US08279101B1
High conversion rates are achieved in an analog to digital converter by tailoring the substrate type to specific operational elements of the converter. Embodiments place sample and hold processing circuitry on a substrate type having properties that allow for faster processing at high sampling/clock frequencies. Other operational elements of the converter are constructed on at least one other substrate type in keeping with the remainder of the circuitry for which the converter is being implemented. The sample and hold substrate may be implemented on any material which is capable of faster processing, such as silicon germanium, gallium arsenide, silicon bipolar, BiCMOS, and the like. Other portions may be implemented on a more CMOS substrate. Such systems and methods are able to implement analog-to digital conversion for broadband signals at high speeds without the need for extensive timing compensation, while also avoiding problems due to noise from further digital processing circuitry.
US08279097B2
A method of operating an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes providing the ADC including a plurality of stages, each including an operational amplifier, and a first capacitor and a second capacitor including a first input end and a second input end, respectively. Each of the first capacitor and the second capacitor includes an additional end connected to a same input of the operational amplifier. The method further includes performing a plurality of signal conversions. Each of the signal conversions includes, in an amplifying phase of one of the plurality of stages, applying a first voltage to the first input end of the one of the plurality of stages, randomly selecting a second voltage from two different voltages; and applying the second voltage to the second input end of the one of the plurality of stages.
US08279093B2
An apparatus for detecting bus connection is provided for determining whether an electrical connector of a peripheral device is connected to an electrical connection port. In the apparatus, a detection capacitor is electrically coupled to a detection pin in the electrical connection port, and a controller is provided to transmit a detection signal to the detection pin. According to the signal fed back by the detection capacitor, the occurrences of the charge and discharge phenomena in the detection capacitor are determined, and then the controller is able to determine whether the detection pin of the electrical connector is electrically coupled to the electrical connector, so as to initiate a system event. The detection pin is not electrically charged when the detection pin is not electrically coupled to the electrical connector, so as to prevent the detection pin from being electrolyzed in the water or in a humid circumstance.
US08279088B2
The present invention relates to a parking management system. The parking management system includes an entrance camera (100) installed at an entrance of a parking lot to photograph a vehicle that enters the parking lot. An exit camera (200) photographs a vehicle that departs from the parking lot. A plurality of region cameras (300) is installed in respective parking regions to photograph a vehicle. A management server (400) includes a vehicle license number recognition unit (450) for recognizing a vehicle license number, a registration unit (460) for registering a last photographed parking region on a parking ticket, a control unit (440) for calculating a number of available parking spaces for each parking region, and determining a total number of available parking spaces, and a guidance unit (470) for guiding an entering vehicle to an available parking region. A display unit (350) displays the number of available parking spaces.
US08279084B2
A method for providing an expected arrival time of bus stops or major bus stops to bus passengers is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) collecting traffic information including a on-board device ID, a roadside base station ID and a pass time from the roadside base station; b) computing an average traffic speed of each section based on the collected traffic information and computing time required for arriving to each bus stop from a roadside base station based on the computed average traffic speed of each section; and c) at the bus information server, transmitting the computed time required for arriving to each bus stop from the roadside base station in order to expected arrival time of each bus station and time required for arriving at each bus stop through a display device to passengers of a bus by using the roadside base station and on-board device.
US08279075B2
A secure insert comprises a shell including a lid and a container configured to receive and encase one or more circuit cards, wherein the shell is further configured to be inserted into and engage a card slot area of a chassis. A bridge connector is disposed inside the shell and configured to couple the one or more circuit cards to a chassis connector. A tamper sensor is disposed inside the shell and configured to detect unauthorized tamper events.
US08279072B2
A method for determining a maintenance interval for a consumable part and/or for equipment containing a consumable part obtains a plurality of measurements of temperature of the consumable part, receives each of the measurements at a totalizing unit, correlates each of the measurements to one of a plurality of temperature subranges, accumulates for each of the subranges an amount of time the measurements of temperature were correlated to each of the subranges, determines a total time by aggregating the accumulated time for each subrange with a weighting function, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when the total time equals or passes a runtime setpoint. In supplement to or in alternative to the above, the method also correlates a subrange of two sequential measurements, indexes a breakpoint register if the correlated subranges are different, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when a value of the breakpoint register equals or passes a breakpoint setpoint. A system for collecting, storing, and displaying runtime data of a resistive heating element in a semiconductor processing unit is also disclosed.
US08279069B2
An object locating, identifying, tracking, and surveillance system, denoted the Assets Locating, Tracking, and Surveillance System (ALTSS), is provided for managing physical objects and evidence in environments such as police departments, law offices, and the Courts. ALTSS employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, computer programming and database applications, networking technologies, and hardware elements. ALTSS may locate and track physical evidence, merchandise, information carriers like files, folders or individual pieces of paper, and people, under certain conditions, in near-real time. It may be configured as part of a local area network, a wide area network, or the Internet. ALTSS may employ exemplary components such as RFID transponders, scanners, strategically located antennas and computers to facilitate tracking of objects and people as needed. Any number of users having access privileges and connected to the network may access ALTSS directly or remotely via the Internet to locate and track evidence or objects.
US08279065B2
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that may include memory storage for the RFID tag, the memory storage may include one time programmable (OTP) memory and many time programmable (MTP) memory and the storage of the information may be within the OTP and MTP memory.
US08279056B2
The invention includes: a rotation velocity information detection means for regularly detecting tire rotation velocity information regarding the respective wheels of a vehicle; a frequency characteristic estimation means for estimating a frequency characteristic of the rotation velocity information based on the rotation velocity information obtained from the rotation velocity information detection means; and a determination means for determining a decrease in the air pressure of the tire based on the estimated frequency characteristic. The frequency characteristic estimation means is configured to extract a resonance peak of the rotation velocity information by calculating a gain corresponding to an arbitrary frequency.
US08279054B2
A method and a monitoring unit for monitoring an air pressure in a tire of a motor vehicle register a measured value of the air pressure in the tire. The current and/or future distance of the motor vehicle relative to a service station and/or an operating situation of the motor vehicle associated with a service process is then determined. An alarm signal is only then output if the measured value does not reach a predefinable threshold value and one or both of the conditions applies: the current or future distance of the motor vehicle relative to a service station does not reach a predefinable threshold value, the registered operating situation corresponds to a predefinable operating situation.
US08279049B2
The invention relates to a multimedia device comprising a remote control system for wirelessly controlling a multimedia appliance. In order to establish a connection between a remote control system and a multimedia appliance, the remote control system must identify itself to the multimedia appliance, by means of a hardware device, especially a SIM card. The individual user must also identify him/herself to the multimedia appliance, by means of a hardware device for detecting biometric data. The respective identification data is encoded by means of asymmetrical cryptography. During the initialization process between said two appliances, data encoded for the identification of the remote control system and each person is transmitted to the multimedia appliance and stored therein in an encoded manner. In order to establish a connection after the initialization, the corresponding data is asymmetrically encoded, in turn, from the remote control system to the multimedia appliance using another code, and is decoded in the multimedia appliance. The corresponding data stored in the multimedia appliance is also decoded and compared with the received decoded data.
US08279043B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal device capable of reducing excessive time and labor required in an authentication process. A sub-camera is started on the basis of operation to select “secret mode” by a user (FIG. 9(a)) and brought into a photographable state after completion of an initialization process, which is followed by automatically performing an authentication process (FIG. 9(b)). Therefore, it is possible to prevent troublesome photographing operation by waiting for a time course from the start of the sub-camera to reaching a photographable state, allowing reduction of excessive time and labor required in an authentication process. Moreover, a time lag generated in a period from user confirmation of a photographable state after starting the sub-camera to performing photographing operation can be reduced, where the authentication process can be carried out in a shorter period of time after starting the sub-camera, so that an amount of time required in the authentication process can be shortened.
US08279040B2
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of movable barrier operators includes a controller configured to communicate with a plurality of movable barrier operators. The controller is programmed to receive a command to operate the plurality of movable barrier operators and to send a signal to start operation of a first movable barrier operator of the plurality of movable barrier operators in response to receiving the command. The controller is also programmed to send a signal to start a second movable barrier operator of the plurality of movable barrier operators at a time after sending the signal to start the operation of the first movable barrier operator. An arbitration of confirmation signals from the plurality of movable barrier operators may be used to determine the order of operation of the movable barrier operators.
US08279039B2
A device may receive a signal that includes information about a touch pattern on a surface of the tag, identify the touch pattern based on the received signal, validate tag-specific information in the received signal by comparing the identified touch pattern and information that is stored prior to receiving the signal, and perform an action that is specified by the tag-specific information if the tag-specific information is validated.
US08279020B2
The invention discloses the variable attenuator with characteristics, comprising wide attenuation ranges; syntheses on group delays, and low variation of the group delay. The building blocks, which construct the variable attenuator, comprise internal matching networks, external matching networks, delay networks, protecting networks, biasing network, a power combining network, and variable impedance networks. The elements, which realize the internal matching networks, external matching networks, signal combining networks, comprise resistor, inductor, capacitor, and transmission lines. The elements, which realize the variable impedance networks, comprise n-channel field-effect transistor (FET), p-channel FET, n-type bipolar junction transistor (BJT), and p-type BJT. The elements of the variable attenuator can be either integrated on a semiconductor chip by using system-on-chip (SOC) technologies. The building blocks of the variable attenuator can be realized on different substrates and integrated in a module by using multi-chip module (MCM) technologies.
US08279018B1
In one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting and receiving wireless communications is provided. A balun is coupled to an antenna. The antenna transmits and receives radio frequency signals. The balun includes a first inductor including a first set of ports coupled to the antenna. The balun includes a second inductor with a second set of ports coupled to a power amplifier through a first circuit. The power amplifier transmits a first signal to the antenna. The balun also includes a third inductor with a third set of ports coupled to a low noise amplifier through a second circuit. The low noise amplifier receives a second signal from the antenna. The second set of ports is coupled to the first circuit and the third set of ports is coupled to the second circuit. Also, the first circuit is separate from the second circuit.
US08279013B2
A power amplifier includes an input terminal, an input matching circuit connected to the input terminal, an amplifying transistor having a gate connected to the input matching circuit, an output matching circuit connected to the drain of the amplifying transistor, an output terminal connected to the output matching circuit, and an inverting differentiator circuit for either inverting and then differentiating, or differentiating and then inverting, a signal from the input terminal. The output of the inverting differentiator circuit is connected to the gate.
US08279012B2
A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
US08279006B2
An embodiment of an LNA includes a voltage input, a voltage output, an input transistor connected as a source follower with a current source at the drain and source nodes of the input transistor, an input resistor connected between the source follower source node and signal ground, a gain boosting transistor with the gate connected to the input transistor drain node, wherein the source node is connected to ground and the drain node is connected through a load resistor to the input transistor source node. Such an LNA provides substantial improvement in power efficiency by adapting an output stage of the LNA to reuse the supply current of the input transistors to the LNA through a load resistor.
US08279000B2
A radio-frequency amplifier includes a common gate amplification stage configured to be biased in a saturation condition with a first current and configured to receive an input signal as a gate-source voltage and to generate an output voltage as an amplified replica of the input signal. A feedback transistor is configured to be biased in a saturation condition with a second current and coupled to the common gate amplification stage so as to have a gate-drain voltage corresponding to a difference between the output voltage and the input signal.
US08278997B1
Systems and methods for reliable and efficient hot swap control are disclosed herein. The system includes a feedback circuit that senses a load voltage and enables a gate driver, in response to a difference between input and output voltages falling below a predefined threshold value. Once enabled, the gate driver instantaneously, or almost instantaneously, turns on a set of paralleled metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) in a hot swap control circuit and/or enables a load. Since the MOSFETs are switched instantaneously, or almost instantaneously, they do not operate in a linear mode and thus reliable sharing of load current is achieved. In addition, on detecting an overcurrent condition, the gate driver is disabled, which in turn switches off the MOSFETs. Accordingly, both inrush current limiting and overcurrent protection can be provided.
US08278996B2
A reference current generating circuit includes an operational amplifier having one input terminal to receive a reference voltage and a field effect transistor having a gate to receive an output voltage of the operational amplifier. k resistors (k is an integer not less than 2) are connected in series to a drain of the field effect transistor, and a voltage at one of connection points of the resistors is feed backed to the other input terminal of the operational amplifier. A switch selects one of the connection points of the resistors and applies the voltage of the selected connection point as a reference voltage to a gate of a reference transistor to generate a reference current.
US08278993B2
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a clock path with a combination of current-mode logic (CML) based and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) components.
US08278983B2
A phase locked loop (PLL) circuit including a phase comparator for comparing a phase of a reference signal with a phase of a feedback signal, an oscillator for outputting an output signal at a frequency in accordance with an output of the phase comparator, a feedback loop for returning the output signal of the oscillator and supplying the output signal as the feedback signal, and a delay circuit for delaying the phase of the output signal output from the oscillator to a load circuit, wherein the delay circuit is provided outside the feedback loop.
US08278977B2
A target circuit of an electronic device is placed in a suspended mode by disconnecting the target circuit from one or more voltage sources. A refresh controller periodically initiates a refresh operation during the suspended mode by temporarily reconnecting the target circuit to the one or more voltage sources for a duration sufficient to recharge capacitances of the target circuit. The refresh controller terminates the refresh operation by disconnecting the target circuit from the one or more voltage sources, thereby continuing the suspended mode of the electronic device. The refresh controller can employ a Very Low Frequency Oscillator (VLFO) to time the frequency of refresh operations. The VLFO manages the refresh initialization timing based on the voltage across a capacitor that is selectively charged or discharged so as to implement the refresh operation. The refresh controller further can employ a counter to time the duration of the refresh operation.
US08278975B2
A sinusoidal waveform generation circuit is configured to continuously control a voltage applied to a gate of a MOSFET to change an output current in the form of a sinusoidal wave by utilizing, as an electric characteristic specific to the MOSFET, a characteristic between a voltage applied to a gate of a MOSFET and an output current. The waveform of the sinusoidal wave generated by the sinusoidal waveform generation circuit is not a combination of a plurality of linear lines but is continuous and smooth. As a result, noises generated by the sinusoidal waveform generation circuit can be reduced.
US08278969B2
Methods and apparatus provide for voltage level shifting with concurrent synchronization. The apparatus includes level shifting logic that in response to a non-level shifted clock signal from a first voltage domain, provides level shifted concurrently synchronous differential data signals in a second voltage domain based on pre-level shifted differential data signals from the first voltage domain. The first voltage domain may be, for example, a core logic voltage domain in which core logic operates. The second voltage domain may be, for example, an input/output (I/O) voltage domain in which an I/O buffer operates. The voltage level of the level shifted concurrently synchronous differential data signals is shifted from the pre-level shifted differential data signals, and the timing of the level shifted concurrently synchronous differential data signals is concurrently referenced to the non-level shifted clock signal.
US08278968B2
Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.
US08278963B2
A circuit and method are provided for detecting a power of a signal amplified in a power amplifier. A diode and a voltage bias source are used to shift a voltage of the signal taken at a base of an amplifying transistor of the power amplifier, to generate a positive signal. The positive signal is provided to a base input of an emitter follower exhibiting high input impedance to generate a power detector output which follows the positive signal.
US08278961B2
Provided is a test apparatus for testing a device under test, including: a level comparing section that receives a signal under test output from the device under test and outputs a logical value, the logical value indicating a comparison result obtained by comparing a signal level of the signal under test with preset first threshold and second threshold; an acquiring section that acquires the logical value output from the level comparing section, according to a strobe signal supplied thereto; an expected value comparing circuit that determines whether the logical value acquired by the acquiring section corresponds to a preset expected value; and a threshold control section that sets an upper limit and a lower limit of a voltage of the eye mask to the level comparing section as the first threshold and the second threshold, when an eye mask test is performed for determining whether an eye opening of the signal under test is larger than a predefined eye mask.
US08278959B2
A method and system for measuring laser induced phenomena changes of at least one of a resistance, a capacitance and an inductance in a semiconductor device. The method comprises applying a biasing voltage from an emitter-follower circuit to a device under test (DUT); inducing said changes in the DUT; and measuring a voltage change in a collector portion of the emitter-follower circuit as a measure for said changes.
US08278946B2
An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a finger on a fingerprint sensor is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including transmitting a probing signal, comprising a series of probing pulses, to a fingerprint sensing area. A response signal, comprising a series of response pulses, is received from the fingerprint sensing area in response to the probing signal. An upper reference signal is generated and finger activity is detected on the fingerprint sensing area by monitoring whether the peaks of the response pulses exceed the reference signal.
US08278944B1
A vector network analyzer (VNA) in accordance with the present invention for measuring a frequency response of a device under test (DUT) includes a signal source, a port, a signal path connecting the port and the signal source, and a reflectometer receiver that when activated taps onto the signal path within a primary frequency range. The port is adapted to be electrically connected with the DUT while disconnected from a frequency-extension module or electrically connected to the DUT with the frequency-extension module serially connected between the port and the DUT. When the port is electrically connected with the DUT and electrically disconnected from the frequency-extension module, the reflectometer receiver is active so that the frequency response of the DUT is measureable within the primary frequency range using the reflectometer receiver and the signal source. When the port is electrically connected with the DUT in series with the frequency-extension module, the reflectometer receiver is deactivated so that the frequency response of the DUT is measureable within a extension frequency range wider than and substantially overlapping the primary frequency range using the frequency-extension module and the signal source.
US08278943B2
A self-checking analyzer system is provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The analyzer system includes a pipeline for receiving a multi-phase fluid flow and a first measuring device configured to provide a first frequency response corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system also includes a second measuring device differing in frequency response from the first measuring device and configured to provide a second frequency response corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system is configured to validate the first frequency response using the second frequency response.
US08278938B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring an electrical flat wire. An appropriate safety device is utilized to monitor the electrical flat wire. The safety device includes a line side input configured to connect a line side power source and receive an electrical power signal from the line side power source. Additionally, the safety device includes a flat wire connection configured to connect to an electrical flat wire. The safety device further includes at least one relay configured to control the communication of the electrical power signal onto the electrical flat wire. The safety device also includes a control unit configured to test the electrical flat wire for at least one of miswires, wire faults, or abnormal conditions and, based at least in part on the results of the testing, to control the actuation of the at least one relay.
US08278936B2
This invention is an electrostatic discharge testing circuit that can deliver current pulses to a component under test (CUT) with a custom amplitude versus time profile shape. Pulse generation with customized shapes is accomplished by discharging an energy storage network comprised of capacitor(s), transmission line(s) and other passive components. Current pulses compliant to the European International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 61000-4-2 standard can be so produced. These current pulses are delivered to the CUT with low distortion through a constant impedance electrical path, such as a combination of cables and controlled impedance conductors of printed wiring boards compatible with packaged IC devices, assemblies, and wafer probes. The current pulses can be delivered with various impedances, and measurements made that allow the CUT currents and voltages to be calculated.
US08278931B2
A method for providing an image of a formation surrounding a wellbore, includes: obtaining an apparent conductivity curve from main components of resistivity measurements of the formation; performing fitting for cross-components of the resistivity measurements; calculating scaling factors from the cross-component data; scaling apparent conductivity data by the calculated scaling factors; and plotting the scaled conductivity data to provide the image of the anisotropic formation. A system and a computer program product are disclosed.
US08278922B2
A method for utilizing received formation data to determine one or more fluid instance such as reservoir wettability while in one of a subterranean environment or a surface environment. The method comprising: (a) obtaining at least one set of formation data wherein the set of formation data includes magnetic resonance data from two or more samples within an approximate common characteristic region in the reservoir; (b) computing from the at least one set of received formation data a first fluid instance of the one or more fluid instance using at least two mathematical variables from the group consisting of one of oil saturation, water saturation, T1, T2, diffusion coefficient, tortuosity from long time diffusion coefficient or some combination thereof; and (c) interpreting the computed first fluid instance as at least one wettability property between the fluids in a formation located in the subterranean environment and the formation.
US08278913B2
An improved apparatus and method for position sensing of a medical tracker device are presented. The apparatus and method are designed to constrain, rotate, and track the position of a medical tool. To improve the position sensing of the tracker, a joint that provides two degrees of freedom may use a revolute gear pair together with a rotary sensor for angular motion sensing and a sliding/prismatic assembly together with a linear magnetic sensor for linear position sensing. Thus, the linear motion sensing and the angular motion sensing are decoupled.
US08278905B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bandgap voltage reference circuit includes a plurality of circuit branches, a plurality of resistors and a plurality of switches. The plurality of switches are used to selectively change over time which of the resistors are connected to be within a first one of the circuit branches and which of the resistors are connected to be within a second one of the circuit branches, to thereby reduce the effects that long term drift of the resistors have on a bandgap voltage output (VGO) of the bandgap voltage reference circuit.
US08278902B2
A switching power converter converts an input DC voltage to an output DC voltage using a switch to selectively connect an input DC voltage energy source. A switching controller controls the switch. A pulse width modulation centering signal is generated by a spread spectrum clock signal generator. An error amplifier of the switching controller generates an analog error signal based on a switching voltage measured after the switching of the switching power converter, the output voltage of the switching power converter, the pulse width modulation centering signal and a reference. A pulse width modulated signal generator generates the pulse width modulation signal to control the switch of the switching power converter based on the pulse width modulation centering signal and the analog error signal.
US08278896B2
A switching power supply device has a synchronized rectifying element that turns on and off complementarily with a main oscillation element that is connected in series with an input power supply, and a parasitic diode that is connected to the two ends of the synchronized rectifying element in a direction enabling current supply toward a smoothing circuit. The device has a control circuit that generates a control pulse according to which a time delay is set for turning on the main oscillation element after a certain period of time elapses after the synchronized rectifying element is turned off, and that drives the main oscillation element and the synchronized rectifying element. An auxiliary rectification circuit has a series circuit formed by an auxiliary switch element and an auxiliary capacitor driven by the control circuit (PW2) and which is provided between the two ends of the parasitic diode.
US08278891B2
Feedback voltage stabilizing apparatus, method, and power conversion system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a conduction control unit. In which, the first switching unit is coupled to a feedback circuit for controlling whether a feedback signal is transmitted from a first end to a second end. The second switching unit is for avoiding voltage vibrations which caused by the feedback signal occurring at the second end. By capturing a detection signal, the conduction control unit can determine whether to simultaneously turn on the first switching unit and the second switching unit, in order to eliminate the voltage vibrations, or not.
US08278877B2
One aspect according to the present invention includes a battery pack and a shock absorbing device interposed between a battery cell holder and a case body and capable of keeping the battery cell holder and the battery cells not to directly contact with an inner surface of the case body.
US08278871B2
Techniques for recharging a rechargeable power source coupled to a secondary coil implanted within a living body are described. In one embodiment, a recharging device external to the living body induces a sequence of pulses in a primary coil that is coupled to the secondary coil. The sequence includes high-amplitude pulses alternating with low-amplitude pulses, each high-amplitude pulse having an amplitude selected to transfer charge to the rechargeable power source during times of poor coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, each low-amplitude pulse having an amplitude selected to transfer charge to the rechargeable power source during times of good coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, and wherein the sequence of pulses is selected to prevent a violation of a limiting condition such as heating that is associated with recharging the rechargeable power source when recharging occurs in an open-loop manner.
US08278870B2
Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that authenticates a smart battery prior to use. The mobile device includes a main processor and a device memory. The device memory stores first and second portions of security information used for authentication. The smart battery includes a battery processor and a battery memory. The battery memory stores a third portion of security information used for authentication. The main processor sends an authentication request including the first portion of security information to the battery processor, and the battery processor generates a response based on the first and third portions of security information and sends the generated response to the main processor. The smart battery is authenticated if the generated response matches the second portion of security information.
US08278867B2
A circuit and method of applying a three phase power source to a load such that each phase is applied to the load in a manner, such as a predetermined sequence, so as to reduce the electromagnetic interference (EMI) and heat generated in the switching devices during the application and removal of each phase to the load.
US08278862B2
Motor control systems comprise a motor control circuit, a processing circuit operably coupled to the motor control circuit, and a current sensor operably coupled to the processing circuit. The current sensor may be configured to sense a current and to convey a signal to the processing circuitry proportional to an amount of current sensed. The processing circuitry may be configured to sample the signal to obtain a plurality of current values, to store the plurality of current values and to generate an operation profile from the plurality of current values. Folding partitions comprising motor control systems are also disclosed, as well as methods of monitoring an operation of an electric motor and of monitoring for an obstruction of a folding partition.
US08278849B2
A controller of an industrial machine provided with an electric motor, a peripheral apparatus and an amplifier includes a motor power-consumption calculation section, a power loss calculation section, a fixed power-consumption calculation section, and a total power-consumption calculation section. The motor power-consumption calculation section calculates motor power consumption by decomposing a motor current into a Q-phase current value and a D-phase current value, and multiplying the Q-phase current value with a motor rotation speed and a motor torque constant. The power loss calculation section calculates sum power loss of the motor and amplifier. The fixed power-consumption calculation section calculates fixed power consumption of the peripheral apparatus. The total power-consumption calculation section determines total power consumption of the industrial machine in a predetermined time period by integrating, for the time period, the calculated motor power consumption, sum power loss and fixed power consumption.
US08278846B2
Methods of calibrating a lighting panel including a plurality of segments, each of said segments configured to emit a first color light and a second color light in response to pulse width modulation control signals having respective duty cycles include determining an average segment luminance for the lighting panel, determining a luminance variation of each segment to the average segment luminance, comparing the luminance variation of each segment to a threshold, and adjusting the duty cycle of at least one color of at least one segment to reduce the luminance variation in response to the luminance variation of a segment exceeding the threshold. Calibration systems are also disclosed.
US08278843B2
A method for operating a switching power supply is provided. A switching element is switched on and off by a switching signal with a variable switching frequency. A frequency bandwidth is predefined for determining average levels of a frequency spectrum of the switching signal. The switching frequency is modulated by a modulation frequency greater than a frequency bandwidth.
US08278838B2
A dimmer device enables wireless control of intensity of light output of an electric light source and includes a light dimmer for coupling electrically with the light source. The light dimmer includes a power supply module for outputting a supply power, a dimmer module operable to vary the supply power to result in drive power that is supplied to the light source, a feedback module for generating a feedback signal in accordance with the drive power, the feedback signal corresponding to a current intensity of the light output of the light source, a wireless receiver unit for receiving a control signal from a remote controller and providing the control signal to the dimmer module for controlling the dimmer module to vary the supply power in accordance with the control signal, and a wireless transmitter unit for transmitting the feedback signal from the feedback module.
US08278830B2
An LED driver controller comprises a voltage regulator for controlling an output voltage to a top of a plurality of LED strings responsive to at least a reference voltage. A plurality of first circuitries each associated with a node at a bottom of each of the plurality of LED strings compares a voltage at the bottom of each of the plurality of LED strings with a high reference voltage and a low reference voltage. Control logic generates a first control signal when the voltage at the bottom of each node of the plurality of LED strings exceeds the high reference voltage and generates a second control signal when the voltage at least one of node of the plurality of LED strings falls below the low reference voltage. Second circuitry responsive to the first control signal and the second control signal generates the reference voltage. The reference voltage is controlled to cause the voltage at the bottom of the lowest voltage node of the plurality of LED strings to remain between the high reference voltage and the low reference voltage.
US08278829B1
A method and apparatus for reducing unwanted radiation from a light fixture have been disclosed.
US08278818B2
An electroluminescent (EL) display device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The device includes a substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed on the substrate; a pixel defining layer disposed on the pixel electrodes and having an opening part exposing a predetermined part of each of the pixel electrodes; and at least one barrier layer comprised in and/or on the pixel defining layer. In this device, the pixel defining layer includes at least one barrier layer in order to reduce the amount of outgas from the pixel defining layer and prevent degradation of an emission portion due to the outgas. Also, the pixel defining layer is formed to a sufficiently small thickness to facilitate a subsequent process using a laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) process.
US08278814B2
A lamp having improved color quality scale is provided. The lamp has a light-transmissive envelope and a phosphor layer comprising a first phosphor and a second phosphor wherein the first phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 590 nm and 640 nm and the second phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 520 nm and 570 nm. The light generated by the phosphor layer, when the lamp is energized, has delta chroma values for all fifteen color samples of the color quality scale within select parameters. The delta chroma values are measured in the CIE LAB color space.
US08278811B2
A device for diverting energy away from an electrical arc flash is provided. The device comprises an arc source configured to create a second arc flash, a plasma gun configured to inject plasma in proximity of the arc source in response to the arc flash, an arc containment device to house the arc source and the plasma gun, an exhaust port configured to route exhaust gases out of the device in a first direction, and an exhaust duct coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the exhaust duct comprising a substantially hollow tube including a first tube portion and a second tube portion, the first tube portion coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the second tube portion defining an exhaust vent and coupled in flow communication with the first tube portion to route the exhaust gases out of the device in a second direction.
US08278807B2
A device including two plasma generation electrodes, a series resonator having a resonant frequency above 1 MHz and including a capacitor with two terminals, and an induction coil surrounded by a screen, the capacitor and the coil being placed in series, the electrodes being connected to the respective terminals of the capacitor. The ratio of the spark plug to the radius of the screen is equal to 0.56. The device can optimize the Q-factor of such a device by adjusting the radius of the coil to that of the screen.
US08278805B2
The present invention relates to a lamp assembly comprising a lamp (10) having a lamp vessel (101) with a longitudinal axis (CC). The lamp assembly comprises a support member (11) comprising a bottom surface (111) extending substantially along the longitudinal axis. Between the bottom surface and the lamp vessel, a reflective member (12) is supported by the support member and has a surface comprising a material with a melting temperature higher than 600° C.
US08278796B2
A fan assembly includes a stator and a rotor. The stator is located in a fan frame and includes a base, at least one magnetizing winding provided on the base at a first relative position relative to a center of the base, and at least one magnetic conductive element provided on the base at a second relative position relative to the center of the base. The rotor is fixedly mounted in a fan hub, and has at least one positive pole and at least one negative pole, which are alternately arranged to constitute a magnetic induction face. The fan hub is rotatably connected to the fan frame via a shaft with the magnetic induction face facing toward the magnetizing winding and the magnetic conductive element on the base. With the above arrangements, the fan can have a largely reduced axial height for use in a limited space.
US08278783B2
To provide a power supply apparatus that can supply a large current and a small current to a load circuit in a switchable manner, with a minimum circuit scale and an efficient use of electronic devices and elements contained in conventionally used power supply apparatuses. The power supply apparatus 1 includes a power source 5 that supplies power to a load circuit 4 via one of a first path 2 and a second path 3, a switching unit 6 that switches between the first path 2 and the second path 3, a first switch 7 that controls a supply period that provides a reference for a first level of power supplied via the first path 2, a driver 10 including an open/close switch 8 that controls timing of opening and closing of the first switch 7, and a second switch 9 that controls a supply period that provides a reference for a second level of power supplied via the second path 3, wherein the first level of power is higher than the second level of power, the first path 2 runs through outside of the driver 10 while the second path 3 runs through inside of the driver, and the open/close switch 8 and the second switch 9 are a common element.
US08278782B2
A circuit is provided that includes a parasitic power circuit that powers a parasitic circuit. The parasitic power circuit derives a supply voltage from an external AC or other signal suitable for use as a communications signal. A PMOS transistor or transistors is utilized to enable a supply voltage capacitor to charge substantially to the same voltage as the channel voltage of the communications signal.
US08278765B2
A test key for checking an interconnect structure is described, including a contiguous metal line and multiple conductive plugs on the contiguous metal line, wherein one end of each plug contacts with the contiguous metal line. The other end of at least one plug is not connected to any conductor. In addition, the two ends of the contiguous metal line are connected to different voltages.
US08278757B2
Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.
US08278755B2
A heat dissipation structure for an electronic device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A silicon-containing insulating layer is disposed on the first surface of the body. An ultrananocrystalline diamond film is disposed on the silicon-containing insulating layer. A first conductive pattern layer is disposed on the silicon-containing insulating layer and enclosed by the ultrananocrystalline diamond film, wherein the ultrananocrystalline diamond film and the first conductive pattern layer do not overlap with each other as viewed from a top-view perspective. A method for fabricating a heat dissipation structure for an electronic device and an electronic package having the heat dissipation structure are also disclosed.
US08278750B2
A heat conduction board, include a heat dissipation member; a heat conduction member which is arranged on the heat dissipation member and conducts a heat thereto; a lead frame which is formed in a wire pattern shape, and is arranged on the heat conduction member; and a printed circuit board which mounts a second electronic component for controlling a first electronic component; wherein the first electronic component and the printed circuit board are soldered to the lead frame.
US08278745B2
A package design is provided where a chip module is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) via a land grid array (LGA) on the top surface of the PCB, and where a power supply is connected to the PCB via a second LGA on the bottom surface of the PCB. The stack of the chip module, power supply, and LGA is held in place and compressed with actuation hardware forming an adjustable frame. The package allows field replacibility of either the module, or the PS, and provides the shortest possible wiring distance from the PS to the module leading to higher performance.
US08278742B2
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor device 30 and a molded upper heat sink 10. The heat sink has an interior surface 16 that faces the semiconductor device and an exterior surface 15 that is at least partially exposed to the ambient environment of the packaged device. An annular planar base 11 surrounds a raised or protruding central region 12. That region is supported above the plane of the base 11 by four sloped walls 13.1-13.4. The walls slope at an acute angle with respect to the planar annular base and incline toward the center of the upper heat sink 10. Around the outer perimeter of the annular base 11 are four support arms 18.1-18.4. The support arms are disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the interior surface 16 of the planar annular base 11.
US08278736B2
An electrostatic discharge protection device coupled between a first power line and a second power line is provided. A first N-type doped region is formed in a P-type well. A first P-type doped region is formed in the first N-type doped region. A second P-type doped region includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second P-type doped region is formed in the first N-type doped region. The second portion of the second P-type doped region is formed outside of the first N-type doped region. A second N-type doped region is formed in the first portion of the second P-type doped region. The first P-type doped region, the first N-type doped region, the second P-type doped region and the second N-type doped region constitute an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT).
US08278732B1
An antifuse element for an integrated circuit is provided, including a conductive region formed in a semiconductor substrate, extending along a first direction; a dielectric layer formed on a portion of the conductive region; a first conductive plug formed on the dielectric layer; a second conductive plug formed on another portion of the conductive region; and a first conductive member formed over the first and second conductive plugs, extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second conductive member formed over the second conductive plug extending along the second direction, wherein the first conductive member intersects with the conductive region, having a first overlapping area therebetween, and the dielectric layer and the conductive region have a second overlapping area therebetween, and a ratio between the first overlapping area and the second overlapping area is about 1.5:1 to 3:1.
US08278729B2
The present application is a photodiode detector array for use in computerized tomography (CT) and non-CT applications. Specifically, the present application is a high-density photodiode arrays, with low dark current, low capacitance, high signal to noise ratio, high speed, and low crosstalk that can be fabricated on relatively large substrate wafers. More specifically the photodiode array of the present application is fabricated such that the PN-junctions are located on both the front side and back side surfaces of the array, and wherein the front side PN-junction is in electrical communication with the back side PN-junction. Still more specifically, the present application is a photodiode array aving PN-junctions that are electrically connected from the front to back surfaces and which can be operated in a fully depleted mode at low reverse bias.
US08278706B2
A first semiconductor element portion for switching a first current includes a first channel surface having a first plane orientation. A first region of a semiconductor layer includes a first trench having the first channel surface. A first gate insulating film covers the first channel surface with a first thickness. A second semiconductor element portion for switching a second current smaller than the first current includes a second channel surface having a second plane orientation different from the first plane orientation. A second region of the semiconductor layer includes a second trench having the second channel surface. A second gate insulating film covers the second channel surface with a second thickness larger than the first thickness.
US08278704B2
A FET is formed as follows. A trench is formed in a silicon region. A shield electrode is formed in a bottom portion of the trench. The shield electrode is insulated from adjacent silicon region by a shield dielectric. A silicon nitride layer is formed over a surface of the silicon region adjacent the trench, along the trench sidewalls, and over the shield electrode and shield dielectric. A layer of LTO is formed over the silicon nitride layer such that those portions of the LTO layer extending over the surface of the silicon region adjacent the trench are thicker than the portion of the LTO layer extending over the shield electrode. The LTO layer is uniformly etched back such that a portion of the silicon nitride layer becomes exposed while portions of the silicon nitride layer remain covered.
US08278702B2
A semiconductor structure comprises trenches extending into a semiconductor region. Portions of the semiconductor region extend between adjacent trenches forming mesa regions. A gate electrode is in each trench. Well regions of a first conductivity type extend in the semiconductor region between adjacent trenches. Source regions of a second conductivity type are in the well regions. Heavy body regions of the first conductivity type are in the well regions. The source regions and the heavy body regions are adjacent trench sidewalls, and the heavy body regions extend over the source regions along the trench sidewalls to a top surface of the mesa regions.
US08278699B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory unit and a non-memory unit. The memory unit includes a stacked structure including electrode films stacked in a first direction, and a interelectrode insulating film provided between the electrode films, a select gate electrode stacked with the stacked structure along the first direction, a semiconductor pillar piercing the stacked structure and the select gate electrode along the first direction and a pillar portion memory layer provided between the electrode films and the semiconductor pillar. The non-memory unit includes a dummy conductive film including a portion in a layer being identical to at least one of the electrode films, a dummy select gate electrode in a layer being identical to the select gate electrode, a first non-memory unit contact electrode electrically connected to the dummy conductive and a second non-memory unit contact electrode electrically connected to the dummy select gate.
US08278688B2
A compound semiconductor device includes a carrier transit layer including GaN formed over a substrate; a carrier supply layer including GaN formed over the carrier transit layer; a source electrode and a drain electrode formed over the carrier supply layer; a first compound semiconductor layer including N in which a first opening is formed and that is located between the source electrode and the drain electrode over the carrier supply layer; a gate electrode extending from within the first opening to above the first compound semiconductor layer; and an insulator layer having a second opening that is smaller than the first opening, and insulating the gate electrode and the first compound semiconductor layer within the first opening. The gate electrode extends from within the second opening to above the first compound semiconductor layer.
US08278686B2
A vertically-conducting planar-gate field effect transistor includes a silicon region of a first conductivity type, a silicon-germanium layer extending over the silicon region, a gate electrode laterally extending over but being insulated from the silicon-germanium layer, a body region of the second conductivity type extending in the silicon-germanium layer and the silicon region, and source region of the first conductivity type extending in the silicon-germanium layer. The gate electrode laterally overlaps both the source and body regions such that a portion of the silicon germanium layer extending directly under the gate electrode between the source region and an outer boundary of the body region forms a channel region.
US08278683B2
Current density in an insulated gate bipolar transistor (L-IGBT) may be increased by adding a second gate, and the corresponding MOS transistors, to the source area, which increases the base current compared to a L-IGBT with a single MOS gate. The current density may be further increased by extending the base of the bipolar transistor in the L-IGBT vertically to the bottom surface of the silicon on insulator (SOI) film in which the L-IGBT is fabricated. Adding a buffer diffused region around the sinks in the source improves the base current spatial uniformity, which improves the safe operating area (SOA) of the L-IGBT. A L-IGBT of either polarity may be formed with the inventive configurations. A method of forming the inventive L-IGBT is also disclosed.
US08278681B2
A wafer-level packaging process of a light-emitting diode is provided. First, a semiconductor stacked layer is formed on a growth substrate. A plurality of barrier patterns and a plurality of reflective layers are then formed on the semiconductor stacked layer, wherein each reflective layer is surrounded by one of the barrier patterns. A first bonding layer is then formed on the semiconductor stacked layer to cover the barrier patterns and the reflective layers. Thereafter, a carrying substrate having a plurality of second bonding layers and a plurality of conductive plugs electrically insulated from each other is provided, and the first bonding layer is bonded with the second bonding layer. The semiconductor stacked layer is then separated from the growth substrate. Next, the semiconductor stacked layer is patterned to form a plurality of semiconductor stacked patterns. Next, each semiconductor stacked pattern is electrically connected to the conductive plug.
US08278673B2
A light emitting diode comprises a heat conductive layer, a semiconductor layer disposed above the heat conductive substrate and consisting of a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and an n-type semiconductor layer, a transparent electrode layer, a current blocking layer and an electrode contact pad. The p-type semiconductor layer has first concaves located on its surface distant from the active layer. The n-type semiconductor layer has second concaves located on its surface distant from the active layer. The transparent electrode layer is located on the surface of the n-type semiconductor layer except the second concaves. The current blocking layer is located in the first concaves of the p-type semiconductor layer. The electrode contact pad is located on the surface of the transparent electrode layer. The density of the second concaves decrease with distance from the electrode contact pad.
US08278667B2
According to an aspect of the invention, a light-emitting element includes a semiconductor layer, a gold electrode layer, an insulator, a barrier metal layer, and an aluminum wiring layer. The gold electrode layer is formed on a part of the semiconductor layer and is electrically connected to the semiconductor layer. The gold electrode layer being made of metal including gold. The insulator film covers the semiconductor layer and has a contact opening corresponding to the gold electrode layer. The barrier metal layer covers a an upper face of the gold electrode layer and the insulator film in a vicinity of the contact opening. The aluminum wiring layer is formed on the barrier metal layer and electrically connected to the barrier metal layer.
US08278660B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device such as a thin film transistor using a crystal silicon film is provided. The crystal silicon film is obtained by selectively forming films, particles or clusters containing nickel, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, rhodium, paradium, osmium, iridium, platinum, scandium, titanium, vanadium, chrome, manganese, copper, zinc, gold, silver or silicide thereof in a form of island, line, stripe, dot or film on or under an amorphous silicon film and using them as a starting point, by advancing its crystallization by annealing at a temperature lower than a normal crystallization temperature of an amorphous silicon. A transistor having low leak current and high mobility are obtained in the same time in a dynamic circuit having a thin film transistor by selectively forming a cover film on a semiconductor layer which is to become an active layer of the transistor and by thermally crystallizing it thereafter.
US08278650B2
An organic semiconductor includes: a compound represented by formula (I): wherein A1 represents O, S or N—R15; each of R11, R12, R13, R14 and R15 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent W as defined in the specification, R11 and R12 may be linked to form a ring; B1 represents a ring structure containing at least one nitrogen atom; and n1 represents an integer of 0 to 2.
US08278649B2
A light-emitting element with improved emission efficiency is provided. The light-emitting element includes a light-emitting layer in which a first light-emitting layer and a second light-emitting layer are stacked in contact with each other over an anode, and a first substance serving as an emission center substance in the second light-emitting layer constitutes the first light-emitting layer. A second substance serving as a host material to disperse the first substance serving as an emission center substance is included in the second light-emitting layer. In the light-emitting element, the second substance is a substance having an energy gap (or triplet energy) larger than the first substance.
US08278646B2
Provided is a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including: a first nitride semiconductor layer; an active layer formed above the first nitride semiconductor layer; and a delta doped second nitride semiconductor layer formed above the active layer. According to the present invention, the optical power of the nitride semiconductor light emitting device is enhanced, optical power down phenomenon is improved and reliability against ESD (electro static discharge) is enhanced.
US08278645B2
A light emitting diode is disclosed, wherein the light emitting diode comprises a metal reflective layer for enhancing the light reflection efficiency inside the light emitting diode and reducing the resistance to avoid the power loss. In addition, the light emitting diode further comprises a buffer layer sandwiched between the metal reflective layer and a semiconductor layer, wherein the buffer layer is mixed with metal and non-metallic transparent material for reducing the stress between the semiconductor and the metal to decrease the possibility of the die cracking.
US08278639B2
A high integration phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate including an access device, a heating electrode formed on the access device, a phase change nano band formed on the heating electrode, and an interlayer insulating layer for supporting the phase change nano band formed in both sides of the phase change nano band.
US08278630B1
A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention.
US08278619B2
This invention relates to a mass spectrometer including a reaction cell and to a method of using such a mass spectrometer. In particular, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a tandem mass spectrometer and to tandem mass spectrometry. The invention provides a method of mass spectrometry using a mass spectrometer having a longitudinal axis, comprising guiding ions to travel along the longitudinal axis of the mass spectrometer in a forwards direction to pass through an intermediate ion store and then to enter a reaction cell, to process the ions within the reaction cell, to eject the processed ions to travel back along the longitudinal axis to enter the intermediate ion store once more, and to eject one or more pulses of the processed ions in an off-axis direction to a mass analyser.
US08278612B2
Some embodiments pertain to a projectile that includes a body and a support attached to the body. The projectile further includes at least one partial fin that is rotatably attached to the support such that the partial fin moves between a stowed position and a deployed position. The support moves relative to the partial fin as the partial fin moves between the stowed position and the deployed position such that the partial fin and the support form a complete fin when the partial fin is in the deployed position. The support may form a portion of the front edge of the complete fin when the partial fin is in the deployed position. The support may lock the partial fin in place when the partial fin is in the deployed position.
US08278611B2
A kit for upgrading a non-guided shell to an airborne guided shell includes a device to couple the kit to the body of the non-guided shell. A fastener provides for fastening the resulting airborne shell to an aircraft and for detaching it there from. The kit also provides for causing the trajectory of the shell to change once detached from the aircraft according to instructions received in the kit; for determining the position of the shell; and for transferring data from the carrying platform to the guidance kit.
US08278605B2
A multiple stage open coil electrical resistance heater uses a unique coil configuration on either side of a dividing support plate so that the air passing through the heater is heated uniformly when one or more stages of the heater are energized. The coil configuration also creates a termination zone on one side of the heater so that the terminations of the coils can be situated on the cool side of the heater. The heater coils also includes specially configured terminals to facilitate connection to power using an elongated member such as a stud or bolt.
US08278595B2
A predictive pulse triggering (PPT) method enables precise triggering of a laser beam in a link-processing system. The PPT method entails triggering the laser beam based on estimated relative motion parameters of the target and laser beam axis. The PPT method allows for a six-fold improvement in laser positioning accuracy over the conventional, entirely measurement-based method.
US08278593B2
A method for making a device includes providing a tubular member which will be formed into the device, masking at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular member with a removable sacrificial material, selectively removing a portion of the tubular member and sacrificial material using a laser device, and mechanically removing the sacrificial material from the inner surface of the tubular member. The method may also include applying a chemical solution to the tubular member and sacrificial material which primarily attacks the either the tubular member or sacrificial material.
US08278592B2
While six rows of molten processed regions 131, 132 to become a cutting start point are formed within a silicon wafer 11 along a line to cut 5, a weakened region 18 is formed in a rear face 21 of an object to be processed 1 along the line to cut 5 when forming the molten processed region 131 closest to the rear face 21. Since the molten processed regions 131, 132 are thus formed within the silicon wafer 11, particles can be prevented from occurring from the molten processed regions 131, 132. Also, since the weakened region 18 having a predetermined depth is formed on the rear face 21 of the object 1 along the line to cut 5, the object 1 can be cut along the line to cut 5 with a relatively small external force.
US08278589B2
A continuous furnace 4 to which a laser is coupled by conventional optical means that allows the surface treatment of a part, with which it is possible to achieve temperatures of up to 3000° C. on said surface while the remainder of the part is at a substantially lower temperature. The part in the furnace is heated to a temperature of the order of 500° C. and, via an opening 5, a laser-beam bundle is applied to the part, scanning a line perpendicular to the direction of movement of the part such that the entire surface is scanned by means of the mechanical advance of the part. This scanning should extend beyond the lateral ends of the part. This type of laser-beam generator must be made compatible with the various colors with which the surface of the part is decorated. The furnace is divided into different zones, with independent temperature controls, for successfully achieving the desired values, both for heating and for cooling. The system that generates laser radiation and its deflector comprises a radiation generation/emission cavity (CO2 laser, around 10.6 mm, or diode or Nd lasers in different varieties thereof) and the emitted-beam-handling system, which may consist of a system of galvanometers or a series of combinations of lenses for successfully shaping the beam and applying it in a manner suited to the type of process, material treated and laser used.
US08278588B2
A system and method for start flow approach control for a proportional valve in a plasma cutter is provided that includes a controller configured to determine a target gas pressure set point for a plasma cutting operation and determine a ramp pressure set point offset from the target gas pressure set point. The controller is also configured to apply a full-open drive signal to an air pressure-closing proportional valve and monitor a pressure of gas flow output from the air pressure-closing proportional valve via a sensing device. The controller is further configured to apply a ramping drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the ramp pressure set point and apply a target-pressure drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the target gas pressure set point.
US08278583B2
In order to evaluate the welding current for the resistance seam welding of an overlap seam of container bodies, a welding with changing welding current intensity is carried out for a container body of the production series, resulting in a changing welding of the seam, ranging from the welding with a too high temperature to the welding with a too low temperature. The electric energy for this welding is determined several times during this welding and/or the temperature of the weld seam is determined several times and the welding current intensity is determined at which the welding of the individual container body is too cold and the welding current intensity at which the welding is too hot. This determination is based on the determined electric energy values and/or on the determined temperature values and based on this determination a preferred range for the welding current intensity within these limits of too hot and too cold is determined. By this, an evaluation if the welding current intensity is correct may take place in a simple way during the production. After the welding of the individual container bodies a changed welding current intensity lying between the welding current intensity of the too hot and of the too cold welding may optionally be set and used for the following series of container bodies of the production series.
US08278582B2
The present invention discloses a circuit breaker comprising: a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact and a movable contact disposed in a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact stem supporting said fixed contact in said vacuum chamber and extending outwards from a first end of said vacuum chamber; a movable contact stem supporting said movable contact in said vacuum chamber for reciprocal movement between contact with and separated from said fixed contact, and extending outwards from a second end of said vacuum chamber; a first electrical conductor coupled to said fixed contact stem; a second electrical conductor coupled to said movable contact stem; at least one heat dissipating means disposed for at least one of said fixed contact and movable contact; wherein, the heat dissipating means is hollow and has an external surface and internal surface; a plurality of fins provided on said internal surface constitute a passage through which air is convected in a direction parallel to that of reciprocal movement of movable contact stem.
US08278578B2
A key assembly comprises a base plate and a key. The base plate has an opening defined therein. The key is accommodated in the opening, and includes a first key section, a second key section connecting with the first key section and a shaft portion protruding from the junction of the first key section and the second key section. The shaft portion is rotatably mounted to the housing. The key further includes two contacting members, one contacting member is mounted on the first key section, another contacting member is mounted on the second key section. When the first key section is pressed to rotate about the shaft portion, the contacting member mounted on the first key section moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction that the first key section is pressed, and the contacting member mounted on the second key section moves in a direction reverse to the direction that the contacting member mounted on the first key section moves.
US08278570B2
In an intellectual scale and a method of using same, a plurality of chemical management modes is provided. The intellectual scale can be switched to operate under any one of these chemical management modes to detect and measure a chemical to obtain the type and the weight of the chemical under the current chemical management mode, and record the obtained type and weight of the chemical, so that a user is able to know the use state of the chemical.
US08278568B2
A Z-directed variable value component for insertion into a printed circuit board while allowing electrical connection to internal conductive planes contained with the PCB. The Z-directed variable value component mounts in a printed circuit board (PCB) having a mounting hole having a depth D therein and a plurality of conductive traces and comprises an insulative body of a length L comprising a top surface; a bottom surface; a side surface between the top and bottom surfaces; a cross-sectional shape that is insertable into the mounting hole in the PCB; and a first and a second electrically conductive channels on the side surface with the first channel and second channel both extending from one of the top and bottom surfaces; a plateable strip disposed on the side surface intermediate the top and bottom surfaces; and a first and second conductor disposed within the body, the first conductor electrically connected to the first channel and one end of the plateable strip and the second conductor electrically connected to the second channel and the other end of the plateable strip. In one form the plateable strip is comprised of a resistive material. In another form the plateable strip is comprised of a material having an electrical characteristic that changes when plating is applied to the strip after installation of the Z-directed component in the mounting hole of the PCB.
US08278561B2
A conductive pattern forming film provides a pattern formed on a film substrate having flexibility by pressurizing, under heating, a conductive paste in which powder or fine particles of metal or semiconductor are dispersed and filled. A conductive pattern forming apparatus comprises a sample installation table having a flat placement surface, and a driving body for pressure application which is placed in a manner facing the placement surface and movable, wherein the driving body for pressure application is equipped with a support which is constituted by a flat metal panel having metal spheres along its bottom face.
US08278549B2
The invention relates to a solar photovoltaic energy conversion apparatus. The apparatus consists of a substrate, a buffer layer formed on the substrate layer, a first transparent conductive oxide layer formed on the buffer layer, periodic protrusions containing first silicon layers formed on the first transparent conductive oxide layer, second silicon layers formed on the first silicon layers, a second transparent conductive oxide layer covering the first silicon layers, the second silicon layers and the first transparent conductive oxide layer, and an anti-reflective protective layer. The first silicon layer and the second silicon layer are the electrodes with the opposite type of charge carriers. The first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer are the electrodes with the opposite type of charge carriers. This TCO-based hybrid solar photovoltaic energy conversion device not only can allow the transmission of visible sunlight but also can enhance the photovoltaic energy.
US08278547B2
Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array.
US08278544B2
A system, method, and apparatus for learning music through an educational audio track embodied on a computer readable medium are presented. The system can have components including a processor, an input device, a database, a transformation module, an emulation recording module, an integration engine, an output module, and an output device, wherein each component is operable in itself to perform it's function in the system and operable with other system components to provide a system to a user for learning music.
US08278541B2
A drum pedal sensing system may include a base, a foot board, a pedestal, a beater, beater stem, and beater holder operatively connected to the foot board, a sensor holder, and a sensor fixedly coupled to the sensor holder. The beater holder may include a sensing surface that may rotate as the foot board is depressed and that may remain a substantially constant distance from the sensor as the sensing surface rotates. Additionally, the system may include a microprocessor operatively coupled to the sensor that receives signals from the sensor corresponding to motion of the sensing surface. Based on sensed changes such as changes in position, velocity, or acceleration, the microprocessor may determine whether the beater has contacted a drum face and, if so, may send an output signal to a stomp box, drum brain or similar element, with the amplitude of this output signal proportional to strength of the hit.
US08278538B1
A guitar comprising a sound box that comprises an upper sound board having a sound hole, a lower sound board, a resonator plate comprising a relatively thin sturdy material exhibiting a vibrational springy characteristic, with the resonator plate supporting a bridge, and a resonator conductor positioned between the upper and lower sound boards for transmitting vibrations directly from the resonator plate to the lower sound board and to create additional air vibrations within the sound box.
US08278533B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH663941. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH663941, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH663941 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH663941.
US08278526B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XR33W10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR33W10, cells from soybean variety XR33W10, plants of soybean XR33W10, and plant parts of soybean variety XR33W10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR33W10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XR33W10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR33W10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR33W10 are further provided.
US08278525B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XR31H10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR31H10, cells from soybean variety XR31H10, plants of soybean XR31H10, and plant parts of soybean variety XR31H10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR31H10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XR31H10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR31H10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR31H10 are further provided.
US08278518B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP47004 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP47004, cells from soybean variety XBP47004, plants of soybean XBP47004, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP47004. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP47004 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP47004, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP47004. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP47004 are further provided.
US08278516B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB48S10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB48S10, cells from soybean variety XB48S10, plants of soybean XB48S10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB48S10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB48S10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB48S10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB48S10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB48S10 are further provided.
US08278511B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016184. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016184. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016184 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016184 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08278506B2
Isolated nucleic acids and proteins associated with lipid and sugar metabolism regulation are provided. In particular, lipid metabolism proteins (LMP) and encoding nucleic acids originating from Arabidopsis thaliana are provided. The nucleic acids and proteins are used in methods of producing transgenic plants and modulating levels of seed storage compounds. Preferably, the seed storage compounds are lipids, fatty acids, starches or seed storage proteins.
US08278501B2
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to Fusarium solani infection (the causative agent of sudden death syndrome or SDS). The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct disease-tolerant plants or identify and counterselect disease-susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Fusarium solani infection that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.
US08278496B2
The invention relates to a method in connection with steel production for handling of hydroxide sludge formed in the neutralization of spent metal-contaminated pickling agents from a pickling step for steel, preferably stainless steel and for using calcium fluoride in the hydroxide sludge to replace the natural fluorspar as a fluxing agent in connection with steel production. Accordingly, the addition of the reactive neutralization medium is monitored by the pH electrodes operated in continuous fashion, and the pH value is adjusted at the range between 9.0 and 9.5.
US08278492B2
The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of diesel range hydrocarbons wherein a feed comprising fresh feed is hydrotreated in a hydrotreating step and isomerized in an isomerization step and the fresh feed contains at least 20% by weight triglyceride C12-C16 fatty acids or C12-C16 fatty acid esters or C12-C16 fatty acids or combinations of thereof and feed contains 50-20000 w-ppm sulphur calculated as elemental sulphur.
US08278488B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a tertiary amine in the presence of a catalyst containing copper and at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to Groups 2, 3, 7 and 12 of the Periodic Table (long form of the periodic table), said process including the steps of (a) reducing an amide compound in a hydrogen atmosphere; and (b) introducing a dialkyl amine containing a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms into a reaction product obtained in the step (a), and treating the reaction product with the dialkyl amine. The present invention provides a process for producing high-purity aliphatic tertiary amines containing a less amount of by-products by reducing aliphatic acid amides under moderate conditions using a chromium-free catalyst, as well as a process for producing amine derivatives such as amine oxide by using the aliphatic tertiary amines, with a good productivity in an economical manner.
US08278487B2
The present disclosure pertains to a process for preparing an oxime in which a carbonyl compound is reacted in the liquid phase with NH3 and H2O2 in the presence of a catalyst to form the corresponding oxime, wherein the catalyst comprises a catalytic component selected from the oxides of metals of group 5 and group 6. The use of a niobia catalyst is particularly preferred. The process according to the disclosure is suitable for the manufacture of numerous oximes, in particular cyclohexanone oxime.
US08278454B2
The invention relates to a novel process for preparing enantiomerically enriched or pure tetrahydroquinoline derivatives by reacting a chiral dihydropyran-methylamine C with a aldehyde B and an aniline A in a multicomponent one pot synthesis in the presence of a protonic acid or lewis acid with a suitable solvent. A, B, C have the meaning as described in the specification.
US08278451B2
Disclosed herein are pseudoazulenyl nitrone compounds and methods of using these compounds to trap free radicals and to treat, prevent, or ameliorate various diseases associated with free radicals.
US08278447B2
The present invention relates to a ruthenium complex represented by the following formula (I): RuL2(NCS)2Am (I) wherein L, A and m are defined the same as the specification, and a photoelectric component using the same. The ruthenium complex of the present invention can be used in a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). Hence, the photoelectric characteristics of the DSSC manufactured with the ruthenium complex of the present invention can be improved.
US08278429B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and detection assays. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and reagents including biochips for detecting the presence of, or distinguishing between, one or more analytes in a sample.
US08278425B2
Provided herein are bicyeMc nucleosides comprising a substituted amino group in the bridge, oligomeric compounds having at least one of these bicyclic nucleosides and methods of using the oligomeric compounds. The bicyclic nucleosides comprising a substituted amino group in the bridge are useful for enhancing properties of oligomeric compounds including nuclease resistance, in certain embodiments, the oligomeric compounds hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA.
US08278413B2
The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that bind to JNK proteins and inhibit JNK-mediated effects in JNK-expressed cells.
US08278412B2
A polypeptide containing epitope of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3 is provided, which is selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 and amino acids at 16-32 positions, amino acids at 1-30 positions, amino acids at 50-80 positions and amino acids at 17-200 positions of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3. The nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecule are also provided. The polypeptide and the nucleic acid molecule encoding it can be used for preparing reagents, kits or devices for diagnosing the diseases characterized by EECP expression and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing or treating the diseases characterized by EECP expression by increasing or inhibiting EECP expression and/or activity.
US08278411B2
A polymer and an organic light-emitting device including the same, wherein the polymer has a polymeric unit represented by Formula 1 below:
US08278407B2
RTV-organopolysiloxane compositions and novel organopolysiloxane polycondensation catalysts therefor
RTV-organopolysiloxane compositions are crosslinkable by polycondensation and are devoid of alkyltin-based catalysts; novel organopolysiloxane polycondensation catalysts are useful therefor.
US08278402B2
The invention relates to a reactor system for the catalytic polymerization of olefin monomer and optionally comonomer(s), having one or more inlets for olefin monomer, catalyst, optionally for comonomer, chain growth controllers or chain transfer agents, and/or inert gas, an outlet for gas and an outlet for polymerized particles. The reactor system has at least one fluidized bed unit and at least one moving bed unit, wherein the fluidized bed unit has means for maintaining a fluidized bed in the fluidized bed unit and wherein the moving bed unit is provided with an inlet and an outlet which are directly connected to the fluidized bed unit, wherein the outlet of the moving bed unit is provided with means for pneumatically displacing polymer particles from the moving bed unit into the fluidized bed unit.
US08278398B2
Two-component epoxy-based structural adhesives are disclosed which exhibit excellent impact resistance, even when cured at approximately room temperature. The adhesives include an epoxy resin component which includes an epoxy resin and a reactive tougher. The adhesives also include a hardener component, which includes from 15 to 50 weight percent of an amine-terminated polyether, from 4 to 40 weight percent of an amine terminated rubber having a glass transition temperature of −40° C. or below, and from 10 to 30 weight percent of an amine-terminated polyamide having a melting temperature of no greater than 50° C.
US08278384B2
The invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a matrix polymer, silica particles dispersed therein, and a coupling agent and a screening agent for the silica particles, and is characterized in that the screening agent is an alkylamine compound. The polymer composition is particularly suitable for the manufacture of rubber tires with improved rolling resistance.
US08278379B2
The invention provides an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a laminated glass, which are protected against a slump in TL value through attenuation of said coincidence effect and adapted to display an outstanding sound insulation performance over a broad temperature range. An interlayer film for a laminated glass comprising a plasticizer and a polyacetal resin, which is a blend of a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 1,000 to 3,000 and a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 3,000 to 5,000, and which has an acetalization degree of 60 to 85 mol % and an acetyl group content of 8 to 30 mol %. An interlayer film for a laminated glass which shows a temperature dependence of loss tangent in which the lowest-temperature side maximum of loss tangent appears at 30° C. or lower when examined for dynamic viscoelasticity.
US08278378B2
Disclosed are an organosilicate compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, and a composition and a film including the same. In the above Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is as defined in the detailed description.
US08278374B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for processes for manufacture of a dry strength paper, methods for imparting dry strength to paper using a cationic starch graft polymer, and the like.
US08278371B2
A nonaqueous inkjet ink composition that at printing by an inkjet printer, is free from clogging of a nozzle of printer head part and that excels in ink delivery stability leading to prints of excellent printing quality. The nonaqueous inkjet ink composition is one containing a pigment, a resin, a pigment dispersant, an organic solvent and an aminated alcohol, characterized in that the content of the aminated alcohol is in the range of 0.01 to 3 mass % based on the whole mass. The nonaqueous inkjet ink composition may be one characterized in that the water extract from the nonaqueous inkjet ink composition exhibits a pH value ranging from 6.0 to 10.0.
US08278368B2
The present application provides dental fillers, and methods of making and using dental fillers that include a treated surface that includes a caseinate. Dental compositions including such dental fillers can be useful for delivering ions to the oral environment. Dental compositions, and methods of using dental compositions that include a caseinate and a hardenable resin or a water-dispersible, polymeric film former are also provided.
US08278353B2
A composition comprising from 0.005% to 0.02% bimatoprost by weight and from 100 ppm to 250 ppm benzalkonium chloride, wherein said composition is an aqueous liquid which is formulated for ophthalmic administration is disclosed herein.
US08278345B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), combinations and uses thereof for disease therapy, R1 represents heteroaryl, -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, -alkenylheteroaryl or -alkylheteroaryl; R2 represents hydrogen; halogen; alkenyl; alkynyl; -alkenylaryl; -alkenylheteroaryl; alkyl, which may optionally be substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy-, -thioalkyl, —C(O)OH and —C(O)O-alkyl; carbocyclyl, which may optionally be substituted by one or more groups selected from alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy-, -thioalkyl, —C(O)OH and —C(O)O-alkyl; -alkylcarbocyclyl; -alkylheterocyclyl; aryl; heteroaryl; heterocyclyl; -alkylaryl; -alkyl(aryl)2, -alkylheteroaryl; -aryl-heteroaryl; -heterocyclyl-aryl; -aryl-aryl; -heteroaryl-aryl; -heteroaryl-heteroaryl, and —C(O)R4; R3 represents halogen; alkyl optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, —C(O)OH and —C(O)O-alkyl; aryl; heteroaryl; —C(O)R5; R4 and R5 independently represent alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, -alkylaryl, -alkylheteroaryl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, -alkylcarbocyclyl and -alkylheterocyclyl, with the proviso that, when R1 is imidazolyl, -carbocyclyl-imidazolyl, -alkenyl-imidazolyl or -alkyl-imidazolyl, then R3 may not be —C(O)R5.
US08278341B2
Compounds useful as antibacterial agents are provided. The compounds are analogs of indole-3-carbinol and have a backbone selected from dihydroindolo[2,3-b]carbazole, 2,2′-diindolylmethane, 2′,3-diindolylmethane, and 3,3′-diindolylmethane. The compounds are useful therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of bacterial infections in mammals. Methods of synthesis of the compounds are provided, as are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
US08278339B2
The invention relates to new salts of valsartan or crystalline, also partly crystalline and amorphous salts of valsartan, the respective production and usage, and pharmaceutical preparations containing such a salt.
US08278337B2
Disclosed are compounds of the formula (I) wherein X is N or CH, and Y is N or CR5. Also disclosed are methods of treating JNK and ERK mediated diseases using the compounds of formula 1.0.
US08278330B2
Methods and compositions for systemically or locally administering by implantation a beneficial agent to a subject are described, and include, for example, depot gel compositions that can be injected into a desired location and which can provide controlled release of a beneficial agent over a short duration of time. The compositions include a low molecular weight biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent having low water miscibility that forms a viscous gel with the polymer and limits water uptake by the implant, and a beneficial agent.
US08278328B2
Compounds of formula (I) or a salt thereof are provided: wherein R4, R5, R6, Q, A, Y and R are as defined in the description. Uses of the compounds as medicaments and in the manufacture of medicaments for treating psychotic disorders, cognitive impairments and Alzheimer's Disease are disclosed. The invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds.
US08278320B2
The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, including Ia, Ib, Ic, or Id, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds are ligands for the nicotinic α7 receptor and may be useful for the treatment of various disorders of the central nervous system, especially affective and neurodegenerative disorders.
US08278303B2
An anticancer agent having a novel chemical structure and high anticancer activity is provided. A phosphine transition metal complex of general formula (1) and an anticancer agent containing the complex are disclosed. R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represent a group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms selected from a straight-chain or branched alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a substituted cycloalkyl group, an adamantyl group, a phenyl group, and a substituted phenyl group; R3 and R4, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a straight-chain alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or R3 and R4 are taken together to form a saturated or unsaturated ring which may have a substituted group; M represents a transition metal atom selected from the group consisting of gold, copper, and silver; and X− represents an anion.
US08278299B2
The present invention provides pyrimidinediamine compounds useful for inhibiting kinase activity, including the activity of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating diseases associated with kinase activity, in particular enhanced PLK1 catalytic activity, such as diseases associated with abnormal cell proliferation, including neoplastic disorders.
US08278289B2
The present invention relates to the field of skin disorders, particularly to the prevention and/or treatment of benignant or malignant changes of the epidermis visible in form of e.g. nevus. A pharmaceutical, dermatological and/or cosmetic composition is disclosed comprising as active constituent the boroxine compound. The present invention further provides the respective uses of the boroxine compound in medicine, particularly in the field of skin disorders, and in dermatological and/or cosmetic applications.
US08278269B2
A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Cytoprotection and control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissue growth and repair (restitution) is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies in inflammatory bowel disease and gastric ulcers.
US08278262B2
Disclosed are uses of microproteins preferably microproteins forming a cystine knot (i.e. belonging to the family of inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) polypeptides) or polynucleotides encoding said microproteins for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a disease that can be treated or prevented by inhibiting the activity of tryptase as well as corresponding methods of treatment. Also disclosed are uses of the microproteins for inhibiting tryptase activity, for purifying tryptase, as a carrier molecule for tryptase and for deleting or quantifying tryptase in a sample, including corresponding diagnostic applications. Furthermore disclosed are fusion proteins comprising an inactive barnase as well as fusion proteins comprising barnase and a microprotein. Also encompassed are nucleic acid molecules encoding such a fusion protein, as well as corresponding vectors, host cells, preparation methods and uses of the fusion protein. Moreover, the present application discloses a crystal of a microprotein fused with barnase, preferably inactive barnase. The disclosure also refers to corresponding preparation methods for the crystal, structure analysis methods using the crystal data storage media comprising the structure data obtained, as well as to in silico methods using the structure data for characterizing the binding of microproteins to target molecules. Furthermore, disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystal and corresponding medical uses.
US08278261B2
Soap and cosmetic products can be made from oil-bearing microbial biomass via the alkaline hydrolysis of glycerolipids and fatty acid esters to fatty acid salts. The saponified microbial oils/lipids can be combined with a variety of additives to produce compositions for use as soaps and other cosmetic products, which may also contain other constituents of the biomass, including unsaponified oils, glycerol and carotenoids, among others.
US08278259B2
The invention relates to a liquid detergent concentrate composition comprising an emulsion having a water phase and an oil phase, the composition comprising 5-30 wt-% of one or more alkalinity source 1-70 wt-% of at least one nonionic surfactant 0.01-10 wt-% of at least one crosslinked or partly crosslinked polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Furthermore the invention relates to a stable aqueous use solution, comprising a liquid detergent concentrate according to the invention and to a method for washing textiles with the aqueous use solution.
US08278254B2
Lubricated surfaces, lubricant compositions for lubricating a surface, and methods for increasing antiwear properties in lubricants. The lubricated surface is provided by a lubricant composition including a base oil of lubricating viscosity, at least one metal salt of phosphorothioic acid, and an amount of at least one hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound effective to provide an increase in antiwear properties of the lubricant composition. A ratio of titanium metal to phosphorus in the antiwear agent ranges from about 0.3:1 to about 1.5:1.
US08278251B2
Water flood materials may contain an effective amount of a nano-sized particulate additive to inhibit or control the movement of fines within a subterranean formation during a water flood secondary recovery operation. The particulate additive may be an alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxide, alkali metal hydroxide, transition metal oxide, transition metal hydroxide, post-transition metal oxide, post-transition metal hydroxide, piezoelectric crystal, and/or pyroelectric crystal. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help control and stabilize the fines, e.g. clays.
US08278249B2
Disclosed is a composition for forming a thick oxide superconductor film, the oxide being an RE-BA—Cu based oxide, wherein RE is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, Nd, Sm, Gd, Eu, Yb, Pr, and Ho. The composition contains an RE salt of a keto acid having 4 to 8 carbon atoms as an RE component, barium trifluoroacetate as a Ba component, at least one copper salt selected from the group consisting of a copper salt of a branched saturated aliphatic carboxylic acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms and a copper salt of an alicyclic carboxylic acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms as a Cu component, and an organic solvent dissolving these metal salt components. In the composition, the RE to Ba to Cu molar ratio is 1:1.3 to 2.2:2.4 to 3.6 and the content of the organic solvent is 25% to 80% by weight.
US08278235B2
A cracking catalyst contains a substantially inert core and an active shell, the active shell containing a zeolite catalyst and a matrix. The catalyst is formed by spray-drying a slurry containing water, substantially inert microspheres and a zeolite precursor and crystallizing zeolite in the active shell to create the cracking catalyst. Methods of using the cracking catalyst are also described.
US08278232B2
A pyrochlore ceramic material and a thermal barrier coating containing pyrochlore ceramic materials are provided. Using the thermal barrier coating in a single or double layer which includes magnesium and/or titanium can improve the spallation behavior and the thermal expansion coefficient of the component onto which the thermal barrier coating is applied.
US08278229B2
Provided is a cover coating composition for a glass lining comprising a frit constituting the composition which mainly includes 65 to 75 mol % of SiO2, 2 to 8 mol % of ZrO2, 10 to 22 mol % of R2O where R represents Li, K, or Cs, and 2 to 12 mol % of R′O where R′ represents Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba, and the frit is free of Na2O, and said cover coating composition for a glass lining may further contain a metal fiber.
US08278227B2
A polyester fabric having a total cover factor of not lower than 1500 and a mass per unit area of not higher than 45 g/m2, wherein said polyester fabric is composed of polyester multifilament A yarns having a total fineness of not higher than 25 dtex (decitex) and a single yarn fineness of not higher than 2.0 dtex and multifilament B yarns having a total fineness of not lower than 35 dtex, wherein the arrangements of the respective yarns in the warp and weft directions are such that the yarn constitution ratio “B yarn/A yarn” is ¼ to 1/20 (number of yarns-to-number of yarns ratio) and wherein the A yarn-to-B yarn pitches are not longer than 7 mm. The polyester fabric is light in weight, high in density and flexible by using extra-fine polyester multifilaments finer as compared with the conventional polyester multifilaments and, at the same time, has a sufficient level of tear strength.
US08278226B2
A fiber-coated marine material has antifouling properties, without necessarily containing bioactive agents. At least a part of the marine material is covered by piles of fibers having a thickness of at least 50 μm and a fiber length of at least 3 mm. The thickness-to-length ratio of the fibers is at least 0.010, and the piles of fibers have a density lower than 40 fibers/mm2. The fiber coating can be directly applied onto the marine material, such as ropes and construction parts, or can be present on sheets which can be applied on the marine equipment.
US08278225B2
A dielectric layer containing a hafnium tantalum oxide film and a method of fabricating such a dielectric layer produce a dielectric layer for use in a variety of electronic devices. Embodiments include structures for capacitors, transistors, memory devices, and electronic systems with dielectric layers containing a hafnium tantalum oxide film structured as one or more monolayers.
US08278221B2
A method of forming hard mask employs a double patterning technique. A first hard mask layer is formed on a substrate, and a first sacrificial pattern is formed on the first hard mask layer by photolithography. Features of the first sacrificial pattern are spaced from one another by a first pitch. A second hard mask layer is then formed conformally on the first sacrificial pattern and the first hard mask layer so as to delimit recesses between adjacent features of the first sacrificial pattern. Upper portions of the second hard mask layer are removed to expose the first sacrificial pattern, and the exposed first sacrificial pattern and the second sacrificial pattern are removed. The second hard mask layer and the first hard mask layer are then etched to form a hard mask composed of residual portions of the first hard mask layer and the second hard mask layer. A fine pattern of a semiconductor device, such as a trench isolation region or a pattern of contact holes, can be formed using the hard mask as an etch mask.
US08278220B2
A microscopic metallic structure is produced by creating or exposing a patterned region of increased conductivity and then forming a conductor on the region using electrodeposition. In some embodiments, a microscopic metallic structure is formed on a substrate, and then the substrate is etched to remove the structure from the substrate. In some embodiments, a focused beam of gallium ion without a deposition precursor gas scans a pattern on a silicon substrate, to produce a conductive pattern on which a copper structure is then formed by electrochemical deposition of one or more metals. The structure can be freed from the substrate by etching, or can used in place. A beam can be used to access an active layer of a transistor, and then a conductor can be electrodeposited to provide a lead for sensing or modifying the transistor operation while it is functioning.
US08278216B1
The present invention provides methods of selectively depositing refractory metal and metal nitride cap layers onto copper lines inlaid in a dielectric layer. The methods result in formation of a cap layer on the copper lines without significant formation on the surrounding dielectric material. The methods typically involve exposing the copper lines to a nitrogen-containing organo-metallic precursor and a reducing agent under conditions that the metal or metal nitride layer is selectively deposited. In a particular embodiment, an amino-containing tungsten precursor is used to deposit a tungsten nitride layer. Deposition methods such as CVD or ALD may be used.
US08278213B2
This invention improves reliability of a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof. A glass substrate is bonded on a surface of a silicon wafer formed with pad electrodes. Next, via holes are formed from a back surface of the silicon wafer to pad electrodes, and a groove is formed extending along a center line of a dicing line and penetrating the silicon wafer from its back surface. After then, in processes including heating treatment, cushioning pads, wirings, a solder mask, and solder balls are formed on the back surface of the silicon wafer. Finally, the silicon wafer bolstered by the glass substrate is separated into individual silicon dice by dicing.
US08278208B2
A semiconductor device includes a first plug formed on a semiconductor substrate and exposed on side and upper surfaces of an upper part thereof and a second plug formed on the first plug to contact the exposed side and upper surfaces of the upper part of the first plug.
US08278206B2
A method of forming a memory device includes forming a first interlayer insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first electrode in the first interlayer insulating layer, the first electrode having a top surface of a rectangular shape extending in a first direction, and forming a variable resistance pattern on the first electrode, the variable resistance pattern having a bottom surface of a rectangular shape extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, the bottom surface of the variable resistance pattern contacting the first electrode, wherein the area of contact between the lower electrode and the variable resistance pattern is substantially equal to a multiplication of a minor axis length of a top surface of the first electrode and a minor axis length of a bottom surface of the variable resistance pattern.
US08278201B2
According to the present invention, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a recess on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first gate electrode material and a hard mask layer on an entire surface including the recess, etching the hard mask layer and the first gate electrode material to form the first gate electrode pattern on a lower portion of inside of the recess, forming a second gate electrode material on an entire surface including the recess, and etching the second gate electrode material and separating the second gate electrode material.
US08278196B2
The present disclosure provides a high surface dopant concentration semiconductor device and method of fabricating. In an embodiment, a method of forming the semiconductor device includes providing a substrate, forming a doped region in the substrate, forming a stressing layer over the doped region, performing a boron (B) doping implant to the stressing layer, annealing the B doping implant, and after annealing the B doping implant, forming a silicide layer over the stressing layer.
US08278186B2
The present invention relates to a wafer cleaning and a wafer bonding method using the same that can improve a yield of cleaning process and bonding property in bonding the cleaned wafer by cleaning the wafer using atmospheric pressure plasma and cleaning solution. The wafer cleaning method includes the steps of providing a process chamber with a wafer whose bonding surface faces upward, cleaning and surface-treating the bonding surface of the wafer by supplying atmospheric pressure plasma and a cleaning solution to the bonding surface of the wafer, and withdrawing out the wafer from the process chamber. The wafer bonding method includes the steps of: providing a first process chamber with a first wafer whose bonding surface faces upward; cleaning and surface-treating the bonding surface of the first wafer by supplying atmospheric pressure plasma and a cleaning solution to the bonding surface of the first wafer; withdrawing out the first wafer from the first process chamber and providing a second process chamber with the first wafer; providing a third process chamber with a second wafer whose bonding surface faces upward; cleaning and surface-treating the bonding surface of the second wafer by supplying atmospheric pressure plasma and a cleaning solution to the bonding surface of the second wafer; withdrawing out the second wafer from the third process chamber and providing the second process chamber with the second wafer whose bonding surface faces to the bonding surface of the first wafer and bonding the bonding surfaces of the first and second wafers to each other.
US08278185B2
A method for forming a device isolation layer of a semiconductor device or a non-volatile memory device is provided. A method for forming a device isolation layer of a semiconductor device includes: forming trenches having a first predetermined depth by etching a substrate; forming a first insulation layer having a second predetermined depth inside the trenches; forming a liner oxide layer having a predetermined thickness on internal walls of the trenches with the first insulation layer formed therein; and forming a second insulation layer for forming a device isolation layer over the substrate with the liner oxide layer formed therein, wherein the second insulation layer has a lower etch rate than that of the first insulation layer.
US08278177B2
A first p-type SiGe mixed crystal layer is formed by an epitaxial growth method in a trench, and a second p-type SiGe mixed crystal layer is formed. On the second SiGe mixed crystal layer, a third p-type SiGe mixed crystal layer is formed. The height of an uppermost surface of the first SiGe mixed crystal layer from the bottom of the trench is lower than the depth of the trench with the surface of the silicon substrate being the standard. The height of an uppermost surface of the second SiGe mixed crystal layer from the bottom of the trench is higher than the depth of the trench with the surface of the silicon substrate being the standard. Ge concentrations in the first and third SiGe mixed crystal layers are lower than a Ge concentration in the second SiGe mixed crystal layer.
US08278174B2
The dopant profile of a transistor may be obtained on the basis of an in situ doped strain-inducing semiconductor alloy wherein a graded dopant concentration may be established along the height direction. Consequently, the semiconductor alloy may be positioned in close proximity to the channel region, thereby enhancing the overall strain-inducing efficiency, while not unduly compromising the finally obtained dopant profile. Furthermore, additional implant species may be incorporated prior to selectively growing the semiconductor alloy, thereby avoiding implantation-induced relaxation of the internal strain.
US08278173B2
A method includes: forming first and second projections; forming a first structure engaging the first projection, and including: a non-metallic conductive layer, and a first opening over the conductive layer; forming a second structure engaging the second projection, and including: a second opening; and conformally depositing a pure metal in the first and second openings. A different aspect involves an apparatus including: a first device that includes a first projection and a first gate structure, the first projection extending from a substrate, and the first gate structure engaging the first projection, and including an opening, and a conformal, pure metal disposed in the opening; and a second device that includes a second projection and a second gate structure, the second projection extending from the substrate, and the second gate structure engaging the second projection, and including a silicide including a metal that is the same metal disposed in the opening.
US08278172B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes the following processes. A pillar is formed which stands on a semiconductor substrate. A first insulating film is formed which covers a side surface of the pillar. An upper portion of the first insulating film is removed to expose a side surface of an upper portion of the pillar. A contact plug is formed, which contacts the side surface of the upper portion of the pillar and a top surface of the pillar.
US08278168B2
A semiconductor device and associated methods, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate with a first well region, a first gate electrode disposed on the first well region, and a first N-type capping pattern, a first P-type capping pattern, and a first gate dielectric pattern disposed between the first well region and the first gate electrode.
US08278161B2
A thin film transistor array substrate and a fabricating method are disclosed. A gate line and a data line cross each other and a thin film transistor (TFT) is provided at the intersection between the gate and data lines. A protective film covers the data line and the thin film transistor and has a contact hole exposing a drain electrode of the TFT. A pixel electrode is connected, via the contact hole, to the drain electrode of the TFT. A storage capacitor includes a gate insulating film between the pixel electrode and the gate line and/or a common line. Some or all of the protective film within the storage capacitor is removed such that the storage capacitor contains no protective film or a layer of protective film that is thinner than the portion covering the TFT.
US08278159B2
A thin film transistor (TFT), a method of fabricating the same, and a display device including the TFT, are provided. The method includes forming an edge region that is doped with impurities of a conductivity type opposite to a conductivity type of impurities doped into source and drain regions. The edge region is in contact with a channel region and an edge portion of the source region. The method also includes forming contact holes for source and drain electrodes to expose a portion of the drain region and expose respective portions of the source region and the edge region contacting the edge portion of the source region; and forming source and drain electrodes. Thus, a source-body contact is automatically formed so that an edge effect can be reduced and a kink effect can be reduced or removed.
US08278156B2
Systems and methods of semiconductor device fabrication and layout generation are disclosed. An exemplary method includes processes of depositing a layer of a first material and patterning the layer to form an initial pattern, wherein the initial pattern defines critical features of the layout elements using a single exposure; depositing spacer material over the first pattern on the substrate and etching the spacer material such that the spacer material is removed from horizontal surfaces of the substrate and the first pattern but remains adjacent to vertical surfaces of the first pattern; removing the initial pattern from the substrate while leaving the spacer material in a spacer pattern; filling the spacer pattern with final material; and trimming the tilled pattern to remove portions of the final material beyond dimensions of the layout elements.
US08278155B2
A reversible fuse structure in an integrated circuit is obtained through the implementation of a fuse cell having a short thin line of phase change materials in contact with via and line structures capable of passing current through the line of phase change material (fuse cell). The current is passed through the fuse cell in order to change the material from a less resistive material to a more resistive material through heating the phase change material in the crystalline state to the melting point then quickly quenching the material into the amorphous state. The reversible programming is achieved by passing a lower current through the fuse cell to convert the high resistivity amorphous material to a lower resistivity crystalline material. Appropriate sense-circuitry is integrated to read the information stored in the fuses, wherein said sense circuitry is used to enable or disable circuitry.
US08278153B2
The present invention includes a temporary fixing step of temporarily fixing a semiconductor element on an adherend interposing an adhesive sheet therebetween, a wire-bonding step of bonding wires to the semiconductor element, and a step of sealing the semiconductor element with a sealing resin, and in which the loss elastic modulus of the adhesive sheet at 175° C. is 2000 Pa or more.
US08278151B2
The present invention aims to provide a tape for holding a chip that makes pasting and peeling of a chip-shaped workpiece easy. It is a tape for holding a chip having a configuration in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on a base material, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a chip-shaped workpiece pasting region onto which a chip-shaped workpiece is pasted and a frame pasting region onto which a mount frame is pasted, and that is used by pasting the mount frame to the frame pasting region, wherein the 180-degree peeling adhesive power of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to a silicon mirror wafer at the frame pasting region is 5 times or more the 180-degree peeling adhesive power of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to a silicon mirror wafer at the chip-shaped workpiece pasting region.
US08278150B2
An apparatus and a method for packaging semiconductor devices. The apparatus includes a substrate strip component of a leadless three-dimensional stackable semiconductor package having mounting contacts on, for example, four peripheral edges. The substrate strip may either be fabricated for mounting a single electrical component (e.g., an integrated circuit die) or a plurality of substrate strips may be laid out in an X-Y matrix pattern which may later be singulated into individual package strip for leadless packages. Three-dimensional stacking is achieved by a bonding area on an uppermost portion of the sidewall. The sidewall of the strip is high enough to enclose an encapsulant covering a later mounted integrated circuit die and associated bonding wires.
US08278149B2
A semiconductor die package is disclosed. It includes a leadframe structure comprising a first die attach pad and a second die attach pad. A plurality of leads extend from the first and second die attach pads. The plurality of leads includes at least a first control lead and a second control lead. A first semiconductor die including a first device is mounted on the first die attach pad, and a second semiconductor die has a second device is mounted on the second die attach pad. A housing is provided in the semiconductor die package and protects the first and second dies. The housing may have an exterior surface and at least partially covers the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die. The first control lead and the second control lead are at opposite sides of the semiconductor die package.
US08278143B2
A manufacturing method for an electronic device joining a first metallic bond part formed on a first electronic component and a second metallic bond part formed on a second electronic component includes a first process for placing the first metallic bond part directly against the second metallic bond part, applying pressure to the first electronic component and the second electronic component, joining the first metallic bond part to the second metallic bond part with solid-phase diffusion, and releasing the applied pressure, and a second process for heating the first electronic component and the second electronic component at a predetermined temperature such that the first metallic bond part and the second metallic bond part are joined together by melting at least one of the first metallic bond part and the second metallic bond part.
US08278138B2
Provided are a resistive memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The resistive memory device comprises an electron channel layer formed by means of a swelling process and an annealing process. Thus, conductive nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the electron channel layer to improve reliability of the resistive memory device. According to the method, an electron channel layer is formed by means of a printing process, a swelling process, and an annealing process. Thus, fabrication time is reduced.
US08278133B2
A method for joining a film onto a substrate comprises: a step (A) of floating the film on an interface between an aqueous liquid and a water-insoluble liquid; a step (B) of immersing the substrate into the aqueous liquid; a step (C) of stacking the substrate onto said one surface of the film in the aqueous liquid; a step (D) of immersing the stacked substrate and film into the water-insoluble liquid with maintaining the substrate being stacked on the film to adhere the film to the substrate; and a step (E) of drawing up the stacked substrate and film from the water-insoluble liquid with maintaining the substrate being stacked on the film to join the film onto the substrate.
US08278129B2
In a process of fabricating a nitride nitride semi-conductor layer of AlaGabIn(1-a-b)N(0
US08278127B2
A method and apparatus of fabricating a thin film transistor is disclosed, which patterns an ohmic contact layer by a laser patterning process so that it is capable of preventing a semiconductor layer from being damaged, and reducing fabrication time, wherein the method comprises forming a gate electrode pattern on a substrate; forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode pattern; sequentially forming a semiconductor layer pattern and an ohmic contact layer pattern on the gate insulating layer; forming source and drain electrode patterns on the ohmic contact layer pattern, wherein the source and drain electrode patterns are provided at a fixed interval therebetween; and removing the ohmic contact layer pattern exposed between the source and drain electrode patterns through the use of laser.
US08278123B2
MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device includes in essence a ferromagnetic reference layer, a MgO tunnel barrier and a ferromagnetic free layer. The microstructure of MgO tunnel barrier, which is prepared by the metallic Mg deposition followed by the oxidation process or reactive sputtering, is amorphous or microcrystalline with poor (001) out-of-plane texture. In the present invention at least only the ferromagnetic reference layer or both of the ferromagnetic reference and free layer is proposed to be bi-layer structure having a crystalline preferred grain growth promotion (PGGP) seed layer adjacent to the tunnel barrier. This crystalline PGGP seed layer induces the crystallization and the preferred grain growth of the MgO tunnel barrier upon post-deposition annealing.
US08278118B2
A method for the separation of particles of different densities using a step-wise gradient density extraction method as described herein where a sample is suspended in a liquid volume of an extracting medium of specific density and the particles that have a density less than or equal to that of the extracting medium of specific density can be recovered from a horizonatally rotatable hollow disk or a removable receptacle within a horizontally rotatable hollow disk designed for such purposes while the particles that have a density greater than the extracting medium of specific density form a deposit which can be cycled through the extraction process in an iterative fashion by varying the density of the extracting medium allowing the recovery of discrete particles of differing densities from a test sample. Also disclosed herein is the use of the above method as part of a separate method or system to identify a ratio of biomarkers from different fractions of a sample homogenate or lysate which is useful in the evaluation of potential biomarkers, and for the intraoperative pathological diagnosis of positive margins of cancer and other diseases.
US08278117B2
Used is a sample holder for MALDI mass spectrometry, which has a CuO secondary particle as a laser-beam-absorbing matrix and in which the secondary particle comprises an aggregate of CuO primary particles having an average particle diameter of 100 nm or smaller and has an uneven surface arising from the shape formed by the primary particles constituting the outermost surface of the secondary particle. As the CuO secondary particle, usable is one derived from a CuO powder produced by baking basic copper carbonate in air at 200 to 300° C., and the basic copper carbonate is produced in a process of mixing an aqueous ammonium hydrogencarbonate solution and an aqueous copper nitrate solution. The CuO secondary particle has an average particle diameter of, for example, from 0.3 to 10 μm.
US08278115B2
Various mass spectroscopy-based methods are provided to improve protein sequencing by detecting z-type product ions generated from the protein. A polypeptide is introduced to a mass spectrometer, and in particular c- and z-type product ions that are generated by selectively fragmenting the polypeptide. The z-type product ions are distinguished from the c-type product ions and the mass-to-charge ratio of at least a portion of the z-type product ions are determined. From the mass of the z-type product ions, a putative chemical composition is identified for at least a portion of the z-type product ions, c-type product ions, or both, which is used to determine polypeptide compositions. Further provided are various methods for reducing spectral noise, instrument calibration and database searching and verification.
US08278106B2
The present invention relates to methods for encapsulating pancreatic progenitors in a biocompatible semi-permeable encapsulating device. The present invention also relates to production of human insulin in a mammal in response to glucose stimulation.
US08278103B2
The invention relates to oligonucleosides having alternating segments of sugar-modified nucleosides and 2′-deoxynucleosides, and uses thereof. The invention further relates to oligonucleotides having alternating segments of sugar-modified nucleotides and 2′-deoxynucleotides, and uses thereof. Such uses include the preparation of antisense oligonucleotides and their use for the prevention or depletion of function of a target nucleic acid of interest, such as an RNA, in a system. Accordingly, an oligonucleotide of the invention is useful for therapeutic, analytical and diagnostic methods and uses, as well as a component of compositions and commercial packages corresponding to such methods and uses.
US08278098B2
The present invention provides polypeptides that bind cellular receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor polypeptides; polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides; compositions comprising the polypeptides and polynucleotides; and methods and uses involving the foregoing. Some polypeptides of the invention exhibit unique receptor binding profiles compared to known, naturally occurring vascular endothelial growth factors.
US08278075B2
L-Cysteine, L-cystine, a derivative or precursor thereof, or a mixture thereof is produced by culturing a bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which has L-cysteine-producing ability and has been modified so that the activity of a protein encoded by a tolC gene, for example, a protein defined in the following (a) or (b), is increased in a medium, and by collecting L-cysteine, L-cystine, a derivative or precursor thereof, or a mixture thereof from the medium: (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, (b) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, but wherein one or several amino acid residues are substituted, deleted, inserted or added, increase of which activity in the bacterium improves the ability of the bacterium to produce L-cysteine.
US08278069B2
The invention relates to β-1,3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase polypeptides, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.
US08278038B2
The present invention is directed to the identification of predictive markers that can be used to determine whether patients with cancer are clinically responsive or non-responsive to a therapeutic regimen prior to treatment. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of certain individual and/or combinations of predictive markers, wherein the expression of the predictive markers correlates with responsiveness or non-responsiveness to a therapeutic regimen. Thus, by examining the expression levels of individual predictive markers and/or predictive markers comprising a marker set, it is possible to determine whether a therapeutic agent, or combination of agents, will be most likely to reduce the growth rate of tumors in a clinical setting.
US08278033B2
Methods to appraise general health and to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic agents are disclosed. These methods can be performed on blood samples or other bodily fluids and comprise effecting cell death of endothelial cells, staining the dead cells and observing them microscopically. In addition, the invention is directed to combination treatments for neoplastic diseases or other conditions characterized by unwanted angiogenesis by administering an antiangiogenesis agent while maintaining nontoxic levels of ethanol and/or DMSO in the blood.
US08278032B2
The present invention provides a lipid membrane that contains a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, or 22. Use of the present invention enables screening for a chemical which regulates excretion of a chemical and/or a waste. Furthermore, use of the present invention enables an arbitrary chemical to be tested for nephrotoxicity and/or hepatotoxicity.
US08278025B2
The formation of high-resolution resist patterns by liquid immersion lithography with various fluids is enabled by protecting a resist film from deterioration (such as bridging) during the immersion exposure in a fluid (such as water) and the fluid from deterioration and improving the stability of a resist film in the storage after exposure without increase in the number of treatment steps. A material for forming resist protection films which comprises an alkali-soluble polymer for forming a protective overcoat for a resist film, characterized in that the contact angle of the polymer to water is 90° or above. The polymer is preferably an acrylic polymer which comprises as the essential components constituent units derived from (meth) acrylic acid and constituent units derived from a specific acrylic ester.
US08278022B2
Provided are a novel positive resist composition that includes a low molecular weight material as a base material component, and a method of forming a resist pattern using the positive resist composition.A positive resist composition including: a base material component (A) that exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under the action of acid; and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure, wherein the base material component (A) comprises a compound (A1) in which either a portion of, or all of, the hydrogen atoms of hydroxyl groups (—OH) within a phenolic compound (I) described below have been substituted with a group containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group: the phenolic compound (I) including 4 triphenylmethane structures, and a tetravalent linking moiety that links the 4 triphenylmethane structures, wherein at least one of the 4 triphenylmethane structures has at least one phenolic hydroxyl group.
US08278015B2
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed generally to an improved electrostatographic imaging member incorporating specific anti-oxidants into the charge transport layer to achieve substantially reduced lateral charge migration. The imaging members having such an charge transport layer can include charge transport molecules such as N,N,N,′N′-tetra(4-methylphenyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine without increased sensitivity to corona-induced lateral charge migration.
US08278012B2
A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, which includes an anode and a cathode facing each other; and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. The cathode includes a first catalyst layer that includes catalyst particles, and a second catalyst layer that includes the catalyst particles and a pore-forming agent. The membrane-electrode assembly efficiently performs mass transfer and release, due to pores in the second catalyst layer.
US08278008B2
A fuel cell separator and a fuel cell are provided that can improve uniformity in reaction gas flow rate and can prevent flooding due to excessive condensed water in passage grooves appropriately. A reaction gas passage region (101) of a separator (2) has a flow splitting region (21) having a passage groove group where the reaction gas is split, and one or more flow merge regions (22) having a recessed portion in which the reaction gas is mixed and connecting a plurality of flow splitting regions so that the passage groove group of the adjacent flow splitting regions (21) are connected to the recessed portion, and protrusions (27) vertically extend from a bottom face of the recessed portion and arranged in an island form. A pair of passage groove groups connected to the recessed portion of the flow merge region (22) is formed so as to have a greater number of grooves in the upstream passage groove group than the number of grooves of grooves in the downstream passage groove group. The recessed portion of the flow merge region (22) is defined, in a turn portion of a serpentine shaped reaction gas passage region (101), by oblique boundaries between the recessed portion and a pair of passage groove groups which are connected to the recessed portion and by the outer end of the turn portion.
US08278006B2
A fuel cell system includes: a cell pack including an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte; a fuel tank separated from the cell pack, and having a hole; a fuel mixture unit connected to the cell pack; a fuel storage medium included in the fuel tank, and a part of which is exposed through the hole; and a fuel supplying path having a first end connected to the fuel mixture unit, and a second end connected to the fuel storage medium only when the fuel cell system operates. A mobile communication device includes the fuel cell system.
US08278004B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a membrane electrode assembly using an interface resistance reducing composition which can simply reduce the resistance of the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte membrane in a short time at low temperatures at low pressure without polymerization while maintaining an effect of suppressing a fuel crossover even with an electrolyte membrane having high heat resistance, high strength, a high tensile elastic modulus and a low water content. This is achieved by a method of producing a membrane electrode assembly formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane between a pair of electrodes, comprising the steps of bonding at least one electrode to the electrolyte membrane sandwiching an interface resistance reducing composition containing a plasticizer between the electrode and the electrolyte membrane, and a membrane electrode assembly formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane between a pair of electrodes, wherein the membrane electrode assembly has a layer (A) at least between one electrode and the electrolyte membrane, and the value of the storage modulus C is 1 GPa or more when the storage moduli of the electrolyte membrane and the layer (A), which are measured with an ultramicro penetrometer, are regarded as C and D, respectively.
US08278000B2
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), at least one separator plate disposed on a first side of the MEA, and at least one separator plate disposed on a second side of the MEA. The separator plate on the first side of the MEA may form a first group of channels for conducting a first reactant. The separator plate disposed on the second side of the MEA may form a second group of channels for conducting a second reactant. The first group of channels include a first set and a second set of channels alternatively positioned. Each of the first set of channels is positioned adjacent to a channel of the second set. Each of the two sets of channels includes an input controlled by an input valve and an output controlled by an output valve. The first group of channels forms an interdigitated flow field by closing the input valve of one of the two sets of channels and closing the output valve of the other of the two sets of channels, and forms a conventional flow field by opening both the input valve and the output valve.
US08277990B2
A fuel cell system for a vehicle, controlling a power generation amount of a fuel cell. A required power generation amount of the fuel cell and a target operational state corresponding to required power generation amount are calculated. An operational state of the fuel cell is detected. A correction power generation amount used for correcting the required power generation amount and an allowable power generation amount that the fuel cell can stably generate based on the operational state of the fuel cell are also calculated. Further, an output power generation amount of the fuel cell is determined based on a relation between the allowable power generation amount and the power generation amount obtained by correcting the required power generation amount by the correction power generation amount.
US08277983B2
The present invention relates to novel polyazoles, a proton-conducting polymer membrane based on these polyazoles and its use as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane-electrode units for PEM-fuel cells, and also other shaped bodies comprising such polyazoles.
US08277982B2
The invention provides a hydrogen activating material, which includes as a major constituent an iron-semiconductor alloy containing iron and semiconductor components. It also provides a consumption controlling material for water-soluble electrolyte chemical cells and fuel cells. In addition a hydrogen activating method is also provided.
US08277974B2
Combinations of materials are described in which high energy density active materials for negative electrodes of lithium ion batteries. In general, metal alloy/intermetallic compositions can provide the high energy density. These materials can have moderate volume changes upon cycling in a lithium ion battery. The volume changes can be accommodated with less degradation upon cycling through the combination with highly porous electrically conductive materials, such as highly porous carbon and/or foamed current collectors. Whether or not combined with a highly porous electrically conductive material, metal alloy/intermetallic compositions with an average particle size of no more than a micron can be advantageously used in the negative electrodes to improve cycling properties.
US08277971B2
In a battery including a battery cell formed in a flattened substantially parallelepiped shape and a terminal contacting section electrically connected to the battery cell, at one end in the longitudinal direction of a face of the battery opposing to the face on which the terminal contacting section is provided, a projecting portion which projects in the longitudinal direction of the face is provided. Meanwhile, another projecting portion which projects in the longitudinal direction of the face is provided at the other end. The projecting portions may have projecting lengths different from each other or may have projecting lengths and projecting thicknesses different from each other. A charging apparatus into which the battery is to be installed includes an accommodating section for the battery which in turn includes projection accommodating portions configured to individually accommodate the projecting portions.
US08277965B2
A battery pack thermal management system is provided that is comprised of at least one enclosure failure port integrated into at least one wall of a battery pack enclosure, where the enclosure failure port(s) remains closed during normal operation of the battery pack, and opens during a battery pack thermal runaway event, thereby providing a flow path for hot gas generated during the thermal runaway event to be exhausted out of the battery pack enclosure in a controlled fashion.
US08277964B2
An energy storage system includes a vanadium redox battery that interfaces with a control system to optimize performance and efficiency. The control system calculates optimal pump speeds, electrolyte temperature ranges, and charge and discharge rates. The control system instructs the vanadium redox battery to operate in accordance with the prescribed parameters. The control system further calculates optimal temperature ranges and charge and discharge rates for the vanadium redox battery.
US08277956B2
Provided is an organic light emitting diode including: a first electrode; a second electrode; an organic layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a luminous efficiency improvement layer disposed on a surface of the first electrode facing away from the organic layer or a surface of the second electrode facing away from the organic layer, wherein the luminous efficiency improvement layer includes a porphyrazin derivative, a phthalocyanine derivative, a naphthalocyanine derivative, or a combination of at least two compounds of the foregoing.
US08277954B2
An organic electroluminescent device comprises: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic compound layer therebetween, the at least one organic compound layer comprises at least a light-emitting layer, wherein at least one of the at least one organic compound layer comprises at least one compound represented by formula (1):Formula (1): wherein Q1 to Q4 each independently represents an atomic group for forming an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic heterocyclic ring in combination with two carbon atoms in formula (1); A1 and A2 each independently represents a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom; and Q5 and Q6 each independently represents an atomic group for forming an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic heterocyclic ring in combination with A1 and A2 respectively, provided that Q5 and Q6 are not combined through a single bond, a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group or a divalent aromatic heterocyclic ring group.
US08277949B2
A roofing membrane that includes a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane and petroleum liquid so as to improve the UV stability of the blend without adversely affecting the flexibility of the dried and/or cured blend.
US08277948B2
Provided is a thermosetting resin composition which can be used for the production of printed circuit boards, having good dielectric properties in high frequency bands so that transmission loss can be significantly lowered, having excellent heat resistance after moisture absorption and thermal expansion properties, and satisfying peeling strength between the resin composition and metal foil.The present invention relates to a thermosetting resin composition of a semi-IPN composite, comprising (A) a polyphenylene ether, and a prepolymer formed from (B) a chemically unmodified butadiene polymer containing 40% or more of a 1,2-butadiene unit having a 1 2,-vinyl group in a side chain of a molecule and (C) a crosslinking agent, in a compatibilized and uncured state; and a resin varnish, a prepreg and a metal clad laminated board using the same.
US08277945B2
An article of manufacture comprising (i) at least one glass substrate; (ii) a first coating layer on at least a portion of at least one side of the glass substrate wherein the first coating layer comprises an organic polymer or a cured silicone resin composition selected from a hydrosilylation cured silicone resin composition, a condensation cured silicone resin composition, or a free radical cured silicone resin composition; and (iii) a second coating layer on top of at least a portion of the first coating layer wherein the second coating layer comprises an organic polymer or a cured silicone resin composition selected from a hydrosilylation cured silicone resin composition, a condensation cured silicone resin composition, or a free radical cured silicone resin composition with the proviso that at least one of the first coating layer or the second coating layer comprises a cured silicone resin composition and with the proviso that when the first coating layer and second coating layer are both cured silicone resin compositions, the cured silicone resin composition of the first coating layer is different from the cured silicone resin composition of the second coating layer.
US08277937B2
Emulsion paint composition for obtaining special textile or suede effect comprising a filler at least partly consisting of pre-pigmented spherical aliphatic polyurethane particles particles. About 3-10% of the spherical particles has a particle size between 63-90 micrometers and 25-40% of the spherical particles has a particle size between 40-63 micrometers. Before applying the paint as a semi-opaque top coat the substrate is first coated with an opaque acrylic primer of a corresponding color and subsequently dried. The top coat is applied by brush in cross way fashion to obtain a suede effect, or it can be applied by roller, while subsequently a tool is used comprising a flat side provided with stiff parallel projecting fibers such as synthetic grass fibers, which are dragged over the fresh paint layer to obtain a linen effect.
US08277936B2
The present invention relates to a hexagonal boron nitride platelet particle having a layer of a ferromagnetic metal between the layers of hexagonal boron nitride thereof, and a process for preparing the composition thereof. The present invention further relates to polymeric composites formed therefrom. The present invention describes improvements in thermal conductivity of said composites when subject to an orienting magnetic field.
US08277930B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a moisture-permeable film having superior moisture permeability and flexibility at levels enabling the use thereof in the production of textile products such as clothes, while also not being susceptible to the occurrence of decreases in surface quality caused by roughening. The present invention relates to a moisture-permeable film obtained by curing a reactive polyurethane hot melt resin composition comprising a reactive urethane prepolymer (D), a (meth)acrylate (E) and a photopolymerization initiator (F), wherein the reactive urethane prepolymer (D) is obtained by reacting a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylate (C) with 10% to 90% of the equivalent of isocyanate groups possessed by an urethane prepolymer obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate (B) with a polyol (A); and the polyol (A) contains a polyester polyol (a-1) which is obtained by reacting polycarboxylic acid with a polyol in which an alkylene oxide is added to bisphenol A, a poly ester polyol (a-2) which is a solid at normal temperature and a polyethylene glycol (a-3) which has a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 25,000.
US08277923B2
The invention relates to a friction weld assembly of a plurality of superposed plates, said plates being held together by a connection body which rests on the upper plate by means of a collar and is formed as a slender cone ending in a tip. The connection body comprises a driving element in the region of the collar thereof, for the attachment of a pressure and rotation tool. A girder formed from the slender cone and penetrating from the upper plate into the lower plate, and a girder protruding from the lower plate along the inner surfaces thereof, form a friction welding region extending onto the slender cone.
US08277921B2
A honeycomb structure includes a ceramic block including a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies, a first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer. The plurality of honeycomb fired bodies includes center-portion honeycomb fired bodies located at a center portion in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and peripheral honeycomb fired bodies surrounding the center-portion honeycomb fired bodies. The first adhesive layer is interposed between the center-portion honeycomb fired bodies to connect the center-portion honeycomb fired bodies. The second adhesive layer is interposed between each of the center-portion honeycomb fired bodies and each of the peripheral honeycomb fired bodies and between the peripheral honeycomb fired bodies. An adhesive strength α between the center-portion honeycomb fired bodies bonded via the first adhesive layer is higher than an adhesive strength β between honeycomb fired bodies bonded via the second adhesive layer.
US08277920B2
An optical recording material comprising at least one kind of chalcone type compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a metal complex using the chalcone type compound as a ligand: wherein ring A represents a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring or an aromatic ring; ring B represents a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, an aromatic ring, or a metallocene structure; the above-mentioned heterocyclic and aromatic ring may be condensed with other rings or may be substituted; n is 0 or 1.
US08277919B2
An optical disc includes a substrate layer, a cover layer, and an aluminum alloy layer that is between the substrate layer and cover layer, and is adjacent to the substrate layer. The aluminum alloy layer includes a majority amount of aluminum and an additional metal selected from the group consisting of: chromium, titanium, tantalum, and any combination thereof. A method of making an optical disc includes the steps of: forming a substrate layer; sputtering an aluminum alloy target onto the substrate layer to form an aluminum alloy layer; and forming a cover layer; wherein the aluminum alloy layer comprises a majority amount of aluminum and an additional metal selected from the group consisting of: chromium, titanium, tantalum, and any combination thereof.
US08277915B2
Disclosed is a self-adhered, vapor permeable, air barrier membrane that is easy to install. The membrane has a Young's modulus of 3000 to 80,000 psi, most preferably 4000 to 15,000 psi, in the cross-direction and 5000 to 100,000 psi, most preferably 5000 to 20,000 psi, in the machine direction.
US08277911B2
An anticorrosion composition is manufactured which contains a water-soluble inorganic acid salt (a) containing at least one of copper and tin, an alkaline component (b), and a binder (c), the equivalent ratio of the water-soluble inorganic acid salt (a) and the alkaline component (b) being 2:0.25 to 2:2. This anticorrosion composition is applied to a fiberboard to manufacture an anticorrosion fiberboard which can absorb reducing sulfur compounds produced from the fiberboard or already present in the atmosphere.
US08277909B2
Transparent ink-jet recording films, compositions, and methods are disclosed. These films can exhibit high maximum optical densities, rapid ink drying, low curl, excellent adhesion between the coating layers and the substrate, and negligible ink transfer between stacked ink-jet recording films after imaging. Such films are useful in medical imaging applications.
US08277903B2
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for synthesis of bridged-hydropentacene, hydroanthracene and hydrotetracene from the precursor compounds pentacene derivatives, tetracene derivatives, and anthracene derivatives. The invention further relates to are methods and systems for forming thin films for use in electrically conductive assemblies, such as semiconductors or photovoltaic devices.
US08277899B2
The invention provides methods for modifying one or more properties of porous thin films. In such methods, a formulation comprising a reactive species is applied to the porous thin film and allowed to crosslink. In some embodiments, the crosslinked network thus formed imparts increased mechanical strength and wear resistance to the porous thin films.
US08277896B2
Methods of making a ternary oxide and a perovskite-related ternary oxide structure are described. The methods include reacting a binary oxide with a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide to form a ternary oxide dielectric layer on a substrate. Powders, anodes, pressed articles, and capacitors including the ternary oxide or perovskite-related ternary oxide structure as a dielectric layer or other layers are further described.
US08277895B2
There is provided a method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising: a coating material adjustment step for obtaining a coating material by mixing at least water with a ceramic powder aggregate having only one peak in a particle size distribution, an average particle size of 23 to 39 μm, and a particle size distribution width of 15 to 33, a coating material application step for applying the coating material to cover the outer periphery of a honeycomb structure having a plurality of cells separated by porous ceramic partition walls, and a coating material heat-drying step for forming an outer wall by heat-drying the coating material after the coating material application step. By the method, the outer periphery is covered with a coating material to form an outer wall to hardly generate, for example, crack generation and peeling upon drying the outer wall, and the coating material is provided.
US08277890B2
The transporting device according to the invention, in particular for transporting sheet-like substrates through a coating installation, comprises transporting rollers which are rotatably mounted on both sides and horizontally arranged transversely in relation to the transporting direction, the uppermost surface lines of the transporting rollers defining the transporting plane, and is characterized in that the end parts of the transporting rollers have a smaller diameter than the middle part of the transporting rollers and in that baffles which are mounted displaceably in the axial direction of the transporting rollers between a first position and a second position are arranged between the end parts of the transporting rollers and the transporting plane. The fact that the baffles are mounted in an axially displaceable manner has the effect of considerably extending the cleaning intervals of the transporting device. At first the baffles are arranged in a first position, in which the end of the baffle lies underneath the substrate and, in the horizontal direction, as close as possible to the middle of the transporting roller Vapor-depositing material that gets beyond the edge of the substrate hits the baffle. During operation of the transporting device, the baffles are continuously displaced from the middle part to the ends of the transporting rollers. As a result, the increase in thickness of the layer produced on the baffles is limited, since the vapor keeps hitting new portions of the baffle.
US08277885B2
A kind of electrically conductive foam for preventing an electronic component from electro-magnetic interference includes the following compositions: electrically conductive material accounting for about 5% to about 10% by weight; plastic material accounting for about 10% to about 16% by weight; propellant accounting for about 65% to about 75% by weight; surfactant accounting for about 0.5% to about 4% by weight; and auxiliary material accounting for about 4% to about 5% by weight.
US08277884B2
There is provided a coating and processing apparatus including a spin chuck horizontally holding a quadrangular substrate and rotating the substrate in a horizontal plane, a coating solution nozzle for supplying a coating solution to a front surface of the substrate horizontally held by the spin chuck, and a solvent supply mechanism provided in the spin chuck for supplying a solvent to a back surface of the substrate, in which the solvent supplied to the back surface of the substrate is allowed to reach the back surface and side surface of each of corners of the substrate by centrifugal force, thereby removing the coating solution attached.
US08277879B2
There are disclosed a platen roller capable of inhibiting drop of an adhesive force of a thermally active adhesive layer, which is seen in a case where recording and thermal activating are performed with respect to a thermally active adhesive sheet having the thermally active adhesive layer on a backside of a recording surface of a sheet-like substrate, a method of manufacturing the platen roller, and a recording device and a sticking label printer which are provided with the platen rollers. As the platen roller for conveying the thermally active adhesive sheet having the thermally active adhesive layer on the backside of the recording surface of the sheet-like substrate, a platen roller is used which is subjected to a contact treatment to bring the surface of a roller portion into contact with a compound (a) containable as a solid plasticizer in the thermally active adhesive layer.
US08277878B2
A transparent polycrystalline ceramic having scattering and absorption loss less than 0.2/cm over a region comprising more than 95% of the originally densified shape and a process for fabricating the same by hot pressing. The ceramic can be any suitable ceramic such as yttria (Y2O3) or scandia (Sc2O3) and can have a doping level of from 0 to 20% and a grain size of greater than 30 μm, although the grains can also be smaller than 30 μm. Ceramic nanoparticles can be coated with a sintering aid to minimize direct contact of adjacent ceramic powder particles and then baked at high temperatures to remove impurities from the coated particles. The thus-coated particles can then be densified by hot pressing into the final ceramic product. The invention further provides a transparent polycrystalline ceramic solid-state laser material and a laser using the hot pressed polycrystalline ceramic.
US08277875B2
The present invention relates to a polyester for thermal transfer image-receiving sheets which includes a polyester A produced from an alcohol component containing 50 mol % or more of an alkyleneoxide adduct of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane and an acid component containing 80 mol % or more of an aliphatic carboxylic acid and/or an alicyclic carboxylic acid as a total amount thereof, and a polyester B produced from an alcohol component containing 80 mol % or more of the alkyleneoxide adduct of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane and an acid component containing 10 to 35 mol % of a trivalent or higher valent aromatic polycarboxylic acid; a resin dispersion containing the polyester; a process for producing the resin dispersion; a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet using the polyester; and a process for producing the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet. The thermal transfer image-receiving sheet is capable of satisfying all of a dyeability, a light resistance and a releasability at the same time.
US08277865B2
A snack chip comprising from about 15% to about 60% of vegetable material; from about 40% to about 65% of starch material made from materials selected from the group consisting of tapioca, rice and mixtures thereof; from about 0.1% to about 3.0% water; and from about 1% to about 20% of optional ingredients. At least about 40% of the starch material is pre-gelatinized. The snack chip can be made by combining the vegetable material and dry ingredients with water to form a dough which is then sheeted, dried without the use of a heated extruder to form a half product, which is cooked to form the snack chip.
US08277859B2
A composition for preserving solid food products comprising a moisture-sensitive isothiocyanate compound and a hygroscopic carrier, wherein the composition is substantially free of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and salts thereof. Also disclosed is a solid food product containing the aforementioned preservative composition and a method for preserving solid food products including the steps of adding a moisture-sensitive isothiocyanate to the solid food product and storing the resulting product at a reduced temperature.
US08277854B2
The present invention relates generally to a nutritional composition comprising punicalagins.
US08277852B2
The present invention is directed to bioactive botanical cosmetic compositions derived from membrane and cell serum fractions of plant cell juice. The present invention also relates to the methods for preparing these bioactive botanical cosmetic compositions and the uses of these compositions in various cosmetic formulations and as topical skin cosmetic applications.
US08277851B2
A herbal medicinal composition and a herbal medicinal extract for inducing production of peripheral blood stem cells and a method for preparing the same. The herbal medicinal composition contains herbal medicinal herbs disclosed herein such as Cinnamomum Ramulus, Paeoniae (Ovatae) Radix Rubra, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Jujubae Fructus, Anelicae Radix, and Astragali Radix.
US08277842B1
Drug compositions comprising the compound HT-2157 and their therapeutic uses, including the treatment of CNS disorders and cognitive impairments and the modulation of cognitive function, are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention relates to enteric-coated formulations comprising HT-2157 that reduce the appearance of clinically relevant methemoglobinemia relative to administration of non-enteric-coated formulations comprising HT-2157.
US08277841B2
This invention relates to a polyamide rate-modulated monolithic drug delivery system comprising at least one active compound and a biodegradable and biocompatible polyamide polymer. The polymer is selected for delivering, in use, the active compound, within a predetermined time frame depending on the biodegradable properties of the polymer, to a target organism or organisms. In one embodiment of the invention the polymer is modified by salting-out or crosslinking the polymeric material to achieve the desired biodegradability characteristics and, consequently, to control the release of the active compound.
US08277817B2
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a target agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two target agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the target agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one target agent. In more preferred embodiments, the target agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.
US08277811B2
Prevention of autoimmune disease and induction of transplantation tolerance in a recipient can be achieved by induction of mixed chimerism via bone marrow transplantation (BMT), but this procedure requires total body irradiation (TBI)-conditioning of the recipient. The toxicity of radiation and potential for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prevents its clinical application. Donor CD8+ T cells play a critical role in facilitation of engraftment, but also contribute to induction of GVHD in TBI-conditioned recipients. It is disclosed herein that high doses of donor CD8+ T cells in combination with donor bone marrow (BM) cells induces mixed chimerism without GVHD in recipients conditioned with anti-CD3 mAb. These chimeric recipients display donor specific tolerance and reversal of insulitis. These results establish that donor CD8+ T cell-mediated facilitation of engraftment can be separated from GVHD in non-irradiated recipients. This regimen has application in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and the induction of transplantation tolerance.
US08277809B2
Methods of treating disorders related to CXCL13 activity utilize CXCL13 antagonists and, optionally, TNFα antagonists, such as antibodies, including specified portions or variants, polypeptides, polynucleotides, siRNA, shRNA, ribozymes, and DNAzymes. Disorders related to CXCL13 activity include inflammatory disorders, such as pulmonary disorders, for example, asthma, emphysema, and COPD, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
US08277806B2
The invention describes the use of a pharmaceutical preparation containing a trifunctional bispecific and/or trispecific having the following properties: a) binding to a T cell; b) binding to at least an antigen on a tumor cell associated with malignant ascites and/or pleural effusion; c) binding, by its Fc portion (in the case of bispecific antibodies) or by a third specificity (in the case of trispecific antibodies), to Fc receptor-positive cells for the destruction of the tumor cells in the treatment of malignant ascites and/or pleural effusion.
US08277803B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing cancerous disease modifying antibodies using a novel paradigm of screening. By segregating the anti-cancer antibodies using cancer cell cytotoxicity as an end point, the process makes possible the production of anti-cancer antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The antibodies can be used in aid of staging and diagnosis of a cancer, and can be used to treat primary tumors and tumor metastases. The anti-cancer antibodies can be conjugated to toxins, enzymes, radioactive compounds, cytokines, interferons, target or reporter moieties and hematogenous cells.
US08277799B2
Compositions containing a lactic acid-producing bacterial strain, e.g., Bacillus coagulans for inhibition of pathogenic bacterial infections. Spores or extracellular products produced by the bacterial strains are also useful as inhibitory agents.
US08277797B2
Mutant Listeria bacteria that modulate interferon-β production are provided. The subject bacteria are characterized by having a mutation in a gene chosen from a TetR gene, a LadR gene, a VirR gene, a MarR gene a MdrL gene, a MdrT gene and a MdrM gene. The subject bacteria find use in a variety of applications, where representative applications of interest include, but are not limited to: (a) use of the subject bacteria as adjuvants; (b) use of the subject bacteria as delivery vectors for introducing macromolecules into a cell; (c) use of the subject bacteria as vaccines for eliciting or boosting a cellular immune response; etc.
US08277793B2
A prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a viral disease, characterized by combining 22β-methoxyolean-12-ene-3β,24(4β)-diol with an interferon as active ingredients is disclosed. The prophylactic or therapeutic agent of the present invention exhibits a high therapeutic effect by administering 22β-methoxyolean-12-ene-3β,24(4β)-diol and interferon as a combination thereof.
US08277783B2
In general, the invention provides a fast-acting, whitening composition containing permanganate. Particular alkali-metal or alkaline-earth metal salts of permanganate; hydrogen peroxide; or an alkali or alkaline-earth metal peroxide; and an acid.
US08277777B2
A compound that has affinity with amyloid, exhibits sufficiently rapid clearance from normal tissues, and is suppressed in toxicity such as mutagenicity is provided, which is represented by the following formula (1): or a salt thereof, wherein R1 is a group selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, sulfate group, amino group, nitro group, cyano group, an alkyl substituent with one to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy substituent with one to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is a radioactive halogen substituent; and m is an integer of 0 to 2, and a low-toxic diagnostic agent for Alzheimer's disease comprising a compound represented by the above formula or a salt thereof is also provided.
US08277774B2
Provided herein are methods for the preparation of high purity stannous oxide comprising: (a) reacting a Sn salt with a C2-12 dicarboxylic acid in the aqueous phase to form a suspension comprising a Sn-dicarboxylate complex; (b) washing the Sn-dicarboxylate complex with water to obtain a wash solution comprising a washed Sn-dicarboxylate complex essentially free of the anion of the Sn salt; and (c) reacting the washed Sn-dicarboxylate complex with a base to form high purity SnO, wherein the high purity SnO has an alpha radiation count of less than about 0.002 cph/cm2.
US08277772B2
A method of extracting Te and bismuth oxide and recovering byproduct comprises: leaching raw materials with a Te content of ≧1.8% by utilizing a leaching system containing H2SO4, Cl−, Br−, NH4+ and NaClO3, reducing leach solution with SO2 gas by precipitation method after separating impurities from it, washing with concentrated hydrochloric acid to obtain tellurium precipitation (18), purifying to obtain Te with a purity of higher than 99.99%. The filtrate produced is used for extracting Bi2O3 with a purity of higher than 99.99% when Bi content in the raw material is ≧2%. Acidic waste solution produced during the process could be returned to the leaching step for recycle.
US08277764B2
A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.
US08277763B2
The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.
US08277760B2
A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an assay input layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The assay input layer can comprise an assay input port extending from the first surface to the second surface and at least one pressure nodule extending from the second surface. An output layer can comprise a plurality of staging capillaries each having an inlet and an outlet. The output layer can further comprise a capillary plane disposed above the plurality of staging capillaries in fluid communication with the assay input port. The capillary plane can be sized to draw the assay from the assay input port to generally flood fill the plurality of staging capillaries.
US08277754B2
The purpose of the present invention is to propose a reliable, economically viable autoclave that also allows rapid heat treatment of food or pharmaceutical products in industrial quantities.To this end, the subject of the invention is a system for shaking items, inside a device under pressure, comprising a chamber (100) equipped with a heating means (110) and with a pressurizing means (115), and a storage basket (200) for the items (P) coupled to a translational shaking means (300, 310-320-330-340), wherein the basket (200) is slidably mounted on a chassis (400) exhibiting a platform (410) supported by support columns (420) passing through the chamber (100) in a fluidtight and decoupled manner and intended to be secured to an immovable support (600).
US08277752B2
An optical measurement apparatus is provided for conducting a test by efficiently reading color development of a reagent after reaction by optical measurement.To the above end, an optical measurement apparatus is provided which is to be used with at least one test instrument mounted to the apparatus. The test instrument includes a carrier provided with at least one reagent retaining portion which retains a reagent, and a sample is applied to the carrier. The optical measurement apparatus includes a reader for reading color development of the reagent retaining portion, and a controller for performing driving control of the reader and determination. The controller performs the determination by utilizing data obtained by a reading operation P to read the color development of the reagent performed after the lapse of a reaction completion period Tr1-Tr6 from the mounting of the test instrument, and the reaction completion period depends on the reagent.
US08277748B2
A container for enabling fluid flow therethrough for cleaning or sterilizing of the contents, comprises a tray (10) and lid (20) and having respective bases (11, 21) and side walls (17, 27). The bases (11, 21) have perforations (12, 22) defined by elliptically shaped perforation walls (13, 23) with their major axes vertical to allow easy flow of the cleaning fluid through the container and minimum contact points with the contents or other containers. The internal corners (30) of the perforations (12, 22) in horizontal sections are smoothly curved to minimize debris or deposits collecting and resisting removal. A method of cleaning or sterilizing using the container is also described.
US08277744B2
The invention provides a device, system, and method for isolating one or more sample components of a sample material following separation of the sample material into a plurality of sample components. The device includes first and second pinching channels, a separation channel extending between the first and second pinching channels, a collection leg that includes a collection well between first and second ends of the collection leg, and a waste leg, all of which are in fluid communication with a switching region. In the method, a sample material is separated into a plurality of separated components in the device and one or more of the separated components are isolated in the collection well. The separated components are constrained and elongated in the switching region by first and second buffer streams.
US08277738B2
Disclosed is a mobile type electron accelerator which enables a high voltage generator and a beam extraction device irradiating electron beams, and a reactor to be safely placed in containers mounted on trailers of a vehicle having mobility so as to allow a sample (for example, waste water, waste gas, and a sample to be investigated) to be tested in real time while maximally suppressing danger of environmental pollution or radiation exposure, thereby assuring rapidity, field applicability, and accuracy.
US08277734B2
Ultraviolet radiation is shone within an area and detected. The detected ultraviolet radiation is monitored over a period of time to determine a set of biological activity dynamics for the area. Ultraviolet radiation detected during a calibration period can be used to provide a baseline with which analysis of subsequently detected ultraviolet radiation is compared and analyzed. When the presence of biological activity is determined within the area, ultraviolet radiation and/or one or more other approaches can be utilized to suppress the biological activity.
US08277732B1
A air gas detection pack is provided. The air gas detection pack has a card receiving pocket which slidably receives a gas detection card, the gas detection card having a plurality of chemically reactive materials retained therein and exposed to outside air through a plurality of aligned air permeable apertures formed in the front and rear wall of the substance detection pack. The combined gas detection card and gas detection pack indicates the concentrations of gases in the air. The air permeable apertures in conjunction with the reactive materials of the substance detection card are covered with a filtering media to protect the reactive material from dirt and dust contamination.
US08277726B2
A steam generation system comprises: an oxygenated water treatment (OWT) sub-system configured to generate water having oxidizing chemistry; a steam generation sub-system configured to convert the water having oxidizing chemistry into steam having oxidizing chemistry; an attemperator or other injection device or devices configured to add an oxygen scavenger to the steam having oxidizing chemistry to generate steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry; and a condenser configured to condense the steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry into condensed water.
US08277721B2
A method and apparatus for accessing a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient access to the melt. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel-making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace aperture burner/lance provides a flame for heating the melt, a lance device for injecting oxygen into the furnace, or both. To access the melt, the furnace aperture burner/lance is disengaged, access is provided to the melt through the furnace aperture, and the furnace aperture burner/lance is reengaged when the access is concluded.
US08277718B2
The invention provides a biodegradable film or sheet having water resistance and strength sufficiently. Respective components are mixed so as to form a mixture containing 0% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less of starch, 20% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less of protein, 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less of cellulose fibers and 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of urea, then adding 10 or more and 100 or less parts by mass of water to 100 parts by mass of the mixture, kneading the mixture sufficiently with a twin-screw mixer or the like, and rolling the kneaded product under heating at about 120° C. to give a film or sheet with several tens μm to about 300 μm in thickness.
US08277716B2
A stiffened mandrel used in the manufacture of a composite tubular. The mandrel is placed on a filament winding machine and is comprised of an outer and inner shell. A pressure source is connected to the mandrel to exert a tensile force on the outer shell to stiffen the mandrel and thereby prevent sagging and bending of the mandrel. The stiffened mandrel allows for the manufacture of a composite tubular without undesirable flexing, wrinkling, or contamination of the uncured composite.
US08277708B2
Some embodiments comprise a mechanical thickness regulator for a compression mold, or related systems and/or methods. A regulator can include a thickness regulator pin received by a recess in an extendable and retractable relation. The regulator pin can include a tip, or can be contacted with a tip, defining a predetermined distance from the pin to the end of the tip, the distance defining a gap of well known dimensions for receiving and molding polymer melt.
US08277707B2
A rotary tablet press comprises a housing and a rotary die table having dies arranged circumferentially. Each die is associated with a punch having an end receivable in the die and being arranged for compression of a powder or granular material in the die by reciprocation of the punch by rotation of the die table. The rotary tablet press comprises a feeding device and a tablet discharge device. Each die opening and its corresponding punch end are enclosed in a compression chamber comprising a dust extraction nozzle. The compression chamber communicates with the surroundings of the tablet press through a non-return valve arranged to prevent outflow from the compression chamber to the surroundings of the tablet press.
US08277704B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a formed article forming an upper surface of a forming material comprised of a thermosoftening substance into a desired shape by positioning the forming material on a forming surface of a mold and heating the forming material to a temperature permitting deformation to bring a lower surface of the forming material into tight contact with the forming surface. As the mold, a mold having, on a forming surface thereof, a plurality of irregularities with a maximum height Rmax ranging from 0.1 to 100 micrometers and an average spacing S between local peaks ranging from 0.01 to 1.00 mm is employed. The present invention further relates to a mold and method of manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, a formed article with a desired shape can be manufactured with high precision and high productivity by hot sag forming method without the occurrence of the fusion between the forming material and the mold.
US08277703B2
The smoke suppressant comprises a molybdate precipitate on the surface of a borate core. The precipitate increases surface area of the core and provides improved smoke suppression relative to a mixture of the molybdate and borate core. The suppressants can be incorporated into polymer compositions to improve their smoke suppression capability.
US08277701B2
Disclosed are a photosensitive resin composition for a color filter and a color filter using the same. The photosensitive resin composition for a color filter includes (A) an acrylic-based binder resin including a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein the substituents of Chemical Formula 1 are the same as defined in the specification; (B) an acrylic-based photopolymerizable monomer; (C) a photopolymerization initiator; (D) a pigment; and (E) a solvent.
US08277691B2
The present invention relates to composite electrodes for electrochemical devices, particularly to carbon nanotube composite electrodes for high performance electrochemical devices, such as ultracapacitors.
US08277686B2
To provide sialon phosphor particles or a powder exhibiting high emission intensity in the region from ultraviolet to blue and not requiring a strong pulverization operation for pulverizing a sintered body or a large aggregated lump, and a production method thereof. Sialon phosphor particles represented by the formula: MxLnySi12−(m+n)Al(m+n)OnN16−n (wherein M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Ca, Mg and Y, Ln is a lanthanide metal containing at least Eu, and assuming that the valence of the metal M is a and the valence of the lanthanide metal Ln is b, ax+by=m, x is 0
US08277683B2
Nano-sized structured dense and spherical layered positive active materials provide high energy density and high rate capability electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. Such materials are spherical second particles made from agglomerated primary particles that are Li1+α(NixCoyMnz)1−tMtO2−dRd, where M is selected from can be Al, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ag, Ca, Na, K, In, Ga, Ge, V, Mo, Nb, Si, Ti, Zr, or a mixture of any two or more thereof, R is selected from F, Cl, Br, I, H, S, N, or a mixture of any two or more thereof, and 0≦α≦0.50; 0
US08277682B2
An inorganic, static electric binder composition for use as a texture stabilizing element in masses of organic and/or inorganic particles and also as a filtering mass is presented. One major use of the binder composition is to reclaim arid and hyper-arid deserts and to prevent desertification and the movement and advancement of sand dunes, in other words stopping wind erosion efficiently. Also presented is a method for the preparation of the binder composition and the use thereof.
US08277677B2
Thermoelectric eutectic and off-eutectic compositions comprising a minor phase in a thermoelectric matrix phase are provided. These compositions include eutectic and near eutectic compositions where the matrix phase is a chalcogenide (S, Se, Te) of Ge, Sn, or Pb or an appropriate alloy of these compounds and at least one of Ge, Ge1−xSix, Si, ZnTe, and Co are precipitated as the minor phase within the matrix. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided. The thermoelectric and mechanical properties of the compositions make them well-suited for use in thermoelectric applications. Controlled doping of eutectic compositions and hypereutectic compositions can yield large power factors. By optimizing both the thermal conductivities and power factors of the present compositions, ZT values greater than 1 can be obtained at 700K.
US08277675B2
An apparatus, system and method for removing a damaged material from a low-k dielectric film layer include identifying a control chemistry, the control chemistry configured to selectively remove the damaged material from the low-k dielectric film layer, the damaged material being in a region where a feature was formed through the low-k dielectric film layer; establishing a plurality of process parameters characterizing aspects of the damaged material to be removed and applying the control chemistry to the low-k dielectric film layer, the application of the control chemistry being defined based on the established process parameters of the damaged material, such that the damaged material is substantially removed from the areas around the feature and the areas around the feature are substantially defined by low-k characteristics of the low-k dielectric film layer.
US08277673B2
In a plasma processing method, a conductor of an electrostatic chuck (ESC) and an electrode are electrically grounded prior to starting the plasma processing. A DC voltage with a polarity is applied to the conductor at a first time point after loading a substrate on the electrode. Then, the electrode is switched from an electrically grounded state to an electrically floating state at a second time point. A RF power is then applied to the electrode at a third time point. The application of the RF power is stopped at a fourth time point after a specified time has lapsed from the third time point. Then, the electrode is switched from the electrically floating state to the electrically grounded state at a fifth time point. Thereafter, the application of the DC voltage is stopped and the conductor is restored to a ground potential at a sixth time point.
US08277672B2
Silicon, silicon dielectrics and low-k dielectrics are etched in a focused ion beam process using gaseous fluorinating etchants selected from the group of triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TEATHF) and xenon fluoride. Xenon fluoride is combined with a secondary protecting agent to avoid undesired corrosion of bare silicon. The protecting agent may be an oxidizing agent such as oxygen, perfluorotripentylamine (PFTPA), or a heavy completely fluorinated hydrocarbon.
US08277669B1
A method and system for providing a pole of magnetic transducer having an air-bearing surface (ABS) are described. Leading shield and planarization stop layers are provided. Portions of the planarization stop and shield layers distal from the ABS location are removed, providing a depression forming a bevel. The bevel has an angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees. An intermediate layer having a top surface substantially perpendicular to the ABS location is provided. Part of the intermediate layer is removed, forming a trench having a bottom corresponding to the leading shield and a location and profile corresponding to the pole. A nonmagnetic layer is provided at least partially in the trench. The pole with a leading edge bevel corresponding to the bevel is provided in the trench. A capping layer covering the pole is provided, at least part of the intermediate layer removed, and a wrap-around shield provided.
US08277665B2
An apparatus for filtering water and/or wastewater including at least one underdrain lateral having a primary gas chamber and a secondary gas chamber where the secondary gas chamber serves to equalize pressure differences that may occur during the initial distribution due to velocity head changes and friction effects. Preferably, the underdrain lateral includes a plurality of chambers directing a washing fluid into the filter bed where at least one of the plurality of chambers directs a liquid and a gas simultaneously into the filter bed and at least one other chamber of the plurality of chamber directs only one of a liquid and a gas into the filter bed at the same time as that the combination of liquid and gas is directed into the filter bed.
US08277664B2
Hyperbranched macromolecules and methods are described for selectively filtering contaminants such as anions from water and non-aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of competing contaminants including other anions. The hyperbranched macromolecules may contain alkyl, 2-hydroxyalkyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxylalkyl, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylalkyl, and other groups, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The molecules may preferentially bind to the contaminant at interest at low pH, and release the contaminant at a pH of about 9. The molecules may be used to filter contaminants including perchlorate and nitrate even in the presence of high sulfate concentrations.
US08277663B2
Novel water softening compositions and methods of treating hard water are provided. The compositions comprise a blend of sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The compositions are useful for regenerating ion exchange material in a water softening system and providing softened water containing both sodium and potassium ions.
US08277660B2
Disclosed are embodiments of a method and apparatus for the treatment of water containing silica in order to recover as much treated water from a water source as possible while minimizing the generation of waste products. Other embodiments include removing specific elements from the water source and utilizing those elements. Embodiments of the method and apparatus uses in-line physical and physio-chemical treatment methods to remove potential biological, colloidal and hardness foulants continually so that there is minimal loss of water from the water source stream and minimal addition of chemicals to accomplish removal or reduction of these potential recovery-limiting foulants.
US08277655B2
An apparatus, system, and method for fluid filtering with contaminant removal, such as removing water from the surface of a top loading-type fuel filter element, includes a housing containing a cavity, a fluid flow inlet leading into the cavity, a filter element disposed in the cavity, and a flow director configured to direct the flow of fluid against the filter element such that contaminant collected on the surface of the filter element is sloughed off. The flow director may be configured to direct the fluid flow at least partially parallel to the filter element. The flow director may further be configured as one or more holes in a filter element housing disposed around the filter element.
US08277651B2
Apparatus and methods related to centrifugal liquid chromatography are described. An angular velocity can be simultaneously imparted to a large number of chromatographic enclosures. Via centrifugal forces, a mobile phase fluid including a sample can be driven through a stationary phase within the chromatographic enclosure to perform a chromatographic separation process on components of the sample. The use of centrifugation as a driving force can allow significantly smaller stationary phase particles to be employed as compared to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, for an equivalent chromatographic separation process, the use of centrifugation can provide much greater separation efficiencies than HPLC.
US08277647B2
An effluent collection unit for engine washing is formed by a portable trailer having a plurality of sides forming an internal compartment and an effluent collection system positioned within the internal compartment, which effluent collection device captures engine wash water effluent when the trailer is placed in an operational configuration.
US08277639B2
The invention is directed to a process comprising feeding high TAN feedstreams to a steam cracker, whereby naphthenic acids in the feedstreams are substantially converted to CO, CO2, and low amounts of smaller acids (e.g., formic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids). The feedstream is preferably a high TAN feedstream comprising crude or high TAN feedstream which has previously been subjected to a refinery process to remove resid.
US08277622B2
The present invention relates to diamond material comprising a boron doped single crystal diamond substrate layer having a first surface and a boron doped single crystal diamond conductive layer on said first surface, wherein the distribution of boron in the conductive layer is more uniform than the distribution of boron in the substrate layer.
US08277621B2
Disclosed herein is an improved electrolytic cell. The cell includes at least one pair of electrodes, an anode and a cathode. In general the anode includes at least one dimension, which is substantially greater than the cathode. In an exemplary embodiment, the length and the width of the anode are greater than the length and width of the cathode. In a first embodiment of a multi-cell chlorine generator, unequal dimension electrodes are stacked together. In a second embodiment of such a generator, the electrodes are of equal dimensions. In another exemplary embodiment of the improved electrolytic cell in accordance with this invention, the cathode forms a U-shaped member and the anode of at least one dimension being greater is located there between. Another embodiment of the chlorine generator includes at least two cells having the U-shaped cathode. In a first exemplary of embodiment of such a chlorine generator, the electrode are parallel to one another. In a second such exemplary embodiment, the electrodes are parallel and are coincident in plane with one another, respectively.
US08277615B2
The present invention relates to a method for removing volatile compounds from sparingly volatile fluids by means of rectification using an auxiliary and also to separation methods and chemical reactions in which sparingly volatile fluids are used, the purification of which is effected by means of rectification and using an auxiliary.
US08277611B2
The invention relates to a paper that is formed of a fiber-based source material and is applicable as printing paper. According to the invention, the surface of the paper is surface-treated by arranging on the surface sufficient density in such manner that the density of at least one surface layer of the paper is sufficiently high to yield a Gurley-Hill value of over 7000 s/100 ml as measured from the entire paper. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for making paper.
US08277601B2
Solvent free, moisture curable reactive hot melt adhesives are prepared using an oxazolidine functional prepolymer and a polyfunctional isocyanate.
US08277595B2
A method is provided to duplicate a custom coating composition. A laminate strip is die cut to form a bi-layer transparent labels on a backing strip. Each label includes a backing of release adhesive. The transparent labels are applied to cover indicia on a container of a custom composition coating.
US08277593B2
A printing plate and a method of fabricating an LCD device are disclosed. The printing plate includes convex and concave portions, and a blanket support formed in the concave portion to prevent the bottom of the concave portion from being directly in contact with a pattern material coated on a blanket of a printing roll. The blanket support is additionally formed in the concave portion of the printing plate to prevent the pattern material coated on the blanket of the printing roll from being directly in contact with the bottom of the concave portion. In this case, the pattern material can be prevented from being transferred onto the printing plate in an undesired pattern. As a result, it is possible to form a precise pattern.
US08277592B2
A mirror is shaped using a shaping apparatus including a crossbar and a horizontal array of members (wheels in some embodiments) attached to a bottom of the crossbar. The height of the array of members is adjusted to form a predetermined shape. The shaping apparatus is positioned over a mirror such that the members contact the mirror. The shaping apparatus is moved along a length of the mirror such that the members remain in contact with the mirror. A frame is attached to the mirror such that when the shaping apparatus is removed from the mirror, the mirror substantially retains the predetermined shape.
US08277590B2
A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on reinforcing fibres and on a cross-linkable resin, by continuously winding in superposition a predetermined number Nc of layers of a tape of the reinforcing fibres embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising the cross-linkable resin, the method comprising, from the upstream end downstream, the steps of: forming a tape made of the reinforcing fibres, the thickness of the tape being between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm; depositing the tape on a support that dictates the final shape of the composite block, and winding the tape onto the support, in a single direction, by superposing the number Nc of layers in order directly to form the continuous ring on the support, Nc being less than 15.
US08277587B2
A continuous manufacturing method and system for liquid-crystal display elements which enhances accuracy, increases speed and improves in yield in the continuous production of liquid crystal elements. The continuous method and system performs steps of, defining a plurality of defective and normal-polarizing-sheet slitting positions on a continuous web of optical film, based on positions of defects existing in the optical film, and applying only normal polarizing sheets to a liquid-crystal panel. The polarizing sheet includes the defective and normal-polarizing-sheet slitting positions recorded as encoded information which is used to determine whether the polarizing sheet defined between slit lines sequentially formed in the continuous web, is a normal polarizing sheet, peeling the normal polarizing sheet from the carrier film and applying the normal polarizing sheet to the liquid-crystal panel.
US08277578B2
A rare earth permanent magnet is prepared by disposing a powdered metal alloy containing at least 70 vol % of an intermetallic compound phase on a sintered body of R—Fe—B system, and heating the sintered body having the powder disposed on its surface below the sintering temperature of the sintered body in vacuum or in an inert gas for diffusion treatment. The advantages include efficient productivity, excellent magnetic performance, a minimal or zero amount of Tb or Dy used, an increased coercive force, and a minimized decline of remanence.
US08277573B2
A process for the production of a grain oriented magnetic strip, made of steel containing 2.3 to 5.0% of silicon, obtained by producing a hot-rolled sheet containing a distribution of second phases capable of controlling the secondary recrystallization by means of a two-step hot-rolling with an intermediate annealing, and by changing it into the final product.
US08277570B2
A method for processing a substrate includes receiving a substrate and processing the substrate using a first fluid meniscus and a second fluid meniscus. The first fluid meniscus and the second fluid meniscus are applied to a surface of the substrate such that the first fluid meniscus is spaced apart from the second fluid meniscus by a transition region. A saturated gas chemistry is applied to the surface of the substrate at the transition region. The saturated gas chemistry is configured to maintain moisture in the transition region so as to prevent drying of the surface of the substrate in the transition region, before the second fluid meniscus is applied to the surface of the substrate.
US08277569B2
A substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method are capable of restraining or preventing the generation of streaky particles on a substrate surface by excellent removal of a rinsing liquid therefrom. The substrate processing apparatus has a substrate inclining mechanism for inclining a substrate held by a substrate holding mechanism. After a rinsing liquid has been supplied onto a substrate to form a liquid mass, the substrate is inclined at a small angle by the substrate inclining mechanism. Then, the liquid mass is downwardly moved without being fragmented and then falls down without leaving minute droplets on the substrate top. Thereafter, the substrate is returned to a horizontal posture and then dried.
US08277567B2
A method of cleaning a turbo pump is described. The turbo pump is coupled with a CVD chamber of depositing a material and thus accumulates the material therein. The method includes switching off the turbo pump and using another pump to pump a reactive gas, which can react with the material to form gaseous products, through the turbo pump. Thereby, the turbo pump is cleaned up and is prevented from being a particle source in subsequent CVD operations.
US08277564B2
A method for removing a hardened photoresist from a semiconductor substrate. An example method for removing a hardened photoresist layer from a substrate comprising a low-κ dielectric material preserving the characteristics of the low-κdielectric material includes: a)—providing a substrate comprising a hardened photoresist layer and a low-κ dielectric material at least partially exposed; b)—forming C═C double bonds in the hardened photoresist by exposing the hardened photoresist to UV radiation having a wavelength between 200 nm and 300 nm in vacuum or in an inert atmosphere; c)—breaking the C═C double bonds formed in step b) by reacting the hardened photoresist with ozone (O3) or a mixture of ozone (O3) and oxygen (O2) thereby fragmenting the hardened photoresist; and d)—removing the fragmented photoresist obtained in step c) by wet processing with cleaning chemistries.
US08277560B2
A CVD apparatus cleaning method that efficiently removes by-product such as SiO2 or Si3N4 adhered to and deposited on surfaces of an inner wall, an electrode, and the like in a reaction chamber at a film forming step. In the cleaning method the discharged cleaning gas amount is very small, environmental influences such as global warming can be lessened, and cost can be reduced. A CVD apparatus supplying reactive gas into a reaction chamber and forming a deposited film on a surface of a base material provided in the reaction chamber includes an exhaust gas recycling path recycling an exhaust gas reaching the reaction chamber from downstream of a pump on an exhaust path for exhausting a gas from an inner part of the reaction chamber through the pump.
US08277556B2
Lightweight cementitious foams of the invention have excellent dynamic and dimensional stability due to use of foaming system comprising polycarboxylate surfactant foam generating agent, foam stabilizer (e.g., PVOH), and shrinkage reducing admixture to inhibit plastic shrinkage and micro-cracking of cement. The foaming system can be used in conventional cement mortars or concretes as well as with exemplary cementitious slurry systems of the invention, which include an expansive agent, a cross-linking agent for the foam stabilizer. Microfibers can be used in the foam, slurry, or both, to prevent micro-cracking. Cementitious foams can be made without use of autoclave or lightweight aggregates to achieve enhanced compressive strength and thermal insulation properties that compare favorably with conventional foams and insulation materials at comparable densities.
US08277551B2
An ink set includes a cyan ink composition containing C. I. Pigment Blue 15:6 as a pigment; a magenta ink composition containing a quinacridone pigment selected from the group consisting of C. I. Pigment Violet 19, C. I. Pigment Red 122, C. I. Pigment Red 202, and C. I. Pigment Red 209 or a quinacridone solid solution pigment composed of at least two selected from the group; a yellow ink composition containing a pigment selected from the group consisting of C. I. Pigment Yellow 74, C. I. Pigment Yellow 213, and C. I. Pigment Yellow 185; a light magenta ink composition containing a quinacridone pigment selected from the group consisting of C. I. Pigment Violet 19, C. I. Pigment Red 122, C. I. Pigment Red 202, and C. I. Pigment Red 209 or a quinacridone solid solution pigment composed of at least two selected from the group at a pigment concentration lower than that of the magenta ink composition; and a light cyan ink composition containing C. I. Pigment Blue 15:3 as a pigment at a pigment concentration lower than that of the cyan ink composition.
US08277544B2
A thermal modulation device for a gas chromatography (GC) system a cold zone, a first hot zone and a second hot zone, which are located outside of a GC oven of the GC system, and a flexible capillary column. The cold zone includes a thermoelectric cooler assembly. The first hot zone is adjacent a first side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding first heat source. The second hot zone is adjacent a second side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding second heat source. The flexible capillary column includes a first segment, configured to move between the first hot zone and the cold zone in accordance with a modulation frequency, and a second segment, configured to move between the cold zone and the second hot zone in accordance with the modulation frequency.
US08277539B2
A method of recovering copper from a copper sulfide concentrate comprising a copper arsenic sulfosalt or a copper antimony sulfosalt, using pyrite as a catalyst. The concentrate and pyrite are added to an acidic sulfate leach solution. The copper is leached from the concentrate, in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, under conditions whereby the pyrite is substantially unoxidized. The pyrite:copper sulfide ratio of the pyrite being added to the copper sulfide present in the concentrate being added is at least 1:3. The pyrite may be maintained at a concentration in the leach solution of at least 9 grams per liter. The leached copper is recovered from the solution by conventional methods.
US08277537B2
A method of manufacturing a ferritic stainless steel containing an ultra low level of carbon concentration in molten steel within time shorter than existing technology by controlling content, appropriate composition, and liquid-state fraction, etc., of Cr2 O3 in slag to maximize vacuum decarburization refining efficiency, the method comprising: tapping molten steel to a ladle in a non-deoxidized state after pre-decarburization and denitrification in an ARGON OXYGEN DECARBURIZATION refining furnace and then removing non-deoxidized slag; placing the ladle in a vacuum furnace, reducing pressure and then blowing-in oxygen gas from the upper of the molten steel through a lance; creating Al2 O3 by injecting Al at point of time of beginning of oxygen blowing; forming CaO—Al2 O3 —Cr2 O3 —MgO-based slag by injecting calcium oxide at point of time of completion of the oxygen blowing; and supplying inert gas through a porous plug on a bottom of the ladle.
US08277535B2
A porous metal body containing continuous pores and having a low oxygen content is provided by decomposing a porous resin body that contains continuous pores and has a layer of a metal thereon by heating the porous resin body at a temperature equal to or less than the melting point of the metal while the porous resin body is immersed in a first molten salt and a negative potential is applied to the metal layer; and a method for producing the porous metal body is provided.
US08277532B2
An air filter arrangement is (300) disclosed. The air filter arrangement includes strips of media comprising corrugated sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. Media pack arrangements including such stacked media with a molding arrangement to secure and seal opposite side edges of the media strips, are described. Also described are filter cartridges including such media pack (301) and air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. Also, systems of use are described.
US08277527B2
An air filter unit (1) for a carburetor (2) of a portable handheld work apparatus includes a filter element (3) and at least one clean air channel (10, 11) arranged between the filter element (3) and the carburetor (2). At least one condensation rib (29, 30, 31, 32) is arranged in the clean air channel (10, 11) running in flow direction.
US08277522B2
Mixed alcohol formulas can be used as a fuel additive in petroleum, synthetic or bio-derived gasoline, diesel fuels, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, heating oil, bunker oil, coal, petroleum coke or as a neat fuel in and of itself. The mixed alcohol formulations can also be utilized as a thinning agent to improve the transportation of heavy petroleum crude oils or bitumen produced from tar sands. The mixed alcohol formulations can contain combinations of two or more, three or more alcohols, or blend of C1-C5 alcohols, or C1-C8 alcohols or higher C1-C10 alcohols in order to boost energy content. The primary benefits of mixed alcohols are increased combustion efficiencies, improved fuel economies, reduced emissions profiles and low production costs. These improved combustion efficiencies result in increased miles per gallon of blended fuel.
US08277504B2
A stent comprises a flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending from said proximal end toward said distal end. A first generally straight tube segment extends from the proximal end while a first generally curved segment extends from an end region of the first generally straight tube segment disposed away from the proximal end of the stent. A second generally straight tube segment extends from an end region of the first curved segment away from the first generally straight tube segment and is arranged at an acute angle relative to the first generally straight tube segment. A second generally curved tube segment extends from one end of the second generally straight tube segment and includes a channel on an exterior surface of the second generally curved tube segment. The first generally curved tube segment and the second generally straight tube segment further include at least one cavity irrigation hole extending from the tube passageway, for providing irrigation fluids into the cavity into which the stent is inserted. At least one segments includes a channel on an exterior surface. The channel is sized to serve as a reservoir to contain a predetermined amount of at least one form of medication for delivery, over a period of time, of the medication to a cavity region proximate which the stent has been inserted.
US08277501B2
A stent has a substantially cylindrical tubular body with at least one expandable side branch that has a plurality of members. The plurality of members includes at least one first member having a first width and at least one second member having a second width, where the first width is greater than the second width. Each of the at least one first members and each of the at least one second members define a cell that has at least two stable cell geometries.
US08277497B2
Cold pack apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus. The cold pack apparatus reduces pain at a joint or at a diseased area in the epithelium by producing spaced apart points of cold at the joint or diseased area for an extended period of time of one hours or more.
US08277489B2
The present invention is directed to a transconnector for joining adjacent longitudinal spinal rods. The transconnector preferably includes a bridge member and a pair of bone fixation coupling elements, the bridge member is preferably sized and configured to span a distance between the pair of bone fixation coupling elements. The bone fixation coupling elements are preferably sized and configured to engage the bridge member and sized and configured to receive one of the bone fixation elements. The bone fixation coupling elements are preferably sized and configured to engage the body portion of the bone fixation element. The bone fixation coupling elements may include a locking cap having a first set of threads for threadably engaging the bone fixation element.
US08277484B2
A suture anchor includes an outer sleeve having a longitudinal throughbore and defining leading and trailing ends and an insert positionable within the longitudinal throughbore of the outer sleeve. The insert defines at least one suture track for slidably supporting a suture whereby opposed free ends of the suture extend from the at least one suture track through the longitudinal throughbore to extend beyond the trailing end of the outer sleeve to be tensioned and secured relative to the tissue. The outer sleeve may include an external thread for threaded rotation and advancement into the tissue.
US08277481B2
A living body tissue closing device includes an elongated body element, a clip (living body tissue closure) for closing a wound hole which penetrates a living body tissue membrane, and a thread. The body element includes a sheath, and elongated feeding and deformation arrangement. The elongated feeding and deformation arrangement includes a covered tube, a pusher tube, a thread anchoring cap, a guide wire, and a stopper. The clip includes a seal portion for covering the wound hole and a peripheral portion of the wound hole from one side of the living body tissue membrane, a deformation portion deformable between a first form in which the deformation portion can pass through the wound hole and a second form in which the deformation portion cooperates with the seal portion to sandwich the living body tissue membrane therebetween from the other side, and a fastener portion for retaining the deformation portion in the second form.
US08277475B2
A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having pivot posts thereon. The pivot posts can engage apertures on the elongate shaft, thus eliminating the need for a through-pinned pivot connection of the scissor blades. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The scissor assemblies described herein can have a relatively low operational height such that they do not extend beyond a diameter of the elongate shaft during opening and closing of the scissor assembly.
US08277471B2
Several embodiments of medical ultrasound handpieces are described each including a medical ultrasound transducer assembly. An embodiment of a medical ultrasound system is described, wherein the medical ultrasound system includes a medical ultrasound handpiece having a medical ultrasound transducer assembly and includes an ultrasonically-vibratable medical-treatment instrument which is attachable to a distal end of the transducer assembly. An embodiment of a medical ultrasound system is described, wherein the medical ultrasound system has a handpiece including a medical ultrasound transducer assembly and including a housing or housing component surrounding the transducer assembly. A method for tuning a medical ultrasound handpiece includes machining at least a distal non-threaded portion of an instrument-attachment stud of the transducer assembly to match a measured fundamental frequency to a desired fundamental frequency to within a predetermined limit. A method for making a medical ultrasound transducer assembly determines acceptable gains for gain stages of the transducer assembly.
US08277467B2
A surgical tool which comprises an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, first and second sets of tissue approximating structures having deployed and retracted positions relative to the elongated body, an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongated body for independently deploying and retracting each of the first and second sets of tissue approximating structures, a drainage lumen extending from a drainage aperture at the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end, a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body, and a strap connector extending from the elongated body that is connectable with a stabilization strap.
US08277454B2
The present application relates to a system for navigation-assisted shoulder operations in which the humeral component is partially replaced with a prosthesis, comprising: a first tracking unit which is configured to be fastened to a section of a bone which is to be removed during the operation; a detection unit which is configured to detect landmarks on the bone; a second tracking unit which is configured to be attached to another section of the same bone; a camera unit which simultaneously detects the first and second tracking unit, in order to determine their respective location; and a computational unit which is connected to the camera unit and is configured to: determine a first relative location of the landmarks relative to the first tracking unit from data acquired by means of the detection unit; and calculate a second relative location of the landmarks relative to the second tracking unit on the basis of the first relative location; such that additional navigated treatment apparatuses can be exactly positioned during the operation by referring to the second tracking unit.
US08277441B2
Devices and systems for transmitting information within a body are disclosed. An example system includes a signal generator configured for transmitting an acoustic interrogation signal, a sensor for sensing at least one parameter within the body and generating an electrical sensor signal, an acoustic transducer coupled to the sensor and configured to convert a received acoustic interrogation signal into an electrical signal, and a switching element adapted to modulate a reflected acoustic wave from the acoustic transducer based on the electrical sensor signal. The switching element is configured to controllably change the mechanical impedance of the acoustic transducer based a parameter of the electrical sensor signal, such as frequency.
US08277436B2
A method of delivering an arteriogenic factor. The factor is delivered in a medically effective manner to structurally enlarge blood vessel. A distal portion of a catheter can be advanced to an existing blood vessel to deliver the arteriogenic factor.
US08277434B2
A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.
US08277430B2
An absorbent garment includes a body panel having a terminal waist edge, at least first and second layers terminating at the terminal waist edge and at least one elastic element disposed between the first and second layers. The body panel has at least first and second adhesive regions. The first adhesive region is defined by the at least one elastic element, which is strand coated with a first adhesive. The second region is defined by a control coating of a second adhesive applied between the first and second layers. In one embodiment, the first region has a greater sensory softness than the second region. In one embodiment, the body panel, in an unstretched condition, has a surface softness with a mean deviation of coefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in the first adhesive region.
US08277412B2
The present invention relates to a medical delivery device comprising a generally elongated housing, a container containing medicament to be delivered, a drive means capable of acting on said container for expelling said medicament, wherein said drive means comprises at least two force spring means arranged between a fixed part of the device and a movable part of the device.
US08277405B2
A feminine hygiene device to wipe seminal and other fluids from the vagina after sexual intercourse.
US08277400B2
A chest physiotherapy device which allows self administered chest physiotherapy to assist in transfer of airway passage secretions.
US08277399B2
A patient resuscitation/respiratory system includes a system control unit with a timer module controlling a plurality of air pressure modules. In an exemplary embodiment, the air pressure modules include a first air pressure module for controlling a first flow of pressurized gas from a first pressurized gas supply to an inflatable abdominal cuff, a second air pressure module for controlling a second flow of pressurized gas from the first gas supply to an inflatable chest cuff, and a third air pressure module for controlling a third flow of pressurized gas from the first gas supply to an inflatable leg cuff. The control unit in this embodiment includes a ventilator supply module for controlling a flow of breathable gas from a second pressurized gas supply to a patient ventilator module to periodically connect the patient ventilator module and the patient's lungs to the breathable gas supply. The timer module is configured to automatically cycle the plurality of air pressure modules to periodically inflate and deflate the cuffs in a resuscitation mode. The system control unit in a portable embodiment may be battery powered, and the gas supplies may be portable compressed gas cylinders.
US08277397B2
A wave generating device including a reflective surface adapted to reflect energy waves to a focus, and an energy wave transducer positioned at least partially around and outwards from the reflective surface, and adapted to generate an energy wave inwards towards the reflective surface through a wave propagating medium disposed between the reflective surface and the energy wave transducer.
US08277394B2
A handheld biopsy device comprises a needle, cutter, and body. The cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding into a transverse aperture of the needle. The body includes a cutter actuation mechanism, at least two trigger buttons, and a control module. The biopsy device is configured such that the at least two trigger buttons are selectively enabled and disabled. A selectively enabled trigger button is operable to activate the cutter actuation mechanism. A selectively disabled trigger button is not operable to activate the cutter activation mechanism. The enabled trigger button may be selected electronically, such that the control module receives a user's button selection input and enables or disables the trigger buttons accordingly. Alternatively, the body may include movable covers to selectively cover or expose trigger buttons in accordance with the user's preference. The biopsy device may thus accommodate different operators having different gripping styles.
US08277380B2
A CMUT or other semiconductor-based transducer is stacked with a piezoelectric transducer (PZT). The CMUT is sufficiently thin to avoid or limit interference with sound propagation through the CMUT from or to the PZT or crosstalk between transmitter elements. The PZT/CMUT layered structure is used as a matrix array, such as an array with a multi-dimensional arrangement of elements. The CMUT array is formed and thinned using semiconductor processing. The PZT transmits acoustic energy through the thin CMUT. The CMUT receives responsive echoes. Using integrated electronics in the thin wafer of the CMUT limits interconnection problems for the matrix receive array.
US08277377B2
A method and apparatus are provided for wireless monitoring of exercise, fitness, or nutrition by connecting a web-enabled wireless phone to a device which provides exercise-related information, including physiological data and data indicating an amount of exercise performed. The connection may be by way of a wireless connection using protocols such as Bluetooth® or 802.11, or by way of a wired connection. An optional adaptor may be included if necessary. An application for receiving the exercise-related information and providing a user interface may be downloaded to the web-enabled wireless phone from an internet server. The exercise-related information may be transmitted to an internet server, and the server may calculate and return a response.
US08277375B2
A flexible segment system including: a first link; a first flexible hinge integral to the first link; and a second link integral to and continuing from the first flexible hinge.
US08277367B2
The machine according to the invention comprises a store containing the blanks; an extractor arm; means for shaping the blanks; and an upstream transport device for receiving and distributing the blanks of the boxes. The extractor arm and the shaping means are provided on the frame of a bench, which is inserted, as in a module, between the store and the upstream transport device. Said bench comprises: a ramp which is upwardly inclined at an angle of 45° in relation to the horizontal and acts as a guiding channel; a sole having an upper part, in the region of the shaping station, which can be retracted to enable the blank to pass via the ramp; a transport system for moving the blanks from the lower point to the upper point; a forming arm carried by a framework which extends above the ramp; and a transfer arm which participates in the shaping of the blank before moving it, once it has become a box blank on the downstream transport device.
US08277366B2
A portable stair-stepping exercise machine having independent movable stepping pedals for each foot along with an independent pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder is herein disclosed. A support arm and bracket either collapses or comes apart for storage and transportation. The machine is generally of a smaller size and profile than its conventional counterparts and as such, its size and weight make it ideal to be transported while traveling, or for use in an area with restricted space in which the machine must be stored away after use.
US08277362B2
The transmission controller performs a non-coordinated shift, in which the gear position of the subtransmission mechanism is modified from the second gear position to the first gear position at a higher speed than when the gear position of the subtransmission mechanism is modified by a coordinated shift while permitting a deviation between the through speed ratio and the target through speed ratio, instead of the coordinated shift when it is determined that the second speed kick down shift is to be performed.
US08277361B2
A control apparatus of a transmission for a vehicle, which includes an electric generator provided between an engine and the transmission and regenerating electricity when torque is transmitted from a drive shaft of the vehicle via the transmission in a braking condition, includes a releasing speed measuring unit, an up-shifting operation allowing unit and an up-shifting operation restraining unit. The releasing speed measuring unit measures a releasing speed of an accelerator pedal. The up-shifting operation allowing unit is applied to allow an up-shifting operation under the accelerator pedal being released when a releasing speed of the accelerator pedal is lower than a first threshold value. The up-shifting operation restraining unit is applied to restrain the up-shifting operation under the accelerator pedal being released when the releasing speed of the accelerator pedal is equal to or lower than the first threshold value.
US08277359B2
An automatic transmission comprises a transmission mechanism including plural planetary gear sets, a transmission case storing the transmission mechanism, and an end cover closing an opening at one end of the transmission case. A planetary gear set disposed the closest to the end cover is assembled in such a manner that before the end cover is attached to the transmission case, a sun gear is assembled to the transmission case and a pinion carrier is assembled to the end cover. A thrust washer is disposed between an end face of the sun gear and an end face of an inner peripheral portion of the pinion carrier. The thrust washer is a member for adjusting a gap which is formed in an axial direction in the transmission case, and the member is selected from plural ones which have different axial thicknesses from each other.
US08277355B2
A transmission is has an input member, an output member, two stacked planetary gear sets, a third planetary gear set, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The stacked planetary gear sets have a first, second, third, fourth and fifth member and the third planetary gear set has a first, second and third member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08277353B2
A sun gear of a first planetary gear train is connected to an input shaft. A carrier of the first planetary gear train is connected to a sun gear of a second planetary gear train and to a first pump/motor. A ring gear of the first planetary gear train is connected to a second pump/motor, and a ring gear of the second planetary gear train is connected to an output shaft. A first clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging a carrier of the second planetary gear train and the ring gear of the first planetary gear train with and from each other, and a second clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging the carrier of the second planetary gear train and a fixed end with and from each other.
US08277348B2
A tensioner including a support structure defining a pivot axis, an arm coupled to the support structure for rotation about the pivot axis, and a damping mechanism. The arm includes a cup having the damping mechanism seated therein. The damping mechanism includes a first tensioner component that is generally cup-shaped and has first ramp features on the rim thereof, a second tensioner component having second ramp features, and a damper spring coupling the first tensioner component to the second tensioner component. The first tensioner component is rotatable with the arm and the second tensioner component is non-rotatable. The damper mechanism has the first ramp features aligned with the second ramp features and rotation of the first tensioner component in a first direction moves the first ramp features relative to the second ramp features and translates the first tensioner component into damping engagement with the arm.
US08277344B2
A gaming bag including at least one outer wall defining a cavity, at least one light emitting source positioned adjacent the at least one outer wall, a filling material disposed within the cavity, and wherein the at least one light emitting source provides illumination. A method of lighting a gaming bag comprising the steps of providing a gaming bag comprising at least one outer wall defining a cavity, at least one light emitting source positioned adjacent the at least one wall, a shock sensor within the cavity, a filling material within the cavity, and wherein the at least one light emitting source provides illumination, tossing the gaming bag, measuring a force with the shock sensor upon impact with a surface, activating the light emitting source when the force is greater than the predetermined threshold, and deactivating the light emitting source after a predetermined amount of time.
US08277341B1
An apparatus is described that includes a bat handle and a bunt element within a region of space extending from the baseball bat handle where a meat portion of a bat would exist if the bat handle was part of a baseball or softball bat. The bunt element has solid material in a first location of the region of space that is struck by a pitched ball that first meets the region of space within a bunt window on the region of space. The bunt element has empty space in a second location of the region of space that is struck by a pitched ball that first meets the region of space outside the bunt window.
US08277338B2
A golf ball includes noncircular dimples having smooth bottom surfaces; a method for designing the golf ball is disclosed. A noncircular dimple DNC has a border line which is a boundary line on the surface, the boundary line formed by connecting segments at some connecting points. The segments include at least one type of line segments LS and smoothly curved segments CS. A bottom surface BS of the noncircular dimple DNC includes at least five facets formed of at least five curved reference lines RC, each connecting a reference point A and one of at least five border points B, and each being tangential, at the reference point A, to a reference plane RP inside a virtual sphere having the radius of the ball, the reference point A set on the reference plane RP, the border points B set respectively at positions on the boundary line excluding the connecting points.
US08277331B2
The disclosure sets forth an apparatus and method for use in training a golf player in the proper stance for swinging in full rotation, as well as for teaching direction putting skills. Specifically, the invention focuses upon training a golf player to assume a correct stance and posture from the point of addressing the ball through the swing and follow-through by employing a positioning item for a golf player's lower posterior, back, and head.
US08277325B2
Systems and method for providing a game achievements system where players are rewarded with game achievements based on mastering certain in-game facets of the games they play. Each game achievement may be conveyed in a profile as a badge or trophy, title, description, date, etc. Players may also accumulate points based on game achievements. A display interface may be made available such that a player may see his achievements and total points, as well as those of others.
US08277323B2
A system and method for tracking data in a gaming environment using a beacon is provided and includes identifying an occurrence of a triggering event in a gaming environment, generating at least one key-value pair in response to the triggering event in the gaming environment, generating beacon data responsive to the at least one key-value pair and processing the beacon data to generate a key-value table data.
US08277310B2
When the same gaming chip is identified in betting regions, a betting apparatus identifies an intermediate position of the betting regions as a tentative position of the gaming chip. The betting apparatus determines whether or not gaming chips are placed on the same betting region based on a distance between tentative positions of the gaming chips. When a gaming chip is identified in one betting region, the betting apparatus determines that the gaming chip is placed on a center position of the betting region. When gaming chips are not placed on the same betting region, the betting apparatus determines that the gaming chips are placed on tentative positions of the gaming chips. When gaming chips are placed on the same betting region, the betting apparatus determines that the gaming chips are placed on an intermediation position on a line connecting tentative positions of the gaming chips.
US08277309B2
Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.
US08277308B2
A gaming device having unisymbol display reels, wherein each symbol on a display of the gaming device represents or is included on a different reel. The structure of the paylines of the gaming device is such that the gaming device can include different reel strips having different winning symbols or different proportions of winning symbols, while still maintaining payout symbols and payout combinations that have uniform odds and uniform payouts.
US08277306B2
A gaming machine of the present invention allows an insurance function to be set in a game, based upon an operation of a player. Among games in which plural types of symbols are rearranged on a display device every game execution in which the insurance function is effective, an accumulative value stored in a memory is updated so as to increase. As a result of repeating the game in which the insurance function is effective, where the accumulative value has reached a predetermined value for activating the insurance function, it is judged whether a payout of a preset value for insurance and an execution of a special game has been selected, according to an operation of a selection input section by a player. Either of the payout of the preset value for the insurance and the execution of the special game is performed, based upon a result of the judgment.
US08277305B2
A gaming device provides a free spins game wherein a plurality of modifiers are each associated with one of a plurality of paylines. During the free spins game, each modifier modifies awards won on the particular payline with which it is associated. In one embodiment, the payline multipliers increase in each of the free spins depending on whether a given payline scores a win or not in the free spin.
US08277304B1
A gaming machine having spinning reels and methods for operating the gaming machine use a computer and/or software instructions to align a home position of each spinning reel or a home position of a reel strip mounted on each spinning reel with a target position on the gaming machine. An optical detector unit using an optical strip on the spinning reel may be used to align a home position with a pay line on the gaming machine.
US08277303B2
Method of operating a line game wherein the values of a meter are displayed as different statuses of an evolving symbol. The meter gathers symbols, combinations of symbols, events that are dependent of the game outcome (like winning or losing outcomes, prizes, etc.), or events that are independent of the game outcome (like spins, bet values, lengths of time, etc.). The evolving symbol statuses are used in the line game to trigger features ranging from a wild symbol to a bonus payout which can take the form of a progressive jackpot.
US08277300B2
A method of playing a poker game comprising the steps of: providing a number N of card-boxes at a player's instance; providing for selection of at least one of a predetermined number n of card-boxes from said number N of card-boxes as a player's card-box selection; dealing a card to each of the number N of card-boxes; determining a player's hand based on the cards of the player's card-box selection; dealing as dealer's cards a number of cards determined by the number of player's card-box selection; determining a dealer's hand based on the dealer's cards; and determining a winning hand over the player's and dealer's hand according to a predetermined paytable.
US08277294B2
A method and device for slitting a chicken leg which is suspended at its ankle joints from a carrier that forms part of a train of carriers that are movable in a processing line that passes the device is provided. A positioning step is applied for placing the leg in a suitable position for cutting the leg. Subsequently in a stabbing step a knife is brought into engagement with the leg. The stabbing step is followed by a slitting step in which the knife is moved along the leg so as to provide a slit in the longitudinal direction of the leg in order to enable a subsequent deboning step of the leg. In the positioning step a first pressing organ engages the leg in the vicinity of the knee joint so as to press the leg against a movable supporting surface for the leg that is positioned opposite to the pressing organ. A second pressing organ engages the leg from the side so as to push the leg into a substantially straight orientation of the drum and the thigh with respect to each other.
US08277292B2
A powerhead for a hand held power tool includes a powerhead assembly, the powerhead assembly being operably couplable to a hand held motive source, the powerhead assembly having a rotatable implement, the implement being selectively rotated by the motive source when the motive source is operably coupled to the powerhead assembly, the implement further being rotatable about an implement axis, the implement axis being disposed transverse to a powerhead assembly longitudinal axis, the implement axis intersecting the powerhead assembly longitudinal axis. A hand held power tool and a powerhead of forming a powerhead for a hand held power tool are further included.
US08277289B2
A multi-functional grinding apparatus includes a fixed barrel, a moving barrel, a cutting device, a grinding plate, and an actuator. The fixed barrel defines a chamber therein and includes a number of inner side surfaces, the inner side surfaces are substantially parallel to a central axis of the fixed barrel. Each of the inner side surfaces defines a holding groove therein for holding a workpiece. The moving barrel is received in the chamber and includes a first side surface and a second side surface, the first side surface and second side surface are substantially parallel to the central axis. The cutting device is fixed on the first side surface. The grinding plate is fixed on the second side surface. The actuator is configured for driving the moving barrel to move towards a workpiece, and rotating the moving barrel.
US08277278B2
A method and apparatus for radially cutting tubulars in a downhole environment by emitting acoustic energy into the jet, the acoustic energy having a wavelength selected such that the jet acts as a waveguide, detecting reflected acoustic energy in the jet, and determining the depth of cut from a travel time of the acoustic energy.
US08277276B2
A brassiere cup, and brassiere formed therewith, is provided for enhancing the shape of a wearer's breast. The brassiere cup comprises an outer fabric layer having a lower peripheral portion, and an inner liner fabric layer having a lower peripheral portion. A breast enhancement insert having upper and lower peripheral portions and inner and outer surfaces is attached along the lower peripheral portions of the outer fabric layer and the inner liner layer, the upper peripheral portion and the inner and outer surfaces of the insert being substantially unattached. The breast enhancement insert comprises a padding material encapsulated within a fabric cover.
US08277267B1
An amphibious paddle track propulsion system mountable on any water or land vehicle for enabling the ability to selectively travel over land or water, the paddle track propulsion system having a paddle track, spring-loaded paddles, paddle supporting terrain treads, terrain treads, lead and rear sprockets, chain sprocket, engaging assembly for extending and retracting the paddles and lever for controlling the engaging assembly wherein each paddle has an engager extension that is engaged and disengaged by the engaging assembly to extend and retract paddles.
US08277263B1
An intersystem grounding bridge has an elongated housing made from electrically conductive material, the housing including a plurality of channels spaced along a longitudinal axis thereof, the channels for receiving a grounding wire/conductor associated with a communication system component. The housing has a plurality of corresponding threaded apertures dimensioned for receipt of set screws for securing a grounding wire/conductor inserted in a corresponding channel. The intersystem grounding bridge includes a split bolt portion extending substantially in line with the elongated axis of the housing and having an open ended slot formed therein dimensioned for receiving a grounding rod/conductor, the split bolt portion having threads formed thereon for receiving a threaded fastener for securing the grounding rod/conductor to the split bolt portion. A pressure bar having a bottom portion dimensioned for contacting the grounding rod/conductor in the split bolt portion may also form part of the grounding bridge.
US08277261B2
An electrical connector includes a signal blade including a first base member formed of an insulation material and a signal circuit portion formed on the first base member; a power source blade including a second base member formed of an insulation material and a power source circuit portion formed on the second base member, said power source blade further including an engaging protrusion; and a holding member formed of an insulation material and including a blade holding hole so that the engaging protrusion engages an inner surface when the power source blade is inserted into the blade holding hole.
US08277247B2
A grip ring for a coaxial connector couples with a coaxial cable with a solid outer conductor. The c-shaped ring is provided with a gap between a first end and a second end. A shield portion extends from the first end and a slot portion dimensioned to receive the shield portion provided in the second end. The shield portion keys with the slot portion as a diameter of the grip ring is reduced. An inner diameter of the grip ring is provided with a grip surface. Further, the grip ring may be provided with a flange edge at the cable end projecting from the outer diameter.
US08277245B2
Methods and systems for forming discrete wire ribbon cables for use in electronic networks are provided. In some embodiments, the organizer may include an upper bracket and a lower bracket. The lower bracket may be configured to mate with the upper bracket. The upper bracket and the lower bracket may combine to define a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may be sized to at least partially enclose a set of discrete conductors. Each of the set of discrete conductors may be individually insulated.
US08277243B1
A connector assembly is provided, and includes a first connector, a second connector, and a CPA device. The first connector has a stopper feature, a first end and a second end that generally opposes the first end. The stopper feature has a recess provided therein and a stopper surface. The second connector is received by the first connector. The second connector includes a shroud that slides over the first end of the first connector in a first direction. The CPA device is slidingly engaged with the second end of the first connector in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction. The CPA device has a flexible arm that is selectively deformable. In a pre-stage position, the flexible arm abuts against the stopper surface to restrict relative movement of the CPA device in the second direction.
US08277241B2
The disclosure describes an electrical connector assembly having first and second electrical connectors configured for mating. Each connector includes a housing that supports a plurality of electrical contacts. The contacts are arranged in first and second rows, and define a first terminal end extending from the housing and configured to connect with an electrical component, and a second hermaphroditic terminal end extending from the housing.
US08277238B2
A card connector (1) is disclosed. The card connector (1) comprises a housing (11), at least one terminal (51), a card guiding mechanism and an identification switch. The housing (11) is configured to accommodate a card adapter (101), in which a first card (201) is fitted, or a second card (301). Each of the at least one terminals (51) is attached to the housing (11). The card guiding mechanism includes an urging member (81). The urging member (81) is configured to urge the card adapter (101) or the second card (301) in a direction opposite to an insertion direction. The card guiding mechanism is configured to hold in a lock position the card adapter (101) or the second card (301) pushed in the insertion direction by way of push operation. The identification switch is formed by a first contact member (52) and a second contact member (53), and is arranged further inward in the insertion direction from an insertion direction front end (301a) of the second card (301) held in the lock position. The identification switch is configured to identify the card adapter (101) and the second card (301). The card adapter (101) has a front projection (103) extending forward from an insertion direction front end (101a). The first contact member (52) is displaced in the thickness direction of the card adapter (101) and comes into contact with the second contact member (53) when abutting against the front projection (103) of the card adapter (101).
US08277236B2
A calibration adapter with coaxial connector for connecting to a complementary coaxial connector of a device to be calibrated, where the coaxial connector has an inner conductor part, an outer conductor part arranged coaxially thereto, and a male termination. The calibration adapter has a drum where at least two calibration standards are arranged, the drum is rotatably arranged on a pin connected centrally to a first cap such that a longitudinal axis of the pin is flush with a longitudinal axis of the first cap. The coaxial connector with a second termination opposite the male termination, is connected eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the first cap, and the at least two calibration standards are arranged in the drum such that by the rotation of the drum relative to the first cap, the second termination can be optionally connected to one of the calibration standards.
US08277235B2
A socket for selectively mounting on a board includes a housing and a latch. The housing includes a first side plate and a second side plate parallel to the first side plate. The first and second side plates define an elongated slot therebetween for reception of the board. The latch includes an axle, a body and a fastening portion. The axle is pivotably coupled to the housing at one end of the slot. The body has one end joined to the axle and the other end to the fastening portion. The fastening portion is constructed for engagement with the board. In addition, the lateral width of the body of the latch in the direction along the width of the first side plate is smaller than that of the axle in the same direction.
US08277231B2
The invention relates to an electrical device with a contact assembly 1 comprising at least one electrical contact 2 having a contacting end 10 for contacting a counterpart contact of another electrical device 14, and a holding device 3 for holding the electrical contact 2, wherein the holding device 3 comprises an elastomeric material 4 in which the electrical contact 2 is elastically held. In this way, an electrical device with such a contact assembly 2 is achieved that provides for a reliable electrical contact while being robust, easy to clean and preferably also watertight.
US08277217B2
Disclosed is a dental instrument for cutting soft tissue. The dental instrument for cutting soft tissue according to the present invention includes: a main body having an inlet portion for inserting soft tissue to be cut into the main body; a cutter blade arranged in the main body such that at least a part of the cutter blade is exposed outwardly through the inlet portion; and a lid for covering the upper portion of the main body. The cutter blade includes a first cutter blade having a first cut depth, and a second cutter blade arranged in the vicinity of the first cutter blade, and which has a second cut depth shallower than the first cut depth. The dental instrument of the present invention makes it possible to cut the soft tissue in the deep part of a mouth in an easy and simple process, thereby improving the convenience of soft tissue implantation.
US08277214B2
A device for intensifying a flame, comprising an object intended to be placed in front of the burner head, at a distance from said burner head, so that it is placed at least partly inside a flame extending from the burner head, and furthermore, said object being arranged to glow, heated by said flame. An apparatus for applying the device, for heating a liquid or air, comprising a burner and a combustion chamber, wherein the apparatus comprises an object in the combustion chamber. In the method, the device is installed in front of the burner head, or in an apparatus for heating a liquid or air, comprising an opening for the burner head, and a combustion chamber.
US08277213B2
An adaptor bushing for an injection molding apparatus comprising a manifold, a nozzle assembly and a nozzle retention device, comprises: (i) a bushing passage for fluid communication between a passage of the manifold and a nozzle passage; (ii) at least one transition region joining portions of the bushing passage; and, (iii) at least one alignment surface effective to (a) align longitudinal centerlines of the bushing passage, manifold passage and nozzle passage and (b) eliminate or reduce relative tilt of the adaptor bushing, nozzle assembly and manifold so that with the adaptor bushing clamped between the manifold and nozzle assembly, leakage of material at the interfaces of the bushing passage with the manifold passage and nozzle passage is eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level under normal operating conditions. A manifold and nozzle assembly construction comprises an adaptor bushing interposed between a manifold passage and a nozzle passage.
US08277210B2
An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional netted structure, the three-dimensional netted structure including a plurality of filaments of resin, the filaments being helically and randomly entangled and thermally bonded together, the apparatus including: an extrusion molding machine including a plurality of dies each having a mouthpiece with a plurality of holes; a pair of endless conveyors provided with endless members; a motor adapted to drive the endless members; and a tank adapted to partly submerge the endless conveyors therein. A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional netted structure using the apparatus by extruding molten filaments of a thermoplastic resin downward from the dies via the mouthpiece, helically entangling the molten filaments by entangling actions of the endless members, and cooling the entangled filaments in a liquid in the tank.
US08277191B2
In one embodiment, a system includes a turbine engine that includes a turbine stage including a turbine rotor having multiple blades disposed in a first annular arrangement. The turbine engine also includes multiple cover plates disposed in a second annular arrangement along interfaces between the turbine rotor and the blades. The turbine engine further includes multiple lugs coupled to the turbine stage and a first ring coupled to the lugs to hold the cover plates to the turbine stage.
US08277189B2
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to turbine blades and rotors and, more particularly, to turbine blades having, among other features, complimentarily shaped integral covers and bases capable of increasing stiffness and damping characteristics while decreasing vibratory stress. In one embodiment, the invention provides a turbine blade comprising: an elongate vane having a twisted configuration about a longitudinal axis thereof, the elongate vane having a leading face and a trailing face; a base at a proximal end of the elongate vane, the base having: a substantially planar member substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the elongate vane; and a dovetail member on a surface of the planar member opposite the elongate vane; and a cover member at a distal end of the elongate vane, the cover member having a leading face and a trailing face.
US08277186B2
A turbine blade 10a which is a stop blade is provided with a cutout portion 50 which is formed in one circumferential side surface 22a of a shank portion 22 at the center in the axial direction of a turbine rotor 100, a cutout portion 60 which is formed in one circumferential side surface 22a of the shank portion 22 from one end portion 22b to the cutout portion 50 in the axial direction of the turbine rotor 100, and a through passage 70 which is formed to pass from the cutout portion 50 to an effective blade part and in which a moving member 170, which moves a stopper member 160 to the effective blade part in the cutout portion 50, is inserted.
US08277178B2
A fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan mounted on the first fan. The first and second fans respectively include first and second frames. The first frame includes four pairs of first projections on a top thereof. The first projections of each pair are arranged face to face, and each includes a first hook towards the other one. The second projection includes four pairs of second projections on a bottom thereof. The second projections of each pair are arranged back to back, and each protrudes a second hook pointing away from the other one. The pair of second projections are received between a corresponding pair of first projections with the second hooks respectively engaging with the first hooks.
US08277173B2
A turbine rotor 300 includes: a high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301 where high-temperature steam passes; low-temperature turbine rotor constituent parts 302 sandwiching and weld-connected to the high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301 and made of a material different from a material of the high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301; and a cooling part cooling the high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301 by ejecting cooling steam 240 to a position, of the high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301, near a welded portion 120 between the high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301 and the low-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 302. A value equal to a distance divided by a diameter is equal to or more than 0.3, where the distance is a distance from the position, of the high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301, ejected the cooling steam 240 up to the welded portion 120, and the diameter is a turbine rotor diameter of the high-temperature turbine rotor constituent part 301.
US08277172B2
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a turbine engine having a first, rotatable turbine rotor assembly, a second, stationary nozzle assembly disposed adjacent thereto and a wheel space which is defined between the first, rotatable turbine rotor assembly and the second, stationary nozzle assembly. The wheel space is operable to receive cooling air therein and includes a sealing feature located on the first rotatable turbine rotor assembly that extends axially into the wheel space to terminate adjacent to a sealing land positioned on the second, stationary nozzle assembly. The sealing feature and the sealing land operate to control the release of cooling air from within the wheel space and the sealing land is constructed of shape memory alloy.
US08277170B2
A system and a method to supply a coolant to a turbine bucket of a turbine. The system includes an extraction system configured to extract air from a main compressor airflow, a supply circuit, at least a part of which is disposed at an exterior of the gas turbine, coupled to the extraction system and configured to transport the extracted air, as an ingredient of the coolant, from the extraction system to a coolant insertion region, and a cooling system, disposed proximate to the coolant insertion region of the gas turbine and coupled to the supply circuit at a position on-board the gas turbine, the cooling system being configured to supply the turbine bucket with the coolant, including the extracted air.
US08277168B2
A tidal power apparatus comprises a moored pontoon (1) having a duct (2) therethrough opening at opposed ends of the pontoon. The duct has a vertical axis rotor (3) therein driving an electrical generator (6). A deflector vane (8) is located in the duct at each end thereof, each deflector vane being mounted to pivot about a vertical axis between an active position, in which the deflector vane deflects water flow to one side of the rotor axis to cause rotation of the rotor, and an inactive position substantially aligned with the water flow from the turbine.
US08277163B2
A substrate transfer apparatus includes forks that are vertically spaced apart from each other with a predetermined distance. When the forks take out the substrates from the first substrate containing part, each of the forks lifts the substrate and supports the same by moving upward from a pre-loading position located below the substrate to be taken out by a predetermined unloading stroke amount. A value of the predetermined distance is set to be equal to the sum of the distance between the substrates contained in the first substrate containing part and the unloading stroke amount.
US08277161B2
A substrate processing apparatus is equipped with a processing furnace for processing wafers, a loading port which is used for carrying a pod containing substrates into and out of a case, a pod transport mechanism for transporting the container at least from the entrance and exit place, and a top storage which is disposed above the processing furnace in such a manner that at least part of the top storage overlaps with the processing furnace in the direction of gravity.
US08277156B2
A cover for securing a load in an environment includes a sheet; a strap having a length that is extendable, and that includes a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion; a first coupler attached to the strap's first end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's first end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; a second coupler attached to the strap's second end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's second end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; and a fastener operable to fasten the strap's first end portion to the sheet. When the sheet is used to secure and/or cover a load the first coupler is disposed between the fastener and the strap's middle portion. By having the first coupler located between the fastener and the strap's middle portion, one can both secure the load with the strap and secure the cover 10 to the structure. Thus, one can quickly, easily and adequately secure and cover a load with the cover.
US08277147B2
This invention relates to a method for replacing pipes, and an apparatus therefor. The method utilizes a cable which is passed along an existing pipe. The cable is connected to a component at the end of the pipe, the component also being connected to a length of replacement pipe. The cable is pulled whereby the existing pipe is removed and the replacement pipe inserted in its place. The invention is expected to achieve its greatest utility as a method and apparatus for replacing pipes carrying water or gas to domestic and commercial properties.
US08277144B1
An articulated handle adapter for concrete hand-type floats that removably connects to a long pole handle, ordinarily used with bull floats, to a hand-type float for removal of imperfections preparatory to the final finishing. The inventive adapter includes an offset and canted yoke and a canted ear which is received between the bracket arms of a pole handle sleeve. The inventive adapter eliminates the use of knee boards in the process of removal of imperfections. The inventive adapter permits the cement finisher working on slab or flatwork to float out imperfections such as deep jointer marks, bull float marks, small holes, humps and bumps and the like far into the work surface while standing off to one side outside the forms, thereby speeding the final finishing process.
US08277141B1
An indirect fire weapon may include a base cap with a ball end. The ball end may be inserted in or removed from a socket cap in a base plate at only a single combination of a traverse angle and an elevation angle of the weapon. The indirect fire weapon may rotate 360 degrees in the socket cap and may be elevated from the vertical down to a set declivity.
US08277135B1
There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a maintenance device for snaps or fasteners having a housing and a dynamic body that is slidably engaged within said housing. Attached to the dynamic body is a pair of cleaning arms. A spring positioned between the body and the housing biases the body and arms to a relaxed and extended position. When the body is pressed against and engages a fastener, the body moves to a retracted position within the housing causing the cleaning arms pivot and engage the fastener. With the cleaning arms engaged, a twisting movement of the housing removes corrosion, dirt and debris from the fastener. The device further includes a refillable lubrication reservoir and channel which serves to lubricate the fastener while it is cleaned.
US08277116B2
In one embodiment of the disclosure, a fluid mixing device comprises a flow duct, with a wall having an inner surface defining a fluid flow path for a primary flow, and at least one deployable and retractable projection. The projection is adapted to controllably generate at least one secondary flow adjacent the inner surface. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.
US08277100B2
A vehicle lighting device includes: a heat sink member; a semiconductor-type light source directly placed on a top face of the heat sink member; a power-feeding holder which is set on the semiconductor-type light source and the heat sink member, for holding the semiconductor-type light source at the side of the heat sink member and feeding a power current to the semiconductor-type light source; and a fixing member which is covered on the power-feeding holder and fixed to the heat sink member, for fixing the power-feeding holder to the heat sink member and sandwiching and fixing the semiconductor-type light source between the power-feeding holder and the heat sink member. As a result, this vehicle light device improves workability of assembling components.
US08277091B2
An abuse-resistant light fixture housing having a mounting plate with mounting brackets, a frame having an opening for a-non opaque cover, and a plurality of fasteners affixing the mounting bracket to the frame is provided. When the mounting plate and frame are assembled together the frame is suspended apart from the mounting bracket such that impacts against the frame are absorbed by the suspension elements allowing the frame and light elements to survive generally undamaged. Elements of the fixture are made so as to resist damage while providing illumination.
US08277077B2
Vehicle-mounted auxiliary lighting systems adapted to provide primary or auxiliary vehicle lighting using light emitting diodes (LEDS) are disclosed.
US08277075B2
An illumination device includes a reflection disk, a positioning frame, a solar cell module, an illumination member and a driving device. The positioning frame is located at the focus of the curved reflection surface of the reflection disk. The solar cell module and the illumination member are respectively connected to the front and back of the positioning frame. The driving device is used to drive the positioning frame to rotate relative to the reflection disk. When the solar cell faces the curved reflection surface, the solar cell absorbs the reflected sun light to generate electric power. When the illumination member faces the curved reflection surface, light emitted from the illumination member is reflected by the curved reflection surface.
US08277067B2
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a light source module includes a light source, a frame plate, and an insulation structure. The frame plate includes a plurality of light source pad portions, a power wiring portion, and a peripheral portion. The power wiring portion is electrically connected to the light source to be formed in the vicinity of the light source pad portion. A boundary area of the power wiring portion corresponding to the peripheral portion and the light source pad portion is formed to be open, so that the power wiring portion is spaced apart from the peripheral portion and the light source pad portion. The insulation structure is formed in the boundary area to electrically insulate the power wiring portion from the frame plate. In one aspect, the volume, weight, and manufacturing costs of the light source module may be reduced, and a process of individually packaging light sources may be considered unnecessary.
US08277066B2
A lighting device 12 for a display device of the present invention includes tubular light sources 17 provided in a parallel arrangement and covering members 20 that covers respective ends of the tubular light sources 17. Electrodes 41 are provided at ends of the tubular light sources 17. Electrical terminals 24 for electrically connecting to the electrodes 41 are assembled to the covering members 20. Namely, the covering members 20 have an electrical connection function for connecting the tubular light sources 17 to an external power source in addition to a covering function that is its primary function for covering the ends of the tubular light sources 17 so that they are not viewed. With this configuration, efficiency of the assembly work can be improved and reliable power supply to the tubular light sources 17 can be provided.
US08277065B2
A system to light a cavity 19 in an appliance. A source or light emitter 27 is mounted on a circuit board 32, so that the light emanating from said source or light emitter 27, is concentrated into a light beam using an optical collimator system 28 or in some cases a Fresnel arrangement; wherein the foregoing elements may be found outside a door 14, which allow access into the cavity; thus the light beam exiting the optical collimator 27 or Fresnel arrangement travels a distance though air between the optical collimator system 27 or Fresnel arrangement and the upper face of the light guide 29 which is placed on the door 14, the light guide 29 transports the luminous flux towards a notch which diverts said luminous flux directing into the cavity's 19 interior.
US08277063B2
A general purpose energy saving light amplification unit suitable as a lantern, guide light, background light, safety light, ornament or decorative object, said unit adapted to harness external surrounding ambient light, or other remote energy sources from at least two directions, employing a plurality of reflector members to receive and concentrate energy in in order to luminesce or fluoresce an optimally placed mutually shared luminescent or fluorescent body member, lodged in a tapered or convergent section of a hyperbola or between at least two juxstaposed reflectors, stimulating photon and electron activity resulting in maximum amount of transmitted visible light from at least two directions, irrespective of receptive direction or angle of origin of light source.
US08277061B2
A light guiding mechanism for portable electronic device includes a cover, a light guiding module and four light sources. The cover includes a light transmitting region. The light guiding module includes a light guide plate having a first diagonal line and a second diagonal line. The light guide plate defines a first through hole. The light guide plate includes a light reflecting region around the first through hole. The light reflecting region includes a plurality of protrusions symmetrically positioned relative to the first diagonal line and the second diagonal line. Adjacent protrusions have a space therebetween. The size of the space uniformly increases with increasing distance from the first through hole. Light emitted from the light sources is repeatedly reflected by the protrusions and then passes the light transmitting region of the cover.
US08277048B2
In one aspect of the invention, an ophthalmic endoilluminator includes at least one pump light source and a scintillator fiber optically coupled to the pump light source. The scintillator fiber receives an output of the pump light source and produces light in a different wavelength range than the output of the pump light source. An optical coupling element couples the light to an optical fiber, which conducts the light into an eye.
US08277047B2
Illumination unit for the generation of optical sectional images in transparent media, particularly in the eye is disclosed. In the arrangement according to the invention, the low-divergence beams emitted by a laser serving as illumination source are imaged on or in the eye under examination by a reflection element which is controllable in a defined manner and beam deflection elements present in the beam path. The optical sectional images resulting in and on the eye can be observed and/or recorded, further processed and evaluated with an image processing unit in a known manner. In the solution according to the invention, a sectional image is generated by the deliberate periodic beam deflection of a particularly fine laser beam with high depth of focus, which sectional image remains sharp through the entire dimension of the object to be examined and makes possible an improved evaluation. The intensity of the laser beam bundle can be varied in such a way that it is sufficient for observation and documentation, but so that the diameter of the beam bundle is fine enough for a high detail resolution.
US08277046B2
An eyeglass retainer that features an elongated flexible segment of linear cylindrical material having a first end and a second end. Each end of the material can be tied into a knot so that each knot forms a loop of the material. Each of the two knots can be slidably adjustable over the length of the material so that each loop can be decreased in diameter to tighten the loop around a temple of a pair of eyeglasses. The small diameter and transparency of the material reduce the visibility of the eyeglass retainer to diminish its contrast with a wearer's clothing.
US08277042B2
A recording apparatus has a recording head, a platen, and a first hole. The recording head includes a dot formation element array, and the platen holds a recording medium opposite the recording head. The first hole is disposed in an area of the platen opposite a downstream portion of the dot formation element array and guides ink discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin. Alternatively or additionally, a second hole is formed in an area of the platen opposite an upstream portion of the dot formation element array, and the platen guides ink, which is discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin, to the second hole.
US08277037B2
A printing apparatus for printing a heat shrinkable flattened plastics tubing or other elongate printable medium, the apparatus comprising: means for feeding at least one printable medium over a printer head; and a control means to control the sequence of printing operations on the medium, wherein the apparatus further comprises a return feed assembly to return the printable medium printed on a first face thereof inverted into the printing apparatus and off-set, e.g. spaced toward one side of the printing apparatus, relative to where it was first fed passed the print head for printing onto the obverse face of the medium, the apparatus being programmed to be set up initially with the medium installed for feeding/printing the first side whereby printing of the first side of the label/printable medium may be initiated and the printable medium stopped at a required set point along the medium for reverse feeding, allowing the medium to then be fed back through the printer for the printing of the second side before the printing resumes.
US08277015B2
Blocking members are respectively provided at a conveyance direction upstream side and downstream side of a head unit of an inkjet recording device. The two blocking members are provided radially extending from an area near an outer peripheral surface of an image formation drum, and extend across a width direction of a paper, and respectively cover both conveyance direction sides of the head unit. An end of each blocking member near to the image formation drum is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the drum by a predetermined distance. Between an inkjet line head and a blocking member is provided a fan that blows air along a droplet ejection direction towards a vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the image formation drum, thereby preventing heat from the image formation drum from being transmitted to an ejection direction distal end of the inkjet line head.
US08277012B2
A conveyance unit continually conveys sheets of the number of continual prints. A head control section controls ejection of ink droplets from inkjet heads in such a way that there are produced image dots which make up an image to be printed on each of the sheet every time the sheet is conveyed and flushing dots corresponding to flushing dot candidates, among flushing dot candidates for flushing patterns included in a flushing pattern group determined from the continual print count, which are placed at locations where the image dots are not to be produced.
US08277011B2
A liquid ejecting head unit includes: a liquid ejecting head which includes a nozzle row formed by nozzles arranged in series so as to eject a liquid onto a printing medium; and a base plate which retains the liquid ejecting head, wherein a linear expansion coefficient of the base plate in a first direction as a relative moving direction between the printing medium and the liquid ejecting head is larger than that in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US08277005B2
A refrigerator including a body, a door movably coupled to the body, a gasket installed at a rear surface of the door to establish a gasket seal between the door and the body when the door is in a closed position, a first mount provided at a first location of the door located adjacent to a left edge portion of the door, a second mount provided at a second location of the door located adjacent to a right edge portion of the door, and a door opening device to cause the gasket seal to break between the door and the body, the door opening device including a pivoting member mounted to the door, first and second operating portions and a first push unit mounted to a first mount to press against the body when being pressed by the first operating portion of the pivoting member.
US08277002B2
A slide assembly with a self-closing mechanism that includes a dampening mechanism. In one arrangement, the slide assembly includes an inner slide segment slidably coupled to an outer slide segment. The self-closing mechanism is configured to move the inner slide segment towards a retracted position when the inner segment is moved to within a predetermined distance from the retracted position. The slide assembly can also include a latch which is engaged during the closing process and functions to trigger the self-closing and dampening. In an arrangement, the slide assembly has a maximum width dimension of about 0.4 inches or less, taking into account normal manufacturing variations. In an arrangement, a movable portion of the self-closing mechanism slidably engages a bearing race of the outer segment.
US08276997B2
In a brake-by-wire brake system for a motorcycle, a pressure regulator is interposed between a pressure-generating unit and a brake caliper to regulate an output hydraulic pressure of the pressure generator, and to apply the regulated hydraulic pressure to a brake caliper. The pressure regulator is controlled by a control unit, based on input from an applied operating force detector, to minimize or prevent influences of engine vibration and heat on the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is arranged between an engine body and a fuel tank disposed in back of an intake system connected to and extending upwardly from a cylinder head of the engine body; where the intake system is disposed on an upper side of the engine body. The pressure regulator is flexibly supported, through a flexibly resilient case, by a support cage attached to a body frame.
US08276991B2
A guide shoe for a shearer loader, in particular for a shearer-loader drive assembly, comprising at least one base wall, comprising a guide projection, on the base-wall side, for engaging under a rack drive of a rack drive arrangement, and comprising a guide surface for engaging behind the rack drive. To achieve shorter downtime periods in the case of repairs to the shearer-loader drive assembly due to wear, and in order to reduce their susceptibility to wear, the guide projection and the guide surface are realized on wear inserts that are movably and, preferably, replaceably fastened, or fastenable, to the guide shoe. Movement of the wear inserts could be limited by pivot limiting strips or inhibited by clamping strips.
US08276985B2
The present invention refers to an infant seat (10), in particular to be mounted to a baby carriage in a detachable manner, designed in such a way that it exhibits a seat configuration and coming from said seat configuration is transformable into a carry configuration, in which the infant seat may be used as a carrycot. According to the invention it is provided that the infant seat (10) comprises a separate unit serving as a carrycot (20), which is arranged in the seat configuration beneath an upper shell (12) of the infant seat (10). It is a particular advantage of the invention that the infant seat (10) can be transformed into the carrycot (20) with a small number of hand movements only. Furthermore in the mounted condition of the infant seat which is the seat configuration the carrycot is stored within the infant seat in a space saving manner.
US08276981B2
A frame arrangement for a vehicle comprises a first frame element extending a substantially lengthwise direction of a vehicle, a fastening element having sidewalls and operably coupled to the first frame element and configured to hold an axle guide, a second frame element extending substantially at right angles to the first frame element fastened to the fastening element such that the second frame element surrounds at least some region of the fastening element, and wherein the second frame element is substantially U-shaped and includes at least a pair of fastening segments forming legs of the U-shaped fastening segment.
US08276978B2
An interior finish panel for a vehicle may include a panel substrate, at least two pieces of skin disposed over the panel substrate, and a foam layer. The panel substrate may include an inclined portion disposed between a base portion and at least one sealing surface. The at least two pieces of skin may include an upper skin and a lower skin joined together at a seam, wherein the seam may be at least partially disposed over the inclined portion. The seam may be sealed to a vertex of the inclined portion between the inclined portion and the sealing surface. The foam layer may be disposed between the at least two pieces of skin and the panel substrate. The foam layer may taper from the base portion towards the vertex of the inclined portion and terminate along the inclined portion before the vertex of the inclined portion.
US08276971B2
An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided.An aerodynamic structure (10) for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall (24) provided rearward, in a vehicle body longitudinal direction, with respect to a front wheel (15) in a wheel house (14), and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, and an airflow guiding wall (22) hanging downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from a rear end portion (24A) in the vehicle body longitudinal direction of the airflow collision wall (24). The airflow guiding wall (22) extends in the vehicle body vertical direction, or extends in a tilting direction directed both toward the front wheel (15) side and toward the lower side in the vehicle body vertical direction.
US08276968B2
A locking device includes a locking mechanism and a striker. The locking mechanism includes a lock base, a hook and a pawl. The lock base has a recess that is capable of receiving the striker. The hook is capable of forming a locked condition in which the striker is held between the hook and the recess of the lock base or an unlocked condition in which the hook is spaced away from the striker. The pawl is capable of rotating to a position in which the pawl can engage an engagement surface of the hook and maintaining the hook in the locked condition. The engagement surface of the hook is provided with a resin coating that constitutes an elastically reactive portion. The elastically reactive portion is shaped to produce an elastically reactive force between the engagement surface of the hook and the pawl in the locked condition.
US08276965B2
A space saving automobile loading ramp system is disclosed. The present invention attaches to the hitch of a truck or similar automobile to allow the user to load cargo. The present invention does not require any alteration of the automobile. Additionally, the present invention does not take up any space in a truck bed or require components be stored in the cab, and can be disassembled for transport while the tailgate of the truck remains down even if cargo has been loaded onto the tailgate using the present invention.
US08276962B2
A litter support system for a vehicle including a support framework connectable to a wall of the vehicle, an upper litter support arm for holding a litter, the upper litter support arm connected to the support framework, a lower litter support arm for holding a litter, the lower litter support arm connected to the support framework, wherein the upper and lower litter support arms are connected to the support framework such that the upper and lower litter support arms are rotatable between a store position and a first support position and movable substantially horizontally between the first support position substantially adjacent to and near the support framework and a second support position substantially extended outwardly from the support framework.
US08276953B2
A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.
US08276944B2
Shorter charge and purge lines are provided in a compactly built motorcycle having an engine disposed downwardly of a rider seat, a fuel tank disposed forwardly of the engine and storing fuel to be supplied to the engine, and a canister adsorbing fuel vapor evaporated in the fuel tank. A fuel tank integrates a tank main portion with a tube portion that joins to a front side upper portion of the tank main portion so as to protrude upwardly of an upper wall of the tank main portion and that has a fuel filler port disposed at an upper end portion thereof. Further, a canister is disposed at a position that is lower than an upper end of the tube portion, rearward of the tube portion, and upward of the tank main portion.
US08276940B2
An airbag arrangement includes an airbag with at least one inflatable chamber and a first opening; and a cover that at least partially covers the first opening of the airbag and that comprises a second opening. The first and second openings are designed such that the chamber of the airbag is accessible through the first and second openings. The first opening is designed in a first layer of an airbag material and the second opening is designed in a second layer of an airbag material. At least one part projects into the airbag through the first and the second opening, whereby the first and the second layer are restrained by the part projecting into the airbag in the area of the openings such that a section of the rim of the first and a section of the rim of the second opening rest closely against the part.
US08276917B2
A sealing device in which oil (O) is supplied by ejection to a sealing device body (3). In the sealing device, an increase in friction of a seal lip (33) caused by the pressure of the oil (O) is prevented, and effective lubrication by the oil (O) is promoted. The sealing device has the sealing device body (3) having the seal lip (33) slidably in intimate contact with the outer peripheral surface of a rotating shaft (2), an oil ejection opening (12) for ejecting the oil (O) toward a position on the outer peripheral side of the seal lip (33) of the sealing device body (3), and oil splashing means (4) for splashing the oil (O), ejected from the ejection opening (12), back to a portion near a sliding portion (S) of the seal lip (33).
US08276914B2
A doll of football game table for mounting on an operation rod of the football game table is disclosed. The doll includes a first main body and a second main body. Bottom ends of the two main bodies are detachably latched with each other. A connecting member detachably connects top ends of the main bodies. Accordingly, the main bodies are detachably mounted on the operation rod. The doll further includes at least one fixing member for engaging at least one of the main bodies with the operation rod. By means of operating the operation rod, the doll can be driven to move or rotate. The doll can be directly mounted on or taken off from the operation rod. In case of damage of the doll, the main bodies of the doll can be unlatched from each other to take off the doll from the operation rod so that the doll can be easily replaced.
US08276912B2
A medium path converting unit to reduce electrical stress, an image forming apparatus including the same and a control method thereof. The medium path converting unit to convert a moving path of a print medium can include a guiding member movable to a first position to guide the print medium to a first path and to a second position to guide the print medium to a second path, an actuator to move the guide member from the first position to the second position, an actuator solenoid to drive the actuator, and a locking unit to lock the actuator to allow the guiding member to maintain the second position.
US08276911B2
According to an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for guiding a document includes a curved, document guide having a receiving end and an outgoing end. The receiving end is adapted to receive a moving document. The curved document guide is to guide the document along a curved path such that the document experiences a centrifugal force causing the document to substantially flatten against a concave surface of the curved document guide as the document moves toward the outgoing end of the curved document guide. At least a portion of the curved document guide has a radius of curvature. The curved document guide further includes an apex of the curvature at which one or more instruments are approximately directed.
US08276891B2
A gas mixture supplying method includes supplying plural kinds of gases through gas supply lines connected to a common pipeline and supplying a gas mixture of the plural kinds of gases from a gas outlet of the common pipeline into a region where the gas mixture is used through a gas mixture supply line. When a typical gas supplied in a gaseous state from a gas supply unit and a liquid source gas vaporized by heating a liquid source material supplied from a liquid source material supply unit by a vaporizing unit are supplied simultaneously, the liquid source gas is supplied from one of the gas supply lines provided at a position closer to the gas outlet than that for the typical gas, and the liquid source gas is supplied to a downstream side of a filter for removing particles in the typical gas.
US08276888B2
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for facilitating dissolution of one or more gases into a liquid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. An apparatus of the present invention comprises a dissolution tank that includes a pressure vessel, at least one liquid spray nozzle, and a fluid outlet. The apparatus also comprises a gas source, means for passing fluid into the pressure vessel, and a discharge device connected to the fluid outlet, which discharge device is provided with at least one orifice. Preferred applications include wastewater treatment, treatment of drinking water, fermentation, and bioremediation.
US08276883B2
A method, for use in connection with installing a cable into a conduit (4) having a first end and a second end (12), of detecting whether air is flowing from the first end to the second end, the method including the steps of: —providing a movement sensor (10) within or proximate to the conduit; —providing an air flow (14) into the conduit from the first end; and —detecting that the air is flowing to the second end when the air flow disrupt the movement sensor.
US08276882B2
A pull tool for handling an elongate article comprises a panel having opposing panel sides and opposing panel ends and a fastening mechanism extending along at least a portion of the panel sides. The fastening mechanism is configured to join the panel sides to form the panel in a sleeve configuration for encasing the elongate article therewithin. The panel of the pull tool has inner and outer surfaces with the outer surface having a substantially low coefficient of friction.
US08276880B2
Butterfly valve plate sealing assemblies are provided that include a sealing ring and a retention spacer disposed at least partially within a sealing ring groove formed about a periphery of a butterfly valve plate. The sealing ring includes a first portion, a second portion configured substantially perpendicular to the first portion, and a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The sealing ring is positioned at least partially within a groove opening and a groove body defining the sealing ring groove. The retention spacer is positioned at least partially within the groove opening and adjacent the first portion of the sealing ring. The retention spacer is configured to limit expansion of the sealing ring when under the influence of a pressurized fluid flow. The second portion of the sealing ring may be configured to optimize stiffness for a desired sealing ring tension.
US08276874B2
The invention relates to a ceiling formwork system comprising several grid elements, each of which is composed of a plurality of parallel longitudinal beams and at least one transversal beam that can be mounted or placed on vertical supports and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal beams. The longitudinal and transversal beams of the grid elements are rigidly interconnected. Standard grid elements are provided with two transversal beams in the opposite terminal areas of the longitudinal beams while transversal compensating grid elements are fitted with two transversal beams which are offset towards the inside in relation to the standard grid elements.
US08276870B2
A hanging structure includes a back bezel recessed with a bezel recess, a first hanging member, and a second hanging member. The first hanging member movably arranged in the bezel recess includes an ear-shaped hanging part which is axially recessed with an accommodating hole with a first guiding path at side face. The first guiding path includes an axial segment and two positioning notches obliquely extending from the axial segment. The second hanging member movably arranged in the accommodating hole includes a main body and a mushroom-shaped hanging part. The main body, at its surface, includes a guiding protrusion which is movably arranged in the first guiding path of the first hanging member. The mushroom-shaped hanging part selectively extends out of the accommodating hole depending on which positioning notch the guiding protrusion moves into. Therefore, the hanging structure has various hanging modes to be selected.
US08276866B2
An adjustable clip for securing a grazing-incident collector (GIC) shell to a spider having spokes is disclosed. The clip includes a base adapted to be secured to a spider spoke and having an upper surface. The clip includes a fork member having two prongs each with end pads at respective prong ends, and having a first hinge portion at an end opposite the prong ends. A hinge leaf is secured to the base upper surface and has a second hinge portion that operably engages the first hinge portion, thereby forming a hinge that allows for rotatable adjustment of the fork member relative to the base. Movement of the GIC shell when performing optical alignment is accommodated by the clip self-adjusting by its end pads moving over the GIC shell outer surface. When GIC shell alignment is achieved, the end pads are secured to the GIC shell outer surface, thereby turning the clip into a rigid support member that secures the GIC shell in place relative to the spider.
US08276865B2
A holding device includes a holder, a connecting body, and a base. The base has a first meshing portion. The connecting body is disposed between the holder and the base, and it has a pivotal element, a limiting portion, and a second meshing portion. The second meshing portion is disposed on the limiting portion. Two ends of a surface of the pivotal element are pivotally connected with the base and the limiting portion, respectively, and thus the base and the limiting portion may rotate relative to the pivotal element. When the limiting portion rotates relative to the pivotal element, the second meshing portion is meshed with or detached from the first meshing portion.
US08276864B2
A mounting bracket for a display includes a first rail and a first clamping mechanism. The first clamping mechanism is slidably mounted to the rail along a first direction. The clamping mechanism includes a first and a second clamping members. The first and second clamping members are telescopically mounted to each other along a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the first and second clamping member includes a clamp assembly. Each clamp assembly extends along a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The two clamp assemblies can cooperatively clamp the display.
US08276850B2
A method of forming an exterior surface protective structure (12) for an aircraft (10) includes uniting a loaded surfacer (52) having a carrier (51) to a hybrid prepreg substrate (32). The prepreg substrate (32) includes a carbon fabric (44) with an integral conductive component (48) having conductivity with in a metal conductivity range and is united to a base substrate (30). The loaded surfacer (52) and the prepreg substrate (32) are cured, which includes interfacially adhering matter between the loaded surfacer (52) and the prepreg substrate (32). A protective fabric system (12) for an exterior (14) of an aircraft (10) includes the base substrate (30). The hybrid prepreg substrate (32) is coupled to the base substrate (30). The loaded surfacer (52) with the carrier (51) is interfacially adhered to the prepreg substrate (32).
US08276848B2
Rib structure for a torsion box of an aircraft wing or a horizontal stabilizer. The structure comprises a center element which extends between the front spar and the rear spar of the torsion box, a series of vertical stiffening elements arranged between an upper skin and a lower skin of the torsion box. The vertical stiffening element consists of a first lateral wing which extends in the direction of said front spar and a second lateral wing which extends in the direction of said rear spar. These lateral extensions emerge from respective opposite sides of the vertical body and are attached side to side to the center element of the rib.
US08276843B2
A rear landing gear for an aircraft includes a strut configured to have a variable height at a lowered position. The strut is variable between a maximum height at which the aircraft has a substantially horizontal trim and a minimum height at which the aircraft has a nose-up trim, and includes a barrel and a shock absorber. The shock absorber bears a set of wheels and is slidably mounted in a passage of the barrel, the passage defining a variable-volume internal fluidic chamber. A source of fluidic power connects to the variable-volume internal chamber via a controllable shut-off member and is configured to fill or empty the variable-volume internal chamber with fluid, varying the height of the strut between the maximum height and the minimum height.
US08276842B2
A drive arrangement comprising first and second actuators (24) arranged to drive respective output members (22) for movement, first and second synchronization arrangements (34) associated with respective ones of the first and second actuators (24), and a synchronization shaft (36) interconnecting the synchronization arrangements (34).
US08276841B2
A hydraulic actuator includes, but is not limited to a first outflow and a second inflow and outflow as well as a closure device for closing the second inflow and outflow in the direction of outflow. The first outflow an outflowing hydraulic fluid is subjected to flow resistance. When a switching position is reached, the second inflow and outflow is closed in the direction of outflow so that the hydraulic fluid has to be discharged through the first outflow while overcoming the flow resistance. This damps the movement of the hydraulic actuator in the region of an end position.
US08276840B2
A rotorcraft having multiple rotors, and wings that provide lift in forward flight, has a mechanical coupling between rotors that can be disengaged and optionally reengaged, during flight. The coupling, which can prevent a failure of one rotor from interfering with rotation of the other rotor(s), can be accomplished using many different types of devices, including for example, dog clutches, friction clutches, and collapsible clutches. Disengagement can range from being completely under control of an operator, to partially under operator control, to completely automatic. Among many other benefits, designing, manufacturing, fitting, retrofitting or in some other manner providing an aircraft with a device that can disengage rotation of one of the rotors from that of another one of the rotors during flight can be used to improve survivability in an emergency situation.
US08276839B2
Disclosed herein is a device for dispensing and collecting handle or armature cover material or covers for use, by way of example, with door handles, knobs, and the like. In one embodiment, the device is an automated handle cover dispenser that can include a dual use handle cover refill cartridge for both supplying and collecting handle cover material, or alternatively, a plurality of reels or cartridges (e.g., a supply reel and a take-up reel). The material, when supplied, at least partially covers a handle (e.g., door handle) during use by a consumer.
US08276835B2
The design of the spray nozzle in an aerosol dispenser controls the characteristics of the spray that is produced. In a nozzle that comprises the elements of a multiplicity of inlet channels leading to a swirl chamber and an outlet orifice, the perception of wetness of a spray, such as an aqueous alcoholic deodorant spray, can be reduced by dimensioning the respective elements so that the sum of the widths of the inlet channels is less than the diameter of the swirl chamber and at least 1.5 times the diameter of the outlet orifice and the outlet orifice has a diameter of at least 0.3 mm together with the inlet channels being short, such as less than 0.5 mm. The new nozzle is especially suitable for spraying compositions having a low volatile organic carbon content and compositions comprising a significant proportion of water.
US08276833B2
A handheld and multi-section water distributor contains a body including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a chamber defined between the inlet end and the outlet end; a pressing element including a push segment and a press segment integrally connected on a bottom end of the push segment; a plugging member including a plug segment and a retaining segment integrally extending from a bottom end of the plug segment; the plug segment being formed in a cone shape and extending downward decreasingly to define an outer sealing wall so as to closely engage with the inner sealing wall of the closing room; the retaining segment including a number of protrusions arranged around a bottom end thereof to be retained in the recesses respectively; a resilient element fixed between the inflow room and a top fence of the plugging member to push the plugging member.
US08276829B2
A building controller for controlling the comfort level in a building is described. The building controller may include a thermostat and wireless remote controller for communicating with the thermostat from a remote location. The thermostat may have access to a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature, sometimes at or near the thermostat. The remote controller may likewise have a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature, sometimes at or near the remote controller. Under some conditions, the thermostat may use the second temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level in a building unless or until a predetermined condition is detected, after which the thermostat may use a different temperature, such as the first temperature at or near the thermostat, to control the comfort level in a building.
US08276824B2
A communication device including a receiving unit, a command processing unit, an updating unit, a transmitting unit, and a selector is provided. The receiving unit receives a transmitted command. The command processing unit performs command processing in response to the received command and generates a response containing a result of the command processing. The updating unit updates information held in one area of a memory currently disabled using the result of the command processing, wherein a first area and a second area form the memory for holding information indicating a current status. The transmitting unit transmits the generated response. The selector switches the one area currently disabled and holds the information that was updated using the result of the command processing into the enabled state and the other area currently enabled into the disabled state immediately after transmission of the response is completed.
US08276823B2
A flexible card with display function includes a first card body, a second card body and a flexible thin electronic system disposed between the first card body and the second card body. The flexible thin electronic system includes a flexible display, a display circuit, a communication interface and a smart card IC. The display circuit is connected to the flexible display, and the communication interface is connected to the display circuit via the smart card IC. The smart card IC performs a security authentication, and communicates with the smart card IC and the display circuit after the security authentication succeeds.
US08276818B2
A magnetic ink character reading method includes conveying paper by a stepping motor, detecting magnetic ink characters on the paper and generating magnetic detection signals by a magnetic detection unit, generating magnetic noise data by accumulating magnetic detection signals before the paper passes the magnetic detection unit, and removing the magnetic noise by subtracting the magnetic noise data from the magnetic detection signals. The generated magnetic noise can be a function of a control period of the transportation mechanism and a control period of a photodetector.
US08276816B2
A unitized smart card device with a partial fingerprint sensor, ergonomic guides and a processor is disclosed. The smart card contains secure memory, battery, and a processor to run the fingerprint sensor. The ergonomic guides help insure that the users finger properly swipes the fingerprint sensor. The smart card be used on a backwards compatible “dumb credit card” basis, or it may dock with an external smart card docking station. This docking station may act to facilitate communication between the smart card's fingerprint sensor and its onboard secure memory; and external computerized devices. The docking station itself may be configured with slots or other openings to allow users to access the smart card's fingerprint sensor while the smart card is docked with the docking station. The docking station itself may contain ergonomic guides to help ensure that the smart card's fingerprint sensor is used (swiped) in a correct manner.
US08276811B2
A virtual cash system, method, and apparatus for establishing account records containing a record of money amounts associated with a wireless device and a security code comprising a code portion to verify a deposit of money. Cash transfers between account records may be subject to restrictions associated with the cash amounts. Cash amounts can be spent from the account records directly from the wireless device via information derived from the wireless device via a bar code on the display, a short range radio signal, a light beam, or the like. A different security code is generated for each account transaction for verification.
US08276809B2
In general, the invention relates to a system that includes a smart phone and a smart card. The smart phone includes a web browser and a display for displaying a web page, where the web page includes at least one selectable entry. The smart card includes at least one proactive logic entity, where the at least one proactive logic entity is configured to respond to selection of the at least one selectable on the web page.
US08276803B1
A fixing frame and an assembled fixing device printing solder paste on a printed circuit board improve an assembly process, cut production costs, and save storage space. The fixing frame has a plurality of fixing portions and a motor unit. The fixing portions are connected to each other to define a hollowed-out planar region. The motor unit generates a plurality of pulling forces by means of mechanical transmission. The assembled fixing device includes a fixing frame and a stencil. The stencil has a solder paste printing region and a plurality of fixing regions. The edge of the solder paste printing region extends outward to define the fixing regions. The fixing regions are movably fixed to the fixing portions and bear the pulling forces. The solder paste printing region lies within the hollowed-out planar region. The directions of the pulling forces are coplanar with the solder paste printing region.
US08276799B2
A stapling device includes a device body to which a depressing bar is pivotally mounted. Through a link plate, the depressing bar selectively drives a staple striking assembly downward for striking out staples. The depressing bar has a depressing end that is located at the same side as the portion of the device body where the staple striking assembly is mounted. The link plate has an end to which a lifting member that selectively engages and lifts the staple striking assembly is mounted. . . . The staple striking assembly includes a guide board that can be set in engagement with and thus driven by the lifting member. The staple striking assembly, when lifted to a predetermined height level, is released to strike out staples and the lifting member is caused to transversely shift to allow for the instantaneous downward movement of the staple striking assembly for striking out staples.
US08276792B2
A dispenser includes a dispenser body which defines a flow passage, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The valve assembly is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first valve member and a second valve member. An actuator is coupled to the valve assembly. When the actuator is manipulated through a first range of motion, only the first of the two valve members is displaced, and when the actuator is manipulated through a second range of motion, both the first and second valve members are displaced in unison.
US08276791B2
An exemplary feed copper, configured for introducing plastic granules into a heating cylinder of an injection molding machine, includes a feed duct, a guiding duct communicated with the feed duct, and a sleeve. The sleeve movably wraps around the guiding duct, and have a lateral through hole for conforming with the lateral opening, such that the plastic granules can be accessible via the guiding duct when the lateral through hole is aligned with the lateral opening.
US08276790B2
A metering and dispensing closure for a container. A rotor and a movable member rotate in conjunction with a cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The rotor, the movable member, and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.
US08276781B1
A drinking container assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall which is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the housing. A closure is attached to and is coextensive with the upper edge. The closure is positionable in an open position extending upwardly from the upper edge or in a closed position folded downwardly over the opening. The closure has an access aperture extends their through and into the housing when the closure is in the closed position.
US08276776B2
One aspect of the invention provides a lid comprising: a base defining a first orifice; and a sealing member rotatably coupled to the base, the sealing member configured to seal the first orifice when placed in a sealing position. The base and the sealing member include one or more detents configured to releasably hold the sealing member in the sealing position. Still another aspect of the invention provides a container including a mug and a lid configured for releasable coupling with the mug. The lid includes a base defining a first orifice and a sealing member rotatably coupled to the base. The sealing member is configured to seal the first orifice when placed in a sealing position. The base and the sealing member include one or more detents configured to releasably hold the sealing member in the sealing position.
US08276775B2
Container, made of a thermoplastic such as PET, having a body oriented along a longitudinal axis with a wall enclosing the axis defining two faces separated from each other by two connecting regions. The body is provided with one groove extending partly over the two faces of the body and one of the two connecting regions, wherein the one groove extends approximately in a plane at right angles to the axis of the body with a depth which is variable between a first depth P1 in the two faces of the body and a second depth P2 in the connecting region. The ratio P1/P2 between the two depths is between zero and a value less than or equal to 0.5.
US08276774B2
A plastic container has a base adapted for vacuum pressure absorption. The base portion includes a chime extending from a body portion to a contact ring which defines a surface upon which the container is supported. The base further includes a central portion defined in at least part by a pushup having a generally truncated cone shape in cross section located on a longitudinal axis of the container, and an inversion ring having a generally S shaped geometry in cross section and hinge means formed therein, and circumscribing the pushup. The truncated cone has an overall general diameter that is at most 30% of an overall general diameter of the base and a top surface generally parallel to a support surface.
US08276771B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a rack for storing floats. A float rack may comprise a vertical support post, a plurality of slip-Ts and a plurality of float support arms. The vertical support post will typically have a top end and a bottom end. The slip-Ts are connected to the vertical support post to provide a rotating joint about the vertical support post. The float support arms are attached to the slip-Ts.
US08276767B2
A sliding type tool storage structure comprises an open-close switching unit clamped between a first storing element and a second storing element that can slide relative to each other. When the first storing element slides relative to the second storing element to change their relative position, stopping portions on the open-close switching unit will open or close tool storing grooves on the respective storing elements. Being a simple structure, the sliding type tool storage structure is easy to carry. Furthermore, since the tool storage structure can be operated simply by sliding of the first and second storing elements, it is very convenient to use.
US08276758B2
A wafer container includes a container body and a door joined with opening of the container body for protecting wafers therein. At least one latch component is disposed in the door, and each latch component includes an oval cam and a pair of moving bars, a first end of each moving bar connecting to one of the two opposite sides of the oval cam and a second end of each moving bar having a guiding structure, a pair of moving grooves being disposed between the first end and the second end of each moving bar, at least a pair of rollers being disposed on the door and each roller being embedded in each moving groove of moving bar, and a locating spring being formed as an integral part of the moving bars.
US08276757B2
A container suitable for the preparation, storage and dispensing of compounded suppositories is provided. Methods of preparing, storing and dispensing compounded suppositories utilizing such a container and related kits are also provided.
US08276748B2
A spout for an associated container for dispensing a substance into the container. The spout may include a cap, a capsule that can be filled and sealed with a sealing layer, and a nozzle that can be screwed onto the container and carries a piercing device protruding therein such that the sealing layer of the capsule is pierced by the piercing device upon the turning of the cap.
US08276745B2
Method and apparatus for transferring articles from a first carrier moving at a first speed to a carrier moving at a second speed. The apparatus may include a first transfer surface driven by a first motor and second transfer surface driven by a second motor. The first and second transfer surfaces receive and transfer different portions of an article at different speeds such that a desired amount of spacing can be provided between discrete articles in a process independent of the size of the article.
US08276731B2
A hub for a bicycle includes a shaft (12), a hub body (40), a ratchet wheel (43), a drive seat (10), a support ring (15), a rotation ring (21), a plurality of pawl members (22), a stop bushing (121), a limit ring (30) and a damper (33). Thus, when the drive seat is rotated backward by the pedal, each of the pawl members is retracted into the respective receiving slot (212) of the rotation ring to disengage the oneway ratchet teeth (42) of the ratchet wheel, so that each of the pawl members is spaced from and will not touch the ratchet wheel when the pedal is driven backward to prevent from producing a noise when the pedal is driven backward.
US08276727B2
A dual clutch assembly which has compensating actuation forces for vehicles.
US08276726B2
A gearbox shifting point for producing a rotationally fixed connection between at least one gearwheel and one shaft. The gearbox shifting point comprises a shaft, a shifting sleeve and two gearwheels. The two gearwheels are each rotatably mounted in relation to the shaft. The shifting sleeve is mounted in a rotationally secured fashion on the shaft. The shifting sleeve and the gearwheels are embodied in such a way that a positively locking, rotationally fixed connection can be produced between the shifting sleeve and in each case one gearwheel. In order to improve problems with respect to a gearshifting hole or blockage of the gearbox, the shifting sleeve interacts with the two gearwheels in such a way that at least one positively locking, rotationally fixed connection is always produced between the shifting sleeve and one of the gearwheels.
US08276724B2
The present invention provides a technology of improving mechanism that drives a pilot clutch for operating a main clutch, in a power transmission system for a vehicle changing power transmission state by electric control in which an input shaft and an output shaft coaxially disposed in a main housing is configured such that power is connected/disconnected by the main clutch.
US08276723B2
A lock-up clutch (12) for a hydrokinetic coupling device (10), wherein the clutch includes rotational coupling means between a first element (44, 46) and an adjacent element (14A, 36) consisting of elastic tongues (60) adapted to transmit torque between the elements (44, 46, 14A, 36) and to be deformed elastically in the axial direction to enable movement of the first element (44, 46) relative to the adjacent element (14A, 36) about the articulation member in the form of an annular boss (50).
US08276722B2
The repeating transverse support is either a one-branch or a two-branch (15, 16) sleeper which is pressed against the bed plate (8) by elements which secure the directional guide rail (2). The terminal ends of this sleeper, which are in the form of mounting plates (23, 24), each support an electrical power supply lateral profile (33, 34) by way of an electrical insulator (27, 28) and an adjustment member. This repeating transverse support is of interest to the manufacturers of tracks for electrically powered guided road vehicles.
US08276712B2
A system includes a support including an extending rigid member and a first attachment at a first position on the rigid member to which a first self-retracting lifeline is attached. The first self-retracing lifeline includes a first housing from which a first lifeline exits. The first housing is movable relative to the rigid member. The system also includes at least a second attachment at a second position on the rigid member to which a second self-retracing lifeline. The second self-retracting lifeline includes a second housing from which a second lifeline exits. The second housing is movable relative to the rigid member independent of the movement of the first housing. The first position is spaced from the second position. The system further includes a connector attached to the frame to connect the frame to an article (for example, a safety harness such as a full body safety harness) worn by a user.
US08276704B2
A hydraulic steering actuator system for a forklift with front and rear sections includes a hydraulic steering motor. The forklift front section includes a mast mounting a pair of fork blades and a pair of wheels. The forklift rear section mounts a pair of drive wheels. The forklift front and rear sections are connected by an articulated connection with a vertical rotational axis. The steering actuator motor driveshaft extends generally along the vertical rotational axis. First and second actuator mounting brackets are connected to the forklift front and rear sections respectively. One of the mounting brackets includes upper and lower locking assemblies locking the hydraulic steering motor driveshaft whereby torque applied to the steering motor is transmitted to the articulated connection for turning the forklift front section relative to the forklift rear section. The range of motion is preferably 180°-205° for accommodating side-loading operations from relatively high storage shelves, e.g. in narrow-aisle warehouses.
US08276697B2
A structure for mounting a battery onto an electric vehicle comprises: a body member forming a body of the electric vehicle; a battery case containing a battery; a supporting member, which is projected outward from the battery case and is disposed under the body member, fixed to a bottom of said battery case; and a clash-proof block connecting between the battery case and the body member.
US08276696B2
A vehicle includes a cabin, a trunk area, a seating area located forward in the vehicle with respect to the trunk area, and a high voltage traction battery packaged in the trunk area. An electric motor is powered by the traction battery. A forced air system includes an inlet duct/inlet plenum arrangement for receiving air and providing air to the high voltage traction battery, an outlet duct for directing exhaust air from the high voltage traction battery, and a fan. At least one of the inlet duct / inlet plenum arrangement and the outlet duct forms a cross brace for the vehicle. The cross brace is located in the trunk area and extends between opposite sides of the vehicle to function as a structural member to provide structure and protect the high voltage traction battery.
US08276693B2
Electric vehicle powertrains, highway vehicles, and methods of manufacturing vehicles have dual belts driving wheels from two electric motors. Embodiments have a centrally-located transmission housing containing two belts and pulleys, and motors are mounted outside of the housing. A battery may power the motors and an internal combustion engine may power wheels on the other end of the vehicle through a separate transmission. Each belt may have a tensioner and drive shafts may have universal joints and decouplers. The transmission may have a central wall or supports which may support the pulleys and adjacent pulleys may have a common centerline and be supported by a common pin through the central wall.
US08276688B2
An oilfield downhole cutting tool comprises a tool body that comprises a non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a plurality of cutters coupled to the tool body forward of the non-cutting stabilizing section, wherein a maximum cutting diameter defined by the cutters is less than 1.1 times a diameter defined by the non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a cutting rate limiting component coupled to the tool body.
US08276684B2
A machine tool with an auxiliary cushion structure includes a machine tool having a grip portion and a trigger switch mounted on the grip portion. The grip portion has a control lever pivotally mounted thereon to enable the control lever to rotate against the grip portion, so as to press the trigger switch during rotation and drive the machine tool to operate. The grip portion further has an auxiliary cushion mounted thereon and a gap is formed between the auxiliary cushion and the control lever. The auxiliary cushion has a supporting surface which is tilted upwards from one end close to the control lever to the other end. Thus no matter the control lever is pressed by the operator or released, the operator's hand can rest on the supporting surface to alleviate or ease the fatigue.
US08276681B2
Provided is a vibration-type nipper. The vibration-type nipper comprises a body including a vibration space and a coupling unit for coupling with a boom positioned at an upper portion or a fixing bracket of heavy equipment, a housing positioned in the vibration space and including a vibrator, a plurality of supporting member to opposite sides of the housing and the body corresponding to the housing and supporting the housing allowing the housing to vibrate, a nipper blade installed on the housing and extending downwards, and vibration-dampening member mounted on the body at an upper portion of the vibration space and distributing vibration generated when the housing collides with the body due to elevation of the housing.
US08276678B2
A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool, such as a packer or a bridge plug. The assembly comprises a first and a second support device. The first and the second support devices each comprise at least one support member which support member includes a plurality of segments located on an outer surface thereof, the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element. A downhole tool having a deformable sealing element and including a support assembly for a deformable sealing element is described.
US08276676B2
Embodiments of the hybrid tool string include coiled tubing and jointed tubing, as well as a means typically located at the connection of the coiled and jointed tubing for sealing the fluid flowpath through the bore of the hybrid tool string. Embodiments of the hybrid tool string may use a pressure-activated valve tool attached in series between the coiled tubing and the jointed tubing, which allows for sealing of the bore by application of pressure. Embodiments of the pressure-activated valve tool may use a flapper in conjunction with a sleeve to seal the bore. The novel hybrid tool string may be used to service a well.
US08276673B2
An improved gas lift system is provided. In certain embodiments, the gas lift system includes a first tubing string and a second tubing string disposed within the first tubing string. The second tubing string is movable between a first position and a second position. Inflow of production fluids through an aperture in the first tubing string is selectively blocked when the second tubing string is in the second position. A port in the second tubing string delivers lift gas to the annulus between the first tubing string and the second tubing string. In the first position, the port is blocked to prevent fluid communication between the second tubing string and the first tubing string. In the second position, the port is uncovered to permit fluid communication between the second tubing string and the first tubing string, while a sealing member provides a seal that isolates the fluid communication from a well formation.
US08276670B2
A downhole plug can include a housing having an aperture disposed generally through the center of the housing. A stopper can be disposed in the aperture and adapted to block fluid flow therethrough. The stopper can have a composition of at least two different materials. One or more covers can be at least partially disposed on the stopper, wherein and the stopper can be at least partially encapsulated by the one or more covers. A flow control device can be disposed adjacent the stopper to selectively introduce fluid to at least a portion of the stopper.
US08276668B2
The present invention relates to a method for cleaning and possibly sealing a subsurface well. According to the method a multichannel tool string comprising an adapter on a first end of the tool string, a guide device at the second end of the tool string are run into the well, whereupon the guide device is activated in order to permit the well to be flushed by the supply of fluid through at least one of the channels in connection with the tool string and fluids and particles from the well are transported back to the surface through at least one other of the channels in connection with the tool string. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning and possibly sealing a subsurface well.
US08276657B2
A technique involves sampling fluids in a well environment. An expandable packer is constructed with an outer seal layer. At least one sample drain is positioned through the outer seal layer, and a heater element is deployed in the at least one sample drain. In one embodiment, the heater element is deployed proximate a radially outlying surface of the expandable packer. Additionally, a temperature sensor may be positioned proximate the at least one sample drain to monitor temperature in the environment heated by the heater element.
