energy to generate a charging voltage. The rechargeable battery unit stores the electrical energy. The rechargeable battery unit includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The charging unit charges the rechargeable battery unit using the charging voltage. The switch unit changes electrical connections between the rechargeable batteries. The detecting unit detects the charging voltage and a voltage of each of the rechargeable batteries and determines a charging status between the charging voltage and the voltages of the rechargeable batteries. The controlling unit controls the switch unit to change the electrical connections between the rechargeable batteries according to the charging status between the charging voltage and the voltages of the rechargeable batteries.
US08248018B2
A motor controller controlling a permanent magnet motor including a rotor provided with a plurality of low coercivity permanent magnets having a coercivity low enough to allow modification in amount of magnetization, the motor controller including a position detector including one or more position sensors to detect a rotational position of the rotor; an inverter circuit connected between a direct current voltage supply source and windings of the permanent magnet motor and configured by a plurality of semiconductor switching elements of multiple phases connected thereto; and a magnetization controller that magnetizes the plurality of low coercivity permanent magnets constituting the rotor by energizing the windings of the permanent magnet motor through the inverter circuit such that all of the low coercivity permanent magnets are magnetized to a uniform level of magnetization by energizing the windings twice at same timings specified based on a sensor signal outputted by the position sensor.
US08248017B2
A method for operating an electric motor with at least two motor terminals that are driven by a control device contains the steps of short-circuiting of at least two of the motor terminals of the electric motor by the control device; measurement of the motor phase currents at the short-circuited motor terminals; and identification of a standstill of the electric motor if a magnitude and/or a frequency of the motor phase currents measured lies below a predefined limit value. In the case of such a reliable identification of the standstill of the electric motor, an enable signal can then advantageously be generated in order, by way of example, to enable access to an apparatus driven by the electric motor.
US08248013B2
A fan device with improved speed control module includes a stator, a rotor, and a speed control module. The stator has a driving unit outputting currents for the stator to generate alternative magnetic fields and thus turn the rotor. The speed control module includes a control unit and a speed adjusting circuit, with the control unit generating a control command for the driving unit and further outputting a state signal for the speed adjusting circuit to control whether a PWM signal enters the control circuit or not.
US08248012B2
A method for determining gain of a back-electromotive force amplifier may include setting an electric motor into a tri-state function mode and storing a first quasi steady-state value for back-electromotive force from the difference signal, and forcing a reference current through the electric motor and determining a first value of the gain of the amplifier for equaling a difference signal to the first quasi steady-state value. The method may further include setting the electric motor into a tri-state function mode a second time and storing a second quasi steady-state value for back-electromotive force from the difference signal, and increasing the first value of the gain by an amount proportional to a difference between the second quasi steady-state value and the first quasi steady-state value.
US08248007B2
A control apparatus for an AC motor controls an inverter in a pulse width modulation scheme to feed a coil current to a stator coil of a stator. A pattern switching mechanism switches a control pattern to a first pattern or to a second pattern; a first pattern calculating mechanism calculates a control signal using a first pattern parameter; a second pattern calculating mechanism calculates a control signal using a second pattern parameter; an offset calculating mechanism calculates a difference between a control signal of an old pattern and a control signal of a new pattern, and reflects the offset amount on the control signals; and a control output mechanism calculates a final control output signal on the basis of the control signals, and transmits the final control output signal to the inverter.
US08247996B2
A backlight driving system comprises a first inverter circuit, a second inverter circuit, a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller, a frequency regulator and a switch circuit. The pulse width modulation (PWM) controller generates an illumination signal to control the first and second inverter circuits to illuminate first and second backlight units in response to a first enable signal, and generates a maintaining signal to control the first and second inverter circuits to maintain stable lighting of the first and second backlight units in response to a first feedback signal. The frequency regulator controls the PWM controller to generate the illumination signal and the maintaining signal in response to a second enable signal and a second feedback signal, respectively. The switch circuit connects the PWM controller to the second inverter circuit in response to the second enable signal.
US08247994B2
An LED illuminator includes a light emission circuit and a driver. The light emission circuit includes an LED group and a connection line connecting the LED group. The driver drives the LED group by using an AC voltage inputted from outside. The driver includes a constant-current control circuit. The constant-current control circuit keeps the current flowing to the light emission circuit at a predetermined value.
US08247984B2
An LED circuit is disclosed. The circuit senses the average current flowing through the LED. The sensed signal is compensated and modulated. The modulated signal is then used to control the ON/OFF state of a switch that supplies power to the LED.
US08247981B2
An integrated circuit and a related method for determining an operation mode are disclosed. The exemplified integrated circuit includes a controller, a multi-function pin, and a mode determination circuit. The controller controls a power switch and is being set to operate in one of the operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode. The multi-function pin is connected to an external resistor. The mode determination circuit detects a signal from the multi-function pin. The signal represents the resistance of the external resistor. If the resistance is within a first range, the controller is operated in the first operation mode. If the resistance is within a second range, the controller is operated in the second operation mode.
US08247979B2
A light-guide device is provided for detecting and amplify the light emitted by indicator lamps of functional modules mounted in a chassis. The light-guide device includes a plurality of light-guide columns, a circuit board, and a plurality of light-guide blocks. The circuit board includes a plurality of amplifying circuits, each including a photosensitive diode and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). One of the LEDs is lit when the photosensitive diode detecting the light emitted by the indicator lamp of one corresponding functional modules. The light-guide blocks guide lights emitted by the corresponding LEDs to an outside of the chassis.
US08247969B2
An optical lens having a fluorescent layer is provided. The optical lens is adapted for being employed in an LED packaging structure. The optical lens includes a substrate, at least one lens body, a lens shade, and a packaging member. The substrate is positioned at a bottommost side of the packaging structure, and the lens shade is positioned at a topmost side of the packaging structure. The lens body is positioned over the substrate and beneath the lens shade. A plurality of light emitting units are disposed on the substrate. The packaging member is adapted for packaging the substrate and the lens shade. The lens body is secured by the packing member so as to be positioned over the light emitting units. The lens body includes a fluorescent layer buried inside the lens body, and the lens body is positioned apart from the light emitting units for a certain distance.
US08247968B2
An electroluminescent display device may include a display area formed on one surface of a substrate. It may further include a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and an electroluminescent emission layer between the first and second electrode layers. It may also include an electrode power supply line that supplies electrode power to the display area. The electrode power supply line can be located at least partially on an outer periphery of the display area, and may directly contact the second electrode layer. An electrical component may be arranged under the electrode power supply line, and may have one or more conductive layers.
US08247932B1
A method and apparatus for mitigating bearing failure in an AC induction motor includes installing a high frequency mechanical vibration-absorbing material between various components of the motor. With the vibration-absorbing material in place, the number of premature bearing failures caused by the presence of bearing current is greatly reduced.
US08247928B2
A mobile phone includes a signal processor, an operating module, and a power supply system. The working voltage of the operating module is bigger than that of the signal processor. The power supply system includes a power source, a voltage boosting unit, and a controller. The input terminal and output terminal of the voltage boosting unit is connected to the power source and the operating module respectively. The controller is configured for connecting the signal processor to the power source or the output terminal of the voltage boosting unit corresponding to the output voltage of the power source being bigger or smaller than a preset threshold voltage.
US08247925B2
A power source stabilization circuit provided within a chip of an electronic device is provided. The power source stabilization circuit stabilizes a power source voltage supplied to an operational circuit of the electronic device. The power source stabilization circuit includes an amplifier that detects a fluctuation component in the power source voltage occurring in a main power source wiring used to supply the power source voltage to the operational circuit, amplifies the detected fluctuation component, and outputs the amplified fluctuation component, and a stabilization capacitor that is provided between an output end of the amplifier and the main power source wiring and supplies to the main power source wiring a current to reduce fluctuation in the power source voltage occurring in the main power source wiring, in accordance with the output from the amplifier.
US08247910B2
A three-dimensional multichip module includes a first integrated circuit chip having at least one first high-temperature functional area and one first low-temperature functional area, and at least one second integrated circuit chip having a second high-temperature functional area and a second low-temperature functional area. The second high-temperature functional area is arranged opposite the first low-temperature functional area. As an alternative, at least one low-temperature chip having only one low-temperature functional area can also be arranged between the first and second chips.
US08247896B2
A stacked semiconductor device is constructed by stacking in two levels: a lower semiconductor device having a wiring board, at least one semiconductor chip mounted on a first surface of the wiring board and having electrodes electrically connected to wiring by way of a connection means, an encapsulant composed of insulating plastic that covers the semiconductor chip and the connection means, a plurality of electrodes formed overlying the wiring of a second surface of the wiring board, and a plurality of linking interconnects each having a portion connected to the wiring of the first surface of the wiring board and another portion exposed on the surface of the encapsulant; and an upper semiconductor device in which each electrode overlies and is electrically connected to the exposed portions of each of the linking interconnects of the lower semiconductor device. The linking interconnects extend from the first surface of the wiring board to the side surfaces and upper surface of the encapsulant, and moreover, electrically connect with wiring of the wiring board that projects from the encapsulant.
US08247892B2
An arrangement comprising at least one power semiconductor module and a transport packaging, wherein the power semiconductor module has a base element, a housing and connection elements and the transport packaging has a generally planar cover layer, a cover film and at least one trough-like plastic shaped body for each power semiconductor module. The at least one plastic shaped body only partly encloses the respective power semiconductor module and a part of the plastic shaped body does not directly contact the power semiconductor module. Furthermore, a first side of the at least one power semiconductor module becomes situated directly or indirectly on the first main surface of the cover layer, while the cover film covers the further sides of the power semiconductor module directly and/or indirectly, and bears at least partly against the plastic shaped body.
US08247886B1
A GaN based light emitting diode device which emits polarized light or light of various degrees of polarization for use in the creation of optical devices. The die are cut to different shapes, or contain some indicia that are used to represent the configuration of the weak dipole plane and the strong dipole plane. This allows for the more efficient manufacturing of such light emitting diode based optical devices.
US08247885B2
A semiconductor device containing a cylindrical shaped capacitor and a method for manufacturing the same is presented. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of storage nodes and a support pattern. The plurality of storage nodes is formed over a semiconductor substrate. The support pattern is fixed to adjacent storage nodes in which the support pattern has a flowable insulation layer buried within the support pattern. The buried flowable insulation layer direct contacts adjacent storage nodes.
US08247877B2
A structure includes a substrate and a gate stack disposed on the substrate. The structure also includes a nitride encapsulation layer disposed on a side wall of the gate stack and which has been exposed to a plasma source. The structure also includes at least one other element contacting the nitride encapsulation layer in a region where the nitride encapsulation layer contacts the side wall of the gate stack.
US08247875B2
A fabrication method of a semiconductor device includes: forming a gate insulating film and a gate electrode on an N type well; forming first source/drain regions by implanting a first element in regions of the N type well on both sides of the gate electrode, the first element being larger than silicon and exhibiting P type conductivity; forming second source/drain regions by implanting a second element in the regions of the N type well on the both sides of the gate electrode, the second element being smaller than silicon and exhibiting P type conductivity; and forming a metal silicide layer on the source/drain regions.
US08247874B2
A depletion transistor includes a source region and a drain region of a first conductivity type, a channel region of the first conductivity type arranged between the source region and the drain region and a first gate electrode arranged adjacent the channel region and dielectrically insulated from the channel region by a gate dielectric. The depletion transistor further includes a first discharge region of a second conductivity type arranged adjacent the gate dielectric and electrically coupled to a terminal for a reference potential. The depletion transistor can be included in a charging circuit.
US08247849B2
A two-transistor (2T) pixel comprises a chemically-sensitive transistor (ChemFET) and a selection device which is a non-chemically sensitive transistor. A plurality of the 2T pixels may form an array, having a number of rows and a number of columns. The ChemFET can be configured in a source follower or common source readout mode. Both the ChemFET and the non-chemically sensitive transistor can be NMOS or PMOS device.
US08247846B2
A rectangular-shaped interlevel connection structure is defined to electrically connect a first structure in a first chip level with a second structure in a second chip level. The rectangular-shaped interlevel connection structure is defined by an as-drawn cross-section having at least one dimension larger than a corresponding dimension of either the first structure, the second structure, or both the first and second structures. A dimension of the rectangular-shaped interlevel connection structure can exceed a normal maximum size in one direction in exchange for a reduced size in another direction. The rectangular-shaped interlevel connection structure can be placed in accordance with a gridpoint of a virtual grid defined by two perpendicular sets of virtual lines. Also, the first and/or second structures can be spatially oriented and/or placed in accordance with one or both of the two perpendicular sets of virtual lines.
US08247840B2
Use of a forward biased diode to reduce leakage current of transistors implemented on silicon on insulator (SOI) is a particular challenge due to the difficulty of achieving effective contact with the region beneath the gate of the transistor. An improved implementation in SOI gate fingers that reach under the source through tunnels that are contacted with a region outside the transistor. A further embodiment uses drain extension implants to provide good channel connection.
US08247825B2
An LED includes a substrate, two LED dies mounted on the substrate, an encapsulant molded on the substrate and sealing the two LED dies, and two phosphors contained within the encapsulant and surrounding the two LED dies, respectively. The two phosphors are distributed on the two LED dies in same density and different thicknesses, whereby the mixed light from one LED die and one phosphor has a color temperature different from that mixed from another LED die and another phosphor.
US08247824B2
An electronic device includes a substrate. The substrate includes a first pixel driving circuit, a first conductive member, and a second conductive member. The first and second conductive members are spaced apart from each other. The first conductive member is connected to the first pixel driving circuit. The second conductive member is part of a power transmission line. The electronic device further includes a well structure overlying the substrate and defining a pixel opening, a via, and a channel. The pixel opening is connected to the via through the channel. In addition, the electronic device includes a first electronic component. The electronic component includes a first electrode that contacts the first conductive member in the pixel opening, a second electrode that contacts the second conductive member in the via, and an organic layer lying between the first and second electrodes.
US08247817B2
In a bottom-gate-type thin film transistor used in a liquid crystal display device in which a poly-Si layer and an a-Si layer are stacked, a quantity of an ON current which flows in the thin film transistor can be increased. A poly-Si layer and an a-Si layer are stacked on a gate electrode as an active layer by way of a gate insulation film therebetween in order of the poly-Si layer and the a-Si layer. An n+Si layer and a source/drain layer are formed on the a-Si layer thus forming a thin film transistor. A forward current which flows in the thin film transistor mainly flows in the poly-Si layer. To decrease contact resistance against the forward current between the poly-Si layer and the n+Si layer, an edge portion of the a-Si layer and an edge portion of the poly-Si layer assume a concavo-convex shape thus particularly increasing a contact area between the poly-Si layer and the n+Si layer whereby the contact resistance against the forward current can be decreased leading to the increase of a quantity of an ON current.
US08247813B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a highly reliably display device in which a high mobility is achieved in an oxide semiconductor. A first oxide component is formed over a base component. Crystal growth proceeds from a surface toward an inside of the first oxide component by a first heat treatment, so that a first oxide crystal component is formed in contact with at least part of the base component. A second oxide component is formed over the first oxide crystal component. Crystal growth is performed by a second heat treatment using the first oxide crystal component as a seed, so that a second oxide crystal component is formed. Thus, a stacked oxide material is formed. A transistor with a high mobility is formed using the stacked oxide material and a driver circuit is formed using the transistor.
US08247810B2
There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, or SiR3; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R8 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.
US08247809B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display comprises: a substrate; a display unit formed on the substrate and including an organic light emitting element; an interception layer positioned at the outside of the display unit on the substrate; and a thin film encapsulation layer which is formed with a stacked film of an inorganic film and an organic film, which has an end portion contacting the interception layer, and which covers the entire display unit and at least a part of the interception layer.
US08247808B2
An organic light emitting lighting device that includes a transparent substrate, a first electrode layer formed on the substrate, an organic emission layer formed on the first electrode layer, a second electrode line formed of a plurality of second electrode lines disposed in parallel with each other on the organic emission layer, a first fuse unit having one end connected with the first electrode layer, and a plurality of second fuses having one end respectively connected to one end of the plurality of second electrode lines.
US08247806B2
Provided is a field effect transistor including a graphene channel layer, and capable of increasing an on/off ratio of an operating current by using the graphene of the graphene channel layer. The field effect transistor includes: a substrate; the graphene channel layer which is disposed on a portion of the substrate and includes graphene; a first electrode disposed on a first region of the graphene channel layer and a portion of the substrate; an interlayer disposed on a second region of the graphene channel layer, which is apart from the first region, and a portion of the substrate; a second electrode disposed on the interlayer; a gate insulation layer disposed on a portion of the graphene channel layer, the first electrode, and the second electrode; and a gate electrode disposed on a portion of the gate insulation layer.
US08247799B2
An integrated circuit for quantum computing may include a superconducting shield to limit magnetic field interactions.
US08247787B2
When a first image capturing apparatus installed in an image capturing room is selected and a power supply switch of a radiation converter used in the first image capturing apparatus is turned on, a controller generates an image capturing apparatus identification signal for specifying the image capturing apparatus, and sends the identification signal together with ID information of the selected image capturing apparatus stored in an ID memory to a console in the image capturing room via a transceiver by wireless communications. The console reads image capturing conditions for the selected image capturing apparatus from an image capturing condition storage unit, and supplies the conditions to a radiation generator for recording a radiographic image in the radiation converter. The radiation generator controls a radiation source according to the supplied conditions to emit radiation for recording a desired radiographic image on a radiation conversion panel of the radiation converter.
US08247786B2
A displacement detecting device includes a non-contact sensor having a light source, an objective lens focusing output light from the light source onto a measurement surface, and a light receiving element detecting displacement information based on a focal length of the objective lens by using reflected light from the measurement surface; a control unit adjusting the focal length based on the displacement information; a displacement-amount measuring unit having a linear scale attached to the objective lens with a link member therebetween and measuring an amount of displacement of the linear scale when the focal length is adjusted. A light adjustment member is disposed between the light source and the objective lens or between the objective lens and the light receiving element and has an aperture section transmitting the output and/or reflected light therethrough and a light blocking section that blocks a specific light component of the output and/or reflected light.
US08247784B2
A novel ion source for ambient mass spectrometry (switched ferroelectric plasma ionizer or “SwiFerr”), which utilizes the ambient pressure plasma resulting from a sample of barium titanate [001] whose polarization is switched by an audio frequency electric field. High yields of both anions and cations are produced by the source and detected using an ion trap mass spectrometer. Protonated amines and deprotonated volatile acid species, respectively, are detected in the observed mass spectra. Aerodynamic sampling is employed to analyze powders of drug tablets of loperamide and ibuprofen. A peak corresponding to the active pharmaceutical ingredient for each drug is observed in the mass spectra. Pyridine is detected at concentrations in the low part-per-million range in air. The low power consumption of the source is consistent with incorporation into field portable instrumentation for detection of hazardous materials and trace substances in a variety of different applications.
US08247782B2
An apparatus and a method for investigating and/or modifying a sample is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a charged particle source, at least one particle optical element forming a charged particle beam of charged particles emitted by said charged particle source. The apparatus further comprises an objective lens which generates a charged particle probe from said charged particle beam. The objective lens defines a particle optical axis. A first electrostatic deflection element is arranged—in a direction of propagation of charged particles emitted by said charged particle source—downstream of the objective lens. The electrostatic deflection element deflecting the charged particle beam in a direction perpendicular to said charged particle optical axis and has a deflection bandwidth of at least 10 MHz.
US08247781B2
A fabrication method is provided for making a high efficiency neutron detector using a scintillator medium coupled with fiber optic light guides. The light guides provide light pulses to photo sensor and thereby to high speed analog to digital conversion and digital electronics that perform digital pulse shape discrimination for near zero gamma cross talk. Optionally, microwave curing techniques are used for fabricating a high performance neutron detector with high reliability and homogenous distribution of the particles encapsulated in a polymer to produce a high performance neutron detector.
US08247778B2
A scintillator array and method for making the same are provided. The array comprises a bi-layer reflector further comprising a conformal smoothing layer and a mirror layer. The bi-layer reflector does not comprise an intervening reducing agent or adhesion layer and/or comprises aluminum. Further, the mirror layer may be deposited via gas phase metallization, allowing application to tightly confined spaces. A detector array comprising the scintillator array is also provided.
US08247776B2
Disclosed is a device for detecting orientation of a radioactive material to determine presence and position of the radioactive material, comprising: at least one first radiation detector; at least one second radiation detector, each of said at least one second radiation detector and each of said at least one first radiation detector being arranged side by side and in pairs, detection surfaces of said first and second radiation detector being in the same plane to receive radiation from the same direction in the same manner and to generate a first detection signal and a second detection signal, respectively; a shielding plate, said shielding plate being arranged between said first radiation detector and said second radiation detector arranged in a pair and extending forward beyond said detection surfaces; and a determination device for receiving the first and second detection signals from said first and second radiation detector, and determining whether a radioactive material exists or not according to said first and second detection signals and simultaneously determining the orientation of the radioactive material according to the difference between said first detection signal and said second detection signal. Also disclosed is a method for detecting orientation of a radioactive material.
US08247775B2
A system and method for standoff detection of explosives, CWAs and TICs using optical techniques. Preliminary analysis indicates detection of TNT at a distance of 0.5 km with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 10,000. The optical/thermal techniques apparently permit unambiguous detection of the target molecules even the presence of commonly encountered interferents. The technique, named Remote Optothermal Sensor (ROSE), has the potential for standoff detection at distances greater than one (1) kilometer.
US08247773B2
An identification mark constituted of irregularities is formed on the surface of a wafer, which is sealed with a resin layer and a dicing tape may be adhered to the backside. Multiple infrared units irradiate infrared rays towards the surface of the wafer from the backside thereof, wherein they transmit through the wafer and are then reflected at the interface between the resin layer and the surface of the wafer, thus producing reflected rays. An image pickup device picks up an image of the interface including the identification mark based on reflected rays. Optical axes of the infrared units extend to cross the surface of the wafer in different directions; hence, the image pickup device receives only a part of reflected rays, which are reflected at the interface in a prescribed direction. A polarizer can be arranged in proximity to the infrared unit or the image pickup device.
US08247768B2
A method for sample examination in a dual-beam FIB calculates a first angle as a function of second, third and fourth angles defined by the geometry of the FIB and the tilt of the specimen stage. A fifth angle is calculated as a function of the stated angles, where the fifth angle is the angle between the long axis of an excised sample and the projection of the axis of the probe shaft onto the X-Y plane. The specimen stage is rotated by the calculated fifth angle, followed by attachment to the probe tip and lift-out. The sample may then be positioned perpendicular to the axis of the FIB electron beam for STEM analysis by rotation of the probe shaft through the first angle.
US08247766B2
A wide spectral band laser pulse generating device capable of covering a spectrum formed of given wavelengths is provided, including: a monochromatic laser light source whose intensity is adjustable; non-linear optical means, a photonic crystal or a microstructured optical fiber for example, for carrying out spectral widening of the wave emitted by the light source; the light source and the non-linear optical means are configured and arranged so as to create a white supercontinuum whose continuous spectrum contains the wavelengths considered. The invention relates to the general field of the analysis of the composition of material specimens, and in particular to laser tomographic atom probes.
US08247760B2
Ultra-cold (nano-Kelvin) neutral atoms can be trapped, manipulated, and measured, using integrated current carrying micro-structures on a nearby surface (Atom Chips). This can be utilized for the realization of ultra-sensitive sensors and quantum computation devices based on the quantum mechanical properties of the trapped atoms. However, harmful processes arise from the interactions between the atoms and the nearby surface. According to the present invention these harmful processes can be highly suppressed by using electrically anisotropic materials. It is shown that time-independent trapping potential corrugation leading to fragmentation of the trapped atom cloud can be suppressed, and that time dependent noise processes arising from the coupling of atoms to the nearby surface, and leading to loss of atoms from the trap, heating and loss of coherence can be significantly reduced.
US08247757B2
A contact image sensor module includes an image sensor, a lens unit arranged over the image sensor, a glass plate arranged over the lens unit, and a light source. The lens unit includes a plurality of rod lenses. The glass plate is wedge-shaped and elongated. The glass plate includes a first light interface being rectangular and elongated, and a second light interface and an incident face respectively extending from two opposite longer sides of the first light interface. The incident face faces the light source. The first light interface is substantially perpendicular to the rod lenses. The second light interface is below the first light interface and faces top sides of the rod lenses. Light of the light source is first directed by the glass plate to the document, then reflected by the document to the lens unit via the glass plate and finally reaching the image sensor.
US08247756B1
In one embodiment, the present teachings provide for an efficient means to implement bidirectional data and signal channels in optical interconnects. Each optical interconnect channel may include two pairs of emitters and detectors that are imaged onto each other. Many such bidirectional optical channels may be simultaneously interconnected in dense two-dimensional arrays. The send or receive state of each bidirectional optical channel may be directly set in some embodiments by an electronic control signal. In other bidirectional optical channel embodiments, the send/receive state may be controlled locally and autonomously as derived from the output of the local detector.
US08247755B2
A light surface display for providing a three-dimensional image including a plurality of particles dispersed within a volumetric display. A first projection system projects sequential slices of electromagnetic energy of one or more infrared wavelengths along the length and width of the volumetric display energizing particles to form a two-dimensional image. A second projection system projects translational slices of electromagnetic energy of one or more infra-red wavelengths that intersect with the energized particles across the depth of the volumetric display. A control system synchronizes the projection of the image source and the activation source such that the two-dimensional image and the translational slices energize the particles for a pre-determined length of time so that the particles illuminate to form an illuminated three-dimensional image.
US08247751B2
The invention relates to a microwave pressure cooker including a container open at its top which includes a cover with a gasket adapted for ledge interlock type sealing and lug locking engagement with the container. There are two regulator opening means provided as valve opening through the cover (2) such that one of the deformable diaphragm type pressure regulator means formed are disposed on these regulator opening means which deform responsive to the pressure in the enclosure. A push rod type gasket offset device means is also provided on locking lug and opening and closing aid of the cover for releasably maintaining the container and the cover in sealing engagement. Further a filter is disposed removably on the first regulator opening means, which controls the pressure building within the enclosure.
US08247744B2
There is provided a cooking device that prevents an electricity conduction setting to a heating source from fluctuating when a user is not intending to operate a touch key. The cooking device includes a heating source for heating an object to be heated; a top plate provided on an upper surface of the device; a touch key that is provided on the top plate and is operable to input a control command by being touched with a finger; a cancel electrode provided at a periphery of the touch key; and a control unit for controlling an electricity conduction to the heating source based on the control command. When detecting that a portion of the top plate near the cancel electrode is touched with the finger, the control unit maintains a condition of electricity conduction to the heating source in time of the detection, and limits an operation based on the control command input to the touch key while detecting that the portion of the top plate near the cancel electrode is being touched with the finger.
US08247742B2
An electric space heating system Air at ambient temperature is drawn by a fan assembly into the system through an air inlet filter, then moves through a “Z”-shaped box within a heat exchanger assembly where it is heated by quartz heater tube assemblies The heated air is further heated as it passes by copper plates within the box and then exits the system Each tube assembly includes an electrically-resistive filament within the lumen of a quartz tube that is translucent to Infrared radiation emitted by the filament Oppositely—directed, ceramic insulators, attached to opposite ends of the tube, in combination with a ceramic, electrical connector block, support the tubes within the box and provide electrical contacts for an electric power source to energize the filament The block has a spring-loaded, sliding electrical contact that facilitates installation and removal of the tube assemblies through a utility access cutout.
US08247740B2
A spark plug of the present invention includes a cylindrical metal shell, a cylindrical ceramic insulator retained in the metal shell, a center electrode retained in the ceramic insulator and extending in an axial direction, and a ground electrode formed into a bent shape and having a rear end portion fixed to the metal shell and a front end portion facing a front end portion of the center electrode with a gap left therebetween. The ground electrode contains a large thickness region formed on a rear end side thereof with a large thickness, a small thickness region formed on a front end side thereof with a smaller thickness than that of the large thickness region, a protruding region formed on the small thickness region and facing the center electrode and a thickness changing region formed between the large thickness region and the small thickness region and located at a different position from a position of a minimum curvature radius region of the bent shape of the ground electrode.
US08247732B2
An insulator for a sensor arrangement of a laser processing machine comprises an outer insulating part of plastics material for electrical shielding and an inner shielding part of a non-conductive heat-resistant material for shielding against laser irradiation and/or heat.
US08247730B2
A beam shaper is implemented to seal an OLED. The beam shaper comprises a first and second lens and a beam shaper. Changing the relative position of the first, second lens and beam shaper relative to each other enables the beam shaper to generate laser beams with different shapes and intensity profiles.
US08247723B2
An electronic device includes a power switch, an elastic force member adjacent to the power switch, a triggering member fixed on the elastic force member to trigger the power switch, and an elastic reposition member. The triggering member is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position relative to the power switch. The elastic reposition member provides elastic force to move the triggering member from the first position to the second position. In the first position, the triggering member faces the power switch and can be pressed to trigger the power switch. In the second position, the triggering member is away from the power switch.
US08247710B2
A combination weigher includes a plurality of upper collecting chutes disposed below weighing hoppers, a plurality of upper collecting hoppers provided at discharge outlets of the upper collecting chutes, a lower collecting chute provided below the upper collecting hoppers, a lower collecting hopper provided at a discharge outlet of the lower collecting chute, and a control unit which repeatedly performs a combination process to determine one discharge combination of the weighing hoppers, a discharge process for discharging the objects from the weighing hoppers onto the upper collecting chutes, and a discharge process for discharging the objects simultaneously from the upper collecting hoppers, and a discharge process for discharging the objects from the lower collecting hopper.
US08247704B2
A motherboard interconnection device includes a top layer, a bottom layer, a first and a third electronic elements positioned on the top layer, and a second and a fourth electronic elements positioned on the bottom layer. A first end of the first electronic element on the top layer is connected to the first end of the second electronic element on the bottom layer with a first via hole, and the first end of the third electronic element on the top layer is connected to the first end of the fourth electronic element on the bottom layer with a second via hole. The second ends of the two electronic elements on the top layer are connected to a first part, and the second ends of the two electronic elements on the bottom layer are connected to a second part.
US08247691B2
A connecting member includes a cable, an enclosure, a shaft assembly member and an elastic member. The cable surrounds the shaft assembly member. The shaft assembly member is rotatablely mounted in the enclosure. The elastic member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the shaft member, and the second end is secured to the enclosure.
US08247683B2
A cadmium telluride thin film photovoltaic device is provided having a thin film interlayer positioned between a cadmium sulfide layer and a cadmium telluride layer. The thin film interlayer can be an oxide thin film layer (e.g., an amorphous silica layer, a cadmium stannate layer, a zinc stannate layer, etc.) or a nitride film, and can act as a chemical barrier at the p-n junction to inhibit ion diffusion between the layers. The device can include a transparent conductive layer on a glass superstrate, a cadmium sulfide layer on the transparent conductive layer, a thin film interlayer on the cadmium sulfide layer, a cadmium telluride layer on the thin film interlayer, and a back contact on the cadmium telluride layer. Methods are also provided of manufacturing such devices.
US08247662B2
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid HNX12860544 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid HNX12860544 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US08247661B2
A novel cotton variety, designated as FM 9150F, is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 9150F with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 9150F and to plants of FM 9150F reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 9150F.
US08247659B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB14Z10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB14Z10, cells from soybean variety XB14Z10, plants of soybean XB14Z10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB14Z10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB14Z10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB14Z10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB14Z10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB14Z10 are further provided.
US08247654B2
The invention provides specific transgenic cotton plants, plant material and seeds, characterized in that these products harbor a specific transformation event at a specific location in the cotton genome. Tools are also provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification of the event in biological samples.
US08247653B2
The present invention is related to isolated polynucleotides encoding a delta-8 desaturase, delta-8 desaturases encoded by the isolated polynucleotides, expression vectors containing the isolated polynucleotides, host cells containing the expression vectors and methods for producing delta-8 desaturases and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US08247651B2
This invention relates generally to nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins that are associated with abiotic stress responses and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. This invention further relates to transformed plant cells with altered metabolic activity compared to a corresponding non transformed wild type plant cell, wherein the metabolic activity is altered by transformation with a Stress-Related Protein (SRP) coding nucleic acid and results in increased tolerance and/or resistance to an environmental stress as compared to a corresponding non-transformed wild type plant cell.
US08247648B2
DSF-based microbial pathogens may be controlled by certain methods and compositions. A method of controlling diseases caused in a host organism by pathogenic microbial expression of α,β unsaturated fatty acid signal (DSF) molecules involves inoculating the host organism with a non-pathogenic microbe that disrupts α,β unsaturated fatty acid signal molecule-mediated cell-cell communication by the pathogenic microbe in the host organism. Microbes having protein expression that interferes with α,β unsaturated fatty acid signal molecule-mediated cell-cell communication by the pathogenic microbe in the host organism can be identified and isolated or engineered by transformation with DSF-interference (inhibition or activation) gene or genes. Genes conferring DSF-interference activity can also be expressed in organisms (e.g., plants) susceptible to diseases caused by microbes that use DSF, resulting in genetically resistant organisms.
US08247643B2
A genetically modified animal that includes an introduced DNA including a functionally linked aryl hydrocarbon receptor-binding enhancer located 5′-upstream of a tyrosine hydroxylase gene, promoter of any type, reporter gene, and poly(A) addition signal.
US08247631B2
Catalytic cracking processes such as fluidized catalytic cracking, naphtha cracking, and olefin cracking are catalyzed by the UZM-35 family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolitic compositions represented by the empirical formula: Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the dimethyldipropylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These UZM-35 zeolitic compositions are active and selective in the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons.
US08247630B2
A process for isomerizing ethylbenzene into xylenes such as para-xylene using a zeolitic catalyst system based on low Si/Al2 MTW-type zeolite that preferably is substantially free of mordenite. The catalyst may be bimetallic where the two metals are platinum and tin.
US08247624B2
Dehydrohalogenation processes for the preparation of fluoropropenes from corresponding halopropanes, in which the fluoropropenes have the formula CF3CY═CXNHP, wherein X and Y are independently hydrogen or a halogen selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine; and N and P are independently integers equal to 0, 1 or 2, provided that (N+P)=2.
US08247619B2
Bio-derived bisphenol A is made by combining bio-derived phenol and/or bio-derived acetone in the presence of a catalyst, The phenol or the acetone or both contain at least 0.5%, for example at least 1 weight % of bio-derived impurities. In the case of bio-derived phenol, these impurities may include one or more of 2-methylbenzofuran, 2-methoxyphenol, 2-methylphenol, 4-methylphenol (para-cresol) or 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol. In the case of acetone, the impurity may be ethanol, mesityl acetone and/or diacetone alcohol. This bio-derived BPA can be used in the production of polycarbonates with less fossil fuel-based carbon content.
US08247618B2
Oxidative recovery methods that use oxygen or air for recovery of homogeneous metal catalysts, such as cobalt catalysts, used in for example hydroformylation processes, can be hazardous. Explosive or flammable gas mixtures may be generated inside the process equipment, which can deflagrate upon any ignition source such as a static electricity discharge. The use of a flammable diluent has been found to be a very effective way of optimizing the recovery method, by bringing the resulting gas mixtures above their upper flammability limit. The offgas produced is then also easier to dispose of as a fuel, as compared to when a non-flammable diluent is used.
US08247616B1
A method of producing phenol, acetone and alpha-methyl styrene. A mixture of cumene hydroperoxide and dimethylbenzyl alcohol is provided. The mixture is subjected to a first stage reaction in the presence of about 0.5 to 1.5 wt. % water and about 20 to 400 ppm sulfuric acid at a reactor pressure of about 450 to 760 mm Hg, a temperature of about 60 to 85° C., and a residence time of 4 to 45 minutes to produce a composition having an acetone to phenol mole ratio of about 1 to 1.5. The composition is subjected to a second stage reaction in the presence of about 0.5 to 3 wt. % additional water with a second stage reactor temperature of about 110 to 150° C. and a residence time of 0.5 to 30 minutes.
US08247609B2
The invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I): H2N—CH(R1)—CH2—S—S—CH2—CH(R2)—CONH—R5, wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon chain, phenyl or benzyl radical, methylene radical substituted by a 5 or 6 atom heterocycle; R2 is a phenyl or benzyl radical, a 5 or 6 atom aromatic heterocycle, methylene group substituted by a 5 or 6 atom heterocycle; R5 is a CH(R3)—COOR4 radical, wherein R3 is hydrogen, an OH or OR group, a saturated hydrocarbon group, a phenyl or benzyl radical and OR4 is hydrophile ester, or 5 or 6 membered heterocycle comprising several heteroatoms selected from a group consisting of nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, with at least two nitrogene atoms, wherein said heterocycle is substitutable by an alkyl C1-C6, phenyl or benzyl radical. The use of the inventive compounds in the form of drugs, a pharmaceutical composition comprising said compounds, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, the use in conjunction of at least one type of cannabinoid derivative for potentiating the analgesic and antidepressant effect of the novel compounds of formula (I) and/or morphine or the derivatives thereof are also disclosed.
US08247602B2
Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of PGD2 receptors. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds described herein, and methods of using such antagonists of PGD2 receptors, alone or in combination with other compounds, for treating respiratory, cardiovascular, and other PGD2-dependent or PGD2-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08247597B2
The invention provides a method of continuously producing high quality quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoethyl (meth)acrylates (DMAEA.MCQ) that has a long shelf life and which is stable in water. The method involves placing starting materials into a continuously stirred tank reactor in the presence of less than 6% water. This low amount of water causes two liquid phases to form and prevents unwanted side reactions. The denser liquid phase contains DMAEA.MCQ and the lighter phase contains the starting materials. Liquid from the denser phase is removed from a position where little of the lighter phase has been mixed in. The removed liquid then has any last traces of the starting materials reacted into DMAEA.MCQ and strips away any starting materials with a gas flow. The resulting liquid is high purity DMAEA.MCQ. Water can then safely be added to ease in the transport and use of the produced DMAEA.MCQ.
US08247596B2
There is provided a halogen-containing organosulfur compound having an excellent controlling effect on arthropod pests represented by the formula (I): wherein, m represents 0, 1 or 2, n represents 0, 1 or 2, A represents optionally substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted C5-C7 cycloalkenyl group, Q represents a C1-C5 haloalkyl group containing at least one fluorine atom, or a fluorine atom, R1 and R3 independently represent optionally substituted C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon, halogen or hydrogen, R2 and R4 independently represent optionally substituted C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon, —C(═G)R5, cyano, halogen or hydrogen, G represents oxygen or sulfur, and R5 represents optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C1-C4 alkoxy, optionally substituted C3-C6 alkenyloxy, optionally substituted C3-C6 alkynyloxy, amino, optionally substituted C1-C4 alkylamino, optionally substituted di(C1-C4 alkyl)amino, C2-C5 cyclic amino or hydrogen.
US08247594B2
A compound of formula (I), wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, R1, R2, R3, G1, G2, G3 and Q are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I), to insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, mollusc and nematode pests.
US08247585B2
Systems and methods for using carbon dioxide to remove an alkali catalyst and to recover free carboxylic acids after a transesterification reaction are disclosed. Generally, the methods include first providing a mixture resulting from the transesterification of an ester, wherein the mixture includes substances selected from the alkali catalyst, an alcohol, and a transesterification reaction product such as biodiesel. Second, the methods generally include adding carbon dioxide to the mixture. In some cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the alkali catalyst to convert into an alkali carbonate and/or an alkali bicarbonate. In other cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the carboxylic acid alkali salt to convert into a free carboxylic acid. In either case, the alkali carbonate, the alkali bicarbonate, and/or the free carboxylic acid can be separated from the mixture in any suitable manner.
US08247581B2
Process for converting cellulose and hemicellulose in hydroxymethylpyranone and isomers, using as a solvent and catalyst a mixture of N alkyl imidazolium chloride and hydrochloric acid 37%, where hydroxymethylpyranone is extracted with butanol and hydrogenated to methylpyran and isomers.
US08247578B2
The present invention provides a process for producing a 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative which is important for production of pharmaceutical products and the like. In the present invention, a N-protected-3-hydroxypyrrolidine is converted into a N-protected-3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine by allowing an aralkyl halide to act in the presence of a base and at least one of a metal halide and a phase-transfer catalyst followed by deprotecting a N-protecting group to convert it to a 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative and subsequently treating the derivative in a solvent containing a polar solvent, thereby obtaining the 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative as a crystal. According to the present invention, a 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative of high purity can be produced conveniently and efficiently on an industrial scale.
US08247570B2
Disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 1 comprising contacting a compound of Formula 2 with a metal cyanide reagent, a copper(I) salt reagent, an iodide salt reagent and at least one compound of Formula 3 wherein R1 is NHR3 or OR4; R2 is CH3 or Cl; R3 is H, C1-C4 alkyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopropylcyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl or methylcyclopropyl; R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; X is Br or Cl; and R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 4 wherein R12, R13, R14 and Z are as defined in the disclosure, using a compound of Formula 1 characterized by preparing the compound of Formula 1 by the method disclosed above or using a compound of Formula 1 prepared by the method disclosed above.
US08247560B2
The present invention relates to the compound of formula 7*acetate (see below), a process for its preparation, and its use
US08247550B2
Compounds of Formula I that inhibit Btk are described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of Formula I, together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle chosen from carriers, adjuvants, and excipients, are described. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases responsive to inhibition of Btk activity and/or B-cell activity are described. Methods for determining the presence of Btk in a sample are described.
US08247541B2
Plant compositions enriched in dehydrosoyasaponin I (D-I) and methods of producing such compositions
There is provided a method of producing a plant composition comprising dehydrosoyasaponin I (D-I), the method comprising the steps of extracting a plant flour with a solvent capable of extracting soyasaponins to produce an extract, and treating the extract with light. Also provided are compositions produced according to the method of the present invention.
US08247537B2
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to BTLA with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the disclosure are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting BTLA, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-BTLA antibodies.
US08247533B2
Disclosed are peptide structures that are stable in aqueous and non-aqueous media where a first linear peptide chain comprising alternating D,L- or L,D-amino acids having an N and C termini is joined by at least one turn region to a second linear peptide chain comprising alternating D,L- or L,D-amino acids having an N and C termini. The peptide chains can be joined at the C terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with an N terminus of the other linear peptide chain, a C terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with a C terminus of the other linear peptide chain, or an N terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with an N terminus of the other linear peptide chain.
US08247525B2
The present invention related to particles and composite particles, their uses and a novel process for producing them from alkoxysilyl-group-carrying alkoxylation products.
US08247520B2
In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains.
US08247515B2
The present invention generally relates to amphiphilic grafts and co-networks made from at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one hydrophobic polymer, and to processes for preparing such amphiphilic grafts and co-networks. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to amphiphilic co-networks formed from the combination of at least one polysiloxane and at least one polyacrylamide. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to amphiphilic co-networks formed from the combination of at least one polysiloxane, at least one polyacrylamide and at least one crosslinking agent.
US08247512B2
A metallocene random copolymer of propylene and ethylene in which the ductile/brittle transition temperature of a molded article made from the copolymer may be in the range of from about 20° F. (−7° C.) to about 40° F. (4° C.). The haze level of the molded article may be less than about 10 percent for an 80-mil (0.2 cm) thick plaque. The metallocene random copolymer may further include a clarifier.
US08247511B2
The current invention provides a method of forming a foldable intraocular having a high refractive index from a copolymer comprising a first monomer comprising an aryl acrylate or an aryl methacrylate; a second monomer comprising an aromatic ring comprising a substituent having one ethylenic unsaturation, provided that the second monomer is not an aryl acryate or aryl methacrylate, and a third monomer comprising one ethylenic unsaturation that, if polymerized into a homopolymer, forms a high water content hydrogel; and, optionally, a cross-linking agent.
US08247498B2
It is to provide a narrowly dispersible star polymer having a controlled molecular structure and a method for easily producing such star polymer. The method comprises step (A) wherein arm (I) is formed by binding the anionic end of a polymer having an anionic end to a core and step (B) wherein arm (II) is extended from the core by a living radical polymerization. Examples of the star polymer is specifically exemplified by star polymers characterized by having a structure represented by formula (I-1) or (I-2) (In formula (I-1) or (I-2), B, C1 and C2 each independently represents a group composed of a polymer; and m1 and m2 each independently represents an integer of 1 or 2, wherein when m1 or m2 is 2, both C1 or both C2 represent the same group or different groups).
US08247493B2
The invention relates to a long-acting formulation of biopharmaceutical, more specifically an aptamer therapeutics. A branched PEGylated aptamer or a hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative of which degradation in vivo is regulated is linked by the bioconjugation with biopharmaceutical to produce the long-action formulation.
US08247491B2
There are disclosed a water-absorbent resin composition and its production process, wherein the water-absorbent resin composition causes little gel-blocking and is excellent in the liquid permeability and liquid diffusibility and is high also in the absorption performances and further is strong also against the physical damage; and there are further disclosed a water-absorbent resin composition and its production process, wherein the water-absorbent resin composition has the following further advantages, in addition to the above, of involving little segregation of the metal compound and further having a dust prevention effect. One of water-absorbent resin compositions according to the present invention is a water-absorbent resin composition comprising water-absorbent resin particles obtained by polymerizing a monomer including acrylic acid and/or its salt, with the composition having a mass-average particle diameter of 100 to 600 μm and comprising water-soluble polyvalent metal salt particles and the water-absorbent resin particles that have been surface-crosslinked.
US08247489B2
Provided is a rubber composition blended with an inorganic filler, the rubber composition having an improved dispersibility of the inorganic filler, as well as improved low heat generation property and tensile stress. The rubber composition includes a blend of: 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber; 1 to 150 parts by weight of an inorganic filler; and 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a copolymer composed of a segment composed of a polyamide polymer and a segment composed of a diene polymer. The segment composed of the diene polymer has a number average molecular weight of not less than 10000.
US08247488B2
The invention relates to a salt resistant water absorbing compound including a polymeric phase that includes polyacrylamide and at least one of di or poly saccharide, wherein the polyacrylamide is cross-linked in the presence of at least one of di or poly saccharide by a cross-linking agent including multivalent cations, complexes thereof, organic cross-linking agents, or any combination thereof.
US08247487B2
This invention relates to a tire with a tread of a rubber composition containing carboxylated styrene/butadiene rubber.
US08247484B2
A composition comprises a modified polymeric material and a ceramic antiferroelectric particle. The modified polymeric material comprises a high temperature polymer chemically combined with a polar group. A method of making a composition comprises chemically combining a high temperature polymer with a polar group to form a modified polymeric material; and combining the modified polymeric material with antiferroelectric particles to form a composite composition.
US08247480B2
A PVC composition comprising PVC and a C4-C30 alkyl pyrrolidone additive present in an amount of 0.1 to 20 phr sufficient to improve PVC processing or treatment compared to a control composition without said additive.
US08247465B2
Heat-expandable microspheres include a shell of thermoplastic resin and core material encapsulated in the shell. The core material include a blowing agent having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and a gas migration inhibitor having a boiling point higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin. The ratio of the gas migration inhibitor to the core material is at least 1 weight percent and below 30 weight percent. The average particle size of the heat-expandable microspheres ranges from 1 to 100 micrometers.
US08247463B2
The present invention provides a process of coproducing methanol and ammonia by using natural gas, LPG, butane, or naphtha as a raw material, having a methanol production process (A) composed of specific steps and an ammonia production process (B) also composed of specific steps.
US08247454B2
A liquid antibacterial soap comprising trichlorocarbanilide, wherein the composition includes, 0.1-5 wt. % trichlorocarbanilide, 0-40 wt. % water, 0.1-40 wt. % of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants, 10-60 wt. % of lower glycols to render the composition visually clear and stable, and 0.1-10 wt. % of a mixture of additional adjuvant ingredients.
US08247444B2
The present invention provides for the use of a dimeric phthalide compound, the dimeric phthalide compound has broad anti-tumor activity, can directly inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and induce cell death, but also indirectly inhibit the development of tumors by suppressing neovascularization. And further, the dimeric phthalide compound can be used alone or in combination to treat cancer, as well as in combination with chemotherapeutics to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutics and decrease the toxicity of chemotherapeutics.
US08247436B2
The present invention provides pyridine and pyrazine derivatives which restore or enhance the function of mutant and/or wild type CFTR to treat cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory tract infections, lung carcinoma, xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sire, or constipation (IBS, IBD, opioid induced). Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives are also encompassed.
US08247435B2
The present disclosure provides for a scientific formulation useful in the treatment and prevention of human and animal diseases. A biologically effective amount of each of the components of the formulation is administered to patients in pill (or capsule) form via multiple different and identifiable pills. The compounds of the formulation are segregated into different pill types, and contain various amounts of the compounds Curcumin, Genistein, Squalamine, Vitamin E, N-Acetyl-Cysteine, Methylselenocysteine, Zinc Gluconate, B Complex, Lentinen, Coenzyme Q10 Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Lipoic Acid, Resveratrol, and Vitamin C. Furthermore, Arabinoxylan and/or Peperine may be added to the various pill formulations.
US08247429B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), amino optionally having substituent(s), hydroxy optionally having a substituent or a heterocyclic group optionally having substituent(s), R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), amino optionally having substituent(s), hydroxy optionally having a substituent or mercapto optionally having a substituent, Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd are each a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom, provided that any one or two of Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd is/are nitrogen atom(s), m is 0 to 2, and rings A to C are each a ring optionally having substituent(s), or a salt thereof, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease relating to an action of melatonin, and the like.
US08247428B2
Indole alkaloid derivatives having an opioid receptor agonistic effect, their synthesis, and therapeutic compositions containing these derivatives, and methods of treating conditions with these compounds and therapeutic compositions, are provided.
US08247423B2
Described herein are compositions and methods for using these compositions in the treatment of cancer, tumors, and tumor-related disorders in a subject.
US08247422B2
The invention relates to the use of a compound of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for use in modulating an immune or inflammatory response: wherein: Z=O or S; n=1-3; R3=—CO2R8, —C(O)SR8, —C(O)NHR8, —C(S)OR8, —C(S)SR8, —C(S)NHR8, —C(NH)SR8 or —C(NH)NHR8, wherein R8 is —H or alkyl; R4=—H, —CH2R5 or —CH2CH2R5, wherein R5 independently has one of the meanings of R3; B=—NR2—, —CH2NR2—, —CH2CH2NR2—, —CH2CHR7— or —CH2O—, wherein R2 is H or a C1-3 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, and R7 is H or a C1-3 alkyl or alkoxy group; A=wherein R1=—NH2 or —OH, C and D are each, independently, a 5- or 6-membered, substituted or unsubstituted, aromatic or non-aromatic ring which may also contain one or more heteroatoms, and C is connected to group B in any available position.
US08247416B2
4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one as crystalline Form A.
US08247409B2
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of protein kinase mediated diseases, including inflammation and related conditions. The compounds have a general Formula I wherein A1, A2, B, R2 and R3 are defined herein. The invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions including one or more compounds of Formula I, uses of such compounds and compositions for treatment of kinase mediated diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other inflammation disorders, as well as intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formula I.
US08247402B2
Novel crystals of a pyrrolidylthiocarbapenem derivative having excellent stability is provided. According to the present invention, a crystal of (+)-(4R,5S,6S)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-3[[(3S,5S)-5-(sulfamoylaminomethyl)p yrrolidin-3-yl]thio]-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid having a diffraction pattern in powder X-ray diffraction having main peaks at diffraction angles (2θ) of about 13.04, 14.98, 15.88, 16.62, 20.62, 21.06, 22.18, 23.90, 26.08, 28.22 and 28.98 (degrees) and a crystal of said compound having a diffraction pattern in powder X-ray diffraction having main peaks at diffraction angles (2θ) of about 6.62, 13.04, 15.44, 16.58, 17.64, 20.88, 23.26, 25.02 and 25.52 (degrees) are provided.
US08247386B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions that decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. The compositions of the invention comprise short interfering nucleic acid molecules (siNA) including, but not limited to, siRNA that decrease expression of genes associated with production or drainage of intraocular fluid. The compositions of the invention can be used in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an eye conditions displaying increased IOP such as glaucoma, infection, inflammation, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy. The methods of the invention comprise the administration to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of one or more siNAs of the invention.
US08247385B2
Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. In particular aspects, compositions administered herein encode a cellular immune response element. The compositions may be prepared and administered in such a manner that the cellular immune response element coding sequence is expressed in the subject to which the composition is administered. The compositions include expression systems, delivery systems, and certain cellular immune response element genes.
US08247379B2
The invention describes SAGE (sdph3.10) and sdp3.5 tumor associated nucleic acids, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. Also included are polypeptides and fragments thereof encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies relating thereto. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of a sdph3.10 and/or sdp3.5 gene product.
US08247376B2
Use of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a therapeutic and in a method of treating, reducing, or ameliorating an injury selected from an ischemic injury, an ischemic-reperfusion injury, and a toxin-induced injury, to an organ in a patient. The invention includes administering to the patient NGAL in an amount effective to treat, reduce or ameliorate ischemic, ischemic-reperfusion, or toxin-induced injury to the organ, such as the kidney. A siderophore can be co-administered with the NGAL. The invention also relates to administering a sideophore to enhance a response to secretion of NGAL following an ischemic or toxin-induced injury to an organ in a patient.
US08247370B2
The present invention relates to improved methods of treating fibrotic or fibroproliferative disorders. Conjoint therapies are provided comprising the combination of one or more fibrocyte suppressors and one or more profibrotic factor antagonists or anti-fibrotic agents.
US08247357B2
A composition includes (i) a matrix, (ii) a filler, and (iii) a filler treating agent; where the filler treating agent comprises a polyorganosiloxane capable of hydrogen bonding. The filler treating agent can be a saccharide-siloxane polymer, an amino-functional polyorganosiloxane, or a combination thereof.
US08247348B1
The present invention is directed to a composition of matter to be applied to a carved pumpkin, more commonly called a jack o'lantern, in order to retard environmental degradation thereof, and to repel insects. The composition consists of an aqueous solution containing an antiseptic, a fungicide, an insecticide and a desiccant. The carved pumpkin is totally immersed in the aqueous solution to create a hyperosmotic condition to allow the preservative solution to permeate the fibers of the carved pumpkin, and at the same time replacing moisture from within the carved pumpkin with a mineral, to retain the original shape and structural stability of the carved pumpkin. The composition may also contain a buffer to maintain a pH level above 8.0. The present invention also provides a method of protecting a carved pumpkin using a composition according to the present invention.
US08247347B2
The present invention presents a thermosensitive recording medium having excellent color development, image quality and preservation properties as well as excellent stamp receptivity, anti-scratching ability, printability and water blocking resistance.The present invention is a thermosensitive recording medium having a thermosensitive recording layer comprising at least a colorless or pale colored basic leuco dye and an electron accepting developing agent as a coating layer on a substrate, wherein at least an outermost layer among the thermosensitive recording layer and other optionally prepared coated layers contains rice starch particles.
US08247345B2
A method for producing a catalyst for producing polyester by an esterification reaction or a transesterification reaction between a dicarboxylic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof and a glycol, which comprises hydrolyzing an organic silicon compound and/or an organic aluminum compound and/or an organic zirconium compound in an organic solvent in which particles of a solid are dispersed thereby to form an inner coat layer either of an oxide of at least one element selected from silicon, aluminum and zirconium or of a composite oxide of at least two elements selected from silicon, aluminum and zirconium, and then hydrolyzing an organic titanium compound in the organic solvent in which the particles of a solid base having the inner coat layer thereon are dispersed thereby to form an outer coat layer of titanic acid on the inner coat layer of the particles of a solid base.
US08247339B2
A ceramic catalyst body has a ceramic carrier supporting catalyst therein. The ceramic carrier has plural cells surrounded by plural cell walls arranged in a honeycomb shape, and a catalyst separation ratio H of the ceramic carrier expressed by the following formula is not more than 35%. H=217.254+(−0.167)×T+0.345×D+28.731×ΔCTE−3.343×S, where Δ CTE(×10−6/° C.) is a difference between a thermal expansion coefficient C1 of the ceramic catalyst body and a thermal expansion coefficient C2 of the ceramic carrier, T(K) is an internal temperature of the ceramic carrier, D(cc/g) is a amount of fine pores of not more than 2 μm in the ceramic carrier, and S(%) is a surface porosity indicating the ratio of an area of opening parts of the fine pores on a surface of the ceramic carrier.
US08247338B2
The present invention relates to a high dielectric constant paste composition comprising (A) inorganic particles having a perovskite crystal structure or a complex perovskite crystal structure, (B) a compound represented by any one of the general formulas (1) to (4) shown below, and (C) an organic solvent. The present invention provides a high dielectric constant paste composition for producing a high dielectric constant dielectric composition which has high insulation reliability and exhibits satisfactory resistance in a high-temperature high-humidity bias test.
US08247316B2
A transistor includes a substrate, an active region including a source region, a channel region, and a drain region which are crystallized using an SGS crystallization method and are formed on the substrate so that a grain size of a first annealed portion and a second annealed portion are different from each other, a gate insulating layer formed on the active region, and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating layer.
US08247314B2
Methods which can be applied during the epitaxial growth of semiconductor structures and layers of III-nitride materials so that the qualities of successive layers are successively improved. An intermediate epitaxial layer is grown on an initial surface so that growth pits form at surface dislocations present in the initial surface. A following layer is then grown on the intermediate layer according to the known phenomena of epitaxial lateral overgrowth so it extends laterally and encloses at least the agglomerations of intersecting growth pits. Preferably, prior to growing the following layer, a discontinuous film of a dielectric material is deposited so that the dielectric material deposits discontinuously so as to reduce the number of dislocations in the laterally growing material. The methods of the invention can be performed multiple times to the same structure. Also, semiconductor structures fabricated by these methods.
US08247313B2
A method for making a germanium-on-insulator layer from an SGOI substrate, including: a) depositing on the substrate a layer of a metallic element M capable of selectively forming a silicide, the layer being in contact with a silicon-germanium alloy layer; and b) a reaction between the alloy layer and the layer of a metallic element M, by which a stack of M silicide-germanium-insulator layers is obtained. Such a method may, for example, find application to production of electronic devices such as MOSFET transistors.
US08247304B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a capacitor under bit line (CUB) structure capable of increasing a gap between a bit line in a cell area and an upper plate of a capacitor, reducing coupling capacitance therebetween, and forming deep contacts in a logic area. A capacitor including a lower electrode, a dielectric material layer, and an upper electrode is formed in an opening of a first insulating layer for exposing a first part of a semiconductor substrate in a cell area. A second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer. The first and second insulating layers are etched. First and second contact plugs are formed in first and second contact holes for exposing second and third parts in the cell area and the logic area. A third insulating layer including first through third conductive studs is formed on the second insulating layer. A fourth insulating layer including a bit line and first and second wires contacted with the first through third conductive studs is formed.
US08247299B2
The present invention relates to a flash memory device and a fabrication method thereof. In an embodiment, a flash memory device includes a tunnel insulating film and a floating gate laminated over an active region of a semiconductor substrate, an isolation layer formed in a field region of the semiconductor substrate and projected higher than the floating gate, a dielectric layer formed over the semiconductor substrate including the floating gate and the isolation layer, and a control gate formed on the dielectric layer.
US08247293B2
A method for forming and operating an integrated circuit, including providing a substrate; forming a bottom electrode over the substrate, wherein the bottom electrode is in or over a lowest metallization layer over the substrate; forming a blocking layer over the substrate; forming a charge-trapping layer over the blocking layer; forming an insulation layer over the charge-trapping layer; forming a control gate over the insulation layer; forming a tunneling layer over the control gate; and forming a top electrode over the tunneling layer.
US08247291B2
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit device includes forming first and second preliminary mask structures on a hard mask layer in respective first and second regions of the substrate. Spacers are formed on opposing sidewalls of the first and second preliminary mask structures, and the first preliminary mask structure is selectively removed from between the spacers in the first region. The hard mask layer is etched using the spacers and the second preliminary mask structure as a mask to define a first mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers with a void therebetween in the first region and a second mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers and the second preliminary mask structure therebetween in the second region. An insulation layer is patterned using the first and second mask patterns as respective masks to define a first trench in the first region and a second trench in the second region having a greater width than the first trench, and first and second conductive patterns are formed in the first and second trenches.
US08247285B2
A structure and method of making an N-FET with a highly doped source/drain and strain booster are presented. The method provides a substrate with a Ge channel region. A gate dielectric is formed over the Ge channel and a gate electrode is formed over the gate dielectric. Sacrificial gate spacers are disposed on the sidewalls of the gate dielectric and gate electrode. Cavities are etched into the substrate extending under the sacrificial gate spacers. Si1-xGex source/drain regions are doped in-situ during formation, x<0.85.
US08247281B2
In a replacement gate approach, the sacrificial gate material is exposed on the basis of enhanced process uniformity, for instance during a wet chemical etch step or a CMP process, by forming a modified portion in the interlayer dielectric material by ion implantation. Consequently, the damaged portion may be removed with an increased removal rate while avoiding the creation of polymer contaminants when applying an etch process or avoiding over-polish time when applying a CMP process.
US08247272B2
A semiconductor package and a method for constructing the package are disclosed. The package includes a substrate and a die attached thereto. A first contact region is disposed on the substrate and a second contact region is disposed on the die. The first contact region, for example, comprises copper coated with an OSP material. A copper wire bond electrically couples the first and second contact regions. Wire bonding includes forming a ball bump on the first contact region having a flat top surface. Providing the flat top surface is achieved with a smoothing process. A ball bond is formed on the second contact region, followed by stitching the wire onto the flat top surface of the ball bump on the first contact region.
US08247263B2
The invention relates to a method for producing an optical and a radiation-emitting component by a molding process, and to an optical and a radiation-emitting component having well-defined viscosity.
US08247256B2
There are provided a CMOS image sensor and a method for fabrication thereof. The CMOS image sensor having a reset transistor, a select transistor, a drive transistor and a photodiode, includes an active region in shape of a line, a gate electrode of the drive transistor, which is intersected with the active region, a blocking layer interposed between the active region and the gate electrode in which the blocking layer is formed on an intersection region of the active region and the gate electrode, and a metal contact electrically connected to the gate electrode, wherein the metal contact is not electrically connected to the active region by the blocking layer.
US08247252B2
A method of adjusting a power density in a laser device including a VCSEL array providing an increased power density at a high wall-plug efficiency in that the lateral design parameters are appropriately selected on the basis of a relationship that has been established for a specified vertical design, a corresponding process technology and specified operating conditions. Thus, the total output power, the power density, and the efficiency may be optimized independently from other design criteria and application requirements by tuning only the lateral size of the individual VCSEL elements and the pitch of nearest neighbors of the elements within the array. Hence, for a lateral size of less than 30 μm and a pitch of less than 80 μm, a highly efficient VCSEL array can be provided with a high power density, thereby optimizing manufacturing costs for the output power per chip area.
US08247238B2
Provided are methods, devices and systems that utilize free-surface fluidics and SERS for analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity. The molecules can be airborne agents, including but not limited to explosives, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, or other chemical species. The free-surface fluidic architecture is created using an open microchannel, and exhibits a large surface to volume ratio. The free-surface fluidic interface can filter interferent molecules, while concentrating airborne analyte molecules. The microchannel flow enables controlled aggregation of SERS-active probe particles in the flow, thereby enhancing the detector's sensitivity.
US08247234B2
Compounds having stable isotopes 13C and/or 2H were synthesized from precursor compositions having solid phase supports or affinity tags.
US08247232B2
A process to prepare a recombined transgenic Zea mays plant or plant cell from a first transgenic Zea mays plant cell, wherein the transgene in the recombinant plant or plant cell has an altered genetic structure relative to the genetic structure of the transgene in the first transgenic plant cell, due to homologous recombination-mediated transgene deletion.
US08247230B2
The present invention relates to a cell line derived from the cambium of an herbaceous plant having a storage root and a method for isolating the same. More specifically, relates to a cambium-derived homogeneous cell line having the ability to divide, which is obtained from the cambium-containing storage tissue of an herbaceous plant having a storage root without a separate dedifferentiation process, and to a method for isolating the same. The cell line derived from the cambium of an herbaceous plant having a storage root has active division ability and is homogeneous. Also, it is stable during culture, because it has not undergone a dedifferentiation process. Thus, through the optimization of proliferation thereof, the cell line can be allowed to proliferate in a large amount within a short time. Accordingly, the cell line derived from the cambium of an herbaceous plant having a storage root makes it possible to produce large amounts of useful plants which are difficult to cultivate outdoor due to various problems associated with the period of cultivation, the selection of cultivation land, cultivation cost and the like.
US08247228B2
The invention provides a method for promoting differentiation of a mature naïve B cell or a B cell progenitor into a memory B cell or a plasma cell. The method comprises (a) contacting a population of cells comprising a mature naïve B cell or a B cell progenitor with an agent that activates at least one of JAK1, JAK3, STAT3, STAT5A or STAT5B; wherein the population of cells optionally is contacted with an antigen, and (b) isolating the memory B cell or plasma cell.
US08247225B2
The invention is related to intracellularly induced bacterial DNA promoters and vaccines against Bacillus anthracis.
US08247220B2
A clinical testing assay device that can differentiate bacterial from viral infections is described. The assay device has a sample contact zone with an absorbent pad on which a test sample is deposited and a detection zone with a colorant indicator that is sensitive to bacteria cells. The colorant indicator changes color when exposed to a bacteria sample. The color change signal can manifest relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes, and with an intensity correlative to the concentration of bacteria in a test sample. A method of use is also provided.
US08247213B2
Provided is a method for massive culture of Dinophysis acuminata which is a marine dinoflagellate causing diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and methods for extracting, isolating and purifying the shellfish toxin pectenotoxin-2 from the cultured Dinophysis acuminata. Particularly, Dinophysis acuminata is cultured massively in massive culture apparatus comprising polycarbonate water bath having the bottom sinking down toward the center of the bottom; acryl tube (E) containing fluorescent lamp laid long in the center of the water bath; air supplying device (B) supplying the air to the sinking center of the bottom of the water bath; and air purifying device containing one or more devices selected from the group consisting of UV lamp (C) and carbon cartridge filter (D) purifying the air supplied by the said air supplying device.
US08247207B2
Methods and compositions for the optimization and production of refrigerator-temperature stable virus, e.g., influenza, compositions are provided. Formulations and immunogenic compositions comprising refrigerator-temperature stable virus compositions are provided.
US08247205B2
This disclosure provides crystalline flavonoid or flavanone isomerases, isolated non-native isomerase having the structural coordinates of said crystalline isomerase, and nucleic acids encoding such non-native isomerase. Also disclosed are methods of predicting the activity and/or substrate specificity of a putative isomerase, methods of identifying potential ismerase substrates, and methods of identifying potential isomerase inhibitors.
US08247202B2
Ear corn is picked from corn fields by ear corn harvesters and transported to a central shelling station associated with an ethanol manufacturing facility. Shelled corn from the central shelling station is processed into ethanol at the ethanol manufacturing facility, and corn cobs from the central shelling station are burned to provide process heat for the ethanol manufacturing process. Energy is conserved and costs are reduced during the picking and shelling of the ear corn and by the burning of cobs for process heat.
US08247199B2
There is provided a process for the preparation of a compound including the step of interesterifying in the presence of an enzyme catalyst (a) a first triglyceride compound and (b) a second triglyceride compound.
US08247198B2
It has surprisingly been discovered that it is possible to use enzymes in deep eutectic solvents (DES). DES's are mixtures of a nitrogen salt or a metal salt and a strong hydrogen bond donor that can be mixed in proportions that form a eutectic point.
US08247194B2
The invention relates to methods of preparing antibody fragments. The invention further relates to antibody fragments prepared by said methods. The invention further relates to antibody variable regions comprised in antibody fragments producible by said methods.
US08247192B2
The present disclosure relates to engineered penicillin G acylase (PGA) enzymes having improved properties, polynucleotides encoding such enzymes, compositions including the enzymes, and methods of using the enzymes.
US08247187B2
The present invention relates generally to methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms and, more particularly, to methods for detecting microorganisms in a sample by incubating the sample at two temperatures to facilitate increased detection of the organism.
US08247184B2
This invention relates to chimeric taste receptors comprising the extracellular portion of one T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, and the transmembrane portion of another T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, preferably associated with a T1R3 polypeptide and a suitable G protein. These chimeric taste receptors and cells which express such chimeric taste receptors are useful in assays for identifying sweet and umami ligands as well in assays for identifying sweet and umami enhancers. Additionally, these chimeric taste receptors and cells which express same can be used to map and determine where specific sweet and umami ligands interact with their respective receptors and to elucidate the mechanism of receptor activation.
US08247178B2
An M×N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.
US08247158B2
The present invention refers to new organic molecules, derived from the class of polycarbocycle derivatives, and their application as components of photoresists, and in particular as components of photoresist compositions where no polymer is comprised as one of the photoresists components. In these photoresist formulations the new molecule(s) is/are the main component(s) (i.e. percentage higher than 50% w/w).
US08247157B2
The present disclosure provides processes for increasing the shelf life and stability of resin emulsions suitable for use in forming toner particles. In embodiments, the pH of the resin emulsion is monitored, and a base is added as needed to maintain the pH of the emulsion at from about 6.5 to about 8. Maintaining the pH at from about 6.5 to about 8 prevents the degradation of the resin in the emulsion, including its molecular weight.
US08247154B2
The present invention is to provide a method for producing a toner capable of sufficiently decreasing the percentage of moisture content of a wet cake in the process of obtaining colored resin particles in wet state (wet cake), capable of reducing the workload in the following drying process, and thus excellent in productivity. A method for producing a toner comprising the steps of: a process of obtaining an aqueous dispersion of colored resin particles by forming colored resin particles by a wet method; a process of obtaining the colored resin particles in wet state (wet cake) by supplying the aqueous dispersion of the colored resin particles to a belt filter and performing solid-liquid separation; and a process of drying the wet cake, wherein a filter cloth continuous running type belt filter is used as the belt filter in the process of obtaining the wet cake, and the filter cloth continuous running type belt filter has a separation-washing mechanism, in which the aqueous dispersion of the colored resin particles is supplied on a lower filter cloth of the belt filter, the colored resin particles are separated followed by washing, and thus the wet cake is formed, and a pressure-ventilation mechanism, in which the wet cake is covered with an upper filter cloth, the wet cake, disposed between the upper and lower filter cloths, is ventilated while pressure is applied to the wet cake, and thus the wet cake having low percentage of moisture content is obtained.
US08247151B2
LEP ink includes a carrier and particles dispersed in the carrier. Particles contain polymeric resin and dendritic macromolecule having functional groups. Some dendritic macromolecule functional groups are coupled to some resin functional groups. Other dendritic macromolecule functional groups are not coupled to any component of the resin. Other resin functional groups are not coupled to any component of the dendritic macromolecule. Liquid toner producing methods include forming a paste containing a carrier liquid and a thermoplastic resin having a polymeric backbone and functional groups. The paste is combined with a colorant and an adhesion promoting dendritic macromolecule having functional groups. After combining the paste and dendritic macromolecule, the method includes coupling the dendritic macromolecule functional groups with resin functional groups, encapsulating the colorant in the resin/dendritic macromolecule, and dispersing the encapsulated colorant in the carrier liquid. The dendritic macromolecule increases durability in printed images using the ink or toner.
US08247150B2
A carrier for developing an electrostatic latent image which includes a core material and a resin coating layer provided on the core material. The resin coating layer includes a resin and a particulate tin oxide, and the surface of the particulate tin oxide is coated with carbon.
US08247148B2
Employed are a resin-coated ferrite carrier for an electrophotographic developer including a ferrite carrier core material having a BET specific surface area of 900 to 5,000 cm2/g and an apparent density of 2.30 to 2.80 g/cm3, and the electrophotographic developer using this resin-coated ferrite carrier.
US08247145B2
A magenta toner for developing an electrostatic image, the magenta toner comprising at least a binder resin and a magenta colorant, wherein the magenta colorant comprises a compound represented by Formula (1), wherein D is represented by one of Formulas (2) to (4):
US08247127B2
A fuel cell stack is divided into a main power generation portion and a sub power generation portion. A variable load large in variation of output current is connected to the main power generation portion located upstream in a fuel flow and a steady load small in variation of output current is connected to the sub power generation portion located downstream in the fuel flow. This causes a fuel cell unit constituting the sub power generation portion to continue consuming a constant fuel by constant power generation and also causes hydrogen gas to continue flowing at a constant flow rate into the fuel cell unit, thereby preventing impurity gas concentrated and stored in the fuel cell unit from diffusing toward the upstream.
US08247124B2
Carbon dioxide recirculating apparatus (20, 120) is disclosed for use in an arrangement having combination means (115) and a path for the flow of a gas through the combustion means (115). The apparatus (20, 120) comprises extraction means (221) for extracting carbon dioxide from a first region of the path downstream of the combustion means (115). It further includes condensing means (26, 30) for condensing the extracted carbon dioxide, and feed means (36, 136) for feeding the condensed carbon dioxide to a second region of the path upstream of the combustion means.
US08247118B2
A nonaqueous solvent for an electrical storage device according to the present invention includes fluorine-containing cyclic saturated hydrocarbon having a structure represented by the following general formula (1) in which one or two substituents R are introduced into a cyclohexane ring; a compound having a relative dielectric constant of 25 or higher; and a chain carbonate (in general formula (1), R is represented by CnX2n+1 where n is an integer of 1 or greater, at least one of (2n+1) pieces of X's is F, and the other X's are H).
US08247117B2
The present invention relates to ionic liquids having low melting points, low viscosities and high electrical conductivities; and more specifically, to ionic liquids including at least one organic onium ion and at least one anion represented by the formula: [Z—BF3]−, wherein Z is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a fluoroalkenyl group. The ionic liquids according to the invention are capable of easily dissolving electrolytes such as lithium salts, and are also nonflammable and have low viscosities; therefore, the ionic liquids are suitable for use as electrolyte solvents for lithium batteries such as lithium secondary batteries, electric double-layer capacitors, and the like. The ionic liquids according to the invention are suitable for use in electrochemical devices such as lithium secondary batteries, fuel cells, solar batteries, electrical double-layer capacitors and the like; as solvents for chemical reactions; and as lubricants.
US08247093B2
This magnetic multilayer device comprises, on a substrate, an alternating sequence of magnetic metallic layers M and oxide, hydride or nitride layers O. The number of layers M equals at least two. The layers M are continuous. There is interfacial magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to the plane of the layers at the level of the M/O interfaces.
US08247090B2
Provided are a heterocyclic compound represented by Formula 1 below and an organic electroluminescent device including an organic layer comprising the heterocyclic compound: wherein Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, R1, and R2 are the same as defined in the detailed description. The heterocyclic compound represented by Formula 1 has excellent electrical characteristics and an excellent charge transporting capability, and thus the heterocyclic compound of Formula 1 can be used as a hole injecting material, a hole transporting material, and/or a light emitting material that are suitable for all-color fluorescent and phosphorescent organic light emitting devices such as red, green, blue, and white fluorescent and phosphorescent organic light emitting devices. In addition, the organic electroluminescent device including an organic layer comprising the heterocyclic compound represented by Formula 1 can have a high efficiency, a low driving voltage, and high luminosity.
US08247088B2
An OLED device including a cathode, an anode, and having therebetween a phosphorescent light-emitting layer that contains a light-emitting organometallic complex including a precious metal, a first ligand including an imidazole group and a second nitrogen heterocycle group, and at least one second different ligand.
US08247074B2
A method for producing coated, fine metal particles comprising the steps of mixing powder comprising TiC and TiN with powder of an oxide of a metal M meeting the relation of ΔGM-O>ΔGTiO2, wherein ΔGM-O represents the standard free energy of formation of metal M oxide, and heat-treating the resultant mixed powder in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to reduce the oxide of the metal M with the powder comprising TiC and TiN, while coating the resultant metal M particles with Ti oxide, and coated, fine metal particles each comprising a metal core particle and a Ti oxide coating and having a carbon content of 0.2-1.4% by mass and a nitrogen content of 0.01-0.2% by mass.
US08247058B2
An information recording medium (9) comprises an information layer (9a) in which concavo-convex marks are formed, and a recording layer (13), contained within the information layer (9a), in which added marks are formed by optical properties changing through laser irradiation, and that contains Te, O, and M (where M is at least one element selected from a group consisting of Pd, Au, Pt, Ag, Cu, and Ni). In this information recording medium (9), a pre-laser irradiation reflectance Ra and a post laser irradiation reflectance Rb fulfill 1.0
US08247057B2
An article includes a cover tape, which includes a base film layer, tear enabling features, and an adhesive. The base film layer has opposed longitudinal edges and top and bottom surfaces. The tear enabling features are substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges and at the top and bottom surfaces.
US08247051B2
A coating composition is provided for use in laminate substrates useful in packaging of liquids and solids where the coating provides and increased resistance to the permeability of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. In one embodiment the coating composition is a dispersion or a solution that comprises at least one hydroxyl functional polyetheramine, phosphoric acid and a defoamer. The backbone of the polyetheramine has diglycidyl ether linkages that comprise about 5 to about 70 mole percent resorcinol diglycidyl ether. The coating composition can be applied to substrates by coating applications such as spraying, rolling reverse and direct, rolling direct and reverse gravure, kiss coat, flow coating, brushing, dipping and curtain-wall coating, for example.
US08247050B2
Metal-coated polymer articles containing structural substantially porosity-free, fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein on polymer substrates, are disclosed. The substantially porosity-free metallic coatings/layers/patches are applied to polymer or polymer composite substrates to provide, enhance or restore vacuum/pressure integrity and fluid sealing functions. Due to the excellent adhesion between the metallic coating and the polymer article satisfactory thermal cycling performance is achieved. The invention can also be employed as a repair/refurbishment technique. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, aerospace and automotive parts and other components exposed to thermal cycling and stress created by erosion and impact damage.
US08247041B2
A cellulose acylate film produced by a melt-casting film formation, wherein the total of the number of projections having a height of from 0.1 μm to 100 μm and a length of at least 1 mm and the number of depressions having a depth of from 0.1 μm to 100 μm and a length of at least 1 mm is at most 10 per 10 cm of the width of the film. When built in a liquid-crystal display device, the cellulose acylate film significantly reduces the display blur in the device.
US08247038B2
This application relates to a process for the application of thin layers of substantially pure spin transition molecular materials while maintaining the hysteresis properties of the material. The process makes it possible to obtain a dense uniform surface with very low roughness.
US08247032B2
The invention provides a lithographic method referred to as “dip pen” nanolithography (DPN). The method include the following steps: (i) providing a substrate and a scanning probe microscope tip; (ii) coating the tip with a patterning compound and a solvent to form a wet tip; and (iii) contacting the coated tip with the substrate so that the compound is applied to the substrate so as to produce a desired pattern. The invention also provides substrates patterned by DPN and kits for performing DPN.
US08247031B2
Disclosed is a method for growing a thin film, which includes modifying a surface grain size and surface roughness on a thin film to improve the mobility of a carrier and a light scattering effect. The method for growing a thin film includes: forming nuclei of grains having various grain orientations on a substrate; causing first grains having a first specific grain orientation to grow predominantly among the grains having various grain orientations, thereby forming a first preferred texture comprised of the predominantly grown first grains; and then causing second grains having a second grain orientation to grow predominantly, thereby forming a second preferred texture comprised of the predominantly grown second grains, wherein the surface grain size of each of the second grains forming the second texture is larger than that of each of the first grains forming the first texture.
US08247020B2
Scaffold-supported metal or pseudometallic film covers suitable for use as medical devices are disclosed together with methods of fabricating the devices. Methods for making the medical devices consist of either providing or forming a scaffold, then depositing a metallic or pseudometallic film cover onto the scaffold in such a manner as to form an integral, substantially monolithic junction between the deposited cover material and the scaffold.
US08247014B2
A fondant rolling device comprises three main parts: an axle member, a roller member, and a base member. Fondant is rolled onto the roller member, and the applied to the confection by unrolling the fondant therefrom. As the fondant is unrolled from the roller member and the fondant roller becomes smaller, the axle slides from a central portion of the base toward an outer periphery of the base, so that the fondant may be applied to the confection without interference from the base member.
US08246999B2
The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.
US08246998B2
According to an aspect of the invention, injectable polymeric particles are provided that contain a copolymer that contains a hydroxy-acid-based repeat unit selected from a mono(hydroxy acid) unit and a poly(hydroxy acid) unit, an alkyl-ether-based repeat unit selected from a mono(alkyl ether) unit and a poly(alkyl ether) unit, and an acid-based repeat unit selected from a unit comprising multiple carboxylic acid groups and a derivative thereof. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of making such particles. Still other aspects of the invention pertain to injectable compositions that comprise such particles and to methods of treatment that employ such injectable compositions.
US08246987B2
A controlled release composition containing a physiologically active substance in high content, suppressing the initial excess release, and achieving a stable release speed over a long period of time is provided.A controlled release composition comprising (1) a physiologically active substance or salt thereof in an amount of about 14% (w/w) to about 24% (w/w) based on the total composition weight, (2) hydroxynaphthoic acid selected from the group consisting of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid or salt thereof, and (3) a lactic acid polymer or salt thereof having a weight-average molecular weight of 15000 to 50000 in which the content of polymers having molecular weights of 5000 or less is about 5% by weight or less, wherein the molar ratio of said hydroxynaphthoic acid or salt thereof to said physiologically active substance or salt thereof is from 3:4 to 4:3.
US08246985B2
This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a lipase inhibitor; a lipophilic oil absorbent selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate and a mixture thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive, an oral formulation of a lipase inhibitor prepared there from and a method for preparing said formulation. The formulation of the present invention can minimize side effects such as oily spotting, fatty/oily stool, abdominal distension and flatus, and thus it can be advantageously used for preventing or treating obesity and hyperlipaemia.
US08246981B2
Provided, among other things, is a method of treating acute, delayed or anticipatory emesis for a sustained period in an individual, which involves applying to a portion of intact skin on the individual a composition of i. an antiemetically effective amount of a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; ii. a permeation enhancing amount of permeation enhancer comprising 0.5% to 15% by weight of the skin-contacting layer; and iii. an adhesive.
US08246979B2
An improved transdermal delivery system (TDS) comprises a self-adhesive matrix comprising a solid or semi-solid semi-permeable polymer which contains rotigotine in its free base form as a multitude of microreservoirs within the matrix. The self-adhesive matrix is highly permeable to the free base of rotigotine and is impermeable to the protonated form of rotigotine.
US08246970B2
A cosmetic composition in the form of a water-in-oil solid emulsion includes an aqueous phase dispersed in a fatty phase, wherein the fatty phase includes at least one wax whose melting point is between 25° and 42° C., which is in solid form in the form of crystallites with a shape factor at least equal to 2.
US08246958B2
The invention provides methods of treatment using humanized immunoglobulins that specifically bind to alpha-4 integrin. The methods are useful for treatment of asthma, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, tumor metastasis, nephritis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, myocardial ischemia, and acute leukocyte mediated lung injury.
US08246949B2
The present invention includes methods and devices for providing sustained in-vivo release of an active agent to a subject. In some aspects, such release may be achieved by reacting an active agent in-vivo with a depot forming agent in order to form a sustained release active agent depot inside the subject. The depot can then release the active agent over a sustained period of time.
US08246946B2
A method for treatment or prophylaxis of a bipolar disorder disease state, by administration of an anti-fungal composition that includes at least one of the bacilli (1) Bacillus subtilis, (2) Bacillus coagulans, and (3) Enterococcus faecium.
US08246944B2
This invention refers to an immunotherapeutic agent based on cell wall fragments from virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, to a method for obtaining this immunotherapeutic agent, to pharmaceutical formulations containing it and to its use for the preparation of a drug for the combined treatment of tuberculosis in association with other drugs.
US08246943B2
The present invention provides for use of a composition comprising black tea flavonoids as a prebiotic and/or for the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with poor gut health or low immunity. The flavonoids comprise thearubigin in an amount of at least 82% by weight of the tea flavonoids. Also provided is an edible product comprising the black tea flavonoids.
US08246942B2
The invention relates to synergistic mixtures of o-phenylphenol with other microbicidally active compounds, such as bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanedial), 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane.
US08246940B2
The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one gum chosen from gellan gums and derivatives thereof, at least one fixing polymer, at least one monovalent salt, and at least one alcohol. Further disclosed herein is a process for shaping and/or holding the hairstyle using the same.
US08246937B2
The present invention provides cosmetic compositions that form a durable film or coating on surfaces such as hair or skin. The compositions of the invention comprise one or more anionic silicones and one or more high molecular weight esters, the combination of which provides a durable film. Methods for treatment of hair and skin employing the compositions of the invention are also provided.
US08246926B2
A needle crystal in the form of a capsule comprising fullerene molecules such as C60 and a C60 platinum derivative and having a hollow portion (a fullerene shell capsule) is provided. The fullerene shell capsule which has been prepared by the liquid-liquid interface precipitation method, which comprises (1) a step in which a solution containing a first solvent dissolving fullerene therein is combined with a second solvent in which the solubility of fullerene is lower than in the above first solvent; (2) a step in which a liquid-liquid interface is formed between the above solution and the above second solvent; and (3) a step in which a carbon fine wire is precipitated on the above liquid-liquid interface, has a novel characteristic in its form and can be used as a catalyst supporting material, a raw material for a plastic composite material, a storage material for gas such as hydrogen, a catalyst for fuel cell, or the like. Further, provided are novel C60-C70 mixed fine wire which is fullerene fine wire comprising two components of C60 and C70, and a method for preparing the mixed fine wire.
US08246925B2
The invention relates to a method for yielding boron-depleted chlorosilanes from a chlorosilane mixture containing boron by means of separation by distillation of a boron-enriched distillation flow. The invention further relate to a device for yielding boron-depleted chlorosilanes from a chlorosilane mixture containing boron.
US08246924B2
The present application is directed to methods of manufacturing calcium phosphate particles. In particular, the method is directed at eliminating the requirement for a sintering step in the manufacturing process. The method involves the atomization and combustion of one or more antecedent compositions containing calcium precursors, phosphorus precursors and hydrogen peroxide.
US08246923B2
There is described Pd enriched diesel oxidation catalysts and their application as catalysts for the oxidation of CO and HC emissions from a compression ignition/diesel engine. The catalysts are characterized by increased performance and hydrothermal durability these goals being achieved by employing a layered design to eliminate low temperature catalyst quenching by toxic HC species in the exhaust stream.
US08246918B2
Polymer compositions and articles formed therefrom are described herein. The compositions include a random copolymer and a radiation additive, wherein the random copolymer includes propylene and less than 2 wt. % ethylene and exhibits a melt flow rate of from about 30 to 100 dg/min., the polymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of from about 160 kpsi to about 200 kpsi and the polymer composition is adapted to produce a polymer article exhibiting low plate out, a haze at 20 mils of no greater than 15%, radiation stability and autoclavability.
US08246916B2
Disclosed herein is provided an evaporator/calciner in which hazardous materials, such as radioactive liquids, are converted into chemically stable, solid forms by evaporating, drying and calcination within a single vessel, that can then be sealed and used for long term storage.
US08246898B2
A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.
US08246890B2
Method of producing a multilayer article forming an axisymmetric body, said article comprising at least a base of diameter D joined to a side wall of average thickness T and of height H said method consisting in feeding a coextruded multilayer charge into the cavity of a mold then in compressing said charge in order to form the article, the charge forming a body axisymmetric about an axis of symmetry, the charge consisting of a radial stack of several layers of which at least one is a thin functional layer, the outer diameter of said charge being approximately equal to D, the direction of compression being parallel to the axis of symmetry of said charge, and the compression being carried out on one face of the charge, which method is characterized by the fact that the charge is compressed only on one portion of said face.
US08246889B2
An optofluidic lithography system including a membrane, a microfluidic channel, and a pneumatic chamber is provided. The membrane may be positioned between a pneumatic chamber and a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel may have a height corresponding to a displacement of the membrane and have a fluid flowing therein, the fluid being cured by light irradiated from the bottom to form a microstructure. The pneumatic chamber may induce the displacement of the membrane depending on an internal atmospheric pressure thereof.
US08246887B2
An imprint method includes (i) holding a mold by a first holding portion, (ii) holding, by a second holding portion, a member to be processed so that the member to be processed is capable of bending by its own weight, (iii) supporting, by a support portion, a back surface of the member to be processed in a first area so that an amount of the bending is decreased, (iv) pressing a pattern of the mold against a front surface of the member to be processed, which is supported by the support portion in the first area, (v) supporting, by the support portion, the back surface of the member to be processed in a second area different from the first area, so that the amount of the bending is decreased, by changing a relative position between the member to be processed and the support portion, and (vi) pressing the pattern of the mold against the front surface of the member to be processed, which is supported by the support portion in the second area.
US08246876B2
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making embolization particles for occluding fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The method comprises positioning an elongated body of biocompatible material relative to a cutting device. The elongated body is defined by extrusion of a body cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is cut with a cutting device at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis to form the embolization particles such that each of the embolization particles has a particle cross-section that corresponds to the body cross-section.
US08246875B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing thermoplastic resin pellets, which realizes production of pellets of uniform shape. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing the thermoplastic resin pellets. The invention provides a process for producing thermoplastic resin pellets, including pressurizing the interior of a vessel holding a molten thermoplastic resin, thereby discharging the resin; forming pellets through solidification and cutting of the resin; and transferring the pellets to a storage container via a pipe by a pneumatic transportation or a suction transportation, wherein the amount of the resin discharged is regulated by controlling the pressure in the vessel so that variation in the difference pressure between the inlet and the outlet of the pipe for transferring the pellets is 10% or less.
US08246871B2
The invention relates to a device for the injection moulding of a moulded part (2) comprising a void (1), wherein a projectile (10) can be positioned at a fluid injection nozzle (8) in the region of a fluid aperture (9), which projectile (10) can be caused to flow in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L). To allow the production of moulded parts with enclosed voids in a better way the invention is characterized in that the fluid injection nozzle (8) comprises a section (11) entering into a cavity (5) of a mould, which section (11) is free from any undercut in a direction (E) of insertion of the fluid injection nozzle (8) into the cavity (5), wherein an angle (α) is arranged between a longitudinal axis (L) and the direction (E) of insertion.
US08246869B2
Photoactivatable prepolymers and methods of use thereof are disclosed for microencapsulation of a substantially water-insoluble material within a nonporous shell. As provided herein, the microencapsulated material is released with no more than a slow release rate. Upon exposure of the nonporous shell to light, the nonporous shell is converted into a porous shell having an increased release rate for the microencapsulated material.
US08246867B2
Methods for assembling an optoelectronic device are provided. The optoelectronic device includes a first transparent substrate, a second substrate, and environmentally sensitive components. The methods comprise the step of applying a fill material to a surface of at least one of the substrates, and lowering a viscosity of the fill material. The methods further comprise the step of pressing the first transparent substrate and the second substrate together such that the fill material substantially fills an area between the first transparent substrate and the second substrate and substantially encapsulates exposed portions of the environmentally sensitive components. The methods still further comprise the step of sealing the first transparent substrate and the second substrate together to hermetically seal the fill material within the area.
US08246866B2
Composition protective against fire and use comprising: Water: 25-42% by weight; Ultramarine Blue: 0.015-0.025% by weight; Preservative: 0.09-0.15% by weight; Vegetable Binder: 1.6-2.7% by weight; Spanish White: 6-10% by weight; Calcium Carbonate: 33-56% by weight; Sulphate of Lime: 9-15% by weight, having a dual function, acting as a protective substance against fire as well as a fire-combating substance, such that as protective substance against fire, through application or spraying thereof on a surface to be protected, should it be reached by fire, it acts as protective barrier preventing fire from destroying or damaging it, while as fire-combating substance, through application or spraying thereof on a surface in flames, the fire is quenched and extinguished. The composition is breathable and absolutely wholly ecological, and consequently does not affect plant varieties, permitting the creation of totally effective firebreak “barriers”.
US08246860B2
A carbon nanotube composite includes a free-standing carbon nanotube structure and an amount of reinforcements. The free-standing carbon nanotube structure includes an amount of carbon nanotubes. The reinforcements are located on the carbon nanotubes and combining the carbon nanotubes together.
US08246858B2
A process for inhibiting polymerization of an aromatic vinyl compound during the stage of producing, purifying, storing or transporting the aromatic vinyl compound which not only inhibits an initial polymerization but also inhibits polymerization efficiently over a long period of time and which is excellent in the handleability. The process involves the step of adding a nitrogenous aromatic compound in combination with a sulfonic acid compound to the aromatic vinyl compound during the production, purification, storage of transportation thereof.
US08246855B2
A polymerizable liquid crystal composition is provided that has a wide range where a liquid crystal phase is exhibited, has excellent solubility in an organic solvent, and is facilitated in control of an alignment state. The use of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition provides a polymerizable liquid crystal composition that has good solubility in a solvent with high safety, such as PGMEA, and can control various alignment states. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition in one aspect contains a fluorenone derivative represented by the formula (1) and a compound having a bisphenol skeleton represented by the formula (2). In the formulae (1) and (2), W1 represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, methyl or ethyl; X1 represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or trifluoromethyl; Z11 to Z14 are bonding groups; A1 represents a divalent cyclic group; Y1 represents alkylene having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms; A2 represents a divalent group having a bisphenol skeleton; X2 represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or trifluoromethyl; W2 represents hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or fluoroalkyl; Y2 independently represents a single bond, —CH═CH— or —(CH2)2—; and n2 independently represents an integer of from 2 to 15.
US08246850B2
The present invention relates to compositions containing hydrofluoroolefins and to the uses thereof as heat transfer fluids, blowing agents, solvents and aerosols. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions having: 10 to 55% by weight, of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 5 to 50% by weight of HFC-152a and 30 to 55% by weight of HFC-32.
US08246847B2
There are provided an aqueous solution for separation of a conductive ceramics sintered body in which a conductive ceramic sintered body separated form a glass can be collected in a recyclable condition, and a separating method therefor, and an aqueous solution for separation with which a dark ceramics sintered body, a conductive ceramics sintered body and a glass are separately collected from a glass with a dark ceramics sintered body in which a conductive ceramics sintered body is formed on the dark ceramics sintered body, and a separating method therefor. A treatment liquid having an etching ability for at least one of a glass and a conductive ceramic sintered body is prepared as an aqueous solution 20 for separation of the conductive ceramics sintered body, then the aqueous solution 20 for separation is filled in a container 11, and a glass with a conductive ceramics sintered body 30 is immersed into the aqueous solution 20 for separation in the container 11.
US08246833B2
A method of maintenance of a chromatography column is described which does not require the use of a hoist or crane for disassembly. The method provides improved operator safety by reducing the need for the operator to work below a suspended or supported load within the column. The provision of guide elements which can be reversibly attached to the column facilitates removal or insertion of column components.
US08246831B2
A method and system for filtering water in aquarium tanks comprising: a macerating/comminuting chamber with a continuously self-cleaning screen covering the discharge outlet that only allows, optimally sized, easily digestible, organic material to pass out of the macerating/comminuting chamber and into an, optionally self-cleaning, media containing denitrifying microbes. There are three different embodiments that use the method of the current invention. These comprise: a reverse flow under-gravel filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber and filter screen on the discharge side of the pump, a reverse flow under-gravel filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber and filter screen on the inlet side of the pump, and an external box filter apparatus with the macerating/comminuting chamber on the discharge side of the pump.
US08246824B2
A grease waste container has a main body forming an interior space; the container having vertical side walls, an enclosed base end, and an upper end that is wider than the base end. The upper end including a removable cover that is capable of releasably enclosing the interior space, and at least one bracket member attached to one of the vertical side walls and including an upper pin and a lower pin both adapted to releasably connect to a lifting system of a grease removal truck.
US08246823B2
Three magnet casings are adjustably and removably attached to one another such that the device may snuggly fit about fluid conduits of differing diameters. An outer casing wall of ferrous content stainless steel confines the magnetic field. An inner magnet holder frame attached to the outer casing wall holds a magnet to the conduit and is fabricated of non-ferrous stainless steel to allow maximum trans mission of the magnetic field to the fluid in the non-ferrous section of the conduit around which the casings are attached together.
US08246816B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a separation zone for separating a plurality of naphtha components. The separation zone can include first and second columns. The first column may include a dividing imperforate wall with one surface facing a feed and another surface facing a side stream. Typically, the wall extends a significant portion of the column height to divide the portion into at least two substantially vertical, parallel contacting sections. Also, the second column can communicate with the first column so as to provide a feed to or receive a feed from the first column. Generally, the second column is non-divided. The separation zone may provide at least four product streams.
US08246815B2
An improved solvent regeneration system for extractive distillation and liquid-liquid extraction processes capable of effectively removing heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials that otherwise develop in a closed solvent loop. The improved process employs a light hydrocarbon displacement agent, which is at least partially soluble in the solvent to squeeze the heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials out of the solvent, with virtually no additional energy requirement. It has been demonstrated that the light non-aromatic hydrocarbons in the raffinate stream generated from the extractive distillation or the liquid-liquid extractive process for aromatic hydrocarbons recovery can displace not only the heavy non-aromatic hydrocarbons but also the heavy aromatic hydrocarbons from the extractive solvent, especially when the aromatic hydrocarbons in the solvent are in the C10+ molecular weight range.
US08246806B2
An electrophoresis apparatus includes a multi-capillary array having a liquid or solid disposed between the capillaries of the array. The liquid or solid exhibits a refractive index higher than that of air and less than that of water and reduces the amount of laser beams scattered by the capillaries. Also provided are methods of adjusting refracted and reflected excitation light beams passing through capillaries of a multi-capillary array, to reduce loss of intensity of the laser beams and increase irradiation of respective samples disposed in the capillaries.
US08246786B2
A desalinization plant and process utilizes solar radiation to produce steam from seawater which is then used to generate freshwater and electricity.
US08246785B2
A system and method for applying de-dusting agents to fibrous mats, webs, and/or blankets requiring a lower usage of the de-dusting agents, and producing fibrous products having improved dust suppression are disclosed. The dedusting agent or agents are first reduced to very fine particles or droplets and then, in an air suspension, are passed through the fibrous mat, web and/or blanket to deposit the very fine particles or droplets onto the surfaces of the fibers.
US08246776B2
Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a crank for a bicycle by bonding structural members to each other with an adhesive comprising; a step for applying the adhesive in a line-like or dot-like form in correspondence with an intervention region of the adhesive; a step for disposing a fabric in correspondence with the intervention region of the adhesive; a step for expanding the adhesive applied in a line-like or dot-like form in the fabric; and a step for bonding the structural members to each other with the adhesive expanded in the fabric, and a crank for a bicycle manufactured by the method. When the crank for a bicycle is manufactured by bonding the structural members to each other with the adhesive, the adhesive can be applied easily at a high accuracy and a good repeatability, variations of application condition and amount of used adhesive can be suppressed, and variation in quality can be suppressed.
US08246770B2
A method for reworking an electrically conductive layer of a composite skin is disclosed in which a patch replaces the altered section of the electrically conductive layer. The method is performed by removing a portion of the electrically conductive layer to reveal the underlying composite skin. A patch is formed, having an electrically conductive section coupled to an adhesive having a low dielectric breakdown strength, and is then introduced over the underlying composite skin such that the adhesive layer covers the underlying composite skin and overlaps an unremoved portion of the electrically conductive layer. The patch is applied such that the electrically conductive section within the patch covers the adhesive layer and overlaps the unremoved section of the electrically conductive layer. The adhesive layer preferably has a low dielectric breakdown strength, so that electricity from lightning which strikes the composite skin may be conducted through the adhesive.
US08246769B2
An object is to simplify a drive control structure of a transfer device that is designed to stop running of a film when hologram forming or surface treatment is not performed, during which the film is not required to run, and restart the film running from the running stopped state. A speed control method for controlling film running speed of a transfer device includes starting the drive of the transfer device based on a pulse signal different from a pulse signal outputted according to the rotational number of the cylinder, when the transfer film held in running stopped state is moved from the first film running path to the second film running path to run in a docking or interlocking engagement with the cylinder held in rotating state, and performing speed matching control to match the film running speed of the transfer device to the rotational speed of the cylinder; and switching a control mode from the speed matching control into synchronization control that synchronizes the rotational speed of the cylinder with the film running speed of the transfer device based on the pulse signal from the cylinder, after the matching of the speeds.
US08246767B1
The invention relates to a composition and heat treatment for a high-temperature, titanium alloyed, 9 Cr-1 Mo steel exhibiting improved creep strength and oxidation resistance at service temperatures up to 650° C. The novel combination of composition and heat treatment produces a heat treated material containing both large primary titanium carbides and small secondary titanium carbides. The primary titanium carbides contribute to creep strength while the secondary titanium carbides act to maintain a higher level of chromium in the finished steel for increased oxidation resistance, and strengthen the steel by impeding the movement of dislocations through the crystal structure. The heat treated material provides improved performance at comparable cost to commonly used high-temperature steels such as ASTM P91 and ASTM P92, and requires heat treatment consisting solely of austenization, rapid cooling, tempering, and final cooling, avoiding the need for any hot-working in the austenite temperature range.
US08246766B2
The high-strength Ni-based alloy tube for nuclear power use consists, by mass percent, of C: 0.04% or less, Si: 0.10 to 0.50%, Mn: 0.05 to 0.50%, Ni: 55 to 70%, Cr: more than 26% and not more than 35%, Al: 0.005 to 0.5%, N: 0.02 to 0.10%, and one or more kinds of Ti: 0.01 to 0.5% and Nb: 0.02 to 1.0%, the balance being Fe and impurities. For this alloy tube, the grain size is as fine as grain size No. 6 or higher in JIS G 0551. It is preferable that the high-strength Ni-based alloy tube be manufactured by the process of preparing a Ni-based alloy stock through a remelting process, hot forging, heating to 1000 to 1160° C., hot extruding at a working ratio such that an extrusion ratio is 4 or higher, and performing solution annealing and thermal treatment.
US08246764B2
A first copper alloy sputtering target comprising 0.5 to 4.0 wt % of Al and 0.5 wtppm or less of Si and a second copper alloy sputtering target comprising 0.5 to 4.0 wt % of Sn and 0.5 wtppm or less of Mn are disclosed. The first and/or the second alloy sputtering target can further comprise one or more elements selected from among Sb, Zr, Ti, Cr, Ag, Au, Cd, In and As in a total amount of 1.0 wtppm or less. A semiconductor element wiring formed by the use of the above targets is also disclosed. The above copper alloy sputtering target allows the formation of a wiring material for a semiconductor element, in particular, a seed layer being stable, uniform and free from the occurrence of coagulation during electrolytic copper plating and exhibits excellent sputtering film formation characteristics.
US08246756B2
A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system.
US08246739B2
A process for the preparation of a wet concrete composition, including mixing Portland clinker in the form of grains having a Dv97 from 10 to 30 μm or having a Blaine specific surface greater than or equal to 5300 cm2/g; slag; calcium sulphate; complementary materials, having a Dv90 less than or equal to 200 μm; from 1500 to 2200 kg/m3 of aggregates; a plasticizer; optionally an accelerator and/or an air-entraining agent and/or a thickening agent and/or a retarder and/or a clay-inerting agent; with 140 to 220 l/m3 of effective water, the total quantity of clinker in the wet concrete being less than or equal to 200 kg/m3.
US08246735B2
The present invention is related to a coating composition for the production of a magnetically induced image, consisting of volatile components (S) and non-volatile components, the latter consisting of an ink vehicle (I) and magnetically orientable optically variable interference pigment (P), to a process for manufacturing the coating composition, and to the use of the composition for the production of a magnetically induced image coating on a substrate with the help of applied magnetic fields. Said magnetically induced image coating may be used as a security device on value- or identity documents, brand protection labels and the like.
US08246730B2
The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer having dispersed within the fine fiber layer an active particulate material. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid.
US08246726B2
A ventilation member (1A) includes: a gas permeable membrane (2); a support body (3) for supporting the gas permeable membrane (2); and a sealing element (4). The support body (3) has: a main portion (31) having a front surface (31a) on which the gas permeable membrane (2) is attached and a back surface (31b) for pressing the sealing element (4) against a housing (6); and a plurality of leg portions (32) to be inserted into an opening (61) and each having a hook (33) at its end. The main portion (31) has, at positions corresponding to the hooks (33) in the direction in which the leg portions (32) are inserted, through-holes (37) through which the hooks (33) are exposed as seen from the side of the front surface (31a) of the main portion (31).
US08246724B2
In a method for air treatment in a display cabinet for the storage and/or display of objects, whose walls, floor and roof structure more or less enclose the inside space of the display cabinet and in which a forced inflow of air from an air delivery system connected to the inside space (1) of the cabinet maintains a slight excess pressure compared with the air outside it, the said airflow passes through suitable dust or gas filtration means before entering the cabinet and its air humidity is adjusted and/or controlled by means of a cooling device. After filtration, the airflow passes through a catalyser (8) present in a liquid (7), the air picks up moisture from the liquid and is rendered completely free from germs. In this manner and in a simple way, a completely germ-free atmosphere is produced inside the display cabinet. A display cabinet for implementing the method has a corresponding structure.
US08246718B2
A gas separation process for treating flue gases from combustion processes, and combustion processes including such gas separation. The invention involves routing a first portion of the flue gas stream to be treated to an absorption-based carbon dioxide capture step, while simultaneously flowing a second portion of the flue gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, then passing the permeate/sweep gas to the combustor.
US08246717B1
The present invention provides a process of recovering AB5 and/or AB2 as well as other metals from spent nickel metal hydride batteries from a slury by a series of separation steps utilizing the screening off of larger metal particles, removal of magnetizable small metal particles from a filter and then separating AB5 and/or AB2 by passing the filtrate through a froth flotation step to separate AB5 and/or AB2 from lighter small particles.
US08246706B2
A device for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a plane formed by a box spring where slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring are placed in contact to reduce the friction between. The slick surfaces are provided by a first cover for the top of a box spring and a second cover for the bottom of the mattress. The first cover is provided with a slick upper surface and non-slick bottom surface while the second cover includes a slick surface that faces downward. The first cover is attached to the box spring with its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring and its slick side is in contact with the slick side of the second cover of the first cover. A levitation device forms part of the second cover and includes an air supply that creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated.
US08246688B2
In a knee endoprosthesis comprising a tibia part, a femur part having two condylar surfaces, and a meniscus part arranged between the femur part and the tibia part, the meniscus part having on its upper side two bearing shells for receiving and mounting the condylar surfaces of the femur part and having on its underside a meniscus-bearing surface which rests in a displaceable manner on a tibia-bearing surface on the upper side of the tibia part, in order to allow as large a bending angle as possible, with best possible adaptation to the anatomy of the natural knee joint, it is proposed that the meniscus-bearing surface and the tibia-bearing surface each have a spherical projection or a spherical recess offset in a medial or a lateral direction in relation to their center, that the spherical projection on one of the two bearing surfaces engage the spherical recess of the other bearing surface and thereby form a ball bearing-like mounting of the meniscus part on the tibia part, and that in the lateral or medial part of the two bearing surfaces, these bearing surfaces form supporting areas bearing on each other, which are curved in a dorsal-ventral direction and have a radius of curvature there, which is greater than the radius of curvature of the spherical projection and the spherical recess by at least the factor 2.5.
US08246678B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.
US08246676B2
A venous valve prosthesis includes a hollow conduit (40) defining a central passageway through which blood may flow. Opposing, pliable leaflet members (30) are located within the conduit and move back and forth between a first, open position, whereby blood may flow through the central passageway in a first direction, and a second, closed position, whereby blood is prevented from backflowing through the central passageway in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. A hollow and generally cylindrical support member (10, 20) retains the leaflet members and is coaxially disposed within the conduit. The support member includes opposing cutaway regions (18) defining two axially extending struts (16) supporting the leaflet members. The cutaway regions, in cooperation with the struts, allow the leaflet members to collapse inwardly to the closed position.
US08246659B2
A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system includes a vertebral anchor having a top portion. The top portion has a perimeter and a first engaging element. The first engaging element has a first longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis of the top portion. The perimeter extends around the second longitudinal axis. The system also includes a driving tool that has a second engaging element that is configured to cooperate with the first engaging element to substantially restrict rotation of the driving tool relative to the top portion about the second longitudinal axis. The first engaging element is configured to slidably receive the second engaging element in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, and the second engaging element is configured to extend substantially within the perimeter of the top portion.
US08246656B2
A device intended for the treatment of spinal stenosis. This device is an inter-spinous spacer that is introduced through a single posterior incision. It uses a single piece insertion technique with a unilateral approach. The surgeon does not need to access the opposite side of the spinous process. It allows the user infinite adjustability in distraction height with a single locking mechanism.
US08246653B2
The device (9) comprises vertebral elements (10, 20, 10′, 20′) adapted to be fixed to the same lateral side of the bodies of at least two adjacent vertebrae (1, 2), the elements being associated in pairs that are provided to be associated with the left and right sides of the vertebrae. In order to guide the vertebrae effectively and stably, in order, in use, to reproduce an articulating intervertebral joint, the two elements of each pair delimit respective surfaces (15, 25, 15′, 25′) for the relative guiding of those elements, which surfaces are adapted, when the elements are implanted on their corresponding vertebra, to extend generally along the same lateral side of the body of the vertebrae and to rest and slide one against the other in such a manner that the surfaces define a center of rotation (C) about which the two elements are able to turn one relative to the other.
US08246651B2
The present invention provides a method of capturing thrombi in a blood vessel, which includes delivering a removable filter in a collapsed state within the blood vessel and deploying the filter to an expanded state within the blood vessel. The filter includes a plurality of primary struts and a plurality of secondary struts emanating from a hub and extending arcuately along a longitudinal axis and linearly radially. Each primary strut has an arcuate segment including first and second curved portions. Each secondary strut includes first and second arcs. The primary struts terminate with an anchoring hook. Each primary strut crosses another primary strut along the longitudinal axis in the collapsed state such that the arcuate segments occupy a first diameter and the anchoring hooks occupy a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter for filter retrieval or delivery. In the expanded state, the secondary struts centralize the filter in the blood vessel and the anchoring hooks engage with the blood vessel.
US08246649B2
An intravascular filter is constructed to electrostatically capture and retain particles of a targeted type (for example fat or methacrylate emboli), even if those particles are physically small enough to slip through the filter in the absence of electrostatic attraction. Specific types of targeted particles are thereby captured and retained with improved efficiency, while permitting free flow of non-targeted particles. This improvement permits intravascular filters to be constructed with low-resistance, widely spaced filter elements. Accordingly, more targeted particles are captured, less thrombosis occurs, less pressure drop occurs across the filter, and perfusion or blood collection in downstream areas is maintained.
US08246648B2
A removable filter for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel. The filter has primary struts with first ends attached together along a longitudinal axis. Each primary strut has a body member extending from its first end along the longitudinal axis to an anchoring hook. Each primary strut is configured to move relative to the longitudinal axis between an expanded state and a collapsed state. At least one primary strut has a resistant portion next to the anchoring hook. The resistant portion is configured to contact the blood vessel in the expanded state. The filter also has secondary struts. The secondary struts have proximal ends attached together along the longitudinal axis and distal ends located radially from the longitudinal axis in the expanded state. The secondary struts are configured to engage the blood vessel to centralize the filter in the expanded state in the blood vessel.
US08246643B2
An ultrasound catheter has an elongate flexible catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member has a proximal end that is coupled to a separate ultrasound generating device, and a distal tip that is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and which is located at the distal end of the catheter body. The distal tip has at least one dimensional step. The ultrasound transmission member is directly attached to the catheter body and/or to a guidewire tube, either directly or via an attachment device. The catheter has an additional radiopaque marker positioned on the distal end the catheter.
US08246641B2
A thrombus removal device includes a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end, a sheath with a distal end and a proximal end, and a helical coil attached at a proximal end to the distal end of the shaft and is disposed within the lumen of the sheath in a closed configuration. The helical coil includes a plurality of body portions with turns spaced apart longitudinally and laterally to facilitate screwing the helical coil into a thrombus and also providing an open area into which the thrombus can be captured. A distal tip of the helical coil is provided with a loop, an angle of which is about the same as the angle of at least one body portion. The helical coil assumes an open configuration when the sheath is retracted proximally from the distal tip. An aspiration device may be provided in fluid communication with the center of the helical coil.
US08246635B2
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.
US08246634B2
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.
US08246632B2
A device (1) for endoscopic removal of stones or concrements from a bile and pancreatic duct or foreign bodies and polyps subsequent to polypectomy in the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract comprises a cable (9) guided in a tube (2) and further comprises, on its proximal end, an actuation element (3) for an axial displacement of the cable (9) within the tube (2). The cable (9) receives, on its distal end, a collecting basket (16) formed by at least four elastic basket wires (17), said basket wires (17) being bundled at one end on the cable (9) and at another end on a guide element (18). The basket wires (17) bear against the end of the tube (2) such that an axial displacement of the cable (9) leads to a loop-like contraction or expansion of the collecting basket (16) and to a twisting of the collecting basket (16) about its longitudinal axis. The tube (2) is configured as a double-lumen tube, the cable (9) being arranged in a first lumen (8) and a guide wire (5) being arranged in a second lumen (19), and a distal end of the guide wire (5) extending axially beyond the tube (2) is not guided relative to the collecting basket (16).
US08246627B2
A cavity creator including a tube with a lumen. A tip able to penetrate bone extends forward from the distal end of the tube. A blade is moveably attached to the outer tube proximal to the tip so as to move between retracted and extended states. The tube has a discharge port adjacent the blade. The tip is used to position the upper tube in bone. The blade is extended to form a cavity in the bone. Once the cavity is created filler material can be introduced into the cavity by flowing the material through the tube lumen.
US08246621B2
An instrument kit is provided for reaming bone around a head of a bone, the bone including an implanted epiphysis component. The instrument kit includes a reaming guide and a reamer. The reaming guide is couplable to the epiphysis component and has a first reamer support feature and a second reamer support feature. The reamer is couplable to one of the first reamer support feature and the second support feature to ream bone around the epiphysis component.
US08246620B2
An abrading device including an advanced burr and appliqué for a burr and a new process for making cutting tools for fine material removal applications such as in bone and tissue surgeries. An appliqué sheet is first engineered by CAD with an abrading surface having cutting facets. The appliqué is attached to a surface of a tool blank and then metallurgically bonded and coated by the BRAZOL® or Co—P process. The tool blank has a proximal shank attachable to a driver and a distal surface to which the appliqué is affixed. Since each facet is attached to surrounding facets and then strongly bonded to the tool, the facets do not dislodge when used to abrade a surface of an object. The BRAZOL® or Co—P coating imparts excellent wear resistance and lubricity to the cutting facets. This results in excellent operational and material removal characteristics. This approach to making surgical and fine industrial tools offers engineered flexibility in design rather than process dependent designs.
US08246611B2
Treating skin can include delivering a beam of radiation to a target region of the skin to cause a zone of thermal injury including a lateral pattern of varying depths of thermal injury distributed along the target region. The lateral pattern includes at least one first sub-zone of a first depth of thermal injury laterally adjacent to at least one second sub-zone of a second depth of thermal injury. The first depth is greater than the second depth. The at least one first sub-zone of the first depth and the at least one second sub-zone of the second depth extend from a surface of the target region of the skin to form a substantially continuous surface thermal injury. The at least one first sub-zone of the first depth and the at least one second sub-zone of the second depth are substantially heated to at least a critical temperature.
US08246590B2
A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure or space between it and the surface of a patient by forming, preferably, an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer. The collection material may comprise a material and/or a configuration that permits length changes based upon the length of the corresponding surgical wound or incision.
US08246586B2
In order to improve a surgical sealing element holder for holding a surgical sealing element of a surgical sealing system comprising a trocar with a trocar sleeve, the sealing element having an insertion opening which can be widened, such that a sealing element of the sealing system can be replaced in a simple and reliable manner and it is ensured that sealing in relation to a channel of the trocar sleeve is perfect at all times it is suggested that a holder sealing element be provided for sealing the sealing element holder with respect to an inner wall surface of the trocar sleeve.In addition, an improved surgical sealing system is suggested.
US08246571B2
Drug depot storage and delivery devices and methods for delivering a drug depot to a site beneath the skin of a patient are provided. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in an open position allows delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in a closed position reduces or prevents delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site.
US08246552B2
A closed specimen collection system for blood samples includes a collection tube that has a shaped nozzle adapted to fit sealably into a port connected to a centrally inserted venal catheter. A protective cover for the nozzle is attached to the collection tube and has an internal, female thread that mates to a male thread on the port. A specimen container has a hollow body, a front end and a back end. The front end has an aperture sized and shaped to attach to the collection tube. The aperture is sealable after removal of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the port is connected to the collection tube, the collection tube is connected to the specimen container and the actuating rod is pulled toward the back end, blood will flow into the container in a sterile condition.
US08246547B2
The present invention provides a package for an apparatus for non-invasively monitoring of blood flow of an object, a magnetic field sensing device, and a magnetic source positioning device.
US08246541B2
Microdialysis systems and methods that enable self-diagnostic functions for microdialysis, including continuous monitoring of diffusion, convection, and osmosis, as well as providing intelligent flow rate control, to mitigate variability in analyte recovery. The microdialysis system measures real-time tracer concentration levels in the dialysate and/or real time flow rates of the dialysate. A control circuit may compute the real-time tracer concentration levels in the dialysate and/or real-time flow rates of the dialysate based on real time tracer concentration data from an in-line tracer concentration meter and real-time flow rate data from an in-line flow rate meter. Analyte concentration data for the dialysate may also be measured using an analyte concentration meter. The control circuit may compute a corrected analyte concentration for the dialysate based on the analyte concentration data, the tracer concentration data, and the flow rate data in various embodiments.
US08246531B2
An incubator for imaging with non-ionising radiation adapted for the care of newborn babies, which integrates a system projective or tomographic imaging system, or both simultaneously, which makes use of non-ionising radiation in the band of the electromagnetic spectrum included between ultraviolet light and far infrared, a system which can be used to view a subject (11) located in the incubator (19) such that this projective or tomographic image can be morphological or functional.
US08246530B2
Fluid transfer device may be configured as a vacuum pump, including blood and blood constituents. Fluid transfer device used for assisting in the pumping of blood through a patient's heart for reducing the load on the patient's heart, sheer forces and blood pressure on the inner walls of the heart are reduced. Pump may be used as an implanted cardiac assist device, such as an aortic assist device, a ventricular assist device, or as a complete artificial heart. By use of a vacuum, the inventive fluid transfer device may be operated at no more than atmospheric pressure. A pre-charged pressure tank may be used dependent on the application requirements, such as in the case where fluid pressure of the pumped fluid, including the backpressure of body fluids, in the case where pressure greater than atmospheric to sufficiently expel pumped fluid.
US08246529B2
The inventive technique include a system, method and device for treating a patient. The inventive system includes a magnetic field generating device created using a powdered ferromagnetic. The system further includes a circuit in electrical communication with the magnetic core, and a power source in electrical communication with the circuit. The ferromagnetic powder core may be manufactured by at least one of the following: machining, pressing, molding, gluing, and extruding. Also, the ferromagnetic powder core may have a distributed gap structure, where the gap structure operates to focus the magnetic field between pole faces of the magnetic device.
US08246528B2
The invention relates to an implant for treating a cavity that is created as a result of a resection, the implant being modular and the modules being interconnectable.
US08246526B2
The invention relates to a novel covering layer for electrophotographic printing rollers with improved scratch resistance. Said covering layer consists of between 50 and 75 wt. % of cycloaliphatic epoxides, between 20 and 60 wt. % of aminofunctional silica nanoparticles, and between 0 and 2 wt. % of perfluoroalkyltrialkoxysilanes. The aminofunctional nanoparticles are produced from aminoalkyltrialkoxysilanes preferably by means of sol/gel technology.
US08246523B2
An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.
US08246498B2
In a chain transmission, the link plates of a roller chain or rollerless bushing chain are formed with pairs of teeth. A sprocket has a central set of sprocket teeth for meshing with the rollers or bushings, and sets of side sprocket teeth for meshing with the teeth of the link plates. The teeth of the link plates function as a silent chain. After an inner flank of a link plate tooth comes into contact with a side sprocket tooth, a roller and an outer flank of the link plate tooth are seated on the sprocket.
US08246497B1
A throwing object that includes a multi-sided member that includes a top and a peripheral sidewall integral with the top. The top and peripheral sidewall together form a cap-shaped member that is hollow with the peripheral sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is formed as a concave surface shaped for receiving the finger or fingers of the user with the inner surface including a reinforcing rib that is integral with the sidewall.
US08246492B2
A baseball/softball batting tee has a base, and one or more support post and ball holding assemblies mounted in a substantially vertical orientation on the base. A primary support post and ball holding assembly has an adjustable height provided by an upper tube that is telescopically received within a lower tube and a ball supporting rod similarly telescopically received within the upper tube. Wiper seals and bushings are mounted in the upper ends of both tubes for sealing engagement with the respective telescopically received components, providing a friction fit sufficient to “lock” the relative positions of the tubes and rod to set the tee at a desired height while still allowing the tubes and the rod to be easily telescoped together. A secondary support post and ball holding assembly is also provided that can be readily interchanged with the primary.
US08246487B1
An iron-type golf club head is disclosed herein. The iron-type golf club head has multiple movable mass members which allow for the center of gravity to be moved at least 0.170 inch in a feel to toe direction and 0.070 inch in a crown to sole direction. Each of the movable mass members is preferably composed of a material having a density ranging from 12 g/cm3 and 14 g/cm3.
US08246484B2
A golf club head with a leading end of a shaft mountable thereon, the golf club head includes: a head main body, formed with a hosel insertion hole; a hosel, formed with a shaft case insertion hole and removably mounted in the hosel insertion hole; and a shaft case, formed with a shaft insertion hole and removably mounted in the shaft case insertion hole.
US08246483B2
A golf club includes a shaft with a length, a distal end, and a proximal end separated from the distal end by the length. A hand grip is disposed along the length and an arm-securing attachment is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft and has a substantially spiral-shape with a spiral direction away from the proximal end of the shaft. A club face is coupled to the distal end of the shaft.
US08246456B2
A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a virtual input device. The virtual input device is operable to receive input from a user by detecting a position of a user input object such as a finger.
US08246452B2
A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
US08246451B2
Players are selected to celebrate the win. A portion of the bonus pool is divided among the celebrating players. The amount to be received by each player can be verified to meet minimum and maximum amount requirements. The celebration pay is delivered to the gaming machines used by the celebrating players.
US08246450B2
Apparatus and methods for administering payouts in gaming machines are disclosed. More particularly, improved techniques for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session at a gaming apparatus are disclosed.
US08246444B2
A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.
US08246440B2
The present invention relates to a gaming machine having mechanical spinning reels and display units mounted inside the reels that are driven between a retracted position and a forward position. The display unit is displaced inwardly toward a central axis of the reel when located in the retracted position, and in this position the reel is free to rotate in response to a wager being placed. The display unit is located closer toward the outer periphery of the reel when in the forward position and in registration with a variable display when the reel is stopped. Movement of the display unit between the retracted and forward positions minimizes parallax effects and increases enjoyment for a player.
US08246428B2
A device for treating products, in particular massaging meat products, comprises at least one treatment section with a space for receiving the products. The space comprises a treatment device for treating the products. A discharge device is provided for discharging the products from the space of the treatment section. The discharge device can be brought into an active and an inactive operating state with the aid of an actuating device.
US08246425B2
The present invention provides an abrasive wheel that comprises a ring-shaped abrasive surface and an integrally formed central portion. The ring-shaped abrasive surface has an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. The integrally formed central portion comprises an attachment portion for attaching the abrasive wheel to a rotation source and a plurality of fan blades for directing air-flow over the ring-shaped abrasive surface. The plurality of fan blades are positioned radially inwardly of the inner peripheral edge of the ring-shaped abrasive surface.
US08246422B2
A device for cleaning a safety razor blade may include a polymer-based mat, the polymer-based mat comprising at least one substantially plane surface; a substantially rigid frame structure fabricated of a material suitable for injection moulding, the substantially rigid frame structure comprising a through-going opening adapted to at least partly house the polymer-based mat; and pair of guiding tracks arranged so that at least part of the polymer-based mat is arranged between the pair of guiding tracks. The pair of guiding tracks and the polymer-based mat may be arranged relative to each other in such a way that the pair of guiding tracks define a maximum allowed penetration depth of blades of the safety razor blade into the polymer-based mat. The polymer-based mat may be arranged in the through-going opening so that the polymer-based mat forms a non-slipping arrangement when the device is positioned on a substantially plane support.
US08246417B2
The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus and a polishing method for polishing a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer, to planarize the substrate. The polishing apparatus according to the present invention includes a polishing table (10) having a polishing surface, a top ring (14) configured to press the substrate against the polishing table by applying pressing forces independently to first plural zones on the substrate, a sensor (50) configured to detect a state of the film at plural measuring points, a monitoring device (53) configured to produce monitoring signals with respect to second plural zones on the substrate, respectively, a storage device configured to store plural reference signals each indicating a relationship between reference values of each monitoring signal and polishing times, and a controller configured to operate the pressing forces against the first plural zones such that the monitoring signals, corresponding respectively to the second plural zones, converge on one of the plural reference signals.
US08246412B2
A manufacturing method for a display, in which a transparent plate is adhered to an outer surface of a screen provided on a display main body, includes the steps of setting the outer surface of the screen of the display main body and one surface of the transparent plate as respective adhesion surfaces, and performing a surface treatment at a peripheral edge region of one or both of the adhesion surfaces such that a surface energy of the peripheral edge region is smaller than a surface energy of a remaining region of the two adhesion surfaces and a surface energy of an adhesive used in the adhesion. The display main body and the transparent plate are disposed such that the two adhesion surfaces oppose each other via a gap, and the adhesive is injected into the gap. The surface treatment is performed within a width range of 1 mm to 3 mm from the edge regions of the adhesion surfaces.
US08246409B2
An improved light-emitting panel having a plurality of micro-components sandwiched between two substrates is disclosed. Each micro-component contains a gas or gas-mixture capable of ionization when a sufficiently large voltage is supplied across the micro-component via at least two electrodes. An improved method of manufacturing a light-emitting panel is also disclosed, which uses a web fabrication process to manufacturing light-emitting displays as part of a high-speed, continuous inline process.
US08246407B2
A surf perch may be configured to receive a surfboard and permits a user to insert a surfboard therein, allowing him or her to sit/float in an anchored position in the water while he or she awaits a satisfactory wave. The perch may include an octagonal hole disposed vertically therethrough, which creates a mooring system and controls the angle of the anchor line relative to that of the surf perch. Additionally, the surf perch may also include a backrest assembly, with a backrest being capable to rotate upward. Also, the surf perch may be equipped with leg protection chaps surrounding the portion of the user's legs that hang into the water.
US08246403B2
A water drop muffler for use in a marine exhaust system to silence exhaust noise while separating entrained water from exhaust gas using hydro-dynamic centrifugal separation principles enhanced by turbulent flow. A muffler housing has a top and a bottom, and defines an internal volume bounded by a generally vertically disposed cylindrical inner surface formed about a longitudinal axis. A generally tubular exhaust inlet is disposed in generally tangential relation with the cylindrical inner housing surface for receiving a mixture of exhaust gas and entrained cooling water. A variable geometry flow channel efficiently transitions the flow for discharge through a vertically elongate opening disposed along the length of the housing inner surface thereby creating vortex flow within the housing to maximize the generation of centrifugal forces. The vortex flow formed within the housing causes the relatively heavy water droplets and water vapor (i.e. steam) to be drawn away from the housing axis toward the cylindrical inner surface. In addition, turbulent boundary layer flow along the surfaces of the variable geometry flow forming channel and the other housing surfaces functions to more efficiently draw entrained water droplets and steam into contact with various surfaces within the housing thereby causing water to coalesce along the inner housing surfaces.
US08246401B2
In order to indicate a Kort nozzle configured rotatable around the rudder axis of a ship, for which the occurrence of recirculations or of swirls is avoided or reduced even with an angular position with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ship and a globally uniform flow pattern adjusts as far as possible, at least one opening is provided in each of two central areas of a nozzle ring enveloping a ship's propeller.
US08246399B2
In an outboard marine motor including an upper case (4) enclosing an engine (E) and a lower case (5) fitted with a propeller (12) and connected to a lower end of the upper case, the lower case is configured to be turned relative to the upper case around a vertical axial line which is coaxial with a vertical drive shaft (10) that transmit torque of the engine to the propeller. Thereby, the outboard marine motor can be steered simply by turning the lower case. Because the upper case having a relatively large lateral dimension as compared with the lower case is not required to be turned, a large steering angle can be achieved without the outboard marine motor interfering with watercraft having the outboard marine motor mounted thereon. In particular, the lower case is turned by an actuator including an electric motor and a worm gear mechanism (50) for transmitting an output torque of the electric motor to the lower case so that a high speed reduction ratio can be achieved by using a highly compact structure.
US08246397B2
An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that provide visible and audible cues for connecting and disconnecting patch cords in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. Systems of the present invention also monitor patch cord connections in a network.
US08246396B2
A protective cover for an electrical connector for contacting a circuit carrier is disclosed, wherein the electrical connector includes an electrically insulating housing and at least one contact having a contact portion for contacting a mating contact and a connecting portion for contacting a plated through hole of the circuit carrier via an electrically conductive press-in connection. The protective cover has at least one opening through which the connecting portion of the at least one contact enters in the assembled state and is configured in such a way that, in cooperation with the contact and/or the electrically insulating housing, the protective cover covers an intake region of the plated through hole toward the outside.
US08246391B1
A connector terminal is assembled in an insulating housing defining a receiving cavity of which front and rear sides protrude face-to-face to form two blocking eaves. The connector terminal has a fastening strip of which a bottom edge protrudes downward to form two elastic arms spaced from each other, and a soldering portion between the two elastic arms. The elastic arms are apart from two opposite side edges of the soldering portion to define two receiving intervals between the soldering portion and the elastic arms. Distal ends of the elastic arms oppositely protrude to form two fastening barbs. The soldering portion and the elastic arms are inserted in the receiving cavity. The fastening barbs slide through the blocking eaves to be hooked under the blocking eaves respectively and the fastening barbs can be avoided scraping the connector by means of cushion effects of the receiving intervals.
US08246386B1
An electrical connector for connecting a circuit board to a plug of an electric cable that has at least one electrical conductor includes a rigid housing that has at least a front end, a lower end adapted for mounting to the circuit board, and a rear end. A rigid insert is adapted to fit within the housing and includes an open front end adapted to receive the plug of the electric cable. A plurality of lower rear conductors and optionally upper rear conductors project away from the rear end of the insert. A plurality of insert conductors are adapted to convey electrical signals between the conductors of the plug and the plurality of rear conductors. A modifier circuit board is adapted for attachment to the insert and for modifying electrical signals between the rear conductors of the insert through a modifier circuit.
US08246384B1
The variable capacitance audio cable allows adjustment of the frequency response of the system in which the cable is used by varying the cable capacitance electronically. This permits musical performers using the cable to tailor the audio response to suit their performance and style.
US08246375B2
An electrical connector for connecting the bare end of a horizontal conductor with a horizontal printed circuit board, including a sectional housing having a base member seated on the printed circuit board. The base member contains an open-topped chamber and includes a vertical front wall the upper edge of which contains a vertical slot communicating with the chamber. A cover member is normally seated on the base member to close the chamber and the upper end of the slot. A lower electrically conductive cage member is arranged in the bottom of the chamber for electrical connection with the printed circuit board. The cover member is removable from the base member to open the tops of the chamber and the slot, thereby to permit the horizontal conductor bare end to be displaced laterally vertically downwardly into the slot and housing chamber toward electrical engagement with the lower cage member.
US08246364B2
A power strip includes a base, a casing, at least one latching member, and at least one first elastic member. The case includes at least one cover. Each cover includes at least one first hook. The cover is able to move between a first position and a second position. Each latching member is slidably connected to the base and includes at least one second hook. Each first elastic member is received in the base and capable of providing a spring force to keep one cover to be in the first position. When the cover is moved to the second position, the first hook engages the second hook to keep the cover in the second position. When the latching member is operated to cause the first hook disengages from the second hook, the cover is pushed to the first position due to the spring force of the first elastic member.
US08246362B2
A computer peripheral device is provided having a rotatable outer cover which is coupled to and selectively extends or retracts a connector of a printed circuit from a casing in which the printed circuit board is positioned when the outer cover is rotated. In one aspect, the cover includes a pin which extends through a groove formed in a seat coupled to an end of the circuit board. When the cover is rotated, the pin is urged against the groove to selectively extend or retract the connector from the casing. In another aspect, the cover includes a pin which extends into a groove formed in the printed circuit board. When the cover is rotated, the pin is urged against the groove to selectively extend or retract the connector from the casing. In another aspect, the cover is pivotally interconnected with the circuit board, and when the cover is rotated, the casing selectively translates with respect to the circuit board to expose or cover the connector.
US08246334B2
A first mold has a core passage, and first and second cavities in fluid communication with each other at the core passage. A second mold has first and second nozzles therein that inject first and second resins to the first and second cavities, respectively. The core member is slidable within the core passage to provide or block the fluid communication between the cavities, and has a third nozzle therein to inject a third resin to the core passage. The first and second resins are injected into the cavities. The core member is moved to block the fluid communication between the cavities, before injecting the first and second resins is completed. The third resin is injected while moving the core member to provide the fluid communication, after injecting the first and second resins is completed. The molds are separated, thereby yielding a single molded product, such as a vehicle door trim.
US08246333B2
A rotor profile for a screw compressor includes a male rotor and a female rotor, which are operated in an operation space while being engaged with each other, wherein a rotor profile of the female rotor includes a curve having an operation contact point located around a pitch circle at a following-side of the female rotor, the operation contact point being contacted with the male rotor to operate the male rotor when the female rotor is operated, and the curve is configured with a quadratic function y=Lx2+Mx+N. Here, the constants L, M and N are values determined such that a slip ratio at the operation contact point is minimized. This rotor profile for a screw compressor minimizes a slip ratio at the operation contact point, thereby decreasing abrasion and reducing noise of the compressor.
US08246331B2
A fixed scroll is provided with a pin shaft portion which is formed in a cylindrical shape. Formed in a movable scroll is a slide groove which extends in the radial direction of the movable scroll. The pin shaft portion of the fixed scroll is engaged into the slide groove of the movable scroll. During orbital movement of the movable scroll, the pin shaft portion slidingly contacts a side surface of the slide groove, whereby rotation of the movable scroll is restricted.
US08246323B2
A liquid pressurization device which is housed within a single rectangular housing that utilizes a solar panel as the front cover and the only source of energy. An interchangeable pulley mounted on a motion controlled technology motor allows for a wide range of pressure and volume scenarios common to liquid pressurization applications, and in combination with a motor controller and driver board, and programmable logic control board, these pressure and volume scenarios are further optimized for the utilization of solar energy as the sole energy source. Said programmable logic board further provides ports for firmware updates, monitoring devices, and diagnostic devices. A lever is reciprocated by an energy transfer pulley that transfers drive force to the liquid end of the apparatus, providing a low friction multiplication of available power. The liquid end of the apparatus is further designed for ease of maintenance to replaceable components with limited life spans.
US08246320B2
A muffler for a compressor has a chamber between an inlet and an outlet and a communicating pipe for indirectly connecting the inlet to the outlet, whereby a suction loss of a refrigerant sucked into the muffler for the compressor can be reduced and also pressure pulsation can be reduced so as to enhance a cooling capability of the compressor and achieve a noise reduction effect. Also, an assembling structure of the muffler can be simplified, resulting in reduction of fabricating cost and improvement of productivity.
US08246311B2
A wind turbine blade includes a porous window defined in the suction side of the blade. The porous window includes a plurality of holes defined therein. An air manifold within the internal cavity of the blade is in airflow communication with the porous window. An inlet air passage in the pressure side of the blade is in communication with the air manifold. A deployable cover member is configured adjacent the porous window and is variably positionable from a fully closed position wherein airflow through the holes in the porous window is blocked to a fully open position wherein airflow is established through the holes in the porous window.
US08246305B2
An apparatus and method for balancing a gas turbine engine rotor includes a plurality of balancing weights adapted to be selectively attached to at least one of inlets or outlets of a cooling passage of the rotor. The weights include cooling access which permits coolant to communicate with the cooling passage.
US08246293B2
The present invention relates to a submersible plant for producing energy. The submersible plant comprises at least one turbine (9) and is characterized in that said turbine (9) is mounted on a stream-driven vehicle (3) and in that said stream-driven vehicle is secured in a structure by means of at least one wire (6).
US08246292B1
A gas turbine engine is utilized in combination with a gear reduction to reduce the speed of a fan relative to a low pressure turbine speed. The gas turbine engine is designed such that a blade count in the low pressure turbine multiplied by the speed of the low pressure turbine will result in operational noise that is above a sensitive range for human hearing. A method and turbine module are also disclosed.
US08246286B2
A work apparatus to be mounted to a work vehicle includes: a pair of cylindrical masts 35 disposed erect on right and left sides of a vehicle body having a control valve; a boom 91 pivotally supported to the masts; an implement pivotally supported to the boom; a boom cylinder 60 for pivoting the boom; an implement cylinder 61 for operating the implement; a boom piping system communicating the control valve with the boom cylinder; and an implement piping system communicating the control valve with the implement cylinder; wherein a channel constituting member 84 constituting the boom piping system extends vertically within each mast; one end of the channel constituting member 84 extends to the outside at a lower portion of the mast to be connected with the control valve; and the other end of the channel constituting member 84 extends to the outside at an upper portion of the mast 35 to be connected with boom cylinder 60.
US08246285B2
An aircraft loader including a bridge platform, an elevator platform and a barrier system is provided. The barrier system has first and second guiding elements respectively attached to the bridge platform on each side thereof, and first and second supporting elements respectively mounted on a corresponding side of the elevator platform. The barrier system is provided with an inverted-U-shaped element having first and second legs and a transverse element extending therebetween, each of the legs being slidably mounted inside a corresponding guiding element and cooperating with a corresponding supporting element adapted for supporting the legs and driving the inverted-U-shaped element with the elevator platform. The inverted-U-shaped element is slidable between a raised position providing a passage for loads thereunder when both platforms interface and a lower position wherein the transverse element extends across the passage for providing a guardrail between the platforms when the elevator platform extends below the bridge platform.
US08246279B2
A tight-space drilling product for drilling in a confined space between a workpiece and an opposite surface includes a drilling implement with a confined space configuration where the drilling implement contacts both the workpiece and the opposite surface.
US08246270B2
In a self-propelling road milling machine (1), particularly a (recycler or) cold-milling machine, comprising a machine frame (4) carried by a track assemblies (2,3) via lifting columns (12,13), a milling roll (6) supported on the machine frame (4) for treatment of a ground or traffic surface (8), height-adjustable side plates (10) for edge protection, arranged to rest on the ground or traffic surface (8) to be treated, a height-adjustable stripping means (14) arranged in the moving direction behind the milling roll (6) and adapted to be lowered, during operation, into the milling track (17) generated by the milling roll (6), and a control means (23) for controlling the milling depth of the milling roller (6), it is provided that at least one measuring means (16) is operative to detect the lifting, caused by the current milling depth, of a first sensor means resting on the ground or traffic surface (8), and/or the lowering of the stripping means (14) or a second sensor means onto the surface of the milling track (17), the control means (23) obtaining the current milling depth at the level of the stripping means (14) of the milling roller (6) or of the second sensor means from the measurement values of the at least one measuring means (16).
US08246259B2
An exemplary camera module includes a lens barrel defining an aperture for light entering the lens barrel and a lens received in the lens barrel. The lens includes a central optical portion aligned with the aperture of the lens barrel and a fixing portion around a periphery of the optical portion for fixing the lens in the lens barrel. An outside surface of the fixing portion of the lens is beveled relative to an optical axis of the camera module.
US08246258B2
An exemplary mechanical shutter includes a base with a through hole defined therein, a blade arranged on the base, two shape memory alloy units, and a control unit. Each of the two shape memory alloy units includes a first end and a opposite second end. The first end of the shape memory alloy element is attached to the base, and the second end is attached to the blade. The control unit is configured for controlling the two shape memory alloy units to selectively deform into a first shape, or into a second shape. In particular, the two shape memory alloy units each straighten to a first shape (straight shape) and move the blade to cover the through hole. In addition, the two shape memory alloy units each deform to a second shape (spring coil shape) and thus move the blade away from the through hole to expose the through hole.
US08246257B2
An optical fiber connector includes a housing, a plurality of lenses fixed to the housing, a plurality of optical fibers, and a glue. The housing defines a plurality of blind holes and receiving cavities. Each blind hole includes a first receiving hole portion. Each receiving cavity is in communication with the corresponding first receiving hole portion. Each optical fiber is received in the corresponding blind hole and includes a core portion. The glue is applied in each receiving cavity and fixes the optical fibers in the housing. Along a lengthwise direction of each blind hole, a projection of each receiving cavity on a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction covers that of the core portion. The glue surrounds the core portion, and a distal end of the core portion contacts an inner surface of the housing in the corresponding receiving cavity facing the respective blind hole.
US08246256B2
A hub on a wheel bearing unit, which has at least one inner ring, sitting on the hub. The inner ring is axially retained on the hub by a collar, which has a toothing, formed from the hub. The inner ring has a radially inward broken-out section on the front face thereof and the broken-out section is filled with plastically displaced material from the collar such that the material of the inner ring at least engages in the broken-out section and the material in the broken-out section is enclosed in the radial direction by the inner ring.
US08246255B2
A guide shaft bearing including an internal ring mounted on a cylindrical contact surface of a shaft and a device for the axial locking of the ring including a ring mounted sliding on the cylindrical contact surface and an annular rib made of shape memory material mounted in two annular grooves of the cylindrical contact surface and of the ring is disclosed. The annular rib is able to expand radially by shape memory effect when it is subjected to a temperature greater than a transition temperature of its material to pass to a locking position of the ring on the cylindrical contact surface.
US08246252B2
A bearing apparatus has a rolling bearing including an outer ring (11), an inner ring (12), and rolling elements (13) disposed between the two rings, and a temperature sensor (TS) for measuring an internal temperature of the rolling bearing. A wire from the temperature sensor extends to the outside via a through-hole (11d) formed in a component of the bearing apparatus, and hence the temperature sensor can be disposed in a desired position with excellent wiring extension flexibility, thereby enabling a temperature in the desired position of the bearing to be measured. The temperature sensor, which can be configured thin in a small size with flexibility, can therefore be incorporated into whichever portion of the bearing, wherein a high response to temperature detection is attained, and detectability of abnormality in temperature can be improved.
US08246251B1
A thrust chamber using a single thrust bearing and having seals secured to the thrust chamber case. Also a skid for a horizontally mounted submersible pump, thrust chamber and drive mechanism. The skid having a thrust chamber mounting bracket which provides positive mounting locations thus allowing for the change out of the thrust chamber without removing the drive mechanism.
US08246241B2
A mixing device for mixing adhesives containing at least two components comprises a conveying plate having first and second grooved surfaces each overlaid by a respective cover plate. The conveying plate and the opposed cover plates cooperate to define a plurality of separated channels extending through the mixing device. The discharge ends of the channels are interdigitated. First and a second distribution manifolds are defined within the mixing device. A supply port adapted to receive one adhesive component extends through a respective cover plate into fluid communication with one of the distribution manifolds.
US08246229B2
A master/museum picture frame containing integral lighting and a light director (FIG. 1) in accordance with Snell's law of Total Internal Reflection and Refraction By a Prism. Said lights, wired in series with a resistance wire parallel to the filament on the lights dumet, in accordance with the Shunt Theory, such that if one light burns out the remainder remain lighted, to present the artwork in the most favorable manner for the longest period of time when viewed in a depreciating environment. The master/museum frame is interchangeable, both forward and backward, with the capability of being used as a lighted frame or an unlighted frame by substituting a spacer in place of the light director and vice versa as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
US08246228B2
A light guide ring unit includes a first annular surface, a second annular surface opposite to the first annular surface and an inner side surface connecting the first annular surface and the second annular surface. The first annular surface defines a plurality of first elongated grooves extending along a radius of the first annular surface. The second annular surface defines a second groove extending along a radius of the second annular surface. The first annular surface receives light from a light source, and the light is reflected by the inner walls of the second groove.
US08246226B2
A back-lit vehicle emblem is disclosed, that provides an emblem body having a front side facing away from the vehicle and exhibiting the emblem and having a rear side facing toward the vehicle. The body is shaped to provide at least a partial housing for mounting at least one LED. A space between the body and the vehicle when the body is mounted upon the vehicle is provided. At least one LED is mounted in the at least partial housing and oriented to transmit light through the space between the body and the vehicle so that light illuminates one or more contours of the body.
US08246209B2
An exemplary illumination device includes a light source and a light-pervious light guiding barrel. The light source is configured for emitting light along a given light path. The light-pervious light guiding barrel receives the light source therein, and the barrel includes light guiding regions with different light directing and/or reflecting capabilities. In addition, the barrel is rotatable relative to the light source such that each of the light guiding regions can be selectively placed on the light path to direct and/or reflect the light from the light source.
US08246199B2
An LED illuminating device includes a first and a second illuminating module, and a connecting module connecting the first illuminating module with the second illuminating module. The first illuminating module includes a first substrate carrying a double-sided reflector, a first group of LEDs, and a second group of LEDs. The double-sided reflector divides the first illuminating module into a front lighting area and a lateral lighting area, light emitted by the first group of LEDs illuminates the front lighting area, and light emitted by the second group of LEDs illuminates the lateral lighting area. The second illuminating module includes a second substrate and a third group of LEDs mounted on the second substrate. The first group of LEDs and the second group of LEDs are opposite to the third group of LEDs, and the projections of the first substrate and the second substrate are spaced to each other.
US08246197B2
An exemplary lens includes a first light incident surface, a second light incident surface, a reflecting surface, a first light emitting surface and a second light emitting surface. The second light incident surface is connected with the first light incident surface. The first and the second light incident surfaces cooperatively define a receiving space therebetween. The receiving space is configured for accommodating the point light source. The reflecting surface is connected with the second light emitting surface. The first light emitting surface is opposite to the first light incident surface. Light entering the lens through the first light incident surface exits from the first light emitting surface. The second light emitting surface is connected between the first light emitting surface and the reflecting surface. Light entering the lens through second light incident surface is reflected from the reflecting surface to the second light emitting surface to exit the lens.
US08246193B2
A solar lamp includes a solar panel, a reserve power unit, a luminescence module and a transmission module. The solar panel connecting the reserve power unit transforms solar energy into electric energy, and stores electric energy into the reserve power unit. The luminescence module connecting the reserve power unit receives electric energy outputting from the reserve power unit. The transmission module comprises a port, wherein one end of the port connects the reserve power unit, and the other one end of the port electrically connects an electronic product. Therefore, the solar lamp would supply electric energy into the electronic product by the transmission module, or the electronic product would supply electric energy into the solar lamp by the transmission module.
US08246191B2
A wind-driven light-emitting device comprises a housing, a first shaft sleeving member, a second shaft sleeving member and a plurality of blades. The blades are coupled to a first shaft. The first shaft has a first speed-change gear driving a second speed-change gear of a rotating second shaft. The second shaft has a magnetic element. The second shaft sleeving member has a coil connected with a circuit. The circuit is connected to a plurality of light-emitting (or light-guiding) elements arranged on the blades. When the device is windward, wind propels the blades to rotate. Thus, the magnetic element of the second shaft is rotated to induce voltage on the coil. The circuit rectifies, boosts, stabilizes and regulates the power to drive the light-emitting (or light-guiding) elements. Thereby, the present invention provides a decorative lighting effect without using any external electric power.
US08246184B2
A novel method makes it possible to form cavities intended to contain a liquid with determined optical properties within a film for optical use. The walls (38) of the cavities (40) are formed by plasma etching of a layer of transparent or light absorbent material (30, 34) transferred onto a microtechnological substrate, the walls (38) having a structured profile in order to limit the parasitic phenomena of light diffusion and diffraction.
US08246175B2
A lighting device that lights a discharge lamp which contains a pair of electrodes and light emission substance including mercury, includes: a first terminal connected with the electrode to which mercury easily adheres, and a second terminal connected with the electrode to which mercury is difficult to adhere; a setting unit which sets AC current supplied to the first and second terminals in a starting period from insulation break down of the discharge lamp until start of discharge between the tips of the pair of the electrodes; and a supplying unit which supplies AC current set by the setting unit to the first and second terminals, wherein the setting unit sets AC current such that the half-cycle electric quantity supplied to the first terminal becomes larger than the half-cycle electric quantity supplied to the second terminal in the initial term of the starting period under the condition in which the first terminal initially operates as cathode, and that the half-cycle electricity quantities supplied to the first and second terminals become substantially equal in the final term of the starting period.
US08246157B2
The present invention relates to a printing method, a printing apparatus, and a printed document by which an ink offset can be prevented while securing a sufficient adhesion force of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Ink is applied so that, when ink applied to a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet cures, a convex section of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer exposed out of the curried ink, thereby printing an image.
US08246156B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a water-based pigment dispersion containing a pigment, a dispersing agent, a resin emulsion, and water, the water-based pigment dispersion is subjected to a heat treatment. The present invention also provides a water-based pigment ink containing the water-based pigment dispersion, a dispersing agent, a resin emulsion, and water.
US08246151B2
A liquid supply device includes a liquid cartridge having a liquid chamber that stores a liquid, a cartridge mounting portion, and a level detector that detects a position of a liquid surface of the liquid stored in the liquid chamber. The position of the liquid surface of the liquid is detected to be at one of at least three liquid surface levels. The liquid supply device also includes a determiner that determines that the liquid supply device is in an abnormal state when the position of the liquid surface of the liquid moves up by two or more liquid surface levels and determines that the liquid supply device is not in the abnormal state when the liquid surface of the liquid moves up by one or fewer liquid surface level.
US08246149B2
A liquid ejecting head including a pressure generating chamber which is in communicating with a nozzle orifice, a piezoelectric element having an active portion which is supplied a drive signal and an inactive portion which is not supplied the drive signal, and a film wiring substrate including an active wiring layer which is electrically connected to an individual connecting terminal of the active portion and an inactive wiring layer which is electrically connected to an individual connecting terminal of the inactive portion.
US08246139B2
An ink supply device includes a cartridge mounting portion to which an ink cartridge is mounted by being inserted thereinto in an insertion direction. The cartridge mounting portion includes a first detector configured to detect a first portion and a second portion of the ink cartridge. The ink supply device also includes an trigger detector configured to output a first signal and a second signal during an insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion, and a type determiner configured to perform a type determination based on a first determination of whether or not the first detector detects the first portion when the output signal changes from the first signal to the second signal, and based on a second determination of whether or not the first detector detects the second portion when the output signal changes from the second signal to the first signal.
US08246138B2
Print quality feedback is provided about a printer. Printer operation is monitored to determine when printer parts are not operating correctly. Information indicating which printer parts are not operating correctly is stored. A test pattern is modified to produce an emulated test pattern. The emulated test pattern emulates how the test pattern would appear when printed by the printer. The emulated test pattern includes alterations made to the test pattern based on the information indicating which printer parts are not operating correctly.
US08246134B2
An inkjet recording apparatus having: a recording head including a pressure generation section, a pressure chamber, and a nozzle; and a drive signal generator which generates the drive signal including a first expansion pulse, a contraction pulse, and a second expansion pulse, wherein the pulses are generated to satisfy that: a peak value position P1 of positive pressure is not more than 1.45AL from a drive signal applying start time, and |M1/P1|≧0.45, where AL represents a half of the acoustic resonance period of the pressure chamber, M1 is a first peak value of negative pressure in the pressure chamber, P1 is a peak value of a positive pressure succeeding to M1, and M2 is a peak value of a negative pressure succeeding to P1, wherein M1, P1 and M2 are values of a pressure wave generated by total effect of all the pulses.
US08246120B2
A fully electrically controlled electric braking system is provided for a road vehicle fitted with wheels (1). Each of the wheels is connected for rotation to at least one rotary electric machine (2) specific thereto, with at least one electronic wheel control module (23) controlling the electric machine(s) (2) of that wheel. Each electronic wheel control module (23) makes it possible to impart selectively to a corresponding wheel a control torque of determined amplitude and sign, in such a way that the corresponding wheel imparts to the vehicle a drive force or a braking force in accordance with the control torque. The system includes a central unit (3) for managing vehicle displacement, the central unit (3) controlling all the electronic wheel control modules (23). The central unit (3) has a vehicle braking mode activated by a vehicle braking control signal having a given amplitude representing a total desired braking force for the fully electrically controlled wheels. In the braking mode, whatever the amplitude of the braking control signal, the central unit (3) controls all the electronic wheel control modules (23) in such a way that the sum of the longitudinal forces of all the wheels is a function of the amplitude of the braking control signal, the function being proportional, for example.
US08246118B2
A footrest for a foot of a person is provided, where the person is at least partially supported by a seat that is disposed on a stand that has a support post or disposed on a shaft that is part of a pedestal support assembly. Typically the footrest has a plate with a footrest surface and in some embodiments the footrest surface is entirely under the seat. In some embodiments the footrest surface faces away from the support post or shaft. Some embodiments include a mounting bracket and a connecting assembly that operatively secures the footrest plate to the mounting bracket. The connecting assembly generally has two engagement mechanisms and a spring that biases the connecting assembly in selectable angular positions with respect to the mounting bracket and plate.
US08246117B2
An armrest apparatus and chair including one or more armrest apparatuses are disclosed. Each armrest apparatus includes an armrest member attached to at least one chair component. The armrest member has a first aperture and a second aperture. A first plate is positioned above the armrest member. The first plate has a longitudinal slot that is transverse to the first and second apertures. An armrest cover is attached to the first plate. A resilient device is positioned between the first plate and the armrest cover or between the first plate and the armrest member. The resilient device has a first hole sized and configured to receive the first member and a second hole sized and configured to receive the second member. A first member extends through the first aperture, first hole and the longitudinal slot and a second member extends through the second aperture, second hole and the longitudinal slot.
US08246116B1
A head restraint assembly comprising a housing, an armature extending though opposite sides of the housing, at least one latch receiving member provided on the armature and coupled thereto for non-rotatable movement with respect to the armature, and a latch member extending though opposite sides of the housing. The latch member includes a projection that engages the at least one latch receiving member when the latch member is moved into a latched position.
US08246113B2
An office chair or office chair element, such as a backrest or seat, has a flat covering element, such as a fabric, cushioning or webbing element, secured to support elements, such as the arms of a support frame, and tensioned in between. The covering element is provided with a welt strip that, in the fitted state, is placed in an accommodating groove in the support element. The accommodating groove has two oppositely situated contact faces for the welt strip and one of the contact faces is provided with a projection that projects into the accommodating groove and extends in the longitudinal direction of the groove. The welt strip can be pressed into the accommodating groove, resiliently deforming the projection and/or the welt strip and the welt strip, in the fitted state, is positively locked and/or friction-locked in the groove with abutment against the contact faces, with the projection preventing the welt strip from escaping from the accommodating groove.
US08246108B2
A pillar structure of a vehicle body includes a pillar that forms a closed cross-sectional structure made up of an outer panel and an inner panel and that extends substantially along the vertical direction. The inner panel defines an opening and a reinforcing member is joined to a part including at least the periphery of the opening in the inner panel of the pillar.
US08246107B2
A cab stopper device 32 is provided between a bracket 23 on a machine frame of a work machine and a cab 25. The cab stopper device 32 restricts relative movement of the cab 25 with respect to the machine frame in the vertical direction. Two through holes 43, 44 are formed in a floor plate 27 of the cab 25. A stopper 48 of the cab stopper device 32 is inserted in the through holes 43, 44 from above. An engaging portion 48a is formed at the lower end of the stopper 48 that projects from the through holes 43, 44 downward of the floor plate 27. The engaging portion 48a is arranged to be engageable with a restricting groove 42 formed in the bracket 23. In this state, a securing portion 48b at the upper end of the stopper 48 is secured to the floor plate 27.
US08246106B2
A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.
US08246105B2
A frontal structure is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a support structure that can be connected to longitudinal members of a front frame, to which a cooling module is fastened with a retaining device, and a bumper cross member mounted ahead of the cooling module. The retaining device includes, but is not limited to at least two cooling module holders that are attached to a component selected from support structure and cooling module and which are provided with elongate recesses, in which retaining elements attached to the respectively other component are anchored. The retaining device is configured in such a manner that in the event of a backward yielding of the bumper cross member, a translational displacement of the cooling module in the direction opposite to the direction of travel is possible.
US08246104B2
A vehicular reinforcing bar structure includes: a reinforcing bar fixedly fastened at its opposite end portions to a pair of opposed vehicle body frame members, the reinforcing bar having a uniform closed sectional shape from one of the end portions to the other; collars fitted in the respective opposite end portions of the reinforcing bar for imparting fastening force to the end portions; and mounting brackets provided in corresponding relation to the opposite end portions, each of the mounting brackets being formed in a closed section and fixedly fastening the corresponding end portion by sandwiching the end portion with the corresponding vehicle body frame member.
US08246096B2
A differential action railroad car wheelset axle has two individual stub axles, each having one or more annular rings or grooves on the interior ends, with the interior ends of the individual stub axles being rotatably mounted within a multi-piece sleeve assembly. The axle assembly has provision for safety pins to prevent independent rotation during installation in the railcar truck frame and also a device to permit relocking or unlocking the independent axle rotation after the original safety pins have been removed. Dry lubricant coatings eliminate the need for periodic liquid lubrication or maintenance. The differential action of the wheelset reduces the horsepower requirement by approximately 30 percent while also reducing the maintenance requirements for both wheels and track in locations where horizontal curves are predominant.
US08246092B2
Disclosed is a profiled element (66) which is designed as a hollow profiled support section and is used for fastening a bumper to longitudinal beams (30) of a vehicle. Said profiled element (66) is assigned to a longitudinal beam (30) made of steel as an insertable section for the interior (32) of the longitudinal beam (30). The final edge (67) of at least two opposite walls (68) of the insertable section of the profiled element (66), which is made of a light metal material, is attached inside an insertion member (70) which, as a separation layer, prevents adjacent surfaces that are made of light metal and iron-carbon alloys from corroding. The insertable section is inserted into the longitudinal beam (30) along with the insertion members (70).
US08246090B2
A bumper beam has an open hat beam profile with a central flange (11), two webs (12, 13) and two side flanges (14, 15), and it has two fastening portions (16, 17) in which the central flange has transverse recesses (30, 31), which continue along the webs for a maximum of 40% of the extent of the webs in the transverse direction. These recesses strengthen the profile and provide controlled deformation in response to collision loading.
US08246077B2
An occupant restraining device for a vehicle that can regulate a position of a seat belt, without occupying vehicle cabin space. An air belt device includes a retractor that is arranged to the rear, in a vehicle front-rear direction, with respect to a seat back, a seat belt that is pulled out from the retractor when applied to an occupant and that includes a shoulder belt portion for restraining an upper body of the occupant, and a belt insertion portion that is formed by indenting a portion, in a seat width direction, of an upper end of the seat back, and into which an upper side portion of the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt is made to enter.
US08246070B2
A snow glider comprises a longitudinally-extending runner for supporting a rider on ridden snow and having a generally central, longitudinally-extending slot. The glider further comprises an elevated rider-supporting deck and chatter-absorbing means straddling the slot for supporting the deck above the runner. Preferably, the bottom surface of the runner is preferably generally convex across its width, with curved outer edges that provide directional control to the rider when turning, and at least one longitudinally-extending, generally straight longitudinally-extending inner edge adjacent the periphery of the slot for greater directional control when the rider is going straight. To enhance controllability, the deck of the preferred embodiment is preferably coupled to the runner near the runner's outer periphery so that the force exerted by the rider is transmitted from his/her feet directly to the outer edges of the runner. To further reduce frictional contact with the snow, the bottom surface of the runner is preferably dimpled.
US08246069B2
A tow hook assembly that includes a mount bracket, a tow hook having a towing end and a mounting end extending axially along a towing direction and through the mount bracket, a support bracket positioned proximal to the towing end of the tow hook and configured to support the towing end of the tow hook, and a fastener attached to the mounting end of the tow hook. The tow hook assembly is attached between the frame rail and impact beam of a motor vehicle such that the motor vehicle may be towed by the tow hook assembly and such that the tow hook assembly will break away from the motor vehicle upon application of a force which is less than a force required to activate an airbag.
US08246067B1
Described herein is a trailer hitch adapter designed to relieve the weight of a trailer from applying directly onto the hitch of a towing vehicle. The hitch adapter features a towing bar pivotally secured to a frame with a wheel base, the towing bar resists pivotal movement by spring and damper assemblies. The frame has a hitch for receiving the trailer and the towing bar has a hitch for attachment to the towing vehicle. The wheel base of the hitch adapter is movable between a forward and rearward position.
US08246053B2
The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold gasket having a metallic core, at least one insulating layer, and an embossed layer. The metallic core has two sides with at least one side having a plurality of projections. The insulating layer has two sides, with the first side contacting the projections of the metallic core and the second side contacting the embossed layer. The embossed layer is a metallic flange having a lower leg, a convex face, and an upper leg.
US08246049B1
The present invention is a card and board game either real or simulated foundationally based on standard cribbage rules. It enhances play by adding one or more special cards to a standard 52-card deck. The special cards significantly increase the variety of hands players can get as well as the strategy involved during pegging and counting. The special cards also significantly enhance the point totals attainable during pegging and counting while preserving the integrity of the classic game of cribbage. A special pegging board can accompany the card game. The board embodiments provide different length lanes for cribbage based play corresponding to differing number of players, player combinations playing the game and game lengths.
US08246043B2
A media retrieval mechanism includes a pivot shaft, a media delivery device and a driving device. The media delivery device is capable of rotating about the pivot shaft. The media delivery device includes a contact portion and a rotating arm. The contact portion is capable of engaging at least one media. The driving device is attached to the pivot shaft. The driving device is capable of being driven by the pivot shaft. The driving device includes a driving member and the driving member includes a driving arm. The driving arm is capable of directing the rotating arm to angle the media delivery device thereby elevating the contact portion from the lower position to a lift-up position for disengaging the at least one media.
US08246041B2
A system and method for monitoring media stack height utilizes a pick mechanism and stack height sensing mechanism. The pick mechanism has a pick arm and a pick roller, the arm rotatably mounted at one end to pivot about an axis and change its angular position relative thereto. The roller rotatably mounted to an opposite end of the arm contacts a media stack top and is rotatably driven to feed sheets one at a time from the stack top changing the stack height. The angular position of the arm relative to the stack changes as the stack height changes. The stack height sensing mechanism arranged on and adjacent to the arm senses arm angular displacement as the stack height changes to provide an indication of the sheet quantity remaining in the stack. A method for calibrating stack height sensing of the monitoring system provides one or more calibration points such as at “full stack” and “stack out” conditions.
US08246040B2
A sheet feeding apparatus is constituted from a sheet loading section having a raising and lowering plate, sheet side surface regulating members that regulate side surfaces of sheets, and an air blowing section that blows air towards the side surface of sheets in a top part, a sheet suction and conveying section, a reflection type sensor which detects the upper limit position of the sheets in the sheet loading section, a control section which, when an output of the reflection type sensor becomes an output indicating the state between the sheets that are put in the floating state due to the air flow blown out from an air blowing section and the sheets that are maintaining the stacked state, carries out control so as to raise the raising and lowering plate.
US08246037B2
An automatic document feeder includes a feeder casing, a pressing structure, a guiding notch, plural first guiding ribs and plural second guiding ribs. The pressing structure is disposed on a bottom part of the feeder casing. The guiding notch is formed in the pressing structure. The first guiding ribs are arranged downstream of the guiding notch. The second guiding ribs are arranged beside the first guiding ribs. The height of the first guiding rib is smaller than the height of the second guiding rib. The lower first guiding ribs are used for guiding a thicker paper. The higher second guiding ribs are used for guiding a thinner paper.
US08246035B2
An image reading apparatus, which may be used in an image forming apparatus includes a document table including a flat surface for receiving a document, and a document cover that can be moved between a first position covering the flat surface and a second position exposing the flat surface. The image reading apparatus may further include an automatic document feeder disposed on the document cover that can automatically feed a document toward the flat surface. The automatic document feeder includes a gear train, and a gear cover covering a portion of the gear train, wherein the gear cover includes a protrusion that protrudes downward below the flat surface of the document table.
US08246034B2
According to an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes: a processing tray on which a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus is placed; a lateral alignment unit which has a pair of movable alignment boards, holds and the sheet on the processing tray between the pair of alignment boards, and aligns the sheet; a stapler which staples the sheet placed on the processing tray; a sheet discharge unit which discharges the stapled sheet from the processing tray to a discharge port; and a control unit which control so that the sheet is stapled after an operation of holding the sheet between the pair of alignment boards and then opening the alignment boards is performed plural times, when the sheet is inserted to the stapler from the discharge port and manually stapled.
US08246031B2
A new gathering and stitching machine (10) and a new method for operating a gathering and stitching machine (1) are proposed, which make it possible to drive in the staples (K) in a positionally correct manner and to close them satisfactorily even in the case of relatively short staple setting times. This is achieved by the novel control of the position of the staple heads (20) and the saddle-shaped supports (2, 30, 40, 50) in the region of the interaction during stapling. It is an essential feature of the present invention that the staple head (20) and the support (2, 30, 40, 50) are pivoted towards one another in such a way that they come to lie within a common stapling plane (H). This means that the saddle plane which is defined by the pivoting axis (S) of the saddle-shaped support (2, 30, 40, 50) and the support edge (13) and the staple-head plane which is defined by the pivoting axis of the staple head (20) and the ram tip are superimposed on one another in the region of the interaction and for the duration of the interaction and define what is known as the stapling plane (H). Here, the stapling plane (H) is pivoted continuously, with the result that it stands orthogonally on the main conveying plane (X) only in a central position.
US08246027B2
A clamping apparatus includes a motor, a first cone gear secured to a shaft of the motor, and two clamping bodies attached to opposite sides of the motor. Each of the clamping bodies includes a second cone gear meshing with the first, a threaded post fixed to the second cone gear, a carriage threadedly connected with the threaded post, and a clamp arm fixed to the carriage. The motor rotates the first cone gear, and in turn the second cone gears and the corresponding threaded posts. With the rotation of the threaded posts, the carriages move towards or away from each other, whereby the clamp arms cooperatively acquire an object between the clamp arms, or release the object therefrom.
US08246026B2
Disclosed are a tool indexer assembly, a computer numerically controlled machine that includes such tool indexer assembly, and associated methods. The assembly in one embodiment includes a turret and an indexer, the indexer including a portion that is movable with respect to the turret and that includes plural tool station configured to receive plural tool structures. The tool indexer is disposed on a facet of the turret, and, in some embodiments includes a table that is rotatable about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the turret. In another embodiment, a tool indexer includes a clamping mechanism having a source of pressurized fluid and a piston that is hydraulically actuated by the pressurized fluid and movable to a clamping position. The assembly further includes a conduit for delivery of the pressurized fluid proximal the tool structure as coolant fluid.
US08246024B2
A bushing, having a core member, at least one enveloping body surrounding the same, and at least one elastic connecting layer, the elastic connecting layer joining together and spacing apart the enveloping body and the core member, and the core member and the enveloping body being movable relative to one another. In view of the object of designing and further refining a bushing of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it exhibits an adjustable stiffness response that is dependent on the deflection of the core member relative to the enveloping body, following the cost-effective manufacturing thereof, the bushing has at least one limit stop, which is structurally separate or is produced separately from the connecting layer, is assigned to the core member and/or the enveloping body and limits the relative movement thereof.
US08246018B2
A diffuser assembly with a buoyancy vessel and a chamber for buoyantly raising the diffuser assembly for maintenance work. The diffuser assembly has a support structure, diffusers connected to the frame, and a buoyancy vessel positioned on the frame, capable of alternating between a state of buoyancy or ballast.
US08246017B2
A downcomer for a gas-liquid contacting device. The downcomer may include first and second spaced apart side walls, first and second end walls, a floor, and first and second opposing discharge walls. Generally, each end wall is coupled to a respective end of the first and second side walls. Typically, the floor is coupled to the side walls and end walls, and the floor has at least one section adapted for permitting the passage of liquid there-through. The first and second opposing discharge walls can be coupled to respective first and second side walls and having respective ends below the floor.
US08246013B2
A hanger for a cable guardrail system is disclosed including a first portion with first and second seats on opposite sides of a post each seat capable of supporting a cable, and a second portion capable of engaging the end of the post. Also disclosed is a cable guardrail system including a plurality of posts, a plurality of hangers attached to at least a portion of the plurality of posts, and at least two cables supported by the seats on opposite sides of the post. The cable guardrail system may redirect an impacting vehicle and dissipate a portion of the impacting vehicle's energy.
US08246012B2
A construction site fence, or barrier foot plate base unit or foot cover attachment for separating the barrier from traffic and to guide traffic. The base unit attaches a traffic delineator thereon top of the base unit. Also, the base unit may include a pad that is tapered away from the construction site barrier panel foot, creating a gentle sloping ramp, including a combination of the sloping ramp and the delineator mount.
US08246008B2
System for lifting and lowering a load, such as a vehicle, with at least one lifting mechanism such as a lifting column, a boom lift, a scissor lift and a loading platform. The lifting mechanism includes a carrier which can be moved up and downward for bearing the load and a drive which acts on the carrier. The drive herein includes at least one electrical power source and an electric motor to be energized at least during ascending of the carrier, and the electric motor forms a generator to be connected to the power source at least during even an unloaded descending movement of the carrier for the purpose of gene rating electrical energy to the power source.
US08246006B2
A valve seal has a sealing lip and a compressible portion. The valve seal is utilized to seal a valve guide and a stem. The valve guide has a height within a predetermined range of heights and the sealing lip sealingly engages the stem. The compressible portion has at least two articulating portions with a hinge portion between the two articulating portions. The compressible portion sealingly engages the valve guide and articulates to accept the valve guide without substantially deforming the lip or interfering with the stem.
US08246004B2
The invention relates to a valve cartridge for a solenoid valve having a capsule, a magnetic armature that is movably guided within the capsule, a valve insert inserted into the capsule at a first end, and a valve body, which is pressed into a second end of the valve insert, and having a main valve seat. The magnetic armature, moved by a generated magnetic force, moves a tappet that is guided within the valve insert. The tappet has a locking element which includes a sealing element which plunges into the main valve seat of the valve body in a sealing manner for carrying out a sealing function, and an associated solenoid valve. According to the invention, the valve insert is configured as a slotted bushing, having a collar integrated onto the second end of the valve insert in order to increase an outer diameter and a shape stability of the valve insert.
US08246002B1
A support gasket for use with a concrete panel mold system comprises an inner stiffener bar and engagement structure, attached to or formed integrally with the stiffening bar. The engagement structure is operable to engage an adjacent material. A pliable gasket material is disposed about the inner stiffening bar and is positively engaged with the engagement structure to secure the gasket material to the stiffening bar.
US08245987B2
A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank. The polymeric body may also includes a threaded portion that is configured to threadably engage a threaded spud in a water heater tank such that the distal end of the sensor portion extends into the water tank of the water heater.
US08245986B2
A support stand includes a support body, a connecting member, a fastening assembly. The support body defines an assembling hole. The connecting member is received in the assembling hole of the support body, and defines an engaging hole. The fastening assembly is positioned on the support body. The fastening assembly includes a follower. The follower has a positioning pole. The follower is movably connected to the support body, so that the positioning pole is capable of engaging/disengaging in the engaging hole of the connecting member.
US08245982B2
A wing, comprising a structure, an outer skin, and a leading edge device comprising a moveable body with a leading and a trailing edge and a support and actuation mechanism for attaching said moveable body to a structure of a wing and guiding a substantially circular motion of said moveable body, around a hinge line, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position. Said leading edge device further comprises at least one guiding device comprising a track and a follower with a roller. The track follows a substantially circular arc substantially centered on the hinge line. The roller is arranged to be guided by the track and hold down said moveable aerodynamic surface so as to substantially restrict lift-off of its trailing edge from the outer skin of the wing.
US08245981B2
A leading edge structure for use in an aerospace vehicle includes a body having a flowpath surface which defines a leading edge adapted to face an air flow during operation, and an opposed inner surface. The body is segmented into a plurality of portions having varying thermal properties and/or mechanical discontinuities, so as to promote stress concentrations in ice attached to the flowpath surface.
US08245973B2
A method for improving the conspicuity of aircraft is described that includes determining onto which exposed portions of an aircraft surface a retro-reflective material is to be placed, and attaching the retro-reflective material to the exposed portions such that an observer of the retro-reflective material is provided with an indication of a size, location, and orientation of the aircraft.
US08245967B2
An actuation system including a plurality of actuators; a plurality of position sensors coupled to the actuators, the plurality of position sensors providing rate feedback signals proportional to an actuator rate; a plurality of force sensors coupled to the actuators, the plurality of force sensors providing delta pressure signals; and a feedback control loop configured to receive the rate feedback signals and delta pressure signals and compute a difference in actual actuator rates and sum the difference with a computed difference in actuator forces to generate actuator positioning commands that equalize the actuator forces on a control surface.
US08245956B2
Electromagnetic fuel injector for gaseous fuels comprising: an injection nozzle controlled by an injection valve; a movable shutter to regulate the flow of fuel through the injection valve; an electromagnetic actuator, which is suitable to move the shutter between a closed position and an open position of the injection valve and comprises a fixed magnetic pole, a coil suitable to induce a magnetic flux in the magnetic pole, and a movable anchor suitable to be magnetically attracted by the magnetic pole; an absorption element, which is made of an amagnetic elastic material and is arranged between the magnetic pole and the anchor; and a protective element, which is made of a magnetic metal material having high surface hardness and is interposed between the absorption element and the anchor.
US08245955B2
The occurrence of leaks can be reduced by a fuel injection device (10) for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel injection device (10) has an injection valve element (14) with a first section (26) on which a guide bearing element (20) is arranged, with provision being made for a first pressure chamber (22) in an area around the guide bearing element (20).
US08245943B2
An integrated circuit, a non-contact IC card, a reader/writer, a wireless communications method, and a computer program are provided to improve communication. The integrated circuit configured to execute wireless communication by means of magnetic field. The integrated circuit has a resonance circuit having resonance frequencies of a plurality of levels, a confirmation block configured to confirm whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a switching block configured to change the resonance frequencies if the predetermined condition is found satisfied as a result of the confirmation.
US08245940B2
To provide a card-like magnetic recording medium and a transferable laminate which can make a hologram distinctly recognizable and can prevent the occurrence of an ESD fault.In the card-like magnetic recording medium, on the magnetic recording layer 12 formed on the base material for a card 20, the transparent non-conductive deposited layer 14 and the transparent optical diffraction layer 15 are laminated in this order; between the magnetic recording layer 12 and the transparent non-conductive deposited layer 14, a reflective ink layer 13 which includes, at least, binder resin and metal flake, is formed; and a mass ratio of this binder resin/metal flake is set from 3 to 10.
US08245939B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for investing funds from pre-paid payment accounts. Funds from accounts within a payment system are invested on behalf of account holders of the accounts. Funds are invested in accordance with a risk strategy defined for the payment system (e.g. defining investment amounts and financial assets for investment). Payments and/or gains from invested funds are disbursed to the accounts of the account holders. Payments and/or gains are disbursed in accordance with disbursement rules for the payment system (e.g., based on percentages).
US08245938B2
A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resource locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information.
US08245934B1
A system and method is disclosed for automatically providing information to a newly-manufactured computing device. During the manufacture of a new computing device at an assembly line, a camera integrated with the computing device is automatically activated as a barcode scanner. On the camera viewing a barcode that includes device-specific configuration information, the barcode is read by the computing device to read the device-specific configuration information for storage in a non-volatile memory of the device.
US08245929B2
There is provided an information processing device comprising: a light emitting unit to supply light to a power generating means mounted on an IC card with a display function and generating a power by photoelectric conversion; a communication unit to transmit and receive data to and from the IC card; and a control unit to stop supply of light by the light emitting unit during communication with the IC card by the communication unit and stop communication by the communication unit during supply of light by the light emitting unit.
US08245906B2
A dose counter for use with a medicament dispenser which comprises a ratchet; a first count wheel arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation, the first count wheel including one or more ratchet drive receipt elements arranged thereon for receipt of drive from the ratchet to rotate the first count wheel about the first axis of rotation; a second count wheel arranged to rotate about the first axis of rotation, the second count wheel including a set of teeth arranged annularly thereon; and a kick wheel arranged to rotate about a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation, the kick wheel including a set of kick teeth arranged annularly thereon and in meshed relationship with the teeth of the second count wheel such that rotary motion of the kick wheel results in rotary motion of the second count wheel is described.
US08245898B2
A medical device includes a control handle, an end effector, and a passive articulating joint connecting the end effector to the handle. The handle has a stapling actuator, an articulation joint actuator different from the stapling actuator, and a body through which the stapling and articulation joint actuators traverse. The end effector has an anvil, a stapler cartridge with staples, and an anvil-cartridge control device connected thereto and to the stapling actuator and staples when the stapling actuator is actuated. The stapling actuator passes through the articulating joint and flexes correspondingly to articulation of the articulating joint. The articulation joint actuator, when unactuated, holds the articulation joint and, thereby, the end effector, in a substantially fixed articulation position, and, when actuated, releases the articulation joint into its freely articulating state to permit free articulation of the end effector dependent upon external forces acting upon the end effector.
US08245897B2
A stapling apparatus for performing anastomosis on hollow organs. The apparatus consists of two combinable tools which are L-shaped, one tool for retaining staple retaining clips, and the other tool for retaining staples. The L-shaped tools are each provided with an elongated handle and a C-shaped jaw positioned at a distal bottom end of the handle in a plane substantially transverse to the handles of the tools. When the two tools are combined, the C-shaped jaw retaining a series of staple retaining clips is positioned below the C-shaped jaw retaining the arranged series of staples with the respective staples in registration with respective underlying clips for stapling. The C-shaped jaws provide gaps which permit ingress and egress of hollow organ ends to be stapled. A staple firing mechanism is operated from the proximal top end of one of the handles of the stapling apparatus whereby downward pressures is applied uniformly and simultaneously against the top of all staples to force them from their retaining sockets, through the hollow organ ends, and into stapling engagement with the respective underlying staple retaining clips.
US08245895B2
A retaining and cutting device for positioning a leading edge of material at one end of a roll and for puncturing and severing the material a pre-determined distance from the leading edge after removing from the roll, the retaining device comprising elongated jaw members pivotally connected together, a closure member normally urging the jaw members together, and a cutter along one edge of at least one of the jaw members. Extensions of the jaw members are manually grasped to urge the jaw members into an open position for insertion of the next leading edge of material therebetween. The device may also be utilized as a cutting tool for opening sealed boxes and the like.
US08245879B2
A touch-free dispenser includes a dispenser controller coupled to a memory unit, which includes a database of previously-stored vein patterns. A vein-pattern sensor maintained by the dispenser images the unique vein pattern of a user's hand without contact. The imaged vein pattern is subsequently compared with stored vein patterns, such that if there is a match, the dispenser proceeds to dispense material, such as soap, from a refill container. Alternatively, if there is no match between the imaged vein pattern and the stored vein patterns, the dispenser enters a learn mode to allow the imaged vein pattern to be added to the database. Data associated with the use of the dispenser is also collected during its operation, which is stored and associated with the imaged vein patterns for subsequent analysis.
US08245868B2
Lock mechanisms are provide between a first case part and a second case part, which are openable and closable. Projections are formed on an outer side surface of the first case part. Each projection has a stopper hole that extends along a circumferential direction of the outer side surfaces of the case parts. U-shaped deformable pieces are formed with the outer side surface of the second case part and each deformable piece can be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the outer side surface of the second case part. A hook portion is formed with a distal portion of each deformable piece. Guide portions are formed at an edge of an entrance of the stopper hole and guide the hook portion toward the stopper hole. Holding portions are formed at an edge of an exit of the stopper hole and hold claw portions of the hook portion.
US08245865B2
A container includes a bottom and a plurality of walls that form a storage cavity. A primary lid is disposed over the storage cavity. The primary lid includes a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed. A dispenser lid is pivotally attached to the primary lid. The dispenser lid has a closed position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted downwards relative to the primary lid to cover the dispenser portion and an open position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted upwards relative to the primary lid to expose the dispenser portion. A dispenser lid biasing means includes a biasing pin having a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion, a first biasing pin anchor disposed on the dispenser lid, the first end portion of the biasing pin being held by the first biasing pin anchor, and a second biasing pin anchor disposed on one of the primary lid and the dispenser lid, the second end portion of the biasing pin being held by the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards the open position.
US08245864B2
A diaper pail includes a pail, an upper enclosure having a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface, and a drum assembly mounted within the upper enclosure for transferring a soiled diaper into a disposal bag while minimizing the release of odor from previously disposed diapers already within the disposal bag. The outer surface of the upper enclosure and drum cooperate to form a smooth continuous outer surface which is easily cleaned. The drum assembly includes a flexible plastic seal received around an opening in the lower portion of the drum housing. A deck portion of the seal engages an outer surface of the drum, with the free edge of the flexible seal being movable relative to fixed edge to conform to irregularities in the outer surface of the drum. An actuator handle actuates movement of the drum.
US08245861B2
A container box includes an outer box for receiving an inner box therein. Ribs are formed on an inner surface of the outer box, and extend in a fitting direction, and are gradually changing in height so that molds can be easily removed after the molding. The ribs includes the normally-inclined ribs gradually increasing in height in the fitting direction of the inner box, and the reversely-inclined ribs gradually decreasing in height in the fitting direction of the inner box.
US08245851B2
One embodiment is a filter assembly wherein the shape of the filter is a non-circular geometry. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods to remove contaminates from a flow of fuel while at the same time providing a unique filter and filter assembly geometry. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.
US08245849B2
A display package is provided that informs the customer of the product contained therein as well as providing a functional and useful storage unit for artificial nails when not in use. The display package includes a cylindrical portion and a main body, including a cavity within the main body of the display package. A first portion and a second portion of the display package divide the main body and the cylindrical portion and are joined together to form the display package. The display package is preferably in the shape of a bottle of nail polish and contains one or more trays having indentations for holding items such as artificial nails.
US08245845B1
A disposable surgical instrument apparatus that has a generally rectangular shaped holder body with one or more elongated cylinders for retaining a plurality of surgical instruments, such as a suction device, a cautery and other instruments when not in use during surgery. One of the cylinders has a sealed chamber with a passageway that progressively decreases in diameter to accommodate a plurality of different size suction nozzle of the suction device within the chamber. One or more slotted channels are respectively associated with the cylinders for retaining hoses and electrical wires of the surgical instruments. The apparatus has a cleaning spike for de-clogging the suction nozzle of the suction device. The apparatus further has an abrasive pad for scraping char off the tip of the cautery.
US08245844B2
A package for displaying a plurality of items where the package has first and second containers connectable between an open position and a closed position, each container having an outer surface having at least one elongated protrusion, the at least one protrusion having a head end and a tail end, the head end extending further outwardly from the package than the tail end, and an inner surface having at least one inner cavity aligned with the at least one protrusion, the cavity having a depth varying along the protrusion and configured to receive one of the plurality of items, wherein the head end of the at least one protrusion of the first container is proximate the tail end of the at least one protrusion of the second container in the closed position.
US08245841B2
The invention relates to a smoking article packet with an inner packet part for accommodating the smoking articles and an outer packet part for accommodating the inner packet part. The outer packet part has one substantially open face through which the inner packet part can be pushed out of the packet part with a slide aperture in the outer packet part. It also relates to a smoking article packet in which the inner packet part has a lid attached to it, or articulated, and a lid opening tab is provided in the region of the articulation line. The lid opening tab has a cut-out in which a co-operating piece on the outer packet part is able to engage, causing the lid to open as the inner packet part is being pushed out of the outer packet part.
US08245830B2
Provided is a bill processing apparatus capable of preventing a bill contained in a bill housing part from being drawn out. The bill processing apparatus comprises: an insertion slot (5), into which the bill is inserted; a bill housing part (100) capable of housing the bill inserted from the insertion slot (5); an opening (110A), through which the bill housing part (100) receives the bill; and a pressure plate (115) capable of passing through the opening (110A) to house the bill in the bill housing part (100). The bill processing apparatus further comprises a sensor to detect the bill inserted into the insertion slot (5), so that the pressure plate (115) is moved to regulate the passage of the bill from the opening (110A) till the insertion of the bill is detected by the sensor.
US08245828B2
A device for rotationally fixing a shaft to a component that is rotatably arranged on the shaft. The actuating element positively engages the components to rotationally fix the components to the shaft. The difference in rotational speeds, between the component and the shaft, can be at least approximately compensated for by the actuating element. The actuating element, for rotationally fixing the component to the shaft by the actuator, is operatively connected to at least one support body, which is rotationally fixed with respect to the shaft in such a manner that the actuating element can act upon the component with an actuating force that depends on the torque to be transmitted from the shaft to the component and which is independent of the actuation of the actuator in the state in which the actuating element can be rotated relative to the shaft.
US08245819B2
An evacuation support apparatus for an elevator causes an elevator to perform an evacuation operation for conveying people stranded in a building including a plurality of floors to an evacuation floor in an emergency. Further, the evacuation support apparatus for an elevator includes rescue floor setting means for setting the floor determined based on a predetermined condition as a rescue floor, the floor being selected from the plurality of floors, and response floor setting means for registering a call only for the floor on which a call input device for specific persons is operated in a case of the evacuation operation as the call for an evacuation response floor, the call input device for specific persons and a call input device for general persons being provided on each of the plurality of floors. The elevator includes a common car which moves in a reciprocating manner between the rescue floor and the evacuation floor in the case of the evacuation operation. The common car is capable of responding to the registered call for the evacuation response floor in the case of the evacuation operation.
US08245812B2
A device for controlling torsional stiffness of a power steering system, may include a variable torsion bar, an input shaft that is connected with a steering wheel, a pinion shaft equipped with a pinion gear engaged with a rack bar of a steering gear box, wherein the input shaft and the pinion shaft are combined each other to form a guide hole and slidably receive the variable torsion bar therein, and an actuating apparatus that moves the variable torsion bar toward the input shaft or the pinion shaft along a longitudinal axis of the input shaft and the pinion shaft according to a hydraulic pressure so as to change a size of a cross-section of the device.
US08245811B2
A steering system for a vehicle comprising a steering control to effect mechanical steering of the vehicle, the steering control being mechanically connected via a mechanical steering train, to at least one steerable ground engaging wheel. A power assistor apparatus is present for power assisting the mechanical steering of the vehicle when the operator operates the steering control. The system includes a hydraulic steering actuator which is operable by an electronically controlled hydraulic steering control valve to effect hydraulic power steering of the vehicle independently of the operation of the steering control. The electronically controlled hydraulic steering control valve is operable in response to signals from an electronic controller, the hydraulic steering actuator being supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from a supply valve arrangement. A sensor device detects when the steering control is operated and provides input to the electronic controller, the controller disabling the hydraulic power steering in response.
US08245800B2
The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support forward and rearward idler wheels and a plurality of centrally located, inner bogey wheels, and an outrigger beam that supports a plurality of centrally located, outer bogey wheels. One of the idler wheels is movably connected to the main frame and is movable by an actuator. The carriage is removably connected to a spindle of a vehicle by an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a first or lower section and a second or upper section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, and which are connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element. A flexible endless track is entrained about the idler wheels, the bogey wheels and the sprocket.
US08245799B2
An apparatus for locomotion includes an elongate body member defining a longitudinal axis and having oppositely disposed first and second body ends separated by a body lumen. A power source is operative to selectively provide motive power to the apparatus by changing a lateral cross-sectional area of the body member in at least one actuation location to produce at least one peristaltic wave propagated through the body member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The peristaltic wave is a substantially smooth wave. The peristaltic wave causes the body member to interact with an ambient environment and provide longitudinally oriented locomotion to the apparatus. A method for locomotion is also described.
US08245797B2
An earth-boring tool includes a bit body having a face on which two different types of cutters are disposed, the first type being cutting elements suitable for drilling at least one subterranean formation and the second type suitable for drilling through at least one elastomeric component of a casing string, as well as a casing shoe and cement. Methods of drilling with an earth-boring tool include engaging and drilling an elastomeric component using at least one abrasive cutting structure.
US08245796B2
A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward sequence valves may be provided for controlling the propulsion control valve by detecting when the gripper assemblies become fully actuated. Furthermore, a pressure relief valve is preferably provided along an input supply line for limiting the pressure of the fluid entering the valve control assembly.
US08245783B2
The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.
US08245779B2
A centralizer for an instrument such as an in-place inclinometer is described. The centralizer has a clamp with an inner receptacle configured for coupling to the instrument housing, and a plurality of elongate fingers extending from the clamp that center the instrument in the casing. The fingers carry rollers that fit into grooves in the instrument casing. The fingers are arcuate and provide a spring-like contact force that causes the rollers to abut the instrument casing and stabilize the instrument.
US08245778B2
Flow control systems and methods for use in injection wells and in the production of hydrocarbons utilize a particulate material disposed in an external flow area of a flow control chamber having an internal flow channel and an external flow area separated at least by a permeable region. The particulate material transitions from a first accumulated condition to a free or released condition when a triggering condition is satisfied without requiring user or operator intervention. The released particles accumulate without user or operator intervention, to control the flow of production fluids through a flow control chamber by at least substantially blocking the permeable region between the external flow area and the internal flow channel.
US08245775B2
A subpart of a drill string is described having an outer circumferential surface which is contoured and adapted to engage the wall of the borehole with a small angle of attack while exerting during rotary drilling operations an compacting pressure on mud cake and/or cuttings present in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole.
US08245774B2
The present invention discloses a whipstock assembly for use in forming a lateral borehole from a parent wellbore. The whipstock assembly comprises a body and a deflection member above the body. The deflection member includes a concave portion for deflecting a milling bit during a milling operation. Disposed on a perforation plate portion of the concave portion is a raised surface feature. The raised surface supports a milling bit above the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. This, in turn, substantially prevents frictional contact between the milling bits and the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. The present invention also provides a novel method for manufacturing a whipstock in which a cavity portion is formed behind the perforation plate by milling out the backside of the deflection member and then joining a second back cover member to the whipstock body to complete the assembly.
US08245770B2
By using reactive shaped charges to perforate failure prone formations, the present invention is able to keep formation sand in place and increase productivity. An efficient flow distribution is surprisingly produced without requiring surge flow or post-perforation stimulation. Further, using the secondary reactive effects of reactive shaped charges allows for the reduction of the risk of erosion and minimization of sand production. In a preferred embodiment, a liner capable of producing a strongly exothermic intermetallic reaction between liner components within and around the tunnel is used to achieve a high percentage of substantially clean and enlarged perforation tunnels conducive to flow or gravel packing.
US08245769B2
A refrigerator-oven combination for an aircraft galley food service system includes a housing with a thermally insulated compartment, a heating device for heating the compartment in a heating mode, and a refrigeration device for cooling the compartment in a refrigeration mode.
US08245746B2
A tire inflation system includes a hose that connects to a tire via a valve stem. A control valve is in fluid communication with the hose and senses when pressure falls below a predetermined minimum value. When this occurs, the control valve automatically opens to re-supply air to the tire until the predetermined minimum value is achieved. A pressure relieve valve is also in fluid communication with the hose. If, for example, ambient temperatures increase, causing tire pressure to increase, then the pressure relief valve automatically vents excessive pressure to atmosphere. The pressure relief valve is set at a predetermined maximum pressure level that is generally at least 5 psi more than the predetermined minimum value.
US08245742B2
A method and a system for glulams fabrication, comprising obtaining wood pieces of a target length from raw materials; and assembling them into structural timbers of a target thickness in a continuous line, whereby moisture content, end joints, mixing and applying of adhesives, glue line pressure and clamping time are continuously controlled.
US08245739B1
A beverage dispensing system comprising a dispensing port for dispensing a beverage, a drip tray located below the dispensing port for collecting the beverage dispensed and an antenna located between the dispensing port and the drip tray is provided. The beverage dispensing system is RFID-enabled by configuring the antenna to receive signals from radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
US08245736B2
A powder packaging includes space for containing powder, an outlet opening for the powder, and a dosing device positioned on the outlet opening, the powder dosing device including a dosing body having a first closing part, a second closing part and a dosing chamber between the closing parts. The dosing body is movable between a filling position in which the dosing chamber is accessible for powder in the powder containing space and the second closing part closes off the outlet opening, and a dosing position in which the first closing part closes off the outlet opening and the dosing chamber allows powder to leave the dosing chamber and thus to exit the powder containing space.
US08245725B2
A pressure relief device usable in a high-pressure fluid circuit for limiting the pressure in the case of a failure of a circuit component is provided, the device includes a body with a pusher sliding therein and axially movable by a spring. A ball seals an orifice connecting a chamber receiving a high-pressure fluid and another chamber. The other chamber includes at least one fluid discharge opening and the ball being held by the spring in a position closing the orifice below a predetermined pressure. The pusher devoid of axial through channels for the fluid, slides in the body and closes at least partially each discharge opening. At least one of discharge openings is connected to an opening also embodied in the body and open at least partially to the opposite side of the pusher.
US08245724B2
The present invention relates to a Pneumatic System that can be employed within the residential environment. The system includes both a section mode and a pressure mode. Both of these modes, in turn, have both a low and a high pressure range. A variety of applications are disclosed for use in conjunction with the various modes of the system. These various applications are described in greater detail hereinafter.
US08245710B2
An apparatus (1) for use humidified gases delivery treatment comprising a housing, a humidifier, and a chamber heating base connected to said housing, said housing includes a pressurized gases supply, a humidifier engagement (17), a pressurized gases outlet (4), a humidified gases return (7), and a patient outlet (9), said humidifier includes a humidification chamber (2) having a base, a humidifier inlet (5), a humidifier outlet (6) and said chamber is engagable with said humidifier engagement (17) via a single motion, and said single motion of engagement urges the base of said humidification chamber adjacent and in contact with said chamber heating base and makes a first fluid connection between said pressurized gases outlet (4) and said humidifier inlet (5), and makes a second fluid connection between said humidified gases return (7) and said humidifier outlet (6), with said first and second fluid connections being made in the direction of said single motion.
US08245709B2
A respiration humidifier with a base unit (2), at least one sensor (3), which is connected to the base unit (2), and a mixing chamber (4), which is designed as a mixing chamber detachable from the base unit (2), with a gas-carrying area (5), wherein the mixing chamber (4) has at least one opening (6), through which the at least one sensor (3) is in connection with the gas-carrying area (5).
US08245708B2
The present invention provides an improved method and novel devices for treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the intubated patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The devices eliminate the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit. The treatment also concentrates the therapeutic agent specifically at affected sites in the lung such that therapeutic levels of administrated drug are achieved without significant systemic exposure of the patient to the drug. The invention further provides a dose control device to govern this specialized regimen.
US08245701B2
A method for charging an intake manifold of an engine comprises adjusting an LP EGR flow rate and an uncooled HP EGR flow rate within first limits to maintain a target dilution level in the intake manifold at steady state. The method further comprises adjusting the LP EGR and uncooled HP EGR rates within second limits, different from the first, to maintain the target dilution level in the intake manifold during transient conditions.
US08245694B2
The invention relates to a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine having a high pressure pump, a high pressure reservoir, a plurality of fuel injectors, a hydraulic pressure booster, and a control valve for actuating the hydraulic pressure booster. The hydraulic pressure booster is provided centrally for all of the fuel injectors. The central hydraulic pressure booster is disposed between the high pressure pump and the high pressure reservoir.
US08245686B2
This invention discloses a non-crankshaft engine which includes the body, the cylinder head on top of the body, and the cylinder inside it. A piston intersecting with one end of a connecting rod is set in the cylinder. In the middle of the chassis where the engine body is set on, there is the basic shaft which intersects with one or more crossbars perpendicularly in way of either fixed joint or swing joint. On the crossbar is installed symmetrically on either side of the axis of the basic shaft a fixing set. It connects with the other end of the connecting rod through a swing joint. Every fixing set is joined by one or two connecting rods linked with the piston. The above structure of basic shaft, crossbar and connecting rod will result in strong explosion pressure that can produce great moment of force, and thus give the utmost work. Therefore, this invention has the advantages of high working efficiency, low energy-consumption, and is expected to produce minimum environmental pollution.
US08245673B2
An engine comprising: a shaft (6) having a first multilobate cam (5a) axially fixed to said shaft (6) and an adjacent second multilobate cam (5b) differentially geared to said first multilobate and a pair of diametrically opposed pistons (1a, 1b) which pistons of a pair of pistons are rigidly interconnected by a connecting plate (4) and wherein, reciprocating motion of said pistons imparts rotary motion to said shaft via contact between said pistons and the camming surfaces of said multilobate cams.
US08245671B2
The present description relates to operation and control of a fuel reformer. In one embodiment, an engine constituent is adjusted in response to limiting an amount of reformate supplied to the engine during a condition of reformer degradation. The approach can improve engine operation. In this way, consequences of reformate system degradation may be reduced by limiting use of the reformate system after degradation is detected.
US08245662B2
A method and a configuration provide dynamic control of a liquid supply for a moisturizing storage device for sealing glued edges of a envelope flap of letter envelopes. Once a measured value has been measured for a sealing liquid which is stored in the tank of a moisturizing apparatus, the type of sealing liquid that is used is qualitatively analyzed on the basis of the measured value and of at least one material parameter as a comparison value. The amount of liquid stored in the moisturizing storage device is then measured by at least one further measurement to allow dynamic control of the liquid supply to the moisturizing storage device as a function of the material parameter and of at least one measured value, which is related to the liquid consumption, in the result of the at least one measurement of the amount of liquid stored in the moisturizing storage device.
US08245657B2
A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear portion has a raised portion protruding therefrom. The raised portion of the rear portion forms at least in part the storage compartment. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in a raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in a lowered position. A highest point of the rear platform is disposed lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position.
US08245651B1
A suspended storage shelf includes a platform supported by a support frame having at least one platform support element and at least two suspension posts, optionally adjustable in length, attached a platform support element. A fastener secures the support frame to a structure. Optionally, the suspension posts are attachable over a continuous or discrete range of locations on the platform support element. In an embodiment with two or more panels, the panels form a continuous surface by, for example, being positioned adjacent one another along the platform support element, being secured to one another such as with a coupling, and/or being secured to the platform support element. Optionally, the panels are positioned along the platform support element and the length of the platform support element is such that the suspension posts clamp the panels in adjacency.
US08245650B1
A portable, compact computer and projector stand is provided that is adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a cellular phone storage adapter and a cup holding adapter. The cell phone storage adapter is formed of a separable housing forming a containment cavity therein. An attachment pin is mounted cantilevered from the outer periphery of the housing to provide for attachment through impingement with a first receiving hole in the table top. A closed cell foam insert fitted within the containment cavity is adapted to graspingly receive, and consequently securely hold, a cellular telephone, portable digital assistant (PDA) or similar handheld electronic device. The cup holding adapter for use in conjunction with the stand incorporates a coaster support platform having an attachment pin mounted cantilevered from the outer periphery of the platform to provide for attachment through impingement with a second receiving hole in the table top. An upper containment ring can further be adapted to attachably affix to and above the coaster support platform, thereby forming a secure beverage container holder.
US08245647B2
A path switching facility for crossed paths comprises: at least one article transport vehicle configured to travel along a first path and a second path that crosses the first path; a guide rail for guiding a guided roller of the article transport vehicle; a travel rail for guiding and supporting travel wheels of the article transport vehicle; a rotatable guide rail and a rotatable travel rail both located in a crossing area; a push operating portion provided to the article transport vehicle to push one of the rotatable guide rail and the rotatable travel rail; and, an operatively connecting device for coupling a rotation of the rotatable guide rail with a rotation of the rotatable travel rail.
US08245640B1
Molten droplets of a metal fuel, such as aluminum, are dispersed into air or water for a reaction releasing energy for military or other purposes. In one warhead embodiment, a cylinder of solid metal is disposed within a ceramic heat insulator; heaters of thermite-like material are embedded in the metal; and an explosive dispersing charge is disposed around or at one end of the cylinder. On activation, the heaters are ignited to melt the metal, and the charge then detonated to disperse droplets of the molten metal. In a related embodiment, the metal and heaters are within a containment having an atomizing nozzle at one end and, oppositely of the metal from the nozzle, a piston and gas generator. When the metal is melted, the gas generator is activated to expel molten metal droplets from the nozzle. The fuel may be pressed particles heated below the melting point and then dispersed by a charge providing enough heat to melt the particles; may be a single component, fuel-rich thermite compound; and may include droplet surface tension reducing additives. Advantages are that the weight and volume of a warhead do not include explosives, binders, and underwater-use oxidizers employed with fuel particles in conventional energetic materials. A warhead may thus have greater density for effective penetration; and, since the fuel is not incorporated in an explosive, dispersing charges can be removed until use, and metal fuels hazardous when incorporated in an explosive can be used.
