US08288925B2
To provide a method of manufacturing a quartz resonator element having a small CI value, a quartz resonator element manufactured by this method, a quartz resonator, and a quartz oscillator.In a method of manufacturing a quartz resonator element in which on a surface of a plate-shaped quartz piece, a thin film-shaped electrode in order to excite the quartz piece is provided, a first metal layer that is composed of chromium and whose thickness is not less than 20 Å nor more than 45 Å is formed on the surface of the quartz piece (P4), and next, a second metal layer that is composed of gold or silver and whose thickness is not less than 500 Å nor more than 950 Å is formed on an upper surface of the first metal layer (P5), and then, the electrode made up of the first metal layer and the second metal layer is provided (P6). Thereafter, a quartz substrate on which the electrode is formed is heated at a temperature range of not less than 200° C. nor more than 400° C., and the chromium composing the first metal layer is diffused into the second metal layer (P7).
US08288915B2
A through bolt is provided for a magnetic core of a generator stator, which is insertable in a bore provided in the stator core lamination for maintaining the tightness of the core components. The through bolt includes at least two longitudinal through bolt elements which are interconnected via at least one connecting element. Further, a method for assembling a separable through bolt for a magnetic core lamination of a generator stator is described. Thus the drawbacks of the prior art are avoided and an improved solution for replacement of the through bolts located under the level of the floor foundation is provided. Further, no special tooling or lifting of the frame are required which makes such replacement easy and cost efficient.
US08288913B1
An electric induction motor assembly includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly. The rotor assembly includes an exposed bar rotor comprising a plurality of axially stacked, punched-to-size rotor laminations. The stator assembly includes a plurality of axially stacked, punched-to-size stator laminations. Each of the laminations presents an axial thickness of less than 0.024 inches. The rotor assembly and the stator assembly cooperatively define a radially extending air gap between a radially outer periphery of the rotor assembly and a radially inner periphery of the stator assembly that is less that 0.012 inches.
US08288907B2
An electric motor has a housing, a rotor rotatably installed in the housing, n permanent magnets with the same polarity fixed at an inner surface of the housing. The rotor is a wound armature having a plurality of teeth extending in a radial direction. The housing includes n inner projecting parts, the permanent magnets and the inner projecting parts being alternately arranged in a circumferential direction about the rotor. The magnets generate 2n magnetic circuits via the housing and the rotor, n being an integer greater than one. The size of at least a portion of a first air gap formed between the permanent magnets and the rotor is greater than the size of at least a portion of a second air gap formed between the inner projecting parts and the rotor.
US08288905B2
A motor for HVAC applications, has a stator; a motor housing forming a part of the stator; an end cap fixed to the motor housing, and a rotor rotatably mounted confronting the stator. The end cap has an opening formed by a ring-shaped collar, the collar being at least partly disposed inside the motor housing. A plurality of projections on an outer circumferential surface of the collar are received in a plurality of receiving cutouts in the motor housing. Two fingers formed at the opening of each receiving cutout are deformed to lock the received projection inside the respective receiving cutout. At least three of the projections being pressed against the axially inner end of the respective receiving cutout.
US08288902B2
A thermistor device configures part of an electrical path from a motor feeder section to an armature. A recess defining wall defines an accommodating recess, which accommodates the thermistor device. The thermistor device includes a plate-like thermistor element. A first conductive plate and a second conductive plate sandwich the thermistor element. A pair of first projections 22b are provided at the distal end of the first conductive plate in the insertion direction. A pair of second projections 23b are provided at the distal end of the second conductive plate in the insertion direction. The first projections and the second projections abut against the recess bottom wall in a range that corresponds to the thermistor device except the thermistor element.
US08288898B2
A linear vibrator is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the linear vibrator includes a base, a coil unit, which is coupled to the base, a magnet, which is coupled to the coil unit such that the magnet can move relatively with respect to the coil unit, and a leaf spring, which is interposed between the magnet and the base and includes a plurality of plate-shaped members having center portions thereof being separated from one another and both respective ends thereof being coupled to one another. Thus, the linear vibrator can increase the range of displacement in the leaf spring and increase the magnitude of vibration in the linear vibrator.
US08288893B2
Exemplary embodiments of the invention s are directed to a wireless power system with different coupling loops, such as two loops. The coupling loops are switched. One can be used for vicinity coupling, e.g., greater than a distance away, the other for proximity coupling, e.g., less than a distance away.
US08288891B2
A method of providing electrical power using a split bus configuration includes receiving a first direct current at a positive bus of a split bus, where the first direct current originates from a first fuel cell segment. A second direct current is received at a negative bus of the split bus, where the second direct current originates from a second fuel cell segment. A third direct current is also received at the split bus such that a combined direct current is formed including the first direct current, the second direct current, and the third direct current. The third direct current originates from an alternative direct current (DC) source. The combined direct current is provided to an inverter such that an alternating current is generated for a load.
US08288888B2
A method for controlling the distribution of electric power from a wind farm to a plurality of hydrogen producing electrolysers. The method includes estimating available DC power from the wind farm, which is controlled independently from the hydrogen producing electrolysers. A target current set point is determined for each electrolyser based on the estimated available DC power, the number of available electrolysers, and the voltage of each electrolyser. DC current supplied by at least one DC-DC power converter to each electrolyser is controlled to bring the DC current to the target current set point. The method is periodically repeated to compensate for changes in the DC power available from the wind farm.
US08288887B2
Systems and methods are provided for delivering current using a matrix converter in a vehicle. An electrical system comprises an AC interface, a first conversion module coupled to the AC interface, an inductive element coupled between the AC interface and the first conversion module, and a control module coupled to the first conversion module. The control module is configured to operate the first conversion module in a bidirectional operating mode to commutate current bidirectionally. When a magnitude of the current through the inductive element is greater than a first threshold value, the control module operates the conversion module in a unidirectional operating mode, wherein current is commutated unidirectionally.
US08288870B2
A semiconductor chip package is disclosed. The semiconductor chip package comprises a package substrate having a bottom surface. At least four adjacent ball pads are on the bottom surface, arranged in a first two-row array along a first direction and a second direction. At least four vias are drilled through the package substrate, arranged in a second two-row array, wherein each of the vias in a row of the second two-row array is offset by a first distance along the first direction and a second distance along the second direction from the connecting ball pads in a row of the first two-row array, and each of the vias in the other adjacent row of the second two-row array is offset by the first distance along an opposite direction to the first direction and the second distance along the second direction from the connecting ball pads in the other adjacent row of the first two-row array.
US08288865B2
A semiconductor module includes: an insulating resin layer; a wiring layer which is provided on one main surface of the insulating resin layer and which includes an external connection region; bump electrodes which are electrically connected to the wiring layer and each of which is formed such that it protrudes from the wiring layer toward the insulating resin layer; a semiconductor device which is provided on the other main surface of the insulating resin layer and which includes device electrodes connected to the bump electrode; and a wiring protection layer provided on the wiring layer and the insulating resin layer so as to expose the external connection region. In the semiconductor module, the outer edge portion of the wiring protection layer is in contact with the external edge portion of the semiconductor device such that it shields at least a part of the semiconductor resin layer at the side edge.
US08288864B2
In a microwave module with at least one semiconductor chip, which provides on its upper side a connecting-line structure formed in particular as a coplanar line, which is connected to at least one adjacent incoming and/or outgoing line structure formed on the upper side of the substrate, the chip is glued with its underside and all lateral surfaces, on which no high-frequency connecting lines lead to the chip, within a recess of a metal part with good thermal conduction.
US08288859B2
A method for fabricating a chip-scale board-on-chip substrate, or redistribution element, includes forming conductive planes on opposite sides of a substrate. A first of the conductive planes includes two sets of bond fingers, conductive traces that extend from a first set of the bond fingers, and two sets of redistributed bond pads, including a first set to which the conductive traces lead. The second conductive plane includes conductive traces that extend from locations that are opposite from the second set of bond fingers toward locations that are opposite from the locations of the second set of redistributed bond pads. Conductive vias are formed through the second set of bond fingers to the conductive traces of the second conductive plane. In addition, conductive vias are also formed to electrically connect the conductive vias of the second conductive plane to their corresponding redistributed bond pads in the first conductive plane. Redistribution elements including these features, as well as semiconductor device assemblies including the redistribution elements and assembly methods, are also disclosed.
US08288854B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor package and method for making the same. The semiconductor package includes a silicon substrate unit, a bridge chip and at least one active chip. The silicon substrate unit has a cavity and a plurality of vias. The bridge chip is attached to the cavity and has a plurality of non-contact pads. The active chip is disposed above the bridge chip and has a plurality of non-contact pads and a plurality of conducting elements. The conducting elements of the active chip contact the vias of the silicon substrate unit, the non-contact pads of the active chip face but are not in physical contact with the non-contact pads of the bridge chip, so as to provide proximity communication between the active chip and the bridge chip.
US08288850B2
A method for packaging micromachined devices fabricated by MEMS and semiconductor process is disclosed in this invention. The method employed etching technique to etch a trench surrounding the micromachined components on each chip of the first wafer down to the bottom interconnection metal layer. The said trench can accommodate the solder of flip-chip packaging. On each chip of the second wafer, or called as the second chip, a surrounding copper pillar wall corresponding to the trench on the first chip is deposited. By wafer-level packaging, the trench on the first chip is aligned to the pillar wall, and then bonded together with elevated temperature. The face-to-face chamber formed between two chips can allow the movement of the micromachined structures. Further, the signal or power connections between two chips can be established by providing several discrete pillar bumps.
US08288849B2
A semiconductor device including a first memory die having a first memory type, a second memory die having a second memory type different from the first memory type, and a logic die such as a microprocessor. The first memory die can be electrically connected to the logic die using a first type of electrical connection preferred for the first memory type. The second memory die can be electrically connected to the logic die using a second type of electrical connection different from the first type of electrical connection which is preferred for the second memory type. Other devices can include dies all of the same type, or two or more dies of a first type and two or more dies of a second type different from the first type.
US08288845B2
Embodiments of a microelectronic package are generally described herein. A microelectronic package may include a die having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, a flange coupled to the first side of the die, and a lead frame proximately positioned relative to the die and coupled to the second side of the die. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08288843B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes: a first semiconductor layer having a first major surface, a second major surface which is an opposite side from the first major surface, and a side surface; a second semiconductor layer provided on the second major surface of the first semiconductor layer and including a light-emitting layer; electrodes provided on the second major surface of the first semiconductor layer and on a surface of the second semiconductor layer on an opposite side from the first semiconductor layer; an insulating layer having a first surface formed on the second major surface side of the first semiconductor layer and a second surface which is an opposite side from the first surface; an external terminal which is a conductor provided on the second surface side of the insulating layer; and a phosphor layer provided on the first major surface of the first semiconductor layer and on a portion of the first surface of the insulating layer, the portion being adjacent to the side surface of the first semiconductor layer.
US08288827B2
A MOSFET transistor comprising a substrate of semiconductor material having a source junction connected to a source electrode, a drain junction connected to a drain electrode, and a gate layer connected to a gate electrode, the source junction or the drain junction being a metal-semiconductor junction.
US08288819B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a bulb-type recessed region, forming a gate insulating layer over the bulb-type recessed region and the substrate, and forming a gate conductive layer over the gate insulating layer. The gate conductive layer fills the bulb-type recessed region. The gate conductive layer includes two or more conductive layers and a discontinuous interface between the conductive layers.
US08288818B2
Devices can be fabricated using a method of growing nanoscale structures on a semiconductor substrate. According to various embodiments, nucleation sites are created on a surface of the substrate. The creation of the nucleation sites includes implanting ions with an energy and a dose selected to provide a controllable distribution of the nucleation sites across the surface of the substrate. Nanoscale structures can be grown using the controllable distribution of nucleation sites to seed the growth of the nanoscale structures. According to various embodiments, the nanoscale structures include at least one of nanocrystals, nanowires, and nanotubes. According to various nanocrystal embodiments, the nanocrystals are positioned within a gate stack and function as a floating gate for a nonvolatile device. Other embodiments are provided herein.
US08288796B2
One embodiment of a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a substrate, a base compound semiconductor layer layered on the substrate to form a base, a channel defining compound semiconductor layer layered on the base compound semiconductor layer to define a channel, and an impact ionization control layer that is layered within a layering range of the base compound semiconductor layer and controls the location of impact ionization, wherein the base compound semiconductor layer is formed of a first compound semiconductor, the channel defining compound semiconductor layer is formed of a second compound semiconductor, and the impact ionization control layer is formed of a third compound semiconductor that has a smaller band gap than the first compound semiconductor.
US08288792B2
A semiconductor chip assembly includes a semiconductor device, a heat spreader, a conductive trace and first and second adhesives. The heat spreader includes a first post, a second post and a base. The conductive trace includes a pad and a terminal. The semiconductor device is electrically connected to the conductive trace and thermally connected to the heat spreader. The first post extends from the base in a first vertical direction into a first opening in the first adhesive, the second post extends from the base in a second vertical direction into a second opening in the second adhesive and the base is sandwiched between and extends laterally from the posts. The conductive trace provides signal routing between the pad and the terminal.
US08288789B2
An LED package includes a transparent substrate, an LED die, and an encapsulating layer. The transparent substrate has a first surface defining a recess therein, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a lateral surface interconnecting the first and second surfaces. The LED die is arranged on the bottom of the recess. The encapsulating layer is in the recess and covers the LED die. The LED package further includes a metal layer formed on the second surface and the lateral surface of the substrate. A pair of electrodes is located at the bottom of the recess and extends through the metal layer. An insulated material is filled between the transparent substrate and the electrodes. Light emitted from the LED die is transmitted through the transparent substrate and reflected by the metal layer.
US08288788B2
In an optical semiconductor device including a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, an active layer provided on the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type provided on the active layer, an insulating layer provided on a part of the second semiconductor layer, an uneven semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type provided on another part of the second semiconductor layer, and an electrode layer provided on the insulating layer and the uneven semiconductor layer, a density of carriers of the second conductivity type being larger at a tip portion of the uneven semiconductor layer than at a bottom portion of the uneven semiconductor layer.
US08288786B2
A light emitting device according to an embodiment includes a second electrode layer comprising at least one projection part; at least one current blocking layer on the projection part of the second electrode layer; a second conductive type semiconductor layer on the second electrode layer and the current blocking layer; an active layer on the second conductive type semiconductor layer; a first conductive type semiconductor layer on the active layer; and a first electrode layer on the first conductive type semiconductor layer, at least a portion of the first electrode layer corresponding with the current blocking layer in a vertical direction.
US08288764B2
An organic electronic device which has stable physical properties and which allows easy production is provided. The organic electronic device has a conductive path including fine particles, a first organic semiconductor molecule which has a first conductive type and binds at least two of the fine particles together, and a second organic semiconductor molecule which has a second conductive type and is captured in a state of noncovalent bond in a molecule recognition site that exists among the fine particles.
US08288763B2
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescence device containing a pair of electrodes on a substrate, two or more luminescence layers disposed between the electrodes, and an intermediate layer containing a charge transporting material and disposed between the two or more luminescence layers, each of the two or more luminescence layers contains at least one phosphorescence material selected from a blue phosphorescence material having an emission peak from 420 nm to less than 500 nm, a green phosphorescence material having an emission peak from 500 nm to less than 570 nm, and a red phosphorescence material having an emission peak from 570 nm to 650 nm, the phosphorescence material contained in the respective luminescence layers having different emission peaks from one another; and the charge transporting material contained in the intermediate layer has an energy difference (T1) of 2.7 eV or more between a ground state and an excited triplet state and the energy difference (T1) of the charge transporting material is higher by at least 0.15 eV than T1 of a phosphorescence material having the shortest wavelength emission among the phosphorescence materials contained in the two or more luminescence layers.
US08288761B2
A composition for photosensitive dielectric material is provided. The composition includes 4 to 10 percent by weight of a polymer material, 1.5 to 10 percent by weight of a crosslinking agent, 0.32 to 2 percent by weight of a photoacid generator (PAG) and 78 to 94.18 percent by weight of solvent, based on a total weight of the composition.
US08288760B2
A field effect transistor of an embodiment of the present invention includes, a semiconductor substrate containing Si atoms; a protruding structure formed on the semiconductor substrate; a channel region formed in the protruding structure and containing Ge atoms; an under channel region formed under the channel region in the protruding structure and containing Si and Ge atoms, the Ge composition ratio among Si and Ge atoms contained in the under channel region continuously changing from the channel region side to the semiconductor substrate side; a gate insulating film formed on the channel region; and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film on the channel region.
US08288756B2
The present invention provides a method of forming a transistor. The method includes forming a first layer of a first semiconductor material above an insulation layer. The first semiconductor material is selected to provide high mobility to a first carrier type. The method also includes forming a second layer of a second semiconductor material above the first layer of semiconductor material. The second semiconductor material is selected to provide high mobility to a second carrier type opposite the first carrier type. The method further includes forming a first masking layer adjacent the second layer and etching the second layer through the first masking layer to form at least one feature in the second layer. Each feature in the second layer forms an inverted-T shape with a portion of the second layer.
US08288752B2
A phase change memory device includes a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines disposed to be crossed with the plurality of word lines, switching devices disposed at intersections of the plurality of word lines and the plurality of bit lines, heating electrodes connected to the switching devices respectively, heat absorbing layers disposed between adjacent heating electrodes, and phase change layers formed on the heating electrodes and the heat absorbing layers and extended in the same direction of the bit line.
US08288748B2
According to one embodiment, an information recording and reproducing device includes a first layer, a second layer, and a recording layer between the first and second layers, which is capable of a transition between a first state of a low resistance and a second state of a high resistance by flowing a current between the first and second layers. A peripheral portion of the recording layer has a composition different from that of a center portion of the recording layer. The center portion includes two kinds of cation elements. And the center portion is different from the peripheral portion in a ratio of the two kinds of cation elements.
US08288741B1
A method for treating a workpiece. The method includes directing a first ion beam to a first region of a workpiece, wherein the first ion beam has a first ion angular profile of first ions extracted through an aperture of an extraction plate. The method also includes directing a second ion beam to the first region of the workpiece, wherein the second ion beam has a second ion angular profile different than the first ion profile of second ions extracted through the aperture of the extraction plate.
US08288738B2
A substrate for detecting samples includes; a body, and a plurality of micro lenses arranged on the body and configured for attachment to at least one sample, wherein the at least one sample emits fluorescent light, and wherein the plurality of micro lenses condense the fluorescent light emitted from the at least one sample via refraction.
US08288732B2
An image signal readout method for reading out an image signal from an image detector including multitudes of pixels, each having a TFT switch, disposed two-dimensionally, in which a leak level flowing out to each of the data lines are detected with a signal for switching OFF the TFT switches being applied to each of the scanning lines prior to reading out the image signal.
US08288731B2
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments indiscriminate correction of unintended charge in a digital X-ray detector is reduced by analyzing an unintended charge of a digital X-ray detector; and determining a significance of the unintended charge.
US08288726B2
Methodology, systems, and apparatus for remote sensing as by detection and mapping of subsurface artifacts including clandestine tunnels and other subterranean facilities that may carry enemy soldiers, terrorists, weapons, munitions and explosives and other material of war or terrorism by use of visual and thermal imagery, specifically including the use of infrared (IR) thermography and related analysis, including visual imagery and its analysis including correlation between IR thermography data, visual data and other information which can be taken into consideration in relation to IR thermography data and visual data. Various types of data enhancements may be used to assist in target detection.
US08288724B2
The invention relates to a dark-field detector for an electron microscope. The detector comprises a photodiode for detecting the scattered electrons, with an inner electrode and an outer electrode. As a result of the resistive behavior of the surface layer the current induced by a scattered electron, e.g. holes, are divided over the electrodes, so that a current I1 and I2 is induced, the sum of the current proportional to the energy of the impinging electron and the normalized ratio a function of the radial position where the electron impinges.
US08288717B2
Analyte ions entrained in a carrier gas are analyzed by parallel flow ion mobility spectrometry prior to analysis by a mass analyzer. An extended ion funnel is located in the vacuum system of the mass analyzer and has an ion focusing section and an ion mobility analyzing section. The carrier gas together with entrained ions is introduced into the ion focusing section where the ions are focused to the axis of the funnel by applied RF voltages. In the ion mobility section, the action of an RF quadrupolar field, the movement of the carrier gas and axial DC field, separates the ions on the basis of their mobilities. The mobility separated ions are released into the mass analyzer where the ions may be further separated on the basis of mass.
US08288714B2
This invention relates to a method of trapping ions and to an ion trapping assembly. In particular, the present invention has application in gas-assisted trapping of ions in an ion trap prior to a mass analysis of the ions in a mass spectrometer. The invention provides a method of trapping ions in a target ion trap of an ion trapping assembly that comprises a series of volumes arranged such that ions can traverse from one volume to the next, the volumes including the target ion trap, whereby ions are allowed to pass repeatedly through the volumes such that they also pass into and out from the target ion trap without being trapped. Potentials may be used to reflect the ions from respective ends of the ion trapping assembly. Optionally, a potential well and/or gas-assisted cooling may be used to cause the ions to settle in the target ion trap.
US08288709B2
An optical encoder device is provided, in which first light transmissive slits are formed in a movable slit plate and second light transmissive slits are formed in a stationary slit plate. The number of the second light transmissive slits is defined as S. The second light transmissive slits are formed in the stationary slit plate such that when one of the second light transmissive slits is optically coincident with one of the first light transmissive slits, the remaining S-1 second light transmissive slits are shifted in position from other first light transmissive slits corresponding to the remaining second light transmissive slits by S-1 phase differences.
US08288700B2
An installation for marking, at the exit of a forming machine (3), transparent or translucent objects running horizontally, in succession, in front of a marking station (7) comprises a device (9) for producing a laser beam to ensure marking of the objects. The installation includes a camera for determining the position of each of the objects along at least one direction transverse to the running direction (D) of the objects, the camera upstream of the marking station relative to the running direction. The focusing plane of the laser beam is displaced along a transverse direction relative to the running direction (D) with a guide driving the displacement means and connected to the camera to make it possible to adjust the focusing plane of the laser beam in order to optimize the marking of the objects by the laser beam.
US08288673B2
A laptop keyboard in one embodiment includes a rectangular key printing film formed of an optically transmissive material and comprising keys; a rectangular luminescent sheet formed of optically transmissive silicone rubber, the luminescent sheet being mounted below the key printing film; an LED light source disposed to a side of the luminescent sheet; and a capacitive layer mounted below the luminescent sheet and comprising an insulative layer and pairs of upper and lower conductors wherein a pressing of the key changes capacitance of the pair of upper and lower conductors for typing or performing a predetermined command. Light emitted by the LED light source is directed to the luminescent sheet which in turn directs the light upward toward the key printing film.
US08288669B2
An electric switchgear comprising a casing having at least one compartment provided with a door, a plurality of electrical conductors suitable to be connected to a load, a multi-phase switching device which is mounted on a truck movable inside the compartment between a connected position wherein each phase of the switching device is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductor and a withdrawn position wherein each phase of the switching device is electrically separated from the corresponding electrical conductor, and a mechanism adapted for stopping the switching device in a position intermediate between the connected position and the withdrawn position.
US08288663B2
An electrical interconnecting structure suitable for a circuit board is provided. The electrical interconnecting structure includes a core, an ultra fine pattern, and a patterned conductive layer. The core has a surface, and the ultra fine pattern is inlaid in the surface of the core. The patterned conductive layer is disposed on the surface of the core and is partially connected to the ultra fine pattern. Since the ultra fine pattern of the electrical interconnecting structure is inlaid in the surface of the core and is partially connected to the patterned conductive layer located on the surface of the core.
US08288656B2
Low temperature curable photosensitive resin composition and dry film manufactured by using the same
The present invention provides a photosensitive resin composition comprising: a polyamic acid including a specific repeating unit; a heterocyclic amine compound; a (metha)acrylate-based compound including one or more double bonds between carbons; a photoinitiator; and an organic solvent, and a dry film prepared therefrom. The photosensitive resin composition can be cured at a low temperature to offer process safety and work convenience, and has excellent bending resistance, soldering heat resistance, and a property of filling the pattern, as well as excellent heat resistance and mechanical properties.
US08288646B2
A method to increase the efficiency of a solar cell comprises depositing a pyroelectric film on a surface of the solar cell and generating an electromotive force to bias the solar cell. The method also includes creation of an open circuit voltage. Further, the method includes increasing a short circuit current through the pyroelectric film and creating a sustained temperature variation in the solar cell. A constant temporal temperate gradient is created in the pyroelectric film to increase the short circuit current with a temperature. Further, a p-n junction is biased with the electromotive force produced from the pyroelectric film.
US08288643B2
Different kinds of control tables in which action of a pedal 4 is associated with reaction force exerted on the pedal 4 by an actuator 7 are stored in a memory of an electronic keyboard musical instrument 26. The different kinds of control tables are designed to include a half pedal range. A CPU 40 selects one of the different kinds of control tables in accordance with player's manipulation of setting operators 28 to obtain a reaction force exerted on the pedal 4 by the actuator 7 from the selected control table, the reaction force being associated with an action detected by an action detecting portion 6. The CPU 40 also controls the actuator 7 such that the actuator 7 exerts the obtained reaction force on the pedal 4.
US08288641B2
The apparatus involves a hand-held housing with a memory for storing coded audio event data, a mechanism for downloading into the memory coded audio event data and digital-audio electronics for retrieving coded audio event data from memory, converting it to an audio signal and playing it out. In one disclosed embodiment of the invention, the data are stored in accordance with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) standard, and may be created on an appropriately equipped personal computer (PC). The capacity of such a hand-held device is far greater than if the data were conventionally digitized or coded. A wirelessly networked system of such music devices in physical proximity is disclosed that enables audio score synthesis and mixing by at least one such device of a synthesized score and an inputted score for outplay to others in a real-time musical jam or music-sharing session.
US08288640B2
In a keyboard apparatus including a key supported for pivoting movement about a pivot point, a mass member that imparts a reaction force to performance operation of the key in interlocked relation to the key, and an electromagnetic actuator provided between the key and the mass member for imparting a driving force to the key and mass member, a transmission member is provided in detachable abutment with the key and mass member. The transmission member can be disengaged from the key or the mass member depending on operating conditions of the key and the mass member. Thus, it is possible to not only prevent unnecessary binding forces from acting in areas where the transmission member and the key and the mass member abut against each other, but also achieve smooth movement of the key and the mass member and prevent increase of inertial mass of the transmission member. The smooth movement of the key and mass member can achieve force sense control with good responsiveness. Further, the key is pivotable in a key depressing direction as a reaction force imparted from the mass member is reduced by impartment, to the key, of a driving force by the actuator. Thus, the apparatus can perform both force sense control on depression operation of the key and an automatic performance involving automatic operation of the key, through cooperation between a reaction force imparted from the mass member to the key and the driving force imparted from the actuator to the key.
US08288635B2
A rice cultivar designated Templeton is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar Templeton, to the plants of rice cultivar Templeton, to plant parts of rice cultivar Templeton, and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing rice cultivar Templeton with itself or with another rice variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a rice plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic rice plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to rice cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from rice cultivar Templeton, to methods for producing other rice cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from rice cultivar Templeton, and to the rice plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing rice cultivar Templeton with another rice cultivar.
US08288621B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB57N10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB57N10, cells from soybean variety XB57N10, plants of soybean XB57N10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB57N10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB57N10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB57N10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB57N10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB57N10 are further provided.
US08288606B2
A solid, hydrocarbon-insoluble, catalyst component useful in polymerizing olefins containing magnesium, titanium, and halogen further contains an internal electron donor comprising a compound containing electron donating substituents with a structure: wherein D1 and D2 are selected individually from and R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 individually are hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon groups containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms and R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, and R7 may be hydrogen; R4 may be —NR2; and wherein groups R1 and R2, R2 and R3, R3 and R4, R3 and R5, and groups R6 and R7 may be joined to form a cyclic structure.
US08288602B2
The present invention describes a cost-efficient method for preparing di-substituted fluorenes in high yield.
US08288600B2
A process for producing fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes torrefying biomass material at a temperature between 80° C. to 400° C. to form particulated biomass having a mean average particle size between 1 μm and 1000 μm. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a suspension, wherein the suspension includes from 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is fed into a unit selected from the group consisting of a pyrolysis reactor, a fluid catalytic cracking unit, a delayed coker, a fluid coker, a hydroprocessing unit, and a hydrocracking unit, and then at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the suspension is converted into fuel.
US08288596B2
Acetals are formed from an aldehyde hydrogenation product mixture comprising alcohols and at most 2% of alde-hydes and the product is distilled to yield purified alcohols and a second stream containing acetals and/or unsaturated ethers.
US08288595B2
Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate to a process for the production of a C6-C15 alcohol mixture comprising the steps of: hydroformylating an olefin mixture comprising a branched C5-C14 olefin to form a hydroformylation product comprising aldehydes and formate esters, whereby the hydroformylation product has a net cold sap number from 15 to 38 mg KOH/g, and converting the aldehydes and formate esters to alcohols in a hydrogenation step comprising at least one first hydrogenation reactor comprising a fixed bed of a heterogeneous sulphided bimetallic catalyst.
US08288590B2
Biocompatible, bioresorbable polymers comprising a plurality of monomeric repeating units containing an amide group, wherein said amide groups are N-substituted and the N-substituent and degree of N-substitution are effective to lower the melt viscosity, the solution viscosity, or both, compared to the same polymer without N-substitution.
US08288582B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-fluoroacyl-3-aminoacrylic acid derivatives by reacting fluorinated carboxylic acids with dialkylaminoacrylic acid derivatives and acid halides.
US08288581B2
Process for the preparation of compounds of formula (IV): wherein R1-R6 are as defined in the specification. Application in the synthesis of ivabradine, addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid and hydrates thereof.
US08288578B2
The invention provides a process for preparing silanes which possess an isocyanate function, in which the silanes, after their chemical preparation, are purified and, after the purification, are handled exclusively in an atmosphere with a relative air humidity below 10%.
US08288573B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing a bio-diesel, comprising, in the presence of an alkaline metal compound, reacting an oil-fat with C1-C6 monohydric alcohol in a reactor at a reaction temperature of from 130 to 280° C. and a reaction pressure of from 1 to 12 MPa, separating fatty acid esters from the reacted materials, so as to produce the bio-diesel, wherein said alkaline metal compound is present in an amount of 0.001-0.07 wt %, in terms of the metal thereof, relative to the weight of the oil-fat. The process provided in the present invention has the advantages of great throughput and high yield of the bio-diesel.
US08288563B2
The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of pyrazole derivatives of formula (I) wherein W is nitrogen or CR1, R1, R2, R4 and R5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-haloalkoxy, R7S(O)n, nitro, cyano, and pentafluorothio; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-haloalkoxy, R7S(O)n, nitro, cyano, pentafluorothio or phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 5 members of the group consisting of halogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-haloalkoxy, R7S(O)n, nitro, cyano, and pentafluorothio which are the same or different; R7 is C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-haloalkyl; and n is 0, 1, or 2; characterized in that hydrazines of formula (II) wherein W, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined for pyrazole derivatives of formula (I), are reacted with a compound of formula (III)
US08288562B2
The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US08288552B2
Compounds of the formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein m, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Ra are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making the compounds and using the compounds for treatment of diseases associated with the P2X7 purinergic receptor.
US08288548B2
The present invention provides oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-5-yl compounds useful in the treatment of cancer.
US08288541B2
The invention is concerned with novel piperazine amide derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1 to R11, W, X and Y are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds bind to LXR alpha and LXR beta and can be used as medicaments.
US08288540B2
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful as protein kinase inhibitors, as well as methods for using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent a condition associated with abnormal or deregulated kinase activity. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent diseases or disorders that involve abnormal activation of c-kit, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, CSF1R, Abl, BCR-Abl, CSK, JNK1, JNK2, p38, p70S6K, TGFβ, SRC, EGFR, trkB, FGFR3, Fes, Lck, Syk, RAF, MKK4, MKK6, SAPK2β, BRK, Fms, KDR, c-raf or b-raf kinases.
US08288534B2
The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of Ruthenium metathesis catalysts of the formula Ruthenium metathesis catalysts have been widely applied in the synthesis of macrocyclic drug compounds.
US08288532B2
A process for preparing (S)-(+)-10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy-5H-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide or (R)-(−)-10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy-5H-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide, by reduction of oxcarbazepine in the presence of a catalyst and a hydride source is disclosed. The catalyst is prepared from a combination of [RuX2(L)]2 wherein X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, and L is an aryl or aryl-aliphatic ligand, with a ligand of formula (A) or formula (B): wherein R1 is chosen from C1-6 alkoxy and C1-6 alkyl, n is a number from 0 to 5, and when n is a number from 2 to 5, R1 can be the same or different, and R2 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkaryl or substituted alkaryl. The hydride source is either NR3R4R5 and formic acid, [R3R4R5NH][OOCH] and optionally formic acid, or [M][OOCH]x and formic acid, wherein R3, R4 and R5 are C1-6 alkyl, M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and x is 1 or 2. A pH from 6.5 to 8 is maintained during the process.
US08288520B2
The present invention comprises a method that provides fast and reliable results for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample.
US08288503B2
Disclosed are a method for forming an organic layer pattern which is characterized by forming a thin layer by coating a coating solution including a polyimide-based polymer having a heteroaromatic pendant group including a heteroatom in its polyimide major chain, a photoinitiator and a crosslinking agent on a substrate and drying the substrate, and exposing and developing the thin layer, an organic layer pattern prepared by the method, and an organic memory device comprising the pattern. According to example embodiments, a high-resolution micropattern may be formed without undergoing any expensive process, e.g., photoresist, leading to simplification of the preparation process and cost reduction.
US08288494B2
The present invention provides a transparent thermoplastic resin composition which may comprise (A) about 1 to about 100 parts by weight of an ultra-high molecular weight branched acrylic copolymer resin; (B) about 0 to about 99 parts by weight of an acrylic resin; and (C) about 0 to about 40 parts by weight of an acrylic impact modifier, based on 100 parts by weight of (A) and (B). The ultra-high molecular branched acrylic copolymer resin (A) may be prepared by polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising (a1) about 50 to about 99.899% by weight of a mono-functional monomer, (a2) about 0.1 to about 40% by weight of a (meth)acrylic monomer having a flexible segment represented following Chemical Formula 1, and (a3) about 0.001 to about 10% by weight of a branch-inducing monomer. The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention can have improved transparency, scratch resistance, flowability, and impact strength. wherein m is an integer from 3 to 18, Y is methyl or hydrogen, and X is methyl or hydrocarbon.
US08288489B2
A one-layer or multilayer sheet having good layer adhesion and good transparency is produced using a polyolefin which contains the following monomer units: a) not more than 25% by weight of units which are derived from ethene, b) not more than 75% by weight of units which are derived from propene and c) from 5 to 100% by weight of units which are derived from an α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, the polyolefin having the following parameters: d) a weight-average molecular weight in the range of from 70 000 to 10 000 000 g/mol, e) a polydispersity in the range of from 4 to 60, f) a melt viscosity, measured by oscillation rheometry at a shear rate of 1 Hz at 190° C., in the range of from 100 000 to 100 000 000 mPa·s, g) a needle penetration in the range of from 3 to 70·0.1 mm, h) an enthalpy of fusion in the range of from 2 to 100 J/g, i) a glass transition temperature Tg in the range of from −15° C. to −80° C. and j) a final melting point of the crystalline fraction in the range of from 85 to 175° C.
US08288483B2
Disclosed is a diurethane compound R2(SO2)m(CH2)nOCONH—R1—NHCOO(CH2)n(SO2)mR2 produced by a method allowing a diamine compound H2NR1NH2 to react with a chloroformate compound ClCOO(CH2)n(SO2)mR2 or a method allowing a diisocyanate compound OCNR1NCO to react with a hydroxyl-containing compound R2(SO2)m(CH2)nOH. The diurethane compound is compounded with multivalent amine crosslinkable group-containing acrylic rubber together with a basic vulcanization accelerator to form an acrylic rubber composition. The acrylic rubber composition including the diurethane compound as a vulcanizing agent decreases a delay in the vulcanization rate due to prevention of scorching and also allows a vulcanized article to satisfy the compression set characteristics.
US08288469B2
This invention relates to a rubber composition capable of improving wear resistance without losing low heat buildup and a heavy duty pneumatic tire in which the low heat buildup and the wear resistance are simultaneously established, and more particularly to a rubber composition characterized by comprising 40 to 60 parts by mass of a carbon black based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component composed of natural rubber and a diene-based synthetic rubber and satisfying a relation of the following formula (1): ΔE′<0.29×A−11 (1) [wherein ΔE′ is a difference between a storage modulus (MPa) at a strain of 0.1% and a storage modulus (MPa) at a strain of 2% measured at 25° C., and A is an amount (parts by mass) of the carbon black compounded based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component] and a heavy duty pneumatic tire characterized by using the rubber composition in a tread.
US08288464B2
A compound having formula (I) wherein R1 is methyl or ethyl; R2 is hydrogen, methyl, CH2C(NH2)(R1)(CH2OH) or R2 groups combine to form a difunctional C2-C6 alkyl group; and X is a difunctional group selected from the group consisting of C2-C20 alkyl, C5-C20 cycloalkyl, C6-C10 aryl, C8-C20 aryl alkyl, C4-C20 heteroalkyl or C10-C20 aryl heteroalkyl.
US08288462B2
The present invention provides a polyolefin-based resin composition containing a crystal nucleating agent having a specific structure, which polyolefin-based resin composition has a superior transparency and whose crystallization is facilitated. The polyolefin-based resin composition is characterized by comprising, with respect to 100 parts by mass of a polyolefin-based resin, 0.01 to 1 parts by mass of at least one crystal nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of crystal nucleating agents each having a structure represented by one of the following Formulas (1) to (6):
US08288453B2
A process to disperse organic microparticles/nanoparticles into non-aqueous resin medium is provided. The process includes the steps of a) preparing a resin dispersion/emulsion in water and/or solvent where the resin contains unsaturation in the polymer chain and optionally comprises an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; b) curing the resin dispersion/emulsion by adding monomer and/or initiator; and c) adding the cured dispersion/emulsion during a synthesis step of a resin medium. The amount of organic microparticles/nanoparticles in the resin medium can be about 2 to about 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
US08288452B2
A biomaterial comprising a ceramic material, the ceramic material having a plurality of connecting micropores of an average diameter of between 1 μm and 10 μm, substantially evenly distributed through the biomaterial. The ceramic particles are preferably partially fused to one or more adjacent ceramic particles to form a lattice defining micropores. Each particle preferably has an average diameter of 1 μm and 10 μm and may comprise a plurality of elongated macropores having an average diameter of between 150 μm and 500 μm. Further, the material may additionally contain midi-pores which are substantially spherical and have an average diameter of 5 μm and 150 μm. In addition, the application relates to a process for preparing a biomaterial comprising: (i) preparing a mixture of finely-divided biocompatible ceramic particles with a coating agent; (ii) causing the coating agent to coat the ceramic particles to form coated particles; (iii) causing the coated particles to form a body; and (iv) heating the body to eliminate residues of the coating agent, to partially fuse the ceramic particles and produce a fused biomaterial, and to biomaterials obtainable from the process and to the uses of the biomaterials.
US08288448B2
The polishing pad is suitable for planarizing at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates. The polishing pad includes a cast polyurethane polymeric material formed with an isocyanate-terminated reaction product formed from a prepolymer reaction of a prepolymer polyol and a polyfunctional isocyanate. The isocyanate-terminated reaction product has 4.5 to 8.7 weight percent unreacted NCO; and the isocyanate-terminated reaction product is cured with a curative agent selected from the group comprising curative polyamines, curative polyols, curative alcoholamines and mixtures thereof. The polishing pad contains at least 0.1 volume percent filler or porosity.
US08288445B2
Provided herein is a stable pharmaceutical product comprising a dry powder inhalation device, and a pharmaceutical composition that comprises R,R-Formoterol L-tartrate salt, in particular crystalline R,R-formoterol L-tartrate; and ciclesonide.
US08288442B2
A method for the treatment or prevention of pain and/or a headache disorder using a derivative of a valproic acid amide or a 2-valproenic acid amide, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising these derivatives or compounds.
US08288436B2
The invention relates to the use of esters of 2-propylheptanol with benzoic acid and/or benzoic acid derivatives in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations. The compounds are distinguished by their particularly light sensory impression.
US08288432B2
The present invention is related to tetrahydroindole derivatives of Formula (I), pharmaceutical composition thereof, methods of preparation thereof and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders or conditions related to Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH Oxidase).
US08288418B2
Benzimidazole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of treatment therewith involving modulation of the GABAA receptor complex. The compounds have the formula I: wherein the variables are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful in the treatment of central nervous system diseases and disorders which are responsive to modulation of the GABAA receptor complex, and in particular for combating anxiety and related diseases.
US08288415B2
Substituted 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)phthalimides and 1-oxo-2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)isoindolines are disclosed. The compounds are useful, for example, in reducing the levels of TNFα in a mammal.
US08288397B2
Certain TRPV1-modulating imidazolo-, oxazolo-, and thiazolopyrimdine compounds are described. The compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by TRPV1 activity, such as pain, arthritis, itch, cough, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease.
US08288390B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein: Ring A represents an optionally substituted piperazine ring, an optionally substituted morpholine ring, or an optionally substituted homopiperazine ring; R1 and R2 are the same or different from each other, and represent a hydrogen atom or optionally substituted lower alkyl; R3 and R4 are the same or different from each other, and represent a hydrogen atom or halogenated or non-halogenated lower alkyl; R5 to R7 are the same or different from each other, and represent a hydrogen atom, hydroxy, optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted lower alkoxy, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic ring, optionally substituted amino, or acyl; and represents a single bond or double bond, or a salt thereof.
US08288389B2
The present invention relates to 1-(1-methylethyl)-4-{[4-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy)phenyl]carbonyl}piperazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in particular the hydrochloride salt thereof and crystalline forms of the hydrochloride salt; to processes for the preparation of the compound or its salt; to compositions containing it; and to its use in the treatment or prophylaxis of neurological or psychiatric diseases, such as cognitive impairment, fatigue or a sleep disorder, for example in a mammal such as a human. The compound or a salt thereof has affinity for and is an antagonist and/or inverse agonist of the histamine H3 receptor.
US08288387B2
The present invention provides the compounds of general formula 5 and 9 useful as potential antitumour agents against human cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides the process for preparation of napthalimide-benzimidazole hybrids of general formula 5 and 9, n-1-2, R=n-methylpiperazine or morpholine (Formula 9), wherein: n=2-3, m=2-3 and R=n-methylpiperazine or morpholine.
US08288379B2
The present invention encompasses compounds of general formula (1) wherein R1 to R3 and X are defined as in claim 1, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, and the use thereof for preparing a medicament having the above-mentioned properties.
US08288376B2
The invention concerns tricyclic N-heteroaryl-carboxamide derivatives containing a benzimidazole unit of general formula (I): Wherein A, P, Y, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. The invention also concerns a method of preparing the compounds and their therapeutic use.
US08288374B2
Provided is a medicinal composition, in particular, a medicinal composition for treatment and/or prevention which has a high therapeutic effect on infection with a parasitic protozoa and a selective toxicity thereto and exhibits a life-prolonging effect and so on. A medicinal composition which contains as the active ingredient a benzo[a]phenoxazine compound represented by General formula (1) or a salt compound of the same, in particular, an agent for treating and/or preventing infection with a protozoa such as malaria, leishmaniasis, African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, toxoplasmosis, lymphatic filariasis, babesiosis or coccidium disease; and a novel compound which is contained therein as the active ingredient.
US08288367B2
Substituted estratriene compounds of formula (I) useful in therapy, especially in the treatment or inhibition of a steroid hormone dependent disorder requiring the inhibition of a 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) type 1, type 2 and/or type 3 enzyme, as well as their salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and processes for preparing such compounds.
US08288365B2
The present invention is directed to substituted phenazopyridines represented by Formula I. The present invention also relates to the discovery that compounds of Formula I have increased bioavailability as compared to unconjugated phenazopyridine.
US08288362B2
Compositions comprising a glycosaminoglycan (e.g., a hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate, dermatan sulfate, karatan sulfate, chondroitin 6-sulfate, heparin, etc.) in combination with at least one component selected from; i) polyglycols (e.g., polyethylene glycol), ii) long chain hydroxy polyanionic polysaccharides (e.g., dextran, sodium alginate, alginic acid, propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl starch, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, polylysine, polyhistidine, polyhydroxy proline, poly ornithine, polyvinyl pyrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, etc.) and iii) long chain Nitrogen containing polymers (e.g., Polylysine, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyvinyl alcohol). The invention also includes methods for using such compositions (e.g., as substance delivery materials, tissue fillers or bulking agents, as moistening or hydrating agents, etc.).
US08288360B2
A novel method and composition for treating vitamin B12 deficiency mammals that fail to respond to oral vitamin B12 therapy.
US08288359B2
The present disclosure relates to oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress an immune response. Methods are disclosed for preventing or treating inflammatory arthropathies by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide.
US08288356B2
The present invention relates to very short heavily modified oligonucleotides which target and inhibit microRNAs in vivo, and their use in medicaments and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08288353B2
A method for restructuring the epidermis with a composition, wherein said composition includes a polyol-glycoside and said polyol-glycoside is obtained by the acetalization of a polyol with a reducing sugar.
US08288352B2
Auristatin-type peptides are disclosed which are highly cytotoxic, synthetically accessible, and can be conjugated to antibodies and other ligands.
US08288349B2
The present invention provides AA targeting compounds which comprise AA targeting agent-linker conjugates which are linked to a combining site of an antibody. Various uses of the compounds are provided, including methods to treat disorders connected to abnormal angiogenesis.
US08288345B2
The invention provides methods for treating stroke and compositions for use in the same. The methods employ a chimeric peptide of an active peptide and an internalization peptide. The internalization peptide is a tat variant that promotes uptake of itself and a linked active peptide into a cell without substantial binding to N-type calcium channels. Use of the tat variant allows treating of stroke free of certain side effects associated with binding to N-type calcium channels. Tat variant peptides can also be linked to other active agent for use in treating other diseases.
US08288341B2
Methods of treating radiation injury of a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a peptide consisting of an amino acid molecule selected from the group consisting of VVC, LAG, AQG, LQGV, QVVC, MTRV, LAGV, LQAV, PGCP, VGQL, RVLQ, EMFQ, AVAL, FVLS, NMWD, LCFL, FSYA, FWVD, AFTV, LGTL, QLLG, YAIT, APSL, ITTL, QALG, GVLC, NLIN, SPIE, LNTI, LHNL, CPVQ, EVVR, MTEV, EALE, EPPE, LGTL, VGGI, RLPG, LQGA, LCFL, TLAVE, VEGNL, LNEAL, CPRGVNP, MGGTWA, LTCDDP, VCNYRDV, QPLAPLVG, and DINGFLPAL. The invention provides for administration of the peptide prior to and following exposure of the subject to a source of radiation.
US08288339B2
GLP-1 compounds comprising GLP-1 analogs and methods of using the GLP-1 compounds for treating metabolic disorders, enhancing insulin expression, and promoting insulin secretion in a patient are provided.
US08288338B2
Methods for treating conditions or disorders which can be alleviated by reducing food intake are disclosed which comprise administration of an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist, alone or in conjunction with other compounds or compositions that affect satiety. The methods are useful for treating conditions or disorders, including obesity, Type II diabetes, eating disorders, and insulin-resistance syndrome. The methods are also useful for lowering the plasma glucose level, lowering the plasma lipid level, reducing the cardiac risk, reducing the appetite, and reducing the weight of subjects. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US08288322B2
A library containing a collection of genetic packages that display a member of a diverse family of peptides, polypeptides or proteins and that collectively display at least a portion of the family, the displayed peptides, polypeptides or proteins being encoded by DNA sequences containing sequences encoding a heavy chain CDR region is described.
US08288321B2
Provides a new non-oxide system compound material superconductor as an alternative of the perovskite type copper oxides superconductor.Layered compounds which are represented by chemical formula AF(TM)Pn (wherein, A is at least one selected from a group consisting of the second family elements in the long form periodic table, F is a fluorine ion, TM is at least one selected from a group of transition metal elements consisting of Fe, Ru, Os, Ni, Pd, and Pt, and Pn is at least one selected from a group consisting of the fifteenth family elements in the long form periodic table), having a crystal structure of ZrCuSiAs type (space group P4/nmm) and which become superconductors by doping trivalent cations or divalent anions.
US08288318B2
6-Amino-5-halo-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids having poly-substituted aryl substituents in the 2-position, and their amine and acid derivatives, are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.
US08288314B2
A heat-sensitive transfer sheet, containing: a base film; a dye layer; and a heat-resistant lubricating layer containing talc particles; wherein, when a projected area corresponding to each of the talc particles in the heat-resistant lubricating layer is obtained from an electron beam image that is obtained by irradiating electron beams accelerated at 20 kV from a side of the heat-resistant lubricating layer of the heat-sensitive transfer sheet using a scanning electronic microscope, an average projected area of talc particles each having the projected area of 10 square μm or more is 80 square μm or less, and a variation coefficient that is obtained by dividing a standard deviation of the projected areas of talc particles each having the projected area of 10 square μm or more by the average projected area is 0.8 or less.
US08288312B2
The present invention relates in general to a method for obtaining particulate calcium carbonate and activated carbon particles and methods for using same, and more particularly, to a method for obtaining activated carbon particles having an average particle size less than about 12 microns from a pulp mill.
US08288301B2
A dielectric ceramic containing ABO3 in which A is Ba, possibly with at least one of Ca and Sr, and B is Ti, possibly with at least one of Zr and Hf as its main component, and Si as a accessory component. The dielectric ceramic includes main phase grains containing the ABO3 main component and secondary phase grains having a composition different from that of the main phase grains. The ratio of the Si content in the secondary phase grains to the total content of Si in the dielectric ceramic is 40% or more so that more Si is distributed in the secondary phase grains. It is preferable that the Si content in secondary phase grains be 30 mol % or more.
US08288298B2
Disclosed is a glass composition which is adapted to use in providing a hermetic seal between a metal and a ceramic, a metal and a metal, and a ceramic and a ceramic, to form crystallized glass having high strength and high thermal expansion which allow it to be used at high temperatures of 950° C. and over. The glass composition is substantially free of alkali metals, and contains, as calculated as oxide, 15-30 mass % of SiO2, 0-5 mass % of Al2O3, 20-35 mass % of B2O3, 10-25 mass % of CaO, 25-40 mass % of MgO, 3-8 mass % (3.0% excluded) of ZrO2, and 0-3 mass % of CeO2, wherein the crystallized glass which is formed by firing a glass powder made of the glass composition at a temperature of 850-1050° C. has a thermal expansion coefficient of 90-110×10−7/° C. at 50-550° C. and flexural strength of not less than 80 MPa.
US08288285B2
Gas mixtures which comprise acids like HF, HCl or HBr and other constituents, especially gas mixtures which comprise or consist of carboxylic acid fluorides, C(O)F2 or phosphorous pentafluoride and HCl and optionally HF, can be separated by ionic liquids. The process is performed reversibly. Ionic liquids are applied the anion of which corresponds to a stronger acid than the acid to be removed. Highly purified products, for example, highly purified carbonyl fluoride can be obtained.
US08288267B2
A method for making an electric interconnection between two conducting layers, separated by at least one insulation or semi-conducting layer, which includes forming a stud extending between at least the lower conducting layer and the upper conducting layer, where the nature and/or the shape of the stud impart non-wettability properties relative to the material used for the separating layer.
US08288266B2
A method of making a circuitized substrate in which the substrate includes circuit elements having exposed surfaces defined by two thin layers of permanent photoimaged solder mask material which are applied through fine mesh screens. The use of two thin layers assures effective coverage of the material to precisely expose the desired surfaces in high-density circuit patterns. A circuitized substrate assembly and an information handling system adapted for having one or more such assemblies therein are also provided.
US08288261B1
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for preparing a contact structure includes the steps of forming a conductive stack on the semiconductor substrate; forming a patterned mask on the conductive stack; forming a depression in an upper portion of the conductive stack; forming a spacer layer on the surface of the depression and the patterned mask; forming a mask block filling the depression; removing a portion of the spacer layer not covered by the mask block; and removing a portion of the conductive stack by using the mask block and the patterned mask to form the contact structure including at least one tall contact plug under the patterned mask and at least one the short contact plug under the mask block.
US08288260B1
A process for fabricating a semiconductor device. The process includes (a) growing an n-channel layer of gallium arsenide (GaAs) on a buffer layer, (b) growing a barrier layer on the re-channel layer, (c) epitaxially growing a first etch-stop layer on the barrier layer, (d) growing a first contact layer of wide band-gap material on the first etch-stop layer, (e) epitaxially growing a second etch-stop layer on the first contact layer, (f) growing a second contact layer on the second etch-stop layer, where the second contact layer is a highly doped material, and (g) selectively etching portions of the first contact layer, the second etch-stop layer, and the second contact layer to form a gate region.
US08288254B2
Programmable metallization memory cells having a planarized silver electrode and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The programmable metallization memory cells include a first metal contact and a second metal contact, an ion conductor solid electrolyte material is between the first metal contact and the second metal contact, and either a silver alloy doping electrode separates the ion conductor solid electrolyte material from the first metal contact or the second metal contact, or a silver doping electrode separates the ion conductor solid electrolyte material from the first metal contact. The silver electrode includes a silver layer and a metal seed layer separating the silver layer from the first metal contact.
US08288242B2
Methods are disclosed for fabricating an overlay vernier key. A method includes forming a pattern layer and an insulating layer over a semiconductor substrate. The insulating layer is etched to form insulating layer patterns to partially expose the pattern layer. Spacers are formed on sidewalls of the insulating layer patterns. The insulating layer patterns are removed while leaving the spacers to obtain a spacer-shaped etch mask. The pattern layer is etched using the spacer-shaped etch mask to form vernier patterns. At least one of the vernier patterns has a hollow shape.
US08288236B2
A field effect transistor (FET) includes a drain formed of a first material, a source formed of the first material, a channel formed by a nanostructure coupling the source to the drain, and a gate formed between the source and the drain and surrounding the nanostructure.
US08288233B2
Methods of forming a microelectronic structure are described. Embodiments of those methods may include providing a gate electrode comprising a top surface and first and second laterally opposite sidewalls, wherein a hard mask is disposed on the top surface, a source drain region disposed on opposite sides of the gate electrode, and a spacer disposed on the first and second laterally opposed sidewalls of the gate electrode, forming a silicon germanium layer on exposed portions of the top surface and the first and second laterally opposite sidewalls of the source drain region and then oxidizing a portion of the silicon germanium layer, wherein a germanium portion of the silicon germanium layer is forced down into the source drain region to convert a silicon portion of the source drain region into a silicon germanium portion of the source drain region.
US08288226B2
A conductive film having a first width in a first direction, an ONO film, and a control gate are formed above a tunnel gate insulating film. With the control gate as a mask, the conductive film is etched to form a floating gate. Then, an inter-layer insulating film is formed. A contact hole whose width in the first direction is larger than the first width is formed in the inter-layer insulating film. Then, sidewall spacer is formed on an inside wall of the contact hole.
US08288223B2
Layout method of semiconductor device with junction diode for preventing damage due to plasma charge
A layout method of junction diodes for preventing damage caused by plasma charge includes forming an active layer to form a plurality of active regions in a unit layout pattern; forming a gate layer to form a plurality of gate regions on the active regions; forming a first conductive type doping region in at least one of the plurality of active regions within a well layer where a second conductive type well region is formed to form a first conductive type active region; forming a second conductive type doping region in at least one of the plurality of active regions outside of the second conductive type well region to form a second conductive type active region; and forming a second conductive type doping region connected with the gate regions to form a junction diode in at least one active region between the first and second conductive type active regions.
US08288199B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.
US08288197B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique in which a high-performance and highly reliable semiconductor device can be manufactured at low cost with high yield. A memory device according to the present invention has a first conductive layer including a plurality of insulators, an organic compound layer over the first conductive layer including the insulators, and a second conductive layer over the organic compound layer.
US08288195B2
A method is presented for fabrication of a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell semiconductor substrate from a template. A semiconductor template having three-dimensional surface features comprising a top surfaces substantially aligned along a (100) crystallographic plane of semiconductor template and a plurality of inverted pyramidal cavities defined by sidewalls substantially aligned along a (111) crystallographic plane is formed according to an anisotropic etching process. A dose of relatively of high energy light-mass species is implanted in the template at a uniform depth and parallel to the top surfaces and said sidewalls defining the inverted pyramidal cavities of the template. The semiconductor template is annealed to convert the dose of relatively of high energy light-mass species to a mechanically-weak-thin layer. The semiconductor template is cleaved along the mechanically-weak-thin layer to release a three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate from the semiconductor template.
US08288194B2
A method of fabricating a thin film transistor (TFT) is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate with a gate electrode formed thereon; forming an insulating layer on the substrate and covering the gate electrode; forming an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer (intrinsic a-Si layer) on the insulating layer; forming an etch-stop layer on the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer, and the etch-stop layer positioned correspondingly to the gate electrode; treating the etch-stop layer to form an oxide layer, and the oxide layer covering the etch-stop layer; forming a n+ a-Si layer above the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer, and the n+ a-Si layer covering partial surface of the etch-stop layer and the oxide layer separating a sidewall of the etch-stop layer and the n+ a-Si layer; and forming a conductive layer on the n+ a-Si layer.
US08288192B2
In a method of manufacturing a capacitive electromechanical transducer, a first electrode (8) is formed on a substrate (4), an insulating layer (9) which has an opening (6) leading to the first electrode is formed on the first electrode (8), and a sacrificial layer is formed on the insulating layer. A membrane (3) having a second electrode (1) is formed on the sacrificial layer, and an aperture is provided as an etchant inlet in the membrane. The sacrificial layer is etched to form a cavity (10), and then the aperture serving as an etchant inlet is sealed. The etching is executed by electrolytic etching in which a current is caused to flow between the first electrode (8) and an externally placed counter electrode through the opening (6) and the aperture of the membrane.
US08288191B2
A method of forming an inertial sensor provides 1) a device wafer with a two-dimensional array of inertial sensors and 2) a second wafer, and deposits an alloy of aluminum/germanium onto one or both of the wafers. The alloy is deposited and patterned to form a plurality of closed loops. The method then aligns the device wafer and the second wafer, and then positions the alloy between the wafers. Next, the method melts the alloy, and then solidifies the alloy to form a plurality of conductive hermetic seal rings about the plurality of the inertial sensors. The seal rings bond the device wafer to the second wafer. Finally, the method dices the wafers to form a plurality of individual, hermetically sealed inertial sensors.
US08288189B2
A package structure having an MEMS element includes: a packaging substrate having first and second wiring layers on two surfaces thereof and a chip embedded therein; a first dielectric layer disposed on the packaging substrate and the chip; a third wiring layer disposed on the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer and the third wiring layer and having a recessed portion; a lid disposed in the recessed portion and on the top surface of the second dielectric layer around the periphery of the recessed portion, wherein the portion of the lid on the top surface of the second dielectric layer is formed into a lid frame on which an adhering material is disposed to allow a substrate having an MEMS element to be attached to the packaging substrate with the MEMS element corresponding in position to the recessed portion, thereby providing a package structure of reduced size and costs with better electrical properties.
US08288185B2
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. According to the method, a first buried oxide layer is locally formed in a semiconductor substrate and a core semiconductor pattern of a line form, a pair of anchor-semiconductor patterns and a support-semiconductor pattern are formed by patterning a semiconductor layer on the first buried oxide layer to expose the first buried oxide layer. The pair of anchor-semiconductor patterns contact both ends of the core semiconductor pattern, respectively, and the support-semiconductor pattern contacts one sidewall of the core semiconductor pattern, the first buried oxide layer below the core semiconductor pattern is removed. At this time, a portion of the first buried oxide layer below each of the anchor-semiconductor patterns and a portion of the first buried oxide layer below the support-semiconductor pattern remain. A second buried oxide layer is formed to fill a region where the first buried oxide layer below the core semiconductor pattern.
US08288184B2
A production method for producing a semiconductor device capable of improving surface flatness and suppressing a variation in electrical characteristics of the semiconductor chip, and improving production yield. The production method includes the steps of: forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate and on a conductive pattern film formed on the semiconductor substrate and reducing a thickness of the first insulating film in a region where the conductive pattern film is arranged by patterning; forming a second insulating film and polishing the second insulating film, thereby forming a flattening film; implanting a substance for cleavage into the semiconductor substrate through the flattening film, thereby forming a cleavage layer; transferring the semiconductor chip onto a substrate with an insulating surface so that the chip surface on the side opposite to the semiconductor substrate is attached thereto; and separating the semiconductor substrate from the cleavage layer.
US08288176B2
The disclosure relates to a method of aligning a set of patterns on a substrate, which includes depositing on the substrate's surface a set of silicon nanoparticles, which includes a set of ligand molecules including a set of carbon atoms. The method involves forming a first set of regions where the nanoparticles are deposited, while the remaining portions of the substrate surface define a second set of regions. The method also includes densifying the set of nanoparticles into a thin film to form a set of silicon-organic zones on the substrate's surface, wherein the first and the second set of regions have respectively first and second reflectivity values, such that the ratio of the second reflectivity value to the first reflectivity value is greater than about 1.1.
US08288173B2
Provided are a method, an apparatus and a computer program for filling a liquid material, which do not require complicated parameter calculation and which do not affect the moving speed of a discharge unit. In the method for filling a gap between a substrate and a work placed thereon with the liquid material discharged from the discharge unit by utilizing a capillary action, the method is characterized in forming an application pattern made up of an application region and a non-application region along an outer periphery of the work, and correcting a discharge amount of the liquid material by extending and contracting the application region and the non-application region. The apparatus and the program for carrying out the method are also provided.
US08288169B2
Materials and methods for surface mediated self-assembly of nanoparticles for the isolation of biomolecules is provided.
US08288153B2
A semiconductor nanocrystal compound and probe are described. The compound is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy. Also described are processes for respectively: making the semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and treating materials with the probe.
US08288152B2
A semiconductor nanocrystal compound and probe are described. The compound is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy. Also described are processes for respectively: making the semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and treating materials with the probe.
US08288144B2
The present invention relates to pectate lyase variants exhibiting alterations relative to a parent enzyme exhibiting pectate lyase activity as its major enzymatic activity; to a method of producing such enzymes; and to methods for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries. Compared to the parent enzyme, the pectate lyase variants of the present invention exhibit improved stability in detergents.
US08288141B2
The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds. The engineered ketoreductase polypeptides are optimized for catalyzing the conversion of N-methyl-3-keto-3-(2-thienyl)-1-propanamine to (S)—N-methyl-3-hydroxy-3-(2-thienyl)-1-propanamine.
US08288140B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08288136B2
A process is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.
US08288135B2
Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.
US08288132B2
The present invention discloses a chemoenzymatic process for the preparation of an iminocyclitol corresponding to formula (I), (II), (III) or (IV), wherein: R1 and R2 are the same or different, and independently selected from the group consisting of: H, OH, hydroxymethyl, methyl, ethyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, 2-methylbutyl, and benzyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of: H, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, ethyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, dodecyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, isopentyl, 2-methylbutyl, benzyl, and phenylethyl; n: 0 or 1; the process comprising: (i) an aldol addition catalyzed by a D-fructose-6-phosphate aldolase enzyme (FSA) and an acceptor aminoaldehyde; and (ii) an intramolecular reductive amination of the addition adduct obtained in step (i) with H2, in the presence of a metallic catalyst, optionally being carried out said step (ii) in the presence of an aldehyde of formula R3—CHO, wherein R3 is as defined above.
US08288131B2
The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme including the capability of stereo specifically reducing (R)-2-methylpentanal to (R)-2-methylpentanol. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to produce (R)-2-methylpentanol and related compounds.
US08288129B2
The method for manufacturing hyaluronic acid rich matrix comprises the steps of providing a crest; and decellularizing a tissue of crest to form a decellularized hyaluronic acid rich matrix.
US08288118B2
In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of analyzing various surface chemistries for culturing a particular cell line, which includes the steps of: (1) providing a plasma polymerized surface having first and second regions, the first region including a first concentration of carboxylic acid groups in the plasma polymerized surface and the second region including a second concentration of carboxylic acid groups in the plasma polymerized surface, wherein the first and second concentrations are different; (2) culturing cells from the cell line on the plasma polymerized surface in each the region; (3) observing activity of the cultured cells in each the region; and (4) analyzing the activity of the cultured cells in each region.
US08288115B2
A method is described for enriching procaryotic DNA, said method including the steps of contacting at least one procaryotic DNA with at least one protein or polypeptide which is capable of specifically binding to non-methylated CpG motifs, and separating the protein/polypeptide-DNA complex. Moreover, the application relates to a kit for carrying out said method.
US08288109B2
The present invention provides a structural characterization platform that can be used to assess the stability of a polyclonal cell line during production, as well as batch-to-batch consistency of the final polyclonal products. The structural characterization platform is based on genetic analyses as well as protein characterization techniques that alone or in combination provide the necessary information to characterize the polyclonal cell line and final products. The collection of different homologous proteins to be analyzed with the platform techniques if for example a recombinant polyclonal antibody or a mixture of monoclonal antibodies.
US08288094B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing the occurrence or progression of a cancer or pre-cancerous condition associated with expression, or over-expression of human cytidine deaminases of the APOBEC3 family. The invention also relates to drug screening assays designed to identify compounds that regulate the activity, or level of expression, of hA3A, hA3C and hA3H. The invention further relates to transgenic mice, as well as cells derived from said mice, that have been genetically engineered to express, or over-express hA3A, hA3C and/or hA3H. Such mice may be utilized to screen for, or identify, compounds that modulate the activity, or expression, of the human cytidine deaminases. The present invention also provides topical compositions such as cosmetic lotion, crème, or sunscreen for use on the skin, which comprise one or more inhibitors of human cytidine deaminase activity. The present invention relates to a double stranded DNA obtained following opening up of its duplex structure, said DNA being edited with cellular protein normally or abnormally expressed in the nucleus of an eukaryotic cell. The mono stranded DNA derived from the said double stranded DNA is a part of the present invention.
US08288088B2
The present invention refers to a method for inducing tumor apoptosis by influencing the ROS (reactive oxygen species) signaling pathway in tumor cells. Increasing the level of ROS leads to the selective inactivation of a tumor cell catalase and subsequently to an apoptosis of these cells. The level of ROS can be increased by increasing the level of nitric oxide through inhibition of the enzymes nitric oxide dioxygenase or arginase.According to the present invention inhibitors of the nitric oxide dioxygenase or arginase can be used for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer. The present invention further provides a method for identifying compounds which can be used for the treatment of cancer, wherein the method allows to specifically identify compounds which induce apoptosis through the ROS signaling pathway. The present invention also provides a kit for identifying compounds which induce tumor apoptosis by inactivating a catalase on the tumor cell surface.
US08288083B2
Some embodiments include methods in which spaced-apart first features are formed from a first material having a reflow temperature. Second material is formed along sidewalls of the first features, and third material is formed over the second material and the first features. The third material may be formed at a temperature above the reflow temperature of the first material, and the second material may support the first features so that the first features do not collapse even though they are exposed to such temperature. In some embodiments the third material has an undulating topography. Fourth material may be formed within the valleys of the undulating topography, and subsequently the first features may be removed together with at least some of the third material to leave a pattern comprising second features formed from the second material and pedestals formed from the fourth material.
US08288080B2
The invention relates to photopolymerizable flexographic printing elements which contain ethylenically unsaturated, alicyclic monomers and hard flexographic printing plates, in particular cylindrical continuous seamless flexographic printing plates, which can be produced therefrom.
US08288077B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a chemically amplified resist composition excellent in a resolution and a mask error enhancement factor.By employing the salt represented by the formulae (A1) as an acid generator of a resist composition, the above mentioned object is achieved. wherein Z+ represents an organic cation, Q1 and Q2 each independently represent a fluorine atom or a perfluoroalkyl group, Ra2 represents a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group pr the like, Ra2 represents an elimination group represented by the formulae (II-1) or (II-2). In the formulae (II-1) or (II-2), Ra3 and Ra4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, Ra5 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, Ra6 represents a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and Ra7 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group.
US08288069B2
Provided is a toner including: toner particles each containing at least a binder resin and a wax; and an external additive, in which surfaces of the toner particles have an average surface roughness (Ra) measured with a scanning probe microscope of 1.0 nm or more and 30.0 nm or less; and the toner has a surface tension index I for a 45-vol % aqueous solution of methanol measured by a capillary suction time method and calculated from the following equation (1) of 5.0×10−3 N/m or more and 1.0×10−1 N/m or less: I=Pα/(A×B×106) Eq. (1) where I represents the surface tension index (N/m) of the toner, Pα represents a capillary pressure (N/m2) of the toner for the 45-vol % aqueous solution of methanol, A represents a specific surface area (m2/g) of the toner, and B represents a true density (g/cm3) of the toner.
US08288066B2
To provide an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a high sensitivity, a good balance of various electric properties such as chargeability and residual potential, a good stability of the coating solution, and an excellent light resistance.An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising an electroconductive support having thereon a photosensitive layer, wherein the photosensitive layer contains a compound represented by the following formula (1): (wherein R1 represents a group having a chiral center, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, or an aryl group which may have a substituent, R3 and R4 each independently represents an alkylene group which may have a substituent, or an arylene group which may have a substituent, and R5, R6, R7 and R8 each independently represents an alkyl group which may have a substituent, or an aryl group which may have a substituent, and at least one member of R5 to R8 is an aryl group having a substituent).
US08288065B2
An objective is to provide an organic photoreceptor exhibiting high sensitivity, suitable for exposure to a semiconductor laser having an emission wavelength of 350-500 nm or a light emitting diode, with which generation of memory images as well as image defects caused by very small charge leakage is inhibited, and also to provide an image forming apparatus fitted with the organic photoreceptor. Also disclosed is an organic photoreceptor possessing a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer provided on a conductive substrate, wherein the charge generation layer contains particles made of a condensed polycyclic pigment, having an average major axis length of 500 nm or less, an average aspect ratio of 2.5-5.0, and an aspect ratio variation coefficient of 16% or less.
US08288064B2
Method for examining a wafer with regard to a contamination limit and EUV projection exposure system
A method for examining at least one wafer (13) with regard to a contamination limit, in which the contamination potential of the resist (13a) of the wafer (13), which resist (13a) outgasses contaminating substances, is examined with regard to a contamination limit before the wafer (13) is exposed in an EUV projection exposure system (1). The method preferably includes: arranging the wafer (13) and/or a test disc coated with the same resist (13a) as the resist (13a) of the wafer (13) in a vacuum chamber (19), evacuating the vacuum chamber (19), and measuring the contamination potential of the contaminating substances outgassed from the wafer (13) in the evacuated vacuum chamber (19), and also comparing the contamination potential of the wafer (13) with a contamination limit. An EUV projection exposure system (1) for carrying out the method is also disclosed. By heating wafers having a high contamination risk, the contamination of optical elements in the projection exposure system (1) on wafer exposure may be distinctly reduced.
US08288062B2
Provision of a reflective mask blank for EUV lithography having an absorber layer having optical constants suitable for reducing the film thickness.A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography comprising a substrate and a reflective layer for reflecting EUV light and an absorber layer for absorbing EUV light, that are formed in this order on the substrate; wherein the absorber layer contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), niobium (Nb) and titanium (Ti), and the absorber layer further contains palladium (Pd).
US08288051B2
A solid oxide fuel cell includes a separator which has a fuel gas passageway and an oxidant gas passageway thereinside, and a plurality of power generation cells arranged in a parallel connection state on the same plane. Each of the power generation cells has a solid electrolyte layer sandwiched between a fuel electrode layer and an oxidant electrode layer. The oxidant gas passageway may start at an edge portion of the separator, extend to a central portion of the separator at a position enclosed by the power generation cells, be divided at the central portion, and be introduced in a portion facing the respective oxidant electrode layer.
US08288046B2
A current sensor assembly that monitors current flow through segments of a fuel cell stack. The current sensor assembly includes a first plate including a first non-conductive substrate having a first conductive path therethrough and that is in electrical communication with a first segment of the fuel cell stack. A second plate includes a second non-conductive substrate having a second conductive path therethrough and that is in electrical communication with a second segment of the fuel cell stack. A first current sensor is operably disposed between the first plate and the second plate and facilitates a first current flow between the first conductive path and the second conductive path. The first current sensor generates a first current signal based on the first current flow.
US08288043B2
There is disclosed a fuel cell system or the like capable of stably operating an auxiliary machine and the like, even when recovering a poisoned electrode catalyst and warming up a fuel cell. A controller derives a target operation point sufficient for recovering activity of the poisoned electrode catalyst, and realizes shift of an operation point to a target operation point in a state in which an output power is held to be constant. The operation is switched to a low-efficiency operation point, whereby an output voltage of the fuel cell lowers, but the voltage is raised to an allowable input voltage of a high-voltage auxiliary machine by a DC/DC converter.
US08288042B2
An electric power generation device includes a cell body and a secondary electric power generator. The cell body has an electrolyte, a fuel electrode and an air electrode. The secondary electric power generator is joined to at least one of the fuel and air electrodes and includes P- and N-type thermoelectric conversion members. With the electric power generation device, the cell body generates electric power at temperatures higher than or equal to an power generation start temperature, and at the same time, the P- and N-type thermoelectric conversion members joined to the cell body and functioning as a thermocouple produce electric power by utilizing the Seebeck effect.
US08288039B2
The present invention provides an electrolyte solvent for batteries, which comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. Also, the present invention provides a lithium secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. The inventive electrolyte solvent can improve the battery safety without deteriorating the battery performance.
US08288034B2
A battery includes a separator with a trapping layer that traps dissolved metal ions.
US08288030B2
A redox flow battery having a high electromotive force and capable of suppressing generation of a precipitation is provided. In a redox flow battery 100, a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte are supplied to a battery cell including a positive electrode 104, a negative electrode 105, and a membrane 101 interposed between the electrodes 104 and 105, to charge and discharge the battery. The positive electrode electrolyte contains a manganese ion, or both of a manganese ion and a titanium ion. The negative electrode electrolyte contains at least one type of metal ion selected from a titanium ion, a vanadium ion, a chromium ion, a zinc ion, and a tin ion. The redox flow battery 100 can suppress generation of a precipitation of MnO2, and can be charged and discharged well by containing a titanium ion in the positive electrode electrolyte, or by being operated such that the positive electrode electrolyte has an SOC of not more than 90%. In addition, the redox flow battery 100 can have a high electromotive force equal to or higher than that of a conventional vanadium-based redox flow battery.
US08288021B2
A flat metal particle-containing composition including flat metal particles containing silver and a metal nobler than the silver, wherein the metal nobler than the silver is located near surfaces of the flat metal particles and wherein an amount of the metal nobler than the silver is 10−3 atomic % to 5 atomic % relative to the silver contained in the flat metal particles.
US08288009B2
The present invention relates to the use of precursors of following formula (I): independently of E or Z configuration, in which: R2 is an electron-withdrawing group, R1, R3, R4 and R5, which are identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical or an aryl radical, in the formation, by electrochemical grafting, of a homogeneous organic film, preferably with a thickness of less than or equal to 10 nm, on an electrically conducting or semiconducting surface; and to the corresponding process for the formation of an ultrathin homogeneous organic film on an electrically conducting or semiconducting surface.
US08287993B2
Paper-based security devices having printed marks or indicia on one surface that are visible from that surface and from an opposing surface of the security device, are provided. The present invention further provides a method of making such paper-based security devices as well as security documents having at least one such security device embedded therein and/or mounted thereon.
US08287968B2
To form a coating film having an excellent wear-resistant property in a temperature range from low temperature to high temperature a coating-film forming method includes a metal-powder producing step of producing a metal powder containing an element exhibiting a lubricating property when oxidized; an oxidizing step of oxidizing the metal powder so that an amount of oxygen contained in the metal powder is within 6 weight % to 14 weight %; and a coating-film forming step of forming a coating film on a material subject to a treatment, the coating film having such a composition that an area where an oxygen content is 3 weight % or less and an area where an oxygen content is 8 weight % or more are distributed in a unit area of the coating film when the metal powder is in a melted state or a semi-melted state, and an oxygen content of the entire coating film after the metal powder is melted or semi-melted being within 5 weight % to 9 weight %.
US08287959B2
A syringe tip assembly comprising a seal component configured to engage a syringe tip, a nozzle configured to slidably engage with the seal component, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing pressure between the seal component and the nozzle.
US08287956B2
A silicon oxide layer is formed by oxidation or decomposition of a silicon precursor gas in an oxygen-rich environment followed by annealing. The silicon oxide layer may be formed with slightly compressive stress to yield, following annealing, an oxide layer having very low stress. The silicon oxide layer thus formed is readily etched without resulting residue using HF-vapor.
US08287937B2
A coating having a smooth orange peel morphology is formed on an adluminal surface of a stent, concurrently with the formation of a coating having a rough rice grain morphology on an abluminal surface of the stent. During the formation of the two coatings, a mandrel is placed adjacent to the adluminal surface of the stent but does not generally contact the adluminal surface.
US08287931B2
A nutritional composition for improving the immunological function of a subject, including a lipid or fat; a protein source; about 5 to about 100 mg/100 kcal of a source of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which comprises docosahexanoic acid; and about 0.1 to about 1 mg/100 kcal of a prebiotic composition, wherein the prebiotic composition comprises at least 20% of an oligosaccharide which has a fermentation rate which is demonstrably slower than that of galacto-oligosaccharide.
US08287927B2
It is an object of the present invention to enhance the α-amylase inhibitory activity of a fenugreek seed component. According to the present invention, the bitter taste of fenugreek seeds can be collaterally reduced.The present invention relates to a processed product of fenugreek seeds obtained by allowing β-glucosidase to act on a fenugreek seed-derived material and the like, and the method for producing the same.
US08287926B2
Combinations of vasoactive substances which are useful in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions associated with poor local blood supply and/or insufficient lubrication are provided. The vasoactive compounds are esculoside, visnadine, forskolin or extracts thereof, purified lipophilic extracts from plants of the genus Ipomea, esters of ximenynic acid, icarin or icarin derivatives, amentoflavone, and Gingko biloba dimeric flavones. The combination of these vasoactive substances is incorporated in gels and lotions designed to be applied to the genital organs. These formulations are useful in inducing erection of the male and female sex organs and enhancing orgasm and sexual performance. The formulations are particularly useful in the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions.
US08287918B2
Lung cancer can be treated effectively by combination of amrubicin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with cisplatin.
US08287916B2
A multi-part kit system comprising a solid part A which comprises at least one acetyl donor, a liquid part B in the form of an aqueous composition which comprises 3 to 35 wt. % of hydrogen peroxide and one or more parts C, wherein the solid part A and/or the part(s) C comprise at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants, wherein the composition of the parts of the multi-part kit system is such, that directly after being mixed with each other and water in a specified ratio the pH of the mixture is in the range of 5.5 to 8.
US08287906B2
In a process of forming a hydrogel from a mixture comprising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and a polymer comprising a crosslinkable phenol group, the gelation rate in the solution and the crosslinking density in the hydrogel can be independently adjusted or controlled by selection of the molarity of H2O2 and concentration of HRP in the solution when the molarity of H2O2 is limited to be within a range and the concentration of HRP is limited to be above a threshold. A method for determining the range and threshold is disclosed. The hydrogel may be used to grow cells, in which case, the molarity of H2O2 may be selected to affect the differentiation or growth rate of the cells in the hydrogel.
US08287905B1
The invention discloses a composition of chitosan-shelled nanoparticles and methods of manufacturing. The chitosan-shelled nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced epithelial permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08287878B2
The present invention broadly relates to the synergistic attenuation of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). More particularly, the invention relates to the identification of combined mutation classes which synergistically attenuate the pathogenicity of VSV vectors in mammals and immunogenic compositions thereof.
US08287870B2
The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.
US08287857B2
A method of promoting the regression of a cancer in a mammal comprising: (i) administering to the mammal nonmyeloablative lymphodepleting chemotherapy, and (ii) subsequently administering: (a) autologous T-cells, which have been previously isolated, selected for highly avid recognition of an antigen of the cancer, the regression of which is to be promoted, and rapidly expanded in vitro only once, and, either concomitantly with the autologous T-cells or subsequently to the autologous T-cells, by the same route or a different route, a T-cell growth factor that promotes the growth and activation of the autologous T-cells, or (b) autologous T-cells, which have been previously isolated, selected for highly avid recognition of an antigen of the cancer, the regression of which is to be promoted, modified to express a T-cell growth factor that promotes the growth and activation of the autologous T-cells, and rapidly expanded in vitro only once, whereupon the regression of the cancer in the mammal is promoted.
US08287855B2
Oral immunogenic compositions imparting dual protection against enterotoxigenic labile toxin (LT)-expressing Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Vibrio cholerae based on the delivery of recombinant cholera toxin B antigen by attenuated, live bacterial vectors derived from Vibrio cholerae are disclosed. The compositions exhibit dual immunogenicity and retain the ability to colonize gastrointestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues.
US08287840B2
This invention is directed to methods of treating solid tumor cancers, particularly refractory cancers by administration of two pluralities of microparticles, one comprising drug-carrying microparticles sized to lodge at the tumor preferably in the capillary bed of the tumor and the other comprising non-drug-carrying microparticles sized to lodge in the arterial system servicing the tumor so as to embolize the tumor.
US08287838B2
A thermochemical water-splitting process all reactions of which operate at relatively low temperatures and high efficiencies, and in which relatively inexpensive materials and processing methods are made possible. This invention involves the decomposition of a metal halide compound, i.e., one which is capable of being reduced from a higher oxidation state to lower oxidation state, e.g. vanadium chloride III→vanadium dichloride. The process is cyclic and regenerative, and the only net inputs are water and heat; and the only net outputs are hydrogen and oxygen. The process makes it possible to utilize a wide variety of available heat, including solar, sources for the energy input.
US08287836B2
Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes are provided. Carbon containing gas is contacted with a supported metal catalyst under reaction conditions to yield at least 90% single walled carbon nanotubes and at least 1 gram single walled carbon nanotubes/gram metal catalyst. The support material may be calcined at temperatures between 150 and 600° C., and may have at least one oxidized planar surface. Reaction conditions include less than 10 atmospheres pressure and less than 800° C.
US08287835B2
An organically functionalized carbon nanocapsule is provided. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule includes a hollow carbon nanocapsule having a purity of at least more than 50% and a surface and at least one kind of organic functional groups bonded thereon and uniformly distributed over the surface thereof. The organically-functionalized carbon nanocapsule is of the following formula: F(-E)n, in which F is the carbon nanocapsule, E is the organic functional group, and n is the number of the organic functional group. By functionalization of high-purity carbon nanocapsules, the application thereof is expanded.
US08287824B2
A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).
US08287816B2
A mobile device for transporting, tracking and processing medical instruments. The device comprises a cart including at least one receptacle for receiving an instrument container having instruments stored therein. The cart also includes plumbing for circulating processing fluids through the instrument container and a communications system for communicating tracking data associated with the instrument container and the cart.
US08287811B1
The current invention provides a passive sampling device suitable for collecting and detecting the presence of target analytes. In particular, the passive sampling device is suitable for detecting nitro-aromatic compounds. The current invention further provides a passive sampling device reader suitable for determining the collection of target analytes. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for detecting target analytes using the passive sampling device and the passive sampling device reader.
US08287790B2
A method for manufacturing a hollow load-bearing beam structure of fiber-reinforced composite material. The method includes preparing a first lay-up of a first plurality of layers, and a second lay-up of a second plurality of layers. The first and second lay-ups are positioned on different sides of a mandrel and formed to a beam structure by bending the lay-ups against the mandrel, such that the side edges of the respective layers of the first and second lay-ups are arranged as offset butt joints in the circumferential direction of the formed beam structure.
US08287788B2
The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of thermoplastically processable polyurethane elastomers, by metering a polyisocyanate (A), a proportion of 1-80 equivalent%, based on the isocyanate group content of the polyisocyanate (A), of a compound (B) having an average of at 1.8-3.0 hydrogen atoms having Zerewitinoff activity, with an average molar mass of 450-5000 g/mol, and a proportion of 12-99 equivalent%, based on the isocyanate group content of the polyisocyanate (A), of a chain extender (C), into a self-cleaning twin-screw extruder whose diameter is 32-62 mm, which is operated at shear rates above 6000 s−1 and residence times of 1-20 seconds, and then bringing the mixture from the self-cleaning twin-screw extruder into a second apparatus in order to complete the reaction.
US08287787B2
The present invention generally relates to a cooling process and system that can be utilized in the manufacture of flexible elongate extruded materials, such as tubing or jacketed electrical wire and cable. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cooling trough for cooling flexible elongate extruded materials after extrusion. Cooling trough embodiments have a base, a wet cooling chamber above the base, and an air dry chamber above the wet cooling chamber. The base contains a reservoir for collecting and storing a cooling liquid. An extruded material, such as a cable, enters the wet cooling chamber, where the cooling liquid from the reservoir is sprayed onto the material, the material is then passed to the air dry chamber where it is dried.
US08287781B2
An imprinting method for making optical components includes: providing an imprinting mold, the imprinting mold comprising a molding surface and a molding portion formed on the molding surface; providing a substrate comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising a plurality of supporting areas arranged in an array, each of the supporting areas configured for supporting a mass of molding material; applying a mass of molding material on each of the supporting areas; pressing the imprinting mold on each mass of the molding material; and solidifying the imprinted molding material to form the optical components.
US08287779B2
The invention relates to a fire retardant product. The invention comprises using at least one aluminosilicated polymer of the imogolite type or allophane type as a fire retardant. The invention can particularly be used in the field of fire retardant products.
US08287773B2
The method for producing an active material according to the invention comprises a step of contacting an aqueous solution containing a zirconium fluoro-complex and a silicon fluoro-complex with a first metal oxide particle to form a second metal oxide particle group containing a zirconium oxide particle and a silicon oxide particle on the surface of the first metal oxide particle. The active material comprises a first metal oxide particle and a second metal oxide particle group formed on the surface of the first metal oxide particle, and the second metal oxide particle group contains a zirconium oxide particle and a silicon oxide particle.
US08287771B2
Provided is a method for producing a silver particle powder excellent in the dispersibility in a liquid organic medium having a low polarity, which comprises reducing a silver compound in an alcohol having a boiling point of from 80° C. to 200° C. or in a polyol having a boiling point of from 150 to 300° C., at a temperature of from 80° C. to 200° C. under reflux while maintaining the stream having a Reynolds number of not more than 3.70×104. The stream having a Reynolds number of not more than 3.70×104 can be maintained by stirring with a stirring power of not more than 5.68×108 W. According to the method, a silver particle powder having good low-temperature sinterability and good dispersibility and suitable for use for microwiring formation can be obtained at a high yield.
US08287763B2
A steam-hydrocarbon reforming process and apparatus wherein reformate from a prereformer is reacted in a gas heated reformer which is heated by reformed gas from a primary reformer. Reformate from the gas heated reformer is passed to the primary reformer as feed gas.
US08287757B2
Disclosed are photoluminescent formulations, comprising an effective amount of photoluminescent phosphorescent materials, which exhibit high luminous intensity and persistence. Also disclosed are photoluminescent objects formed by applying at least one photoluminescent layer, formed from photoluminescent formulations, to preformed articles. Further disclosed are methods for creating photoluminescent objects.
US08287752B2
Disclosed herein are flame suppression compounds and methods of use thereof. The compounds include unsaturated fluorocarbons appropriate for use in fire protection applications.
US08287744B2
Fluidic conduits, which can be used in microarraying systems, dip pen nanolithography systems, fluidic circuits, and microfluidic systems, are disclosed that use channel spring probes that include at least one capillary channel. Formed from spring beams (e.g., stressy metal beams) that curve away from the substrate when released, channels can either be integrated into the spring beams or formed on the spring beams. Capillary forces produced by the narrow channels allow liquid to be gathered, held, and dispensed by the channel spring probes. Because the channel spring beams can be produced using conventional semiconductor processes, significant design flexibility and cost efficiencies can be achieved.
US08287738B2
The disclosure provides a process for removing dissolved niobium, titanium, and zirconium impurities from an iron chloride solution having an iron concentration of about 50 to about 250 grams/liter comprising: (a) heating the iron chloride solution comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of a niobium compound, titanium compound, zirconium compound, and mixtures thereof, in a vessel, at a temperature of about 120° C. to about 300° C., and at least autogenous pressure, to precipitate the compound as a solid; and (b) separating the solid from the iron chloride solution. The separation of the solid is accomplished by filtration, settling, or centrifugation. In one embodiment, the iron chloride solution is a byproduct of the chlorination process for making titanium dioxide.
US08287735B2
The invention provides a method for the purification of a liquid by membrane distillation comprising: passing a heated vapourising stream of a liquid (retentate stream) through a retentate channel along a porous hydrophobic membrane (10), whereby vapour of the liquid flows via the pores of the membrane to the other side of said membrane, and condensing said vapour on the other side of said membrane to give a distillate stream in a distillate channel (5) which distillate is created by passing the heat of condensation (latent heat) towards a condenser surface (3), said condenser surface forming a non-porous separation between a feed stream of the liquid to be purified and said distillate stream, which feed stream is passed through a feed channel (2) in counter-current with the retentate stream, in which feed channel a space material (4) is arranged whereby at least part of the latent heat is transferred via the condenser surface to the feed stream, and whereby a positive liquid pressure difference is applied between the retentate stream and the feed stream at the corresponding points of the retentate channel and the feed channel over at least a part of each of the retentate channel (9) and feed channel. The invention further provides an apparatus suitable for use in said method.
US08287731B2
A return flow filtration assembly for filtering return hydraulic fluid is provided. The filtration assembly includes a first return fluid chamber including a first inlet and first and second of outlets. The second outlet is configured to be coupled to a secondary return flow filter for providing micro-filtering of the return fluid. The first outlet includes a restriction element for restricting flow through the first outlet and generating an artificial back pressure within the first return fluid chamber to drive fluid through the second outlet, when the second outlet is coupled to a secondary return flow filter.
US08287727B2
A filter element in a fuel filter has an annularly arranged filter medium that is sealed at the end faces by end plates wherein a venting unit for venting gases out of the filter element area is provided. The venting unit comprises a securing ring that clamps, in the mounting position, a filter body, wherein in the securing ring a through opening as well as additionally an expansion opening are provided.
US08287717B2
The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The use of linear, cyclic, or acyclic voltammetric scans and/or semi-integral, derivative, or semi-derivative data treatment may provide for increased accuracy when determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. Hematocrit compensation in combination with the data treatments may reduce the hematocrit effect with regard to a glucose analysis in whole blood. In another aspect, fast scan rates may reduce the hematocrit effect.
US08287713B2
The present invention provides a water-cooled heat sink having an integrated structure, and having inside a precise, freely formed flow path, the water-cooled heat sink being produced without using a technique for pasting a plurality of metal sheets. In a water-cooled heat sink 1, a formed body 2 is provided outwardly, a flow path 3 for passage of a liquid is formed inwardly of the formed body 2, and an inlet 5 and an outlet 4 for the liquid, which communicate with the flow path 3, are formed in the main body of the heat sink 1. The entire formed body 2 of the heat sink 1 is integrally formed by thick coating layers applied by electroplating, and has no joints.
US08287707B2
Provided is a device for controlling a particle distribution in a droplet including particles. The device includes: a first electrode for developing an electric field in the vicinity of the droplet; and a second electrode for developing the electric field that is fixed to a substrate, is insulated from the first electrode, and located at about the center of the droplet. A micro electrode system including a circular electrode placed along a droplet rim and a point electrode at about the center of the bottom is used to cause radial electroosmotic flow, thereby obtaining a uniform solute distribution after complete evaporation of the droplet. The direction and strength of the radial electroosmotic flow can be varied and the radial electroosmotic flow is periodically applied. Particles used to obtain uniformity are selected from the group consisting of a polymer, an organic substance, an inorganic substance, a metal, and a biomolecule. The particles can be neutral, negatively charged or positively charged.
US08287706B2
A laminated gas sensor element including a detection element including a solid electrolyte body having a pair of electrodes formed thereon laminated together with a heater element. A porous protection layer is formed on at least a distal end portion of the laminated gas sensor element which is to be exposed to a gas to be measured. The surface of the porous protection layer has 10 or more small pores each having a diameter of 1 μm to 5 μm inclusive and an aspect ratio of 0.5 to 2.0 inclusive within an area measuring 50 μm×50 μm, and one to less than 20 large pores each having a diameter of 8 μm to 20 μm inclusive and an aspect ratio of 0.5 to 2.0 inclusive within an area measuring 100 μm×100 μm. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the laminated gas sensor.
US08287705B2
Temperature compensation for ion-selective electrodes is obtained by positioning a temperature-measuring element in a chamber of limited thermal mass which is in thermal contact with the measuring electrode filling solution but is thermally isolated from other filling solutions in the electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature-measuring element comprises a thermistor enclosed within thin flexible tubing; the electrical leads of the thermistor are forced against a segment of the inner wall of the tubing by an elongated strand of material abutting the thermistor to enhance heat transfer with the thermistor.
US08287704B2
A liquid sample measurement apparatus of the present invention is provided with a timer for measuring the time from when a biosensor is attached to a liquid sample measurement device which measures the concentration of a specific component in a liquid sample that is applied to the biosensor to when the liquid sample is applied to the biosensor, and correction based on the time measured by the timer is performed to the measurement result of the concentration of the specific component in the liquid sample that is applied to the biosensor. Thereby, the measurement precision can be enhanced with utilizing the correction algorithm in which the ambient temperature and the temperature of the biosensor itself are considered.
US08287701B2
A coated article for use in spandrel applications and/or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments, a coating is provided to have a coating design which permits the coating to realize more predictable and/or consistent optical characteristics such as glass side reflectance, color and/or the like. Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article for spandrel applications or the like. In certain embodiments, a powder inclusive lacquer coating is used as an overcoat.
US08287697B2
A pyrolysis apparatus comprises a furnace (1) operating by fluidized bed combustion, a pyrolyzer (4) and flow paths, which connect the furnace (1) and the pyrolyzer (4) for arranging the circulation (C) of carrier material of the fluidized bed combustion between the furnace and the pyrolyzer .The apparatus also comprises a supply inlet (14) for supplying fuel to be pyrolyzed to the pyrolyzer (4), fluidizing gas supply means (5) arranged in the pyrolyzer for fluidizing the mixture of carrier material and fuel, and an outlet (6) for taking condensible gaseous substances separated from the fuel to be pyrolyzed out of the pyrolyzer (4), and a condenser for condensing the condensible gaseous substances. The carrier material circulation is arranged at the furnace (1) by a cocurrent principle along the flow path of hot flue gases, which comprises a separator (3) located higher than the pyrolyzer (4), which separator is arranged to separate carrier material from flue gases, while the circulation also comprises a connecting conduit (11) between the separator (3) and the pyrolyzer (4) for moving the carrier material by gravity to the pyrolyzer (4), and a return path (12) between the pyrolyzer (4) and the furnace (1) for returning the carrier material to the furnace (1). The outlet (6) is arranged in the chamber formed by the pyrolyzer (4) in its upper part in a space above the fluidized mixture of carrier material and fuel in order to remove the condensible gaseous substances from the pyrolyzer.
US08287696B2
A new approach to the production of coke. In this process multiple optimized value streams are produced from a coke facility located at mine mouth or locally at an existing plant. As part of the process, lower cost Indiana/Illinois Basin-type coals are blended with conventional metallurgical coals. The blending process is optimized to meet coke quality requirements and simultaneously to obtain a pyrolysis gas composition suitable for production of ancillary products including liquid transportation fuels, fertilizer, hydrogen, and electricity. By using lower cost Indiana/Illinois Basin coal it is possible to reduce net coal costs. This process provides a new direction and approach for the production of coke in the future that optimizes value over multiple product streams while reducing both business and technological risk.
US08287694B2
An embossing system for embossing at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having male embossing elements, a second embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the first and second embossing rolls define a first nip for receiving the web, and a third embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the second and third embossing rolls define a second nip for receiving the web, and wherein at least a substantial portion of the embossing elements of at least one of the first, second, and third embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction.
US08287690B2
The present invention provides methods for deinking printed waster paper—particularly methods that use a deinking composition that includes a hydrophobically-modified inorganic particle (“MIP”) to improve ink collection efficiency under traditional alkaline, reduced alkali, and true neutral deinking conditions. Deinking compositions are provided that include a hydrophobically-MIP substrate, a nonionic surfactant, and a fatty acid, or mixtures thereof. The improved ink collection of the present invention can result in deinked pulp of high quality and/or yields that has excellent brightness and effective residual ink concentrations (“ERIC”) values.
US08287688B2
A high throughput chemical treatment system for processing a plurality of substrates is described. The chemical treatment system is configured to chemically treat a plurality of substrates in a dry, non-plasma environment. A substrate support in the chemical treatment system is configured to support a plurality of substrates.
US08287683B2
A holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.
US08287675B2
A tire manufacturing method includes a method for optimizing the uniformity of a tire by reducing the after cure radial force variation. The after cure radial force variation vector is modeled as a vector sum of each of the vectors representing contributions arising from the tire building steps—the “tire room effect vector” and a vector representing contributions arising from the vulcanization and uniformity measurement steps—the “curing room effect vector.” In further detail, both the tire room and curing room effect vectors can be further decomposed into sub-vectors representing each radial force variation contribution for which a measurable indicator is available. For a series of tires, the method obtains such measurements as the before cure radial runout (RRO) at one or more stages of the building sequence, measurements of loading angles on the tire building equipment, and measurements made during vulcanization process.
US08287671B2
A fire retardant thermally insulative, vandalism and damage resistant panel for the building exteriors includes a relatively low density foam layer having relatively high thermal resistivity, a relatively high density foam layer having relatively high impact strength and resistance to bending facingly contacting the low density foam layer, a porous fabric contacting the high density foam layer at a surface thereof facing oppositely from the low density foam, and a weather resistant, water impermeable exterior layer contacting the fabric at a surface facing in a direction opposite from where the high density foam contacts the fabric, where the high density foam substantially occupies at least parts of some of the pores of the fabric and the exterior layer material substantially occupies at least parts of at least some of the pores of the fabric such that sufficient pores of the fabric are filled with the high density foam, the exterior surface material and chemical reaction products thereof to create a bond between the exterior surface material and the high density foam.
US08287659B2
A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 poly phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
US08287655B2
A method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces using a cleaning device, such as a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device has a handle unit which is attached to the body of the cleaning device adjacent a filter compartment. The handle unit has a handle portion that is spaced from the filter compartment to allow a user to place his or her hand through the space and grasp the handle portion and thereby carry the cleaning device using only the handle unit. The handle unit can also be detached from the body of the cleaning device, and then later re-attached, via lockable mating connecting elements.
US08287653B2
A method of debris removal is provided. The method includes positioning a nanometer-scaled tip adjacent to a piece of debris on a substrate. The method also includes adhering the piece of debris to the tip. In addition, the method also includes removing the piece of debris from the substrate by moving the tip away from the substrate.
US08287652B2
The invention relates to an improved nanofiltration process of recovering xylose from a solution of a plant-based biomass hydrolysate. The process of the present invention is based on the regulation of the xylose flux in the nanofiltration process.
US08287639B2
A method for improving air entrainment comprising the steps of: providing a compound selected from an amphoteric, an alkyl polyglycoside, an ester, a triglyceride, a triglyceride derivative, a fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated polyhydric fatty alcohol, and mixtures thereof; dispersing the compound on a finely particulate carrier to form a treated carrier; and adding the treated carrier to a cementitious mixture is provided. A composition for improving air entrainment, including a compound selected from an amphoteric, an alkyl polyglycoside, an ester, a triglyceride, a triglyceride derivative, a fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated polyhydric fatty alcohol, and mixtures thereof, wherein the compound is dispersed on an organic particulate carrier and added to a cementitious mixture, is also provided. The composition may be incorporated into a concrete structure.
US08287637B2
Core-shell nanoscale pigment particles include a core organic pigment composition including nanoscale particles of organic pigments, and a shell layer of surface-deposited silica, where the organic pigment particles are selected from azo-type pigment particles, azo laked pigment particles, quinacridone pigment particles, phthalocyanine pigment particles, and mixtures thereof. The core-shell nanoscale pigment particles can also include an organic primer layer covering the core and located between the core and the shell layer. The core-shell nanoscale pigment particles can be made by preparing a core composition including nanoparticles of organic pigments, and encapsulating the core with shell layer of surface-deposited silica and an optional organic primer layer located between the core and the shell layer.
US08287635B2
An asphalt mix comprising a pine extract, the asphalt mix having low viscosity at ambient temperatures, and workable at ambient temperatures. The asphalt mix comprises asphalt cement, biodiesel, pine extract and an anti-stripping agent. The asphalt mix is an environmentally safe and “green” product. It comprises recycled asphalt product. The asphalt mix eliminates petroleum solvents beyond trace amounts used to denature biodiesel. The asphalt mix is used for patching at ambient temperatures. Safety precautions for heat and toxicity are not necessary for use. The asphalt mix comprises only solvents that are biodegradable. The biodegradable solvents are pine extract and biodiesel.A method of manufacturing an asphalt mix comprising: heating aggregate; introducing RAP to the aggregate; dry mixing the RAP and aggregate; forming a coating of AC on all aggregate during the step of dry mixing by extending the length in time of the dry mixing step; separately blending AC, biodegradable solvents, and anti-stripping agent to produce a blend; and wet mixing the blend into the RAP and aggregate mix. The biodegradable solvents are capable of making the asphalt mix workable at ambient temperatures. The biodegradable solvents comprise pine extract and biodiesel. The length of the dry mixing is extended to at least about 35 seconds. The aggregate comprises coarse virgin aggregate and fine virgin aggregate. The RAP is about 40% of the final product. The asphalt mix is stockpiled. The asphalt mix is bagged. The method of manufacturing further comprises manipulating encrusted material on the outside of the stockpiled cold asphalt mix back into the stockpile.
US08287633B2
In one aspect of the present system and method, a pigment-based ink includes an acidic pigment-based ink formulation, and a pigment load less than 5 weight percent, where an amphoteric dispersant maintains the pigment distributed in the acidic pigment-based ink formulation, wherein the amphoteric dispersant has an isoelectric point, and wherein the amphoteric dispersant has a higher isoelectric point than the pH of the acidic pigment-based ink formulation.
US08287625B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for treating landfill gas using landfill leachate. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes receiving landfill leachate from at least one of a plurality of sources, and pretreating the landfill leachate to adjust at least one chemical property of at least one component of the landfill leachate. The leachate contacts landfill gas, so that at least one component of the landfill gas chemically reacts with at least one component of the landfill leachate to form a spent landfill leachate and a treated landfill gas. The method also includes recycling a first portion of the spent landfill leachate, recirculating a second portion of the spent landfill leachate to at least one of the plurality of sources, and subjecting the treated landfill gas to flare.
US08287624B2
An air elutriation device for an air conveying household appliance includes a housing with an air elutriation zone delimited by a filter element, a detection element in a storage space for the filter element, and a cover sheet on the filter element. The detection element can be actuated via the filter element by the cover sheet.
US08287615B2
A high-strength composition iron powder is prepared by mixing an iron base powder with 0.5 to 3.0 mass % of an Fe—Mn powder having a particle diameter of 45 μm or less and a Mn content in the range of 60 to 90 mass %, 1.0 to 3.0 mass % of a Cu powder, 0.3 to 1.0 mass % of a graphite powder, and 0.4 to 1.2 mass % of a powder lubricant for die-forming while adjusting the ratio of the amount of Mn contained in the Fe—Mn powder to the amount of the Cu powder in the range of 0.1 to 1. The high-strength composition iron powder is press-formed and sintered at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of Cu to produce a high-strength sintered part having a tensile strength of 580 MPa or higher without using expensive alloying elements such as Ni and Mo.
US08287613B2
Gas-solids separator comprises a tubular housing, an inlet for introducing a gas-solids mixture at one end of said housing, which inlet is executed such that it imparts a swirl to the gas-solids mixture, a solids outlet opening at the opposite end of said housing, and a co-axially positioned tubular gas outlet conduit placed at an end of said housing, which separator further comprises a vortex stabilizer, comprising a pin placed on a stabilizing plate, in which separator the pin runs along the axis of the tubular housing and in which a passageway is provided through the stabilizer plate and the pin.
US08287604B2
A capacitor includes a plurality of nanochannels formed in a dielectric material. A conductive film is formed over interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and a charge barrier is formed over the conductive film. An electrolytic solution is disposed in the nanochannels. An electrode is coupled to the electrolytic solution in the nanochannels to form the capacitor.
US08287596B1
A surgical barrier to be introduced during spinal fusion surgery in order to protect a specified area of the patient from adverse effects associated with surgical techniques. A method of using the surgical barrier including: establishing an operative corridor to a target surgical site; introducing a spinal fusion implant into the through said operative corridor, the fusion implant including fusion-enhancing material; introducing at least a portion of an intraoperative surgical barrier through the operative corridor to the surgical target site, the intraoperative surgical barrier including an expandable seal member; and expanding the expandable seal member to establish a barrier between the fusion implant and at least a portion of the surgical target site and the operative corridor.
US08287589B2
The invention provides a process by which tubular tissue supports (stents) can be removed from hollow organs of humans or of animals after heating to a temperature below the transition temperature Ttrans until softening occurs.
US08287585B2
A method and apparatus provide techniques for stenting ostial legions and other restenosis in vessels through a stenting apparatus that includes both a guidewire and a separate marker wire. In some examples, the marker wire is threaded through a tubular body of the stenting apparatus and in other examples, the marker wire may be threaded externally through the tubular body. In both such examples, the marker wire may be aligned with a radiopaque marker of the apparatus to guide marker wire positioning.
US08287581B2
Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.
US08287572B2
A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine.
US08287571B2
A dynamic stabilization apparatus comprises elongated members mounted within the proximal end of anchoring devices that are placed in adjacent vertebral bodies. A flexible element having elastic properties within the applicable range of loading, for example loads that the spine experiences, is disposed between the proximal ends of the elongated members. At least one additional flexible element is mounted about the proximal ends of the elongated members adjacent the central flexible element. A housing encapsulates the proximal ends of the members such that the flexible element and the additional flexible elements are contained therein. As compressive, tensile, angular, shear and rotational forces are applied to the elongated members the central flexible element and the additional flexible elements interact with the elongated members and the housing to allow for motion of the elongated members.
US08287562B2
Disclosed is a swallowable self-expanding gastric space occupying device and related methods of making and using the device to control obesity. The device has a membrane through which gastric liquid can pass, wherein the membrane provides an enclosure volume separated from the gastric environment by the membrane. A plurality of self-expanding components is contained in the enclosure volume, so that the components expand in volume upon contact with the gastric fluid, thereby expanding the device from an unexpanded volume to an expanded volume. Composite membranes provide the ability to precisely control how and when the membrane degrades in the stomach, to release the self-expanding components from the enclosure and to ensure that the released pieces are sufficiently small to not obstruct any portion of the gastro-intestinal system.
US08287549B2
An instrument for handling a joint component of a joint prosthesis, which joint component includes a joint surface, includes a grip portion, a suction element in the form of a suction cup with an air-vent opening, the suction cup being placeable in a sealing manner against the joint surface, and a pressure-relief valve associated with the air-vent opening of the suction cup. The pressure-relief valve is coupled to an actuating element which is arranged so as to be movable in the region of the grip surface of the grip portion and, when gripped with one hand, is actuatable with a finger or the thumb of that hand, so that on actuation of the actuating element the valve is lifted away from the air-vent opening.
US08287536B2
The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly for use with a forceps. The end effector assembly includes a pair of jaw members and a cutting element. The pair of jaw members having at least one jaw member that is moveable relative to the other from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue. Each of the jaw members includes a cutting channel that is defined therein and extends therealong. The cutting element includes a fixed end and a movable end. The fixed end is disposed within the cutting channel of one of the jaw members and the moveable end is disposed within the cutting channel of the other of the jaw member. The cutting element defines a movable cutting loop disposed between the cutting channels and between the fixed end and the movable end. The cutting loop has an arcuate portion that is reciprocatable to cut tissue.
US08287532B2
A catheter adapted for mapping and ablating epicardial tissue from the pericardial cavity includes a catheter body and an electrode assembly that has a tip section and a loop member lying generally within a plane, wherein the tip section includes an ablation electrode exposed on one side of the loop member and an insulation member exposed on an opposite side of the loop member. The catheter also includes a intermediate section between the catheter body and the electrode assembly, wherein the intermediate deflects the loop member and the tip section bi-directionally within the same plane. So arranged, the catheter can be safely maneuvered in the pericardial sac and swept in a side to side motion over the epicardium with the ablation electrode reliably facing and making contact with the epicardium. The tip section can include a balloon that is inflatable to push away surrounding pericardial tissue. The catheter may further include an injection needle whose distal end can extend outside of the tip section to puncture epicardial tissue. A lumen in the injection needle allows for delivery to agents directly to the punctured tissue and thermocouple wires can be carried in the lumen for temperature sensing at the treatment site.
US08287530B2
The invention features compact apparatuses useful in electrosurgery. The compact apparatuses have a housing having a cavity, an electrosurgical system located within the cavity, the electrosurgical system having optionally a monopolar output system, optionally a bipolar output system, optionally an argon plasma coagulation output system, a processor located within the cavity, the processor operatively coupled to each output system of the electrosurgical system to control outputs generated by each output system, optionally a high frequency generator located within the cavity and operatively coupled to the processor; and a gas canister holder and control system located within the cavity of the housing for receiving a gas canister within the cavity of the housing.
US08287527B2
An apparatus for calibrating a microwave energy delivery device including a body, the body defining a chamber portion. The chamber portion is configured to receive a portion of a microwave energy delivery device and the body is configured to absorb energy transmitted by the microwave energy delivery device at a predetermined absorption rate.
US08287521B2
A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.
US08287517B2
A connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
US08287507B2
A reduced pressure apparatus includes a first casing portion and a second casing portion slidably coupled to the first casing portion such that the first casing portion is compressible into a plurality of positions relative to the second casing portion. The plurality of positions includes a fully compressed position and a fully uncompressed position. An indicator is disposed on at least one of the first casing portion and the second casing portion, the indicator being exposed when the first casing portion is in the fully uncompressed position.
US08287506B2
A non-invasive tissue oxygenation system for accelerating the healing of damaged tissue and to promote tissue viability is disclosed herein. The system is comprised of a lightweight portable electrochemical oxygen concentrator, a power management system, microprocessors, memory, a pressure sensing system, a temperature monitoring system, oxygen flow rate monitoring and control system, a display screen and key pad navigation controls as a means of providing continuous variably controlled low dosages of oxygen to a wound site and monitoring the healing process. A kink resistant oxygen delivery tubing, whereby the proximal end is removably connected to the device and the distal end with holes or a flexible, flat, oxygen-permeable tape is positioned on the wound bed as a means of applying oxygen to the wound site. The distal end of the tube is in communication with the electrochemical oxygen concentrator and wound monitoring system to communicate temperature and oxygen partial pressure information. A moisture absorbent dressing is positioned over the distal end of the tubing on the wound site and a reduced moisture vapor permeable dressing system is positioned whereby covering the moisture absorbent dressing, distal end of tubing and wound site creating a restricted airflow enclosure. The restricted airflow enclosure allows the out-of-the-way control and display unit to provide a controlled hyperoxia and hypoxia wound site for accelerated wound healing.
US08287505B2
A dispensing tip apparatus for an eye drop dispenser to administer topical ophthalmic solutions is described. The apparatus integrates an ophthalmic solution-dispensing tip with an optical gauging assembly. The tip provides continuous visual feedback about it orientation and relationship to the eye. The dispensing tip when attached to any standard topical ophthalmic solution dispensing bottle or reservoir enables the user to view a target, visually align the dispenser tip, and administer an eye drop with precision. There is also a visual feedback by which the dispenser tip is prevented from gaining too close proximity and contacting the eye, thus preventing contamination of the medication and its dispenser. The visual feedback can also contain textual or graphic information that serves as a promotional advertisement. The is assembly can be attached to the neck of an eye drop bottle or attached to the tip of an eye drop bottle.
US08287480B2
A hemodialysis apparatus includes a blood processing machine, a blood circuit through which blood led from a patient flows, a blood pump attached to the blood circuit to pump blood, a dialysate circuit, a clamp disposed downstream of the blood pump for the blood circuit to block the blood circuit, a blood pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of a part of the blood circuit between the blood pump and the blocker, and a control unit connected with the blood pump and the blood pressure sensor. The control unit is configured to determine, based on the pressure detected by the blood circuit pressure detector, whether or not the blood circuit has encountered abnormal conditions while the blood circuit blocked by the clamp is filled with liquid by the blood pump (steps SA2, SA3, and SA5).
US08287474B1
A noninvasive treatment to increase the elasticities of arteries and veins in arms, legs, hands and feet, to reduce heart workload, to increase whole body blood flow, to supply an increased amount of oxygen and nutrients throughout the cardiovascular system and increase the rate of removal of cell waste products, to treat many medical conditions so that symptoms are eliminated or minimized due to improved performance of the body. The noninvasive treatment includes using a vacuum pressure and air pressure system to perform the above, and to passively exercise muscles of arms, legs, hands and feet in a chamber, and is suited for patients who are unable to engage in sufficient exercise on their own.
US08287464B2
A metal needle is obtained by being dipped in a liquid selected from the group consisting of a strong acid solution of a metal, acetic acid, and butyl acetate, and then dried. Preferably, the strong acid solution of a metal to be used in the dipping treatment may be a nitric acid solution of a metal selected from the group consisting of a transition element, a lanthanoid, and an actinoid, for example, a nitric acid solution of a metal selected from the group consisting of palladium, gadolinium, germanium, beryllium, strontium, scandium, and samarium. The metal needle is a metal needle for insertion into the body that can be reliably imaged even when a general-purpose ultrasound imaging system is used, and thus is useful in confirming insertion of the needle into a blood vessel and arrival of the needle at an organ, and confirming the position of the needle when it is broken.
US08287460B2
An apparatus and associated method for collecting data for a sleep study. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to collect data relating to a parameter of a user of the apparatus over a period of time, and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is adapted to: (a) receive configuration information specifying a predetermined amount of valid data that is required for a sleep study to be deemed valid, (b) receive the data relating to the parameter and determine an amount of the received data that is valid, and (c) cause a study status indicator to be output by the apparatus based on the amount of the received data that is determined to be valid and the predetermined amount specified in the configuration information.
US08287455B2
An ultrasonic image scanning system for scanning an organic object by projecting ultrasound signals with a transmit carrier frequency. The ultrasonic image scanning system includes a switching mode power supply operated with a programmable clock in synchronization with the transmit carrier frequency. The switching mode power supply further provided with circuits for generating a low voltage and a high voltage. The ultrasonic image scanning system further includes transducers for projecting ultrasound signals wherein the transducers are connected to and electrically excited by the high voltage generated by the switching mode power supply. The switching mode power supply further includes a DC-to-DC switcher having an external clock input for clock synchronization. The programmable clock further provided for receiving a user command to operate with the switching mode power supply in synchronization with the transmit carrier frequency
US08287451B2
A flexible biomonitor comprises: a flexible substrate having a circuit apparatus, a hybrid sensor, a plurality of IC devices, a central processing module, a RF transmitter circuit, an antenna, and a power supply. Thereupon the flexible biomonitor can be plastered on the skin where the human body needs to be monitored to achieve the purposes of reducing occupied area, providing comfortable wear and achieve compactness, module expansion and EMI shielding. Besides, it is capable of remote real-time monitoring this signal to achieve the purpose of home care.
US08287443B2
To stabilize the air flow forming an air curtain, a thermotherapy device (1) is provided with air outlet ducts (3) extending at the edge of the reclining surface (2) and with two opposite limiting walls (6, 6′). Each of the two opposite limiting walls (6, 6′) is arranged corresponding to the duct width for outflowing air. At least one limiting wall (6, 6′) of at least one air outlet duct (3) is provided with a cylinder (5, 5′) extending in the direction of flow of the air outlet duct (3) and in parallel to the reclining surface (2) at the discharge-side end, wherein the cylinder (5, 5′) has a diameter corresponding to 0.005 to 0.2 times the duct width of the air outlet duct (3). According to a variant, at least one limiting wall (6, 6′) of at least one air outlet duct (3) is provided with at least one inner wall (81, 82, 83, 84) forming a nozzle at the discharge-side end. The distance between the limiting wall (6, 6′) and the inner wall (81, 82, 83, 84) forming a nozzle with the limiting wall (6, 6′) is 0.01 to 0.5 times the duct width of the air outlet duct (3).
US08287437B1
A pad system for using in training for martial arts is disclosed, and includes a long chamber having a first flexible sheath that surrounds a first cushioning pad made with a relatively rigid and firm foam material to prevent penetration and deflection thereof. A short chamber includes a second flexible sheath that surrounds a second cushioning pad of a second firmness less than the firmness of the first cushioning pad. The short chamber is fixed with the long chamber, such that side edges of each chamber are substantially mutually aligned and such that top and bottom edges of the long chamber overhang top and bottom edges of the short chamber, respectively, thereby defining overlapping volumes having a pair of handles situated therein and fixed to either of the chambers.
US08287436B2
A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
US08287435B2
A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.
US08287431B2
When shifting an automatic transmission into a higher gear, it is determined that an inertia phase has started when an input rotation speed of the automatic transmission has started to decrease. Here, if throttle opening amount reduction control is being performed to reduce the output torque of the engine when it is determined that the inertia phase has started, it is highly likely that that determination is erroneous because that control causes the input rotation speed of the automatic transmission (i.e., the engine speed) to decrease. When it is highly likely that the determination that the inertia phase has started is erroneous in this way, learning of a hydraulic pressure command value is prohibited. As a result, erroneous learning of the hydraulic pressure command value can be prevented.
US08287430B2
A method for operating a drive train in a motor vehicle with a dual mass flywheel driven by an internal combustion engine via a crankshaft and at least a transmission input shaft of a transmission that can be coupled with an output part of the dual mass flywheel. Between the input part and output part a hysteresis-laden damping device is effective, which influences engine torque output from the internal combustion engine and load torque transmitted to at least a transmission input shaft through the hysteresis characteristic. To eliminate the disturbances caused by the dual mass flywheel a state model constantly determines rotation speeds of the input part and of the output part and depending on a differential angle determined from the rotation speeds and from the characteristic numbers of the damping device, a characteristic disturbance torque for influencing at least the load torque is determined in real time.
US08287421B2
A transmission, including a gear-train and an outer housing enclosing the gear-train, the outer housing including a torque reacting joint coupling a first section of the transmission to a second section of the outer housing, the torque reacting joint including mating indents between the first and second sections.
US08287417B2
A differential device for a vehicle includes a differential casing 15, pinion shafts 25, 27 connected to through-holes of the differential casing 15, pinion gears 3 supported by the pinion shafts 25, 27, a differential mechanism 9 having side gears 5, 7 meshing with the pinion gears 3, a limited-slip differential 11 for limiting a differential rotation of the differential mechanism 9 and an actuator 13 for controlling the limited-slip differential 11. A ring gear is fixed on a flange part 17 of the differential casing 15. The flange part 17 is positioned on one side of the differential casing 15 in an axial direction of the differential casing disproportionately. The actuator 13 is arranged so as to abut on the flange part 17. The differential casing 15 is divided into casing pieces by a parting part 19 on one side of the differential casing 15 in opposition to the flange part 17 in the axial direction. The casing pieces are connected with each other by connecting members 21.
US08287412B2
The present invention makes it possible to implement various stepped gear modes and a compound split type hybrid mode in a relatively simple structure using two planetary gear sets and two motor generators, reduce fuel consumption of a vehicle in a relatively large section, minimize fuel consumption at a high speed by implementing an overdrive stepped gear mode, and improve acceleration performance and gradient performance of the vehicle by implementing an underdrive stepped gear mode.
US08287411B2
A hybrid transmission device for a hybrid powertrain system having an integrated torque machine to transfer power among an input member, the torque machine and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable states is operative in a plurality of fixed gear states, a continuously variable state, and a torque machine state.
US08287405B1
The Batting Machine is a device used during baseball practice to help players develop a level and more powerful swing. It is composed of a batting post with an attached target pad which is attached to a base frame by a pivot rod and a pneumatic retracting mechanism. The frame works to keep balance and control of the moving parts. The batting post operates as you swing and hit the pad connected to it. Once the batting post is hit it will move back and downward between the frames legs where a rubber band strap restrains it from going any further. Then the pneumatic retracting mechanism connecting the frame and the batting post returns the batting post to the starting position where it is ready to be struck again.
US08287404B2
The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.
US08287397B2
The present invention is an instructional golf device allowing a golfer to bring a golf club back correctly. The device is portable, can be used on level or rough terrain and on a variety of surfaces including grass, artificial ground, or even concrete or pavement. The golfer can hear the device make a sound when the golf club follows the correct path during the back swing.
US08287396B1
A golf swing training device has a base with a top side and a bottom side, where at least one ground anchor extends from the base away from the bottom side to engage the ground. The base also has at least one substantially horizontal indicator rod on the top side thereof, where the rod has a proximal end fixed to the base and a distal end extending from the base, where the rod has transverse sides, where the rod is configured to vibrate in a generally horizontal plane. The golf swing training device additionally has at least one bumper on the base on either side of the substantially horizontal indicator rod, where the horizontal indicator rod is configured to vibrate or move between the bumpers in a transverse horizontal direction where range of horizontal direction is limited by the bumpers.
US08287394B2
A seat assembly comprises a plurality of stabilizing members mounted to a base. A passenger support member is moveably mounted along the plurality of stabilizing members. A plurality of spaced apart inflatable actuators are drivingly connected to the passenger support member.
US08287393B2
An inner seal is provided for protecting a CV joint boot for a CV joint. The CV joint includes a bearing, a back sealing means and a front can. The bearing operatively connects a first shaft and a second shaft. The bearing has an inner race and an outer race and has a front and a back. The first shaft is connected to the inner race. The second shaft is connected to the outer race. The front can is connected to the outer race. The back sealing means seals against leakage of lubricant from the back of the bearing. The inner seal comprises an inner seal body having a front can sealing portion for sealing with the front can to inhibit the migration of lubricant from the bearing therebetween. The inner seal body has a shaft sealing portion for sealing with the first shaft to inhibit the migration of lubricant from the bearing therebetween. The inner seal body has a shield portion that extends between the front can sealing portion and the shaft sealing.
US08287391B2
A torsional vibration damper, comprising at least two components which can be rotated counter to the resistance of at least one helical spring or bow spring precurved toward the rotational axis for compression of the at least one bow spring during a relative rotation among the components. The at least one bow spring is provided with support in the circumferential direction across the outside diameter thereof on a sliding shell. In order to reduce friction, the outside diameter of the at least one bow spring has a distance from the inside diameter of the sliding shell.
US08287389B2
An arc spring damper, including: a plurality of arc springs, a driving flange having a plurality of driving spring segment, a driven flange having a plurality of driven spring segments, and a ring plate including a plurality of radially extending retention segments. Each arc spring in the plurality of arc springs includes a passageway with first and second openings at first and second longitudinal ends, respectively, for the arc spring. Each driving spring segment includes a circumferentially extending driving portion and each driven spring segment includes a circumferentially extending driven portion. For each spring, a respective driving portion passes through the first opening into the passageway and a respective driven portion passes through the second opening into the passageway. Each radially extending segment from the plurality of radially extending segments is connected to and rotatable with a spring from the plurality of arc springs and radially restrains the arc spring.
US08287385B2
In a game device (200), a storage unit (201) stores a position of a player character, a position of an enemy character, and candidate positions for new enemy character appearance. A measuring unit (202) measures an elapsed time from the start of the game. The calculating unit (203) calculates a reference distance for determining a position where the new enemy character is to be produced based on the elapsed time measured by the measuring unit (202). The reference distance monotonically increases with respect to the elapsed time measured by the measuring unit (202). When a new enemy character is to be produced in the game, an appearance setting unit (204) selects from among the candidates stored in the storage unit (201) the candidate having a distance to the player character that is closest to the reference distance, and sets the selected position as the appearance position of the new enemy character.
US08287381B2
A system, apparatus and method for dependency verification of content distributed to a gaming machine is described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, over a network and into a gaming machine, data that includes a software component. The method also includes verifying that the gaming machine includes the version or the range of versions of a component, upon determining that the software component is dependent on a version or a range of versions of the component that is part of the gaming machine.
US08287377B2
A movement direction calculating apparatus including a processor executing instructions for: obtaining acceleration data output from the multi-axis acceleration sensor during each of successive intervals; determining a movement period as a period during a movement of the input device wherein the determination is based on the obtained acceleration data; calculating a plurality of difference vectors each representing a difference between a pair of acceleration vectors corresponding to acceleration data, wherein each of the acceleration vectors is a vector whose components are acceleration values with respect to a plurality of axes of acceleration values corresponding to axes indicated by the acceleration data; summing the difference vectors to calculate a direction vector, wherein each of the difference vectors is assigned a weight depending on a magnitude of the difference vector, and designating as the movement direction a direction indicated by the direction vector.
US08287375B2
The present invention relates to gaming apparatus (100) and methods (300) applicable to gaming apparatuses and systems. In particular a password entry method (300) and system (600) for authenticating a player's identity is disclosed in which a user's password can be defined using a set of elements (402) including a plurality of images (404) such as symbols or pictures.
US08287374B2
Disclosed herein are new forms of computer inputs particularly using TV cameras, and providing affordable methods and apparatus for unique game play, such as rear projection devices for pinball and common board games using machine vision to determine the location of objects and/or features of objects. Particular embodiments employing fast and reliable acquisition and tracking of game related objects and their motion are disclosed, together with numerous applications. Also disclosed are related embodiments for instrumentation and control systems, such as those used in homes and cars.
US08287373B2
Methods and systems for interfacing a control device with a computer program executing at a base computing device are presented. The method generates a visual cue at a spherical section of the control device and captures an image of the visual cue using an image capture device connected to the base computing device. Further, the method determines whether the visual cue is user feedback or input for the computer program, and processes the visual cue at the base computing device when the visual cue is an input. Additionally, a state of an object being processed is updated by the computer program in response to the input to drive interactivity with the computer program via the control device.
US08287372B2
An interactive toy system comprising a toy and a display configured to exhibit an electronic image associated with the toy. The system also includes a console configured to control the image exhibited by the display. Further, an adapter is configured to form a communication link between the toy and the console.
US08287365B2
A method of gaming comprises initiating a jackpot event responsive to receiving an event trigger; determining whether to award a prize to a player in the jackpot event, the probability of awarding the prize in the jackpot event being dependent on a value of a jackpot evaluation parameter accumulated over a plurality of games; and awarding the prize in response to making a positive determination.
US08287352B2
A gaming apparatus performs a gaming method with a symbol display system for a wagering game, a processor controlling the symbol display system and software executed by the processor, has software perform electronic functions of: a) providing a method of value crediting and debiting system; b) providing a game control component that determines rules of play of a game; c) providing activation of selection from virtual spinners that have individual game determinant outcomes or individual symbol determinant outcomes mathematically distributed within the virtual outcome determinant space of the virtual spinner; d) providing a file of images available for display on the symbol display system; e) the software randomly accessing the predetermined weighted portions of the outcome determinant space to select individual symbols, sets of symbols or collective symbols for use in the game; f) determining game outcomes; and g) resolving all value placed at risk in the play of the game.
US08287351B2
A lottery game system and methodology incorporates a terminal-based game component and a subsequent interactive-based game component. A player is provided access and is entitled to participation in the interactive-based game component as a function of a winning outcome in the terminal-based game component. The interactive-based game component may incorporate a wagering function.
US08287348B2
A gaming method for providing a poker-style game on a gaming device includes selecting at least one player card to form at least part of a player hand, selecting at least one machine card to form at least part of a machine hand. A prize schedule payable to the player if the player were to win a completed hand is calculated based on the selected cards. The player decides whether to continue play of the game utilizing their hand, after being provided with the calculated prize schedule.
US08287347B2
A playing card gaming system is disclosed that provides the player with an opportunity to withdraw a game play decision that is less advantageous to a player than at least one other play decision. The system includes a player interface that displays a prompt when a less advantageous decision is made. The display may include an area that provides the dealer with a visual indication that the player is being asked to confirm an election. A card delivery system with a playing card information reader provides card information to the system. A game processor determines if player elections are disadvantageous.
US08287345B2
A computer-controlled system and method for providing information to selected players participating in an on-line poker game with other players, the selected players typically paying a fee for the service. A database of information is maintained pertaining to the play styles of all players, the database containing information gathered during both play in previous poker games even with different players and play in the poker game in progress. The poker game in progress is continuously analyzed with respect to both the cards as they are dealt and play of the players. Information is provided on the display unit of a selected player that pertains to predicted continued play of a hand as it develops, predicted betting of the other players, and advantageous betting by the selected player, the information provided being derived from the database that includes updates that are made as the game progresses. The kind of information that is provided when closed cards are dealt to the players before community cards are exposed is different from the kind of information provided when community cards are subsequently exposed.
US08287341B1
This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for executing asynchronous game play by a plurality of players in one or more game instances.
US08287333B2
Provided are a single type substrate treating apparatus and method. A polishing unit is disposed in a process chamber for polishing a substrate chemically and mechanically, and a cleaning unit is disposed in the same process chamber for cleaning the substrate. Therefore, according to the single substrate treating apparatus and method, a polishing process and a cleaning process can be performed on a substrate in the same process chamber by a single substrate treating method in which substrates are treated one by one.
US08287329B2
A grinding machine includes: a workhead (22) that rotatably supports a solid cylindrical or hollow cylindrical workpiece (W); a grinding wheel (43) that moves relative to the workhead (22) in a direction that intersects with a rotation axis of the workhead (22) to grind an outer peripheral surface of the workpiece (W); a measuring apparatus (50) that measures a position of an outer peripheral surface of the workpiece (W) corresponding to a rotation angle of the workhead (22); an outer peripheral surface shape calculation unit (64) that calculates an outer peripheral surface shape of the workpiece (W) on the basis of the position of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece (W) measured by the measuring apparatus (50) during grinding; and a grinding condition determination unit (65) that determines a condition of grinding, which is performed after measurement by the measuring apparatus (50), on the basis of the calculated outer peripheral surface shape of the workpiece (W).
US08287328B2
A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
US08287327B1
An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is provided which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks.
US08287313B2
Disclosed herein is a connection member for secondary batteries to achieve the electrical connection in a battery pack including two or more cylindrical secondary batteries in a physical contact manner, the connection member including an outer circumferential contact part contacting an electrode terminal of a lower battery cell along the outer circumferential region of the electrode terminal of the lower battery cell, such that the outer circumferential contact part can be electrically connected to the electrode terminal of the lower battery cell in a surface contact manner, for minimizing the change of resistance at the contact region against an external force and restraining a possibility that the electrode terminal of the lower battery cell is depressed, and a central contact part contacting an electrode terminal of an upper battery cell or the central region of a sidewall of the battery pack for providing an elastic contact force to the entire connection member mounted between the electrode terminals of the respective battery cells or between the electrode terminals of the battery cells and the sidewall of the battery pack.
US08287311B2
An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing, a plurality of conductive terminals, a fixing strip, a plurality of wires, and an upper shell, the dielectric housing having an upper face and a lower face opposite to the upper face, the upper face being provided with a plurality of terminal slots and recesses, the conductive terminals having a contact portion, a base portion, an engaged portion and received in the corresponding terminal slots, the engaged portion being engaged against the corresponding recesses, the fixing strip being transversally disposed on the upper face of the dielectric housing and across the conductive terminals and the terminal slots for securing the conductive terminals in the terminal slots, the wires respectively connecting with the base portions of the conductive terminals, and an upper shell is assembled on the dielectric housing above the fixing strip.
US08287309B1
A coaxial cable connector includes a terminal pin secured in a nut by an insulator inserted in a half-spool retainer, a cylindrical housing connected to the half-spool retainer that receives a terminal post having a flanged first end and a cylindrical body with an axial bore, a metal ferrule, a plastic sleeve and a retaining ring. The ferrule is positioned over the body of the terminal post to form an annular space, the plastic sleeve fits over the ferrule and the retaining ring fits into the end of the plastic sleeve. The center conductor of a prepared coaxial cable is inserted into the axial bore of the terminal post and the outer conductor is positioned in the annular space. The retaining ring is pressed into the plastic sleeve to connect the center conductor to the terminal pin, collapse the ferrule to form an electrical connection between the outer conductor and the housing through the metal ferrule and secure the coaxial cable and plastic sleeve in the housing.
US08287305B2
A “quick” receptacle system comprising a rough housing and duplex insert capable of being installed in minimal steps without multiple screws. Multiple top wire quick connects span a width of the rough housing attached to the rear, with each top wire quick connect further comprising a top stud hole defined therein open to the front and an interior means for conductively engaging wire conductors within the junction box. A conducting plate in contact with the interior means conductively connects each the top wire quick connects to a bottom-residing conductor point. Finally, a duplex insert having a duplex body is sized to be accommodated within the housing body of the rough housing multiple conducting studs projecting from a duplex rear of the duplex body, each conducting studs adapted to align and respectively seat within each the top stud hole of the rough housing.
US08287301B2
A socket terminal heat-dissipating mechanism is provided for use in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a frame and a casing. The socket terminal heat-dissipating mechanism includes a socket and an insulating layer. The socket is mounted in the frame of the electronic device, and includes a contact terminal. The insulating layer is arranged between the contact terminal and the casing of the electronic device, wherein heat energy is conducted from the contact terminal of the socket to the casing through the insulating layer, and passively dissipated away.
US08287285B2
A vehicle interior assembly includes an electronic sub-assembly and a conductive interior trim component at least partially disposed about the electronic sub-assembly. The conductive interior trim component is electrically coupled to a conductive structure at a reference potential.
US08287283B2
A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.
US08287280B2
A method for instructing mathematics includes providing a work surface to a visually impaired student; providing a plurality of movable elements for use in connection with the work surface, each of the movable elements comprising on a front surface thereof at least a portion of a visible mathematical symbol readable via eyesight, each of the movable elements further comprising Braille indicia on the front surface thereof corresponding to the at least a portion of the visible mathematical symbol, each of the moveable elements being movable to any position on the work surface; and having the student arrange a plurality of the moveable element on the work surface to form a standard mathematical expression wherein the mathematical expression comprises multiple lines set forth in a vertical arrangement.
US08287270B2
Methods and systems for producing thermoformed articles from pre-cut thermoformable billets are provided. The system may include a heating apparatus for heating the billets, a billet thermoformer for thermoforming the billet into an article, a discharge system for evacuated the formed articles from the thermoformer, and an inspection system for inspecting each of the formed articles for the presence of a defect. Conveyors and billet carriers are provided for transporting the billets between the various components of the system, and loaders are provided for loading the billets onto the conveyor and/or billet carriers.
US08287262B2
An apparatus (10) for forming a single extrudable food stream such as a cooked cereal dough into a plurality of differently colored and/or flavored dough streams is disclosed including an extruder (12) having screw augers (15) for advancing a plastic food mass, a head or manifold (118) for dividing the plastic food mass into a plurality of substreams each in turn in fluid communication with a plurality of sub-divided dough passageways, and a die head (30) having a plurality of die ports (40). Each subpassage is separately supplied an additive and has disposed therein a multiplicity of in-line static mixer elements (59) to admix the additive into the substreams of the plastic food mass before passage through the die ports (40). In a preferred form, first and second substreams are intermixed in a non-homogenous manner before reaching the exit ports (40). The extrudates are severed into individual pieces (158) by a rotary cutter (36).
US08287261B2
The present invention relates to a mold having a parting line along dimples which allows manufacturing of golf balls free from burrs, and to golf balls manufactured using such a mold. The mold of the present invention is provided with a spherical cavity inside thereof; and an upper mold and a lower mold separable from each other, wherein a plurality of convex portions for forming dimples is provided in the inner surface of the cavity, at least one of the plurality of convex portions lies over the equator of the cavity, a parting line, which corresponds to the boundary between the upper mold and the lower mold, extends along the inner surface of the cavity, the parting line comprises first lines extending along the peripheries of the convex portions lying over the equator and second lines connecting the first lines, and the first line is disposed apart from the periphery by a distance of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.
US08287241B2
A gas turbine blade having reduced stresses around a regions where the airfoil training edge joins the platform is disclosed. The lower stresses are achieved due to an undercut region proximate the blade trailing edge being placed in the platform. The undercut region has a compound fillet radius formed from two single and tangent radii where the first radius closer to the airfoil is larger than the second radius such that a ratio of R1/R2 is approximately 2.0 to 2.5.
US08287237B2
A pitch control system for blades on a rotor of an aircraft has a gimballing rotor hub (31) and a plurality of step-over arms (61) connected to the hub and capable of pivoting relative to the hub about a pivot axis. Each of a plurality of pitch links (55) connects one of the step-over arms (61) to a flight control system for pivoting the connected step-over arm (61) about the pivot axis and relative to the hub in response to inputs from the control system. Each of a plurality of step-over links (69) connects one of the step-over arms (61) to one of the blades for rotating the associated blade about the pitch axis in response to pivoting of the associated step-over arm.
US08287236B2
A multistage centrifugal compressor includes a rotary shaft, and multistage impellers attached to the rotary shaft. Each of the impellers includes a hub, a shroud and blades therebetween in a radial cascade arrangement. An annular suction passage for guiding the fluid flow from the inward radial direction to a blade inlet is disposed upstream of the centrifugal impeller. A diffuser is disposed downstream of the centrifugal impeller. A bend portion is disposed downstream of the diffuser, and a return channel with a guide blade portion is disposed downstream of the bend portion. The annular suction passage at a hub side includes an axial parallel portion.
US08287235B2
The invention relates to high-speed electrical submersible pumps used for hydrocarbons production from oil wells with high concentration of solids. The technical result such as a longer service life is achieved with the technical design, wherein the pump comprises: a housing with a head and a base, a compression nut, a shaft installed on a journal bearing, stages of impellers and spacers installed on the shaft, set of diffusers installed on the housing, wherein the diffusers and impellers are manufactured from a ceramic material. The preferable design has metal spacers between the diffusers, wherein the length of the diffuser spacer between the contact surfaces equals the distance between the impeller spacers.
US08287231B2
A pressure relief arrangement for a pump, which includes a pump housing assembly with a pumping chamber therein, is provided in the pump housing assembly of the pump and includes a section mounted for movement between a normal operating position and a venting position, further includes a shearing element adapted to retain the section in the normal operating position, the section being mounted such that upon pressure within the pumping chamber increasing to a specified level, the pressure acts on the section and the shearing element will fail thereby permitting movement of the section from the normal operating to the venting position.
US08287224B2
The disclosure depicts an apparatus and method for transferring beverage glasses from a first a beverage glass containment rack to an empty second beverage glass containment rack. Each rack includes side walls and a plurality of chambers arrayed within the perimeter. Each chamber of the rack is adapted to contain a beverage glass. The apparatus has side walls bearing edges adapted to engage the perimeter of the glass rack when in a mounted position. It also has a center divider within an interior of the apparatus and orthogonal its side walls. A plurality of ducts is arrayed within the side walls, each respective duct passing through and coupled to the center divider such that each respective duct is positioned to fit within a respective chamber when in the mounted position.
US08287221B1
A system for safe, efficient lifting of partially fabricated walls during light-frame construction. Such walls are built in a horizontal position and are manually rotated into a vertical position using a lifting apparatus mounted to one or more framing members of the wall. The lifting apparatus allows the wall to be positioned and held at an intermediate resting/safety point for protection of user during the lift. A method of use and kit comprising the lifting apparatus are also disclosed.
US08287215B2
A fully automatic key duplicating machine. A master key alignment module is movably disposed into and out of proximity with a master key clamping module, the master key being aligned by the alignment module within the master key clamping module. A master key identification module is disposed in fixed relation to the master key clamping module and identifies a type of key secured in the master key clamping module. A central positioning base is provided automatically movable into and out of engagement with the key cutting module and optionally the alignment module, adapted to move the master key alignment module into proximity with the master key clamping module and adapted to secure a key blank to be cut at the key cutting module in accordance with the tooth pattern of a clamped master key.
US08287209B2
Protective flood barrier system on the base of mobile protective flood barriers is offered. Each of these barriers comprises two or more filled elongate sleeves, a web, connecting theirs web and forming means. Envelops of said sleeves and said web are made from flexible impermeable material. These barriers are convenient for protection of separate houses, the extensive areas, as walls of a water basin. They allow reducing wind-induced waves and can be used for repair of earthen dams. The high-efficiency means accelerating installation of barriers are provided.
US08287207B2
A self-centering shaft adapter may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and an actuation mechanism, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw define an opening for receiving a shaft therein. The actuation mechanism may be able to exert a force upon the first jaw and the second jaw creating a movement in the first jaw and the second jaw in opposite directions. The movement of the first jaw and the second jaw may increase or decrease the size of the opening. In some cases, the opening may maintain a relatively constant center regardless of the size of the opening. In some cases, the actuation mechanism may be a wedge. In other cases, the actuation mechanism may be a double-threaded screw.
US08287204B2
An electronic pen comprises a user-replaceable cartridge having a nib, a force sensor for sensing a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge from the nib and a retraction mechanism for retracting the cartridge. The retraction mechanism comprises a barrel adapted for seating the cartridge in either an extended position or a retracted position, and a first biasing mechanism for biasing the cartridge towards the extended or retracted positions. A second biasing mechanism biases the barrel towards engagement with the force sensor.
US08287198B2
A roll paper printer having a cover movable between an open and closed position with the printer having hooks on locking levers disposed to the cover to hold the cover in the locked position upon engaging pins located on the printer body side and having an opening lever to unlock the cover. The printer also includes a paper cutter device having a stationary knife which is attached to the cover and contact plate parts which extend from the stationary knife for contacting the front panel part on the printer body and having extension springs disposed in tension for pulling the stationary knife towards the back of the printer such that upon closing the cover the contact plate parts push the cover to the front of the printer. This causes the hooks of the locking levers to press from the back against the engagement pins to eliminate any play in the cover when in cover is in the locked position and to assist in opening the cover when the cover opening lever is operated.
US08287197B2
An interchangeable lens which is removably mounted on a camera body including an image sensor includes a tilt unit configured to move a lens unit in a tilt direction with respect to the image sensor, a shift unit configured to move the lens unit in a shift direction with respect to the image sensor, a changing unit configured to change a relative angle between the shift unit and the tilt unit by relatively rotating the shift unit and the tilt unit, a detection unit configured to detect the relative angle, and a control unit configured to transmit to the camera body a detection result of the relative angle detected by the detection unit.
US08287193B2
An apparatus included in a lens barrel, includes a base member, a first lens unit which is movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the first lens, a second lens unit, attached to the first lens unit, and movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the second lens, and a plurality of rolling members sandwiched between the base member and the first lens unit, wherein a gap between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is adjustable, and wherein the gap between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is smaller and a gap between the first lens unit and the base member is larger in the photographable state as compared to the retracted state, and the rolling members do not contact the base member or the first lens unit in the retracted state.
US08287173B2
A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) for a vehicle (10) having a drivetrain (18) for rotating the drum (16) includes a wall (33) having an opening (67) and a hatch cover assembly (37/200) removably closing the opening. The hatch assembly (200) may include a hatch cover (202) coupled to a panel (204) by bolts (212).
US08287171B2
A display device includes a housing, a panel unit disposed in the housing, a light emitting diode module disposed between the housing and the panel unit, and a heat conducting layer. The light emitting diode module includes a circuit board, and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board includes a board body formed with a plurality of through holes, and a first conducting unit and a second conducting unit disposed on the board body. Each of the light emitting diodes has a bottom portion disposed in a respective one of the through holes, and is coupled between each conducting parts of the first and second conducting units. The heat conducting layer contacts the housing, contacting parts of the first and second conducting units, and the bottom portions of the light emitting diodes.
US08287169B2
The present invention provides a backlight capable of suppressing loss of light from an invisible light source and a displaying/imaging apparatus using the same. The backlight includes: a light guide plate having a light emitting face and a rear face opposed to the light emitting face; a visible light source disposed on a side face of the light guide plate; an invisible light source disposed on a side face of the light guide plate; a first reflection film disposed on the rear face side of the light guide plate, reflecting light from the visible light source, and transmitting light from the invisible light source; and a second reflection film disposed on the rear face side of the light guide plate and reflecting light from at least the invisible light source out of the visible light source and the invisible light source.
US08287166B2
A vehicle head lamp comprising a first low beam member including a first light source part; a second low beam member including a second light source part, wherein the first low beam member and the second low beam member are arranged in a vertical direction and are both reflective type; a first frame including a partition, the first frame supporting the first low beam member and the second low beam member, and the partition separating the first low beam member and the second low beam member; and a storage provided in a rear side of the partition, the storage accommodating the first and the second light source parts.
US08287164B2
An outside mirror lighting assembly (100) and method includes a housing (108) and a first glass panel (101) where one or more light emitting devices (107) are positioned at an edge of the first glass panel (101). Light rays from the at least one light emitting device (107) propagate within the glass panel for illumining its outer periphery. Words, logos, or other indicia (125) may be also be illuminated by direct or indirect light emitted into an etched area of the glass. The mirror assembly supplies a soft illuminated glow around the outer periphery and/or the indicia for proving a unique and pleasing appearance to the user.
US08287163B2
An automotive headlamp apparatus includes a light source for producing a high beam and a headlamp apparatus controller for controlling illumination from a light source. The headlamp apparatus controller divides a light distribution pattern of a high beam formed by illumination from the light source into a plurality of regions and controls illumination from each of the individual regions as divided so as to supplement a light distribution pattern of a low beam.
US08287151B2
An illumination apparatus comprises at least two illumination apparatus modules arranged abreast and a connecting element. Each illumination apparatus module includes a cover, a case, and an elastic fastener. A supporting portion is mounted on the case supporting the cover. The sidewall of the case has a first hole, and the supporting portion has a second hole. The elastic fastener is mounted on the second hole. The supporting portion supports the cover and fixes the cover on the case. The connecting element passing through the first holes of the two adjacent sidewalls of two illumination apparatus modules fixes and connects the two illumination apparatus modules together. By the first holes and the connecting element corresponding to the first holes, each illumination apparatus module combines mutually. The elastic fastener fixes the cover and the case together.
US08287144B2
The present invention relates to LED bar modules where the LED groups are placed at a pixel board. The present invention further concerns a method for calibration of LEDs. It is the object of the invention to achieve a highly efficient LED bar for generating a bar of light. A further object of the invention is to store calibration data for each LED both electrically and mechanically close to the actual LED. Preferably, the main printed circuit is placed inside a heat conductive tube, where the pixel board is placed outside the heat conductive tube in a longitudinal recess, where the main printed circuit is placed inside an isolation cover. Hereby, it is achieved that the LEDs are placed on the outside of the tube in a way where heat generated from the LEDs is conducted downwards to the tube. Inside the tube, the rest of the power electronics and also the light controlling electronics are placed.
US08287142B2
Apparatuses and methods for adapting unfinished lighting fixture rough-ins to receive a lighting module, such as an incandescent light bulb or a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting device, are disclosed. According to one aspect, a universal adapter is provided that can be inserted into an existing lighting fixture rough-in, secured in place, and electrically connected to the lighting fixture rough-in. In this way, the adapter stands in place of the finishing section typically used in current lighting fixture designs. As a result, the adapter can modify an unfinished lighting fixture so that it can be used with a variety of lighting elements beyond those designed to be used with the specific configuration of the lighting fixture rough-in.
US08287140B2
A projector includes: a light valve configured to modulate light emitted from a light source according to image information to form image light; a support and drive unit configured to support a projection lens for projecting the image light formed by the light valve such that the projection lens can be replaced, and shift a mounted lens as the supported projection lens in a first direction within a plane perpendicular to a system optical axis of the entire projector; and a control unit configured to determine information concerning an allowable range of the shift of the mounted lens in the first direction, and control the operation of the support and drive unit such that the shift of the mounted lens lies within the determined allowable range.
US08287138B2
First and second lamps 1, 2, first and second ellipsoidal mirrors 3, 4, first and second spherical mirrors 5, 6, and a plane mirror 7 are provided. The first spherical mirror 5 is provided on the same side as the first ellipsoidal mirror 3 with respect to the lamp 1, and the second spherical mirror 6 is provided on the opening side of the second ellipsoidal mirror 4 with respect to the second lamp 2, so that they reflect a respective part of light beams emitted from the first and second lamps toward the first and second ellipsoidal mirrors 3, 4. The first and second ellipsoidal mirrors are arranged such that the optical axes of their reflected light beams intersect with each other, so that they condense respective light beams emitted from the first and second lamps and respective light beams reflected at the first and second spherical mirrors 5 and 6. The plane mirror 7 reflects at a reflective film 7a, light beams condensed by the first ellipsoidal mirror 3, and transmits via a light-transmitting portion 5 where no reflective film is provided, light beams condensed by the second ellipsoidal mirror 4; accordingly, light beams emitted from the first and second lamps are combined so as to become light beams travelling coaxially and in the same direction. This can reduce the optical loss when combining light beams emitted from a plurality of lamps.
US08287131B2
A wavelength conversion laser is provided with a solid-state laser having a cavity, and a wavelength converting element arranged within the cavity. The solid-state laser includes two or more types of laser crystals and oscillates solid-state laser light of multiple wavelengths. The wavelength converting element converts the solid-state laser light of multiple wavelengths into light of second harmonic waves and sum-frequency wave of multiple wavelengths and simultaneously generates the second harmonic waves and sum-frequency wave of multiple wavelengths. The wavelength conversion laser outputs converted wavelength light having a broad spectral width and low coherency, thereby enabling it to carry out highly efficient and stable high-output oscillation.
US08287123B2
The present invention provides an eyeglass frame without nose pads that can adapt to difference in face size and can exert sufficient fixation force. A nose pad-less eyeglass frame 1 that is not provided with nose pads, wherein supporting members 3 for fixing an eyeglass frame to a face are attached on temples 2, and the supporting members 3 are movable in longitudinal directions of the temples 2 so that the positions of the supporting members 3 are adjustable.
US08287122B2
An image forming apparatus in which unintentional operation of the operation unit does not occur when sheets on which images have been formed or sheets prior to image forming or the like are placed on the top surface of the main body of the apparatus. The operation unit and a bearing are connected by a linking member. The operation unit can be disposed further forward than the carriage, so the distance between the operator and the operation unit is small, the operation is thereby made easier. The operation unit can be disposed closer to the center of the apparatus than the position of the carriage when it has moved as far as possible to the operation unit side, so the width of the whole recording apparatus can be made narrower. The operation unit rotates about a rotation shaft, so no matter what specific position the operation unit is located in, the operation unit is lower than the top surface of the apparatus main body. Therefore, when sheets on which images have been formed or sheets prior to image forming or the like are placed on the top surface of the main body of the apparatus, unintentional operation of the operation unit does not occur.
US08287118B2
A method and apparatus a digital ink-jet printer are presented. A radiation-curable ink is continuously applies to successive locations on a substrate along a print line extending across the substrate. Concurrently with the continuous application of the radiation-curable ink along the print line, first curing radiation of a predetermined first intensity is continuously applied to the applied ink on the successive locations on the substrate along said print line, with a certain time delay, constant for all the locations on the substrate, between the applications of ink and to the first curing radiation. Second curing radiation of a predetermined second intensity is applied to the locations on the substrate a certain time period, constant for all the locations on the substrate, after the application of the first curing radiation to said locations.
US08287106B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquid from an ejection head, the liquid being supplied from a liquid supplying source, the liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a carriage having the ejection head including: a liquid channel configured for flowing the liquid from the liquid supplying source to the ejection head; a gas trap chamber which is formed in the midstream of the liquid channel and expands the width of the liquid channel; and a gas recovery chamber which is adjacent to the gas trap chamber and having a gas permeable wall between the gas recovery chamber and the gas trap chamber; a carriage driver which drives the carriage; an attachment/detachment connection which is detachably connected to the gas recovery chamber; and a depressurization unit which decreases a pressure of the gas recovery chamber to a pressure lower than that of the gas trap chamber via the attachment/detachment connection.
US08287105B2
Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink inlet channel therethrough, and side walls arranged on the substrate to define an ink chamber operatively supplied with ink via the channel. The arrangement also includes an anchor fast with the substrate proximate one side wall, and an ink ejecting roof structure pivotally mounted on the substrate and positioned as a roof over the side walls to enclose the chamber, the structure fast with the anchor via a thermal expansion actuator.
US08287092B2
A printing head, having symmetrically-arranged ejection openings, can suppress deterioration in image quality caused by manufacturing errors or problems in mounting accuracy thereof. Specifically, in the case the printing head inclines, for example, by 0.5 degrees at a line connecting corresponding ejection openings of ejection opening arrays relative to the scanning direction, deviations occur in the dots formed through one of the ejection opening arrays with reference to the dots formed through another ejection opening array. However, the deviations can be minimized by arranging adjacently small-ejection opening arrays for cyan and magenta with a spacing reduced between those ejection opening arrays.
US08287086B2
If any change, which appears on a display for displaying the situation of the operation, is detected, it is judged whether or not an elapsed time, which elapses from the previous execution of the restoring operation for the discharge state of nozzles, exceeds a predetermined time period. If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time period, the control is made by a controller so that the restoring operation is executed for the recording head. The restoring operation is executed before the instruction of the recording operation for a recording medium in a multi function device which has various functions including, for example, the copy function, the facsimile function, the scanner function, and the printer function in combination and which is provided with the functions in a multifunctional manner. Therefore, the waiting time for a user, which is required until the completion of the recording, can be shortened.
US08287080B2
A liquid ejection apparatus, a liquid ejection system, and a liquid ejection method are achieved which allow starting and ending positions for ejecting liquid to be set appropriately. A controller is provided which executes position determination control for determining at least one of the starting position and the ending position for ejecting liquid from a moving ejection head onto a medium that is fed by a feed mechanism, wherein the position determination control by the controller differs for when ejecting the liquid from the ejection head to a region within a predetermined range from a front edge or a rear edge, in a feed direction, of the medium, and for when ejecting the liquid from the ejection head to a central region, in the feed direction, of the medium.
US08287072B2
A method for using a processor to process image data received from an image data source in preparation for multipass printing, comprising multitoning the image data to produce a multitoned image, using the multitone level of a pixel in the multitoned image to select a plane of a print mask, using the location of the pixel in the multitoned image to select a cell of output pixels in the selected plane of the print mask, and copying the selected cell of output pixels to corresponding locations within a print buffer.
US08287066B2
This invention pertains to a drop-on-demand ink jet printing method, more particularly to a method of printing wherein a purge image is logically combined with a selected image so as to insure a desired amount of drop firing from every jet of an ink jet printhead for every page printed. The inventive method avoids image defects that could otherwise occur as a result of faulty drop firing from infrequently used nozzles. Purge image data that specifies the deposition of at least one ink dot on at least one predetermined pixel location on each of the plurality of image scanlines is constructed and stored in a purge image memory accessible by the printing apparatus. Imperceptible purge image patterns are constructed having blue noise spatial frequency characteristics and optical density levels equal to or less than 0.01 OD above print medium base OD. A plurality of purge image data sets are constructed and stored for retrieval to adapt to a variety of conditions. Acceptable purge image data sets are determined using a purge performance image as a test pattern which is optically scanned or analyzed by user observation. The present invention further include numerous printing apparatus configured to implement the disclosed methods of maintaining ink jet printheads.
US08287062B2
A spill proof shelf, a refrigerator using the same and a method for assembling a shelf are disclosed. The shelf has a frame, which has a peripheral frame portion for defining a central opening. The shelf further has a plate supported by the peripheral frame portion for providing a containment region in cooperation with the opening. The shelf further has a bracket mountable to the frame. The shelf further has a pivotable tab formed in the peripheral frame portion, which pivots to engage the plate upon mounting of the bracket to the frame.
US08287061B2
A refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator are provided. A home bar door is closed when external pressure is applied to the home bar door in a state where the home bar door is opened.
US08287054B2
The invention relates to an electrohydraulic control system (1) for the actuation of at least one actuator (2-5), in particular a piston-cylinder assembly in a motor vehicle, having an assembly (7) comprising an electronic control unit (ECU), having an electric motor (8) which is activated by the electronic control unit (ECU) in order to drive a high pressure pump (9), and having a receiving body for receiving electrohydraulic valves (10-17), for receiving channels and for receiving the controllable high pressure pump (9) which is connected to a pressure transducer (27) and/or vessel (34) via a hydraulic connection (30, 31; 32, 33), and can also be connected to a pressure space of the actuator (2-5), in particular piston-cylinder assembly, wherein the electrohydraulic valves (10-17) and the electric motor (8) are networked to the electronic control unit (ECU), and wherein the electrohydraulic valves (10-17) are provided both for ventilating the high pressure pump (9) and for controlling the volume flow and/or pressure of the actuator (2-5).The core of the invention is considered to be using the same pairs of electrohydraulic valves (10-17) in an electrohydraulic control system (1) for ventilating the high pressure pump (9) and for controlling the pressure at the actuator (2-5).
US08287050B2
In one configuration, the present invention is directed to a method and system for extracting hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-containing deposit. One or more underground excavations designed to at least partially cave in are used to increase the permeability of the deposit.
US08287041B2
A folding chair cover comprised of first and second sheets of non-woven fabric attached together along strategically sized and shaped respective edges thereof. The non-woven sheets are cut from bolts of non-woven fabric in such a manner as to effectively use the least amount of non-woven material in the creation of the covers.
US08287040B2
The invention relates to a vehicular seat system including a seat bottom and a seat back. The headrest is connected to the seat back. The headrest consists of a number of components. These components include: a non-foam frame element, a non-foam insert secured with respect to a portion of the frame element, and a resilient element in which at least a portion of the frame element and the entire insert are embedded. The resilient element consists essentially of a homogeneous foam material. The frame element comprises a pair of post elements for coupling to the vehicular seat back. The post elements are interconnected by a cross-piece element. The headrest is connected to the seat back such that the minimum distance between the outer surface of the headrest for contacting a head of an occupant and the insert is in the range of from about 10 mm to about 30 mm. The vehicular headrest useful in the present seat system is compliant with the FMVSS 202a backset retention requirement
US08287035B2
A frame structure is provided for the underbody of a self-supporting motor vehicle bodywork. The frame structure includes, but not included with an elongate tunnel and two sillboards parallel hereto. The sillboards are disposed on both sides of the tunnel. The frame structure also includes, but is not limited to a dashboard cowl with closing plate, which is connected directly to both sillboards and the tunnel, a wheel housing with a downwardly open main structural arc, the ends whereof are connected to the underbody, and on its side facing the underbody (e.g., the vehicle inner side) the main structural arc has a damper receptacle in its upper area, from which a supporting strut connected to the underbody projects downward.
US08287030B2
The disclosure comprises a pair of inflatable substantially inelastic lobes. A single lobe can be mounted on each of the rear trailer doors of a standard tractor-trailer unit. Each lobe can be inflated or deployed to provide an aerodynamic substantially planar contour extending rearwardly of the rear end of the vehicle. The aerodynamic shape of the lobes with stable and substantially planar external surfaces for air to pass over can be created by a series of internal cords and flag sets extending substantially horizontally and vertically in an array from one side of the lobe to the other side of each lobe. When the lobes are deflated, the trailer doors can be opened and latched to the side of the trailer in a conventional manner.
US08287026B2
A relatively lightweight tarping system for use with trailers or other open top containers includes first and second spaced frame members and an elongated flexible member such as a cable or chain connected to and extending therebetween. A tarpaulin may be mounted thereon so that the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a covered position atop the open top container and an uncovered position. A four-bar linkage is preferably used in combination with a rotational drive mechanism to provide various advantages in rotating the tarpaulin assembly between the covered and uncovered positions. A width adjustment mechanism is provided to provide usage with trailers or other open top containers of different widths. An improved seal is provided between the tarpaulin and container.
US08287022B2
The device includes supports (30), a shelf (32) rotatably mounted about a transverse axis (B-B′) and a mechanism (34) for articulation of the shelf (32) relative to the supports (30). The mechanism (34) includes an abutment surface (76) delimited by the shelf (32) and a complementary abutment surface (90) delimited by the support (30), which are intended to slide on each other during the pivoting of the shelf (32) about its transverse axis (B-B′) in order to prevent radial movement of the shelf (32) towards the front with respect to the transverse axis (B-B′). The mechanism (34) includes a retaining surface (82) integral with the shelf (32) and a complementary retaining surface (96) defined by each support (30) which co-operate for each inclined position of the shelf (32) in order to prevent radial movement of the shelf (32) towards the rear with respect to the transverse axis (B-B′).
US08287020B1
A container for a roll of sheet metal material that includes a partially circular base and oppositely disposed end walls that are integrally formed with the base and that define with the base an open channel in which the roll of material is to be placed. An elongated slot is provided along the base and dimensioned so as to receive an end of the roll of sheet material for dispensing through the slot. An elastic cord is attached at opposite sides of the base and extend about the roll of material for holding the roll of material in the open channel. A set of clips are engageable with the base for accommodating smaller length rolls.
US08287018B2
A grapple, designed to grab, ferry, and dump loads of loose material such as mulch, comprising left and right frame members and finger assemblies with specially adapted curved fingers. Load arms connect the grapple to a supporting means, typically a helicopter, and also serve as anchors for finger cables and connecting arms cooperating with the finger assemblies to open and close the grapple. The method of grabbing prominently features using the shape of the fingers and the weight of the grapple and load to penetrate into and under the load. A latching mechanism cooperating with the connecting arms ensures stable ferrying until the remote operator, generally the helicopter pilot, activates an electrical control switch to release the latch and dump the load.
US08287016B2
A gripper includes a connecting member and two clamping assemblies fixed on the connecting member. Each clamping assembly includes a main body and two positioning shafts. The main body defines two pivot holes, in which the positioning shafts are slidably received. Each of the positioning shafts includes a shaft sleeve, a positioning pin, a driving pin, and a plurality of balls. The positioning pin and the driving pin are received in the shaft sleeve, and the driving pin resists the positioning pin. The shaft sleeve defines a plurality of receiving holes for receiving the balls. An inner wall in the pivot hole defines a restricting groove. The driving pin is capable of driving the balls partially into the restricting groove, and driving the positioning pin partially out of the shaft sleeve.
US08287012B2
The present invention relates to a bumper reinforcement for vehicles having a fixing portion 11 to be fixed to a vehicle structural member at a part of the bumper reinforcement in a longitudinal direction. The bumper reinforcement is constituted by an integrally molded product obtained by deforming a hollow extruded product by plastic working. When the fixing portion 11 and vicinities thereof is defined as a reinforced portion 1, light-weighted portion 21s and 22 smaller in second moment of area and cross-sectional area than the reinforced portion 1 are provided at least part of a non-reinforced portion constituted by a portion other than the reinforced portion. This makes it possible to decrease the number of parts and trim the weight while securing strength.
US08287005B2
A lightweight and durable drill pipe string capable of short radius drilling formed using a composite pipe segment formed to include tapered wall thickness ends that are each defined by opposed frustoconical surfaces conformed for self-aligning receipt and intimate bonding contact within an annular space between corresponding surfaces of a coaxially nested set of metal end pieces and a set of nonconductive sleeves. The distal peripheries of the nested end pieces and sleeves are then welded to each other and the sandwiched and bonded portions are radially pinned. The composite segment may include imbedded conductive leads and the axial end portions of the end pieces are shaped to form a threaded joint with the next pipe assembly that includes contact rings in the opposed surfaces of the pipe joint for contact together.
US08287002B2
A generally rectangular plastic coated promotional card for use as a mailer or handout has a paper core and a plastic coating on each side thereof. The promotional card also includes a removable credit card with four rounded corners. The promotional card itself may include four rounded corners and instructions for activating the card or obtaining a free gift.
US08286999B2
An occupant protection device includes a plurality of gas generators that actuate respective mechanisms, and a control portion that actuates the gas generators. If a condition for actuating at least one of the gas generators is fulfilled and a condition for actuating the other gas generators are unfulfilled, the other gas generators are controlled by the control portion at a timing that is uninfluential on an actuation state of one of the mechanism actuated by the one of the gas generators and that is different from a preset timing for actuating the other mechanisms actuated by the other gas generators.
US08286997B2
A method of operating a freight trailer stabilizer comprising: (a) positioning a trailer stabilizer underneath a parked freight trailer at a loading dock so the trailer stabilizer is between the parked freight trailer and the ground, the trailer stabilizer including a first powered jack; and, (b) utilizing power from a portable vehicle to reposition the first powered jack between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein the raised position does not have the first powered jack in direct contact with the ground and wherein the lowered position does have the first powered jack in direct contact with the ground.
US08286993B1
A vehicle air bag device having an air bag that is formed integrally with an inflator insertion portion into which an inflator is inserted. The air bag device also includes a bracket that is formed to attach the inflator to a vehicle body side, and that includes an inflator side mounting portion mounted onto an outer side of the inflator insertion portion so as to partially cover the inflator insertion portion; a strip-form body that surrounds and integrates the inflator side mounting portion and the inflator disposed in the inflator insertion portion; and a seal portion that is formed on the inflator side mounting portion in alignment with the strip-form body.
US08286991B2
A development restricting member is configured to include a fixing section attachable to a body of a vehicle above the pillar garnish, a holding section opposing to the fixing section, and a middle connecting section connecting a lower end part of the fixing section and a lower end part of the holding section, wherein an upstanding section is provided in a middle part of a base end part and a top end part of the holding section to extend toward the fixing section, so that a folded curtain airbag is housed so as to be surrounded by the fixing section, the holding section, and the upstanding section.
US08286987B2
An animated novelty device for mounting on a ball of a trailer hitch on a vehicle, the device including an electric motor for imparting motion to selected elements of the device. The motor is electrically connected to the vehicle braking system whereby the device is set in motion by energizing the vehicle brakes.
US08286983B2
A trailer chassis is described which includes a gooseneck structure at the forward end thereof to which a two-point beam hitch assembly may be secured or a front axle tongue hitch assembly may be secured. The trailer may also function as a fifth wheel hitch.
US08286975B2
The invention provides an evacuation device for one operator, with a plurality of babies secured in pockets, having their heads secured in adjustable cushioned head rests which are attached to a patient support membrane, to descend a stairwell safely and quickly during an emergency. The invention is constructed of a tubular frame, covered with a fire-retardant, water impermeable and mold and fungus resistant material. The invention incorporates a set of casters for transport across a horizontal plane, such as crowded hallways and small hospital stairwell landings. The dual track system permits the operator to glide down the stairs in a safe, smooth and controlled fashion. The dual braking device on the track system assists the operator in a stairwell descent and permits the operator to release the chair and remove any debris that may be in the path of evacuation.
US08286960B2
A recording apparatus includes a conveying roller and an ejection roller for conveying a recording medium. The recording apparatus also includes a controller which controls the conveying roller and the ejection roller. The controller selectively performs a conveyance control process for the rollers when the recording medium leaves the conveying roller.
US08286957B1
A concrete test-cylinder carrying apparatus includes a handle, a base-plate, a plurality of anchor rods engaged with the handle and a plurality support rings horizontally aligned above the base plate. Concrete test cylinders are removably positioned through the support rings and rest on the base plate such that test cylinders are swiftly transported between remote locations. In an alternate embodiment, a first mechanism may be provided for uniformly reciprocating a male handle portion along a linear travel path to absorb operating forces exerted on the concrete test cylinders during transport procedures. A second mechanism may be provided for uniformly articulating the male handle portion along clockwise and counter clockwise arcuate paths to further absorb operating forces exerted on the concrete test cylinders during transport.
US08286955B2
The invention relates to a steady rest for clamping and/or for holding a workpiece (W) on a machine tool, comprising three holding members (3, 4, 5) mounted in a housing (2) and displaceable in a common plane, two of which are designed as two-armed levers pivotably supported in the housing (2), and the central holding member (5) is guided in a straight line. The two outer holding members (3, 4) are kinematically connected respectively to the central holding member (5) via an angle lever (10, 11) so that with an opening movement of the central holding member (5) the outer holding members (3, 4) are pivoted apart from one another. The angle levers (10, 11) are linked rotatably onto the central holding member (5), respectively the one leg of the angle levers (10, 11) being connected to the associated outer holding member (3, 4), and the other leg being connected to the housing (2) by means of gate/pin arrangements.
US08286953B2
An arrow fletching device with plate clamp, as well as features and aspects thereof, provides an arrow builder the means to accurately and repeatedly position fletching against the shaft of an arrow, without a spring loaded butterfly clamp component, and securely hold the fletching thereto until a bond is attained between the fletching and arrow shaft via an adhesive. Exemplary embodiments of an arrow fletching device with a plate clamp are, generally, jig apparatuses operable to precisely position an arrow shaft relative to an arrow fletching. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of an arrow fletching device comprise a plate component, in lieu of a spring-loaded butterfly clamp, useful for receiving, positioning and retaining fletching against the shaft of an arrow. Advantageously, the use of a plate component with a specifically profiled slot operable to receive and position a fletching reduces the steps required to adhere a fletching to an arrow shaft as well as mitigates the probability of improper installation of the fletching.
US08286952B2
A vapor distributor for use in atmospheric or vacuum columns includes a new design of vapor inlet device, or vapor horn, to provide superior mixing and distribution of a tangential first feed and a vertical second feed. New vapor inlet device has an inlet dividing the first feed into two portions, each flowing in respective housings in opposed circulation directions, and a plurality of vanes for redirection of vapor. Mixing and distribution of feeds by the vapor distributor is further enhanced by inclusion in vapor distributor of a mixer and vapor directing plates.
US08286940B2
The present invention is directed to an injection molding valve configured to prevent the leaking or stringing of injected thermoplastic from the valve. The valve includes a housing having a first bore along a length thereof and a second bore intersecting the first bore. A rotatable member is inserted through the second bore and is in communication with a lever for the actuation thereof. The rotatable member includes a hole therethrough such that when the hole is aligned with the first bore, thermoplastic may travel freely through the first bore. The second bore further includes at least one groove in communication with a port for receiving injected thermoplastic. The injected thermoplastic is hardened to form an seal therein and configured to prevent thermoplastic from leaking out of the valve housing.
US08286939B2
A pulse width modulated fluidic valve 3005 includes a cylinder (352) having an elongate bore, a length, and first (344) and second (346) ports which extend from outside the cylinder (352) into the bore. A rotatable spool (302) is carried in the bore and movable in a direction of the length of cylinder (352). The spool (302) has a variable blocking feature (306) which blocks passage of fluid' between the first (344) and second (346) ports as a function of angular position relative to the first (344) and second (346) ports and as a function of linear position along the length of the cylinder (352).
US08286938B2
Flexible seals for process control valves are disclosed. An example disclosed seal includes a seal for use with a butterfly valve. The example seal includes a substantially flexible ring-shaped carrier configured to be fixed within the butterfly valve and to surround a flow control aperture therein. Additionally, the seal includes a ring-shaped cartridge coupled to an inner diameter of the ring-shaped carrier. The cartridge includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion to define a circumferential opening to hold a seal ring.
US08286921B2
A high-lift system on a wing with a curved nose and a leading-edge flap mounted via levers for movement between retracted and extended positions while expanding the airfoil profile, increasing its curvature and exposing a gap for guiding air from under the flap to above the wing. The levers form a four bar mechanism including first and second levers respectively pivotably connected at one end to spaced first and second points on the wing. The other ends of the levers are connected to opposite ends of a third lever forming part of the flap. The length and positions of the levers and the curvature of the wing nose are matched such that during initial extension from retracted position to an intermediate position the trailing edge of the flap blocks the gap between the flap and wing, and during further extension beyond the intermediate position the gap is exposed.
US08286919B2
An impact resistant composite sandwich structure includes least one laminate face sheet joined to a stiffening element. The stiffening element includes a plurality of fibers and a resin for binding the fibers. The resin has a strain-to-failure greater than approximately 6%.
US08286918B2
A fastening device of a floor module in an aircraft hull is provided. The fastening device comprises an intermediate element that on one hand can be fastened to the aircraft hull using a joining device and on the other comprises a receiving device for a holding portion of the floor module. In this case the fastening device is designed in such a way that mobility of the holding portion relative to the aircraft is guaranteed in the aircraft's longitudinal direction by means of which it is possible to guarantee stress-free installation inside the aircraft hull.
US08286917B2
An attachment assembly may be adapted for securing a panel member such as a class divider or a secondary door to a mating structure. The attachment assembly comprises at least one structural pin configured to be extendable from a retracted position to a deployed position. The attachment assembly may include a base support configured to be placed in overlapping contact with the panel member. The attachment assembly may include a primary support configured to be mountable such as in overlapping contact to the base support and having at least one sleeve sized and configured to receive the structural pin which is telescopically movable. A locking mechanism such as a quick release pin may be inserted through bores formed in the sleeve and in the structural pin to prevent axial movement of the structural pin relative to the sleeve.
US08286914B2
A conveyor device is provided for airplane for storing and conveying objects in an arc-shaped shaft. The shaft surrounds an area of a payload space of the airplane. An airplane is also provided with such a conveyor device.
US08286906B2
A flange design providing improved strength, fracture resistance, and the like using corrugations extending substantially radially from an arbor aperture toward a rim portion. A spool or reel may include a tubular member to receive a stranded material wrapped therearound. A first flange comprising a core portion and an outer portion may secure to one end of the first flange engaging the tubular member. A second flange may secure to the other end of the tubular member. The core portion of a flange may comprise an arbor wall defining the perimeter of an arbor aperture. The arbor wall may be directly contacted and supported by a plurality of corrugations extending radially therefrom. The outer portion of a flange may contact the core portion and extending radially away therefrom to an outer edge to restrain the stranded material in an axial direction.
US08286901B2
Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a coal and a gasification catalyst. The particulate compositions are gasified in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other higher hydrocarbons. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.
US08286899B2
A tissue dicing and separation device comprises a housing having an interior that receives tissue for dicing and separation. The device includes a blade assembly connected to a motor and solenoid. The solenoid reciprocates the blade assembly while the motor clocks the blade assembly during each reciprocation cycle. This reciprocating and clocking action of the blade assembly dices and/or minces the tissue. The housing is filled with a fluid and then the blade assembly is continuously rotated to create a vortex within the housing. The vortex causes the diced tissue particles to separate by particle size. Outlets at different positions along the housing permit withdrawal of a slurry of fluid and tissue particles with the tissue particles having a desired size range. The obtained slurry may be used in conjunction with a fistula plug treatment device and method.
US08286880B2
The invention relates to a security document (10) having a carrier substrate (1) and at least one first film element (2) which is fixed to the carrier substrate (1) and shows a first optically variable effect generated by a diffractive first relief structure, wherein the security document (10) furthermore has at least one first printing ink layer (5) which is applied in a region-wise fashion onto the at least one first film element, and at least one second film element (3), and to a method for the production, of the security document (10).
US08286878B2
A hand held industrial identification symbol reader projects diffuse illumination onto a region of interest to produce high contrast images of symbols. The diffuse illumination is particularly well suited for producing images of symbols that are marked directly on objects. The diffuse illumination is created through the use of an optically translucent diffuser having a generally tapered shape that distributes diffuse illumination throughout the field of view of the reader. The diffuse illumination can be supplemented with dark field illumination using selectively actuated illumination sources.
US08286875B2
An apparatus for commercial transactions using a transaction card via a communication device in audio communication with a remote processor assembly is provided. The apparatus comprises an input device for capturing information from the transaction card, a controller for converting the captured card information into an audio signal. The controller is linked to the communication device. The apparatus may also be part of an assembly wherein this controller is part of the communication device. The remote processor assembly includes a transaction server linked to a remote processor/issuer for validating the transaction card data. A system including this apparatus, the communication device and the transaction server is also provided. Methods therefore are also disclosed. The input device captures the card information that is converted to an audio signal by the controller and transmitted to the transaction server via the communication device for being converted to an appropriate signal to be transmitted to the remote processor/issuer for validation thereof. The validation information is sent back to the apparatus providing feedback to the user. The transaction server translates the signal received by the remote processor/issuer into an audio signal and sends it to the controller via the communication device for conversion to an appropriate format.
US08286873B2
Provided is a combi-card, i.e. a combination type IC card, which can be used in either contact and non-contact manner, and a communication system using the same, and the combi-card is provided with a transponder chip module formed with a RF antenna and attached in a recess region of a card body and is characterized by the use of the RF antenna of the transponder chip alone as a transmitting and receiving antenna.
US08286869B1
Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling cases of produce. The labels on each roll include sequential codes that each span a unique range. Part or all of each roll's range can be associated with harvest data, including picker and block identifications. The association can be made by placing a label from each roll on a harvest form bearing harvest data, or by entering harvest data into an electronic device and using the device to read a unique code from a label. Pickers then harvest produce, fill cases, and label the cases from their rolls. The association of ranges to pickers allows a subsequently read unique code from a filled case to be properly credited to the correct picker. The association of ranges to blocks allows subsequently obtained quality information to be correlated to specific blocks.
US08286868B2
Item characteristic databases, such as item weight databases are employed in a variety of checkout contexts in stores. As one example, a security weight database is often employed in a security check during self-checkout in which an item's weight is checked during bagging against a stored weight for the item. Approaches for extending such security checks for a single item or items sold in small quantities are addressed.
US08286845B2
A control mechanism for a resectioning device, comprises a first actuator coupled to a flexible drive shaft for actuating a first mechanism when operated in a first direction and for actuating, when operated in a second direction, a second mechanism and a first lockout mechanism coupled to the first actuator for preventing actuation of the first actuator in the second direction before a predetermined amount of actuation in the first direction has been completed. Furthermore, mechanisms are provided to control the release during operation in a second direction of torsional energy stored in a flexible drive shaft during operation in a first direction.
US08286843B2
A vehicle mountable load carrier generally includes a connecting member for insertion into a hitch mount receiver of a vehicle, an upright post connected to the connecting member and an upright load supporting member coupled to the upright post by an extendable support arm having an open and closed positions. The extendable support arm includes at least a first section and a second section and has a pivoting coupling therebetween such that at least the second section can be moved between a closed position and an open position. The pivoting coupling includes a releasable lock to retain the extendable support arm in a locked-open position.
US08286839B2
A dispensing device for a cosmetic product is proposed. The dispensing device has a valve with a female valve element. The valve element has at least one engagement section for the positive and/or locking fastening of a male valve adapter which can be inserted into the valve element after assembly of the valve. Moreover, at its sealing side, the valve element forms a wall section which is enlarged in its inner diameter in order to permit faster filling.
US08286838B2
The present invention is directed toward a device identified as a slip ring collar retainer for fragrance bottles which prevents undesired leakage of fragrance.
US08286832B2
The dispensing device for single use includes a multicomponent cartridge (1), a mixer (8) having a mixer housing (9), as well as closure means for closing the outlets (4, 5) of the multicomponent cartridge. These closure means are connected to the mixer housing and comprise a respective closure stopper (13, 14) for each outlet that is insertable in an outlet (4, 5) of the multicomponent cartridge and is deformable such that upon rotation of the mixer housing relative to the cartridge, the closure stoppers (13, 14) are removed from the outlets (4, 5) of the multicomponent cartridge.
US08286831B2
A dispenser 10 creates a use solution. The dispenser 10 includes a diluent inlet for receiving a source of diluent. A first aspirator 38 is in fluid communication with the diluent inlet. An operator valve 27 controls flow of the diluent. A second aspirator 46 has a diluent inlet, diluent outlet and a venturi port. A vacuum switch 63 is operatively connected to the first venturi port and the flow of the diluent through the aspirator 46 creates a vacuum that activates the vacuum switch. A control board 69 is activated by the vacuum switch and a dosing pump 76 is activated by the control device 69. The dosing pump dispenses a liquid product into the diluent stream, wherein a use solution is made.
US08286823B2
The invention is directed to a thermoformed, rectangular disposable storage container. The container includes a base and lid. The base includes arched front and rear walls to redistribute the pressure placed on the top of the container and to generally evenly balance the load force around the container front, rear and end walls to prevent buckling of the container front or rear walls. The container lid includes an arched front wall and rear wall which generally corresponds to the degree of arch of the front and rear walls of the base.
US08286821B2
This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to an accessory lid for a bottle. In one embodiment, the invention includes an accessory lid having a base configured to removably couple with a bottle; a cover configured to removably couple with the base; and an accessory compartment disposed therein. In another embodiment, the invention includes an accessory lid having a base configured to removably couple with a bottle; and an accessory compartment disposed therein, wherein the base is configured to removably couple with an existing bottle cover of the bottle. In a further embodiment, the invention includes a bottle having a base configured to removably couple with the bottle; a cover configured to removably couple with the base; and an accessory compartment disposed therein.
US08286814B2
A volumetrically efficient plastic hot fill container at least one vacuum panel defined by a vacuum panel area of a sidewall that is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly in order to accommodate volumetric shrinkage that may occur within the container as a result of the conventionally known hot fill process. Advantageously, at least a portion of the vacuum panel area of the sidewall is formed as a plurality of undulations. The undulations preferably have a vertical component and provide an increased surface area to the vacuum panel area relative to what a flat surface would provide. As a result, the amount of volumetric shrinkage that may be accommodated through inward deflection of said vacuum panel area of said sidewall is increased relative to a flat surface would provide.
US08286811B1
A child-proof closure cap for containers having an inner cap and an outer cap assembled for tilting with respect to each other. The inner cap includes a partially spherical or curved outer surface with notches for engagement with internal teeth on a partially spherical or curved inner surface of the outer cap to facilitate removal of the closure cap from the container with either left hand or right hand operation according to user's natural ability.
US08286804B2
A liquid filter has a filter housing with a first thread and a drain passage. A filter element including a filter medium is arranged in the filter housing. A filter lid is provided with a second thread configured to engage the first thread for connecting the filter lid to the filter housing. The filter lid further has a filter bypass valve for bypassing the filter element when a pressure loss that is too high occurs when liquid passes through the filter medium of the filter element. First bayonet connectors are provided on the filter lid and second bayonet connectors are provided on the filter element for connecting the filter element to the filter lid by engaging the first bayonet connectors. A double-concentric seal is arranged on the filter element for closing off the drain passage.
US08286798B2
The cob cleaning conveyor system provides a capability for positively removing or cleaning lighter crop residue from a flow of cobs. The system can be incorporated with a cob collection device, such as on a trailer, and can be adjustable in several ways for accommodating varying corn varieties, conditions and the like. The system includes a first conveyor which propels the flow into a gap or passage toward a second conveyor, while a flow of air is directed downwardly through the passage to remove or clean the lighter residue material from the cobs. The angle of attack of the air flow can be selectable, and optionally be directed downwardly along the second conveyor to the passage, and upwardly along the second conveyor to travel with or follow the residue flow, to suit present conditions.
US08286797B2
Improvements in a semiconductor wafer container including improvements in side protection to the wafers, improved cover design to minimize rotation, a simplified top cover orientation mechanism and an improved bottom holding mechanism for automation. The side protection to the wafers is with multiple staggered inner and outer walls. The improved cover design improves alignment of the top and bottom housings and minimizes rotation of the housings in transit or motion. The housings have a recessed tab ramp feature with bi-directional locking that also increases the rigidity of the containment device when the two housings are assembled. The improved bottom holding mechanism for automation is an integrated feature that is molded into the bottom housing and not assembled in a secondary operation. The molded integration reduces tolerance errors that are present in assembling multiple pieces and joining multiple pieces.
US08286786B1
Belting for use in a conveyor belt that includes a fabric base and a rubber coat. The fabric base has an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one of the upper surface and the lower surface has a plurality of depressions formed therein. The rubber coat is applied to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having the plurality of depressions formed therein.
US08286783B2
Conveyance pitch is modified without modifying a pallet. A pallet conveying apparatus has: one, two or more pallets onto which a work can be loaded; a first and a second pallet rails on which the pallet can be movably loaded; first and second pallet feeding mechanisms that convey the pallet; and a pallet transfer mechanism that causes the pallet loaded on the first or second pallet rail to be transferred to the second or first pallet rail. The pallet transfer mechanism has a first movable portion that forms one part of the first pallet rail and that can be made continuous with the second pallet rail by being separated from another part; and a second movable portion that forms one part of the second pallet rail and that can be made continuous with the first pallet rail by being separated from another part. The first and second pallet feeding mechanisms have circulating endless first and second belts capable of engaging with the pallet that is loaded on each of the pallet rails.
US08286782B2
An information display system for a conveying device, the information display system comprising a driving mechanism, a flexible display loop driven by the driving mechanism to travel in a closed loop, and an image forming module configured to provide media to at least a section of the flexible display loop.
US08286771B2
A clutch unit includes axially arranged input, output and reverse input gears, and a spring clutch. The input and output gears respectively include radially opposed input and output clutch portions. The spring clutch is tightly bound to the input clutch portion and includes coil springs each having transmission and release hooks. With the transmission hooks in engagement with the output clutch portion, the release hooks are spaced forward from the transmission hooks. From an unlocking state, when the release portion is reverse rotated by distance c while pushing the release portions, the spring clutch is unlocked, and when a reverse rotational portion is reverse rotated by distance b, it engages a reverse rotation engaging portion. When the release portion is further reverse rotated after the spring clutch has been unlocked by distance a, the release portion engages the hook engaging portion and stops. a>b>c.
US08286761B2
A shock absorber includes a sleeve, a piston accomplishing forward and reverse travels therein, a rod, a piston cap, a rod cap including an orifice and a rod seal mounted therein. The rod seal defines a front face facing the piston and a rear face being opposite to the front face. The rod includes at least two rod regions including annular humps. The front and rear faces operatively interact with the annular humps during the forward and reverse travels, such that the interaction causes deformations of the rod seal thereby cushioning impacts and reducing overloads of the shock absorber. An embodiment of the shock absorber further includes two annular humps represented by a first annular hump, having a first maximal diameter, and a second annular hump, having a second maximal diameter, while the first maximal diameter is greater than the second maximal diameter, preferably by 3-10 micrometers.
US08286752B2
A folding ladder assembly having a door, a frame, and a strut connecting the door and frame. The strut comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the strut is attached to the door via a strut stop bracket. The other end of the strut is attached to a stationary mounting plate, which is attached to the ladder opening frame. The strut is attached to the strut bracket via a strut standoff using an E-clip retaining ring. Optionally, the strut standoffs are riveted to the strut stop bracket and the stationary mounting plate. The strut stop bracket is optionally formed having a double bend to form two substantially parallel portions connected by a third non-parallel portion.
US08286751B2
A muffling device has a muffling piece that is placed in an airflow path and muffles sound caused by airflow, and a drive unit that performs one of rotation and movement of the muffling piece.
US08286748B2
In the work vehicle, a controller is configured to control a motor displacement control part via feedback control so that the driving hydraulic pressure detected by a driving hydraulic pressure detector approaches a predetermined target driving hydraulic pressure. The controller is configured to perform low temperature motor displacement limitation control, which reduces the maximum displacement of a hydraulic motor, when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid detected by the fluid temperature detector is lower than a predetermined temperature.
US08286742B2
Engine exhaust is sent to a reformer, which produces hydrogen from fuel remaining in the exhaust. The hydrogen may be stored in a hydrogen tank, and may be used by a fuel cell to produce electricity to recharge a vehicle battery and/or to supply propulsion current to an electric propulsion system.
US08286741B2
A motor generator selectively performs a power generation operation and an assisting operation. A torque transmission machine performs mutual transfer among a torque of an engine, a torque of the motor generator, and a torque to be applied to an external load of the engine. A speed sensor measures the rotating speed of the engine. A control device controls the engine and the motor generator. The control device stores a speed command value for the engine, calculates the torque generated by the motor generator based on the power required for the external load, to perform the torque control of the motor generator, and performs the speed control of the motor generator based on the difference between the rotating speed measured by the speed sensor and the speed command value. The torque control and the speed control of the motor generator can be switched.
US08286738B2
A wheel set structure of an electric wheelchair is disclosed to include a wheelchair frame, which defines a first steering direction and a second steering direction reversed to the first steering direction, at least one swinging mechanism pivotally mounted on the wheelchair frame each having a swinging member and a wheel holder, at least one transmission wheel assembly connected to the swinging member each having a motor and a driving wheel coupled to and rotatable by the motor, and at least one first wheel assembly mounted on the wheel holder each pivotally holding a wheel. When the at least one swinging member is biased relative to the at least one wheelchair frame, the at least one first wheel assembly is biased with the at least one swinging member so that the elevation of the wheel of each first wheel assembly and the elevation of the driving wheel of each transmission wheel assembly are relatively changed at a constant ratio.
US08286733B2
A rotary steerable tool is provided for use with a drilling apparatus. The rotary steerable tool includes at least a first portion that includes an outer housing, a rotary shaft extending through the outer housing, a drive clutch coupled to the rotary shaft, and a sensor coupled to the rotary shaft. The drive clutch is movable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The sensor is configured to identify whether the drive clutch is in at least one of the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration.
US08286729B2
A method for determining wellbore trajectory includes determining survey parameters in the wellbore; measuring force parameter(s) in the wellbore; and correcting the survey parameters using the measured force parameter(s). The downhole measured force parameters may include forces associated with an operation of a steering device such as an internal reaction force, and/or a bending moment. In variants, the method may include measuring a wellbore temperature; measuring a wellbore parameter in addition to the temperature; and correcting a survey parameter using the measured parameter and the measured temperature. These methods may include correcting survey parameters using measured wellbore diameters. Also, a processor in the wellbore may be programmed to perform the correction while in the wellbore and/or control a steering device using measurements provided by a sensor for measuring internal reaction forces.
US08286721B2
A power hoe is provided, which includes an electric motor operating tools for work in the ground and at least one battery intended to power the motor and having a set of functionalities. The power hoe is able to operate in at least two operating modes selected according to at least one information item representative of a level of charge remaining in the battery or batteries. These operating modes include, at least: a normal operating mode, in which all of the functionalities of the equipment are available, including a functionality allowing the motor to be supplied with additional power for a limited period of time; and a downgraded operating mode in which at least the functionality allowing the motor to be supplied with additional power is disabled.
US08286716B2
A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique provides traction against a well component without creating high stress concentrations that weaken the well component. An anchoring device comprises anchoring members that are selectively movable to an expanded configuration for anchoring the tool. The anchoring members have traction surfaces able to selectively engage a smooth anchoring surface of the well component at any desired location along the well component. Each traction surface is formed to facilitate traction while minimizing stress concentration.
US08286713B2
A completion system and method for completing a subsea well with angular alignment-free assembly The system includes a series of circumferential channels formed in a well completion device at a boundary between a tubing hanger and the completion device. The circumferential channels provide complete circular fluid paths with respect to the tubing hanger and the completion device. A supply bore and a drain bore are in communication with each circumferential channel and oriented to supply a fluid to and remove fluid from, respectively, the circumferential channel. A circumferential electrical connector couples the tubing hanger and the completion device. The circumferential channels and bores provide fluid services between the completion device and the tubing hanger and the electrical connector provides electrical services to the tubing hanger. The completion system allows the fluid and electrical services to be provided without requiring any angular alignment between the tubing hanger and the completion device.
US08286712B2
An apparatus for use with a subsea well includes a lubricator configured to attach to subsea wellhead equipment, an electrically-activated tool, and a coiled tubing attached to the electrically-activated tool. The electrically-activated tool is initially provided in the lubricator to allow for deployment of the electrically-activated tool on the coiled tubing into the subsea well. Multiple tools may be deployed independently from within the lubricator to latch into a concentric electrical connector within the well which may also act as a switch. A concentric electrical connector will permit the passage of a tool through the body of the connector retaining full bore access when the tool is withdrawn.
US08286710B2
A valve assembly (10) comprises a drillpipe (11) defining a hollow, generally cylindrical interior having secured therein a valve member (12) that is moveable between an open position, permitting passage of an object through the valve (10), and a closed position preventing passage of fluids along the drillpipe (11). A resiliently contractile arm (17) interconnects the valve member (12) and the drillpipe (11) so as to urge the valve member (12) towards the closed position and such that when an object passes along the drillpipe (11) and engages the valve member (12) or the arm (17) the valve member (12) occupies the open position.
US08286709B2
A technique enables injection of treatment chemicals at a plurality of desired locations along a well. A multi-point chemical injection system is connected and deployed into a wellbore. The multi-point chemical injection system delivers one or more treatment chemicals along the wellbore to the desired locations at a plurality of injection zones. A single control line is run from a surface location down through the wellbore to the plurality of injection zones. The single control line is used to deliver the treatment chemical to each of the injection zones.
US08286705B2
Apparatus and methods comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to an magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.
US08286697B2
A perforating system having a perforating gun with a high pressure gun body. The gun body can be thickened so that no empty space is present between it and a corresponding gun tube. Alternatively, the gun body could be a solid cylinder with slots radially formed therein to receive a shaped charge. In another embodiment, a flowable material, such as foam, fluid, sand, ceramic beads, eutectic metal, and combinations thereof, is provided in the space between the gun body and gun tube.
US08286695B2
An insert for reducing sulfidation corrosion and depositional fouling is disclosed. The insert is formed from a corrosion and fouling resistant steel composition containing a Cr-enriched layer and having a surface roughness of less than 40 micro inches (1.1 μm).
US08286691B2
A method and plant for making long metal rolled products, in which a continuous casting is provided by a single casting machine, defining a casting axis, to cast a product with a quadrangular or equivalent section, a reduction of the section in a rolling mill defining a rolling axis substantially coinciding with the casting axis, and a selective accumulation and maintenance at temperature of a plurality of segments of cast product sheared to size in a misaligned position with respect to the cast axis and/or the rolling axis, inside a maintenance box furnace, for a time correlated to a condition of temporary interruption of the reduction step, so as to allow continuity of the continuous casting step.
US08286689B1
A method of forming a porous ceramic body includes providing a moldable material that includes a ceramic material, a binder material and a filler material comprising carbon nanotubes. The moldable material is then formed into a desired shape of a green ceramic body. The green ceramic body is then thermally treated to remove the binder material and the carbon nanotubes. The thermally treated green ceramic body is then sintered to form the porous ceramic body with elongated nanopores.
US08286676B2
A plant for the forming of lead-acid battery cells includes plugs to be fitted to the openings of the cells, each plug including a first inlet duct, a second outlet duct to set up a circulation of electrolyte inside the cell and supply and balancing elements to dilute with air the inflammable gases formed in the cell and to favor the balancing of the pressure inside the cell with the external atmospheric pressure. The supply and balancing elements include a third supply and balancing duct connecting the upper part of the plug with a part of the supply tank at atmospheric pressure which introduces the electrolyte into the cell. The plant includes a fan which forms a vacuum in the suction header, drawing the electrolyte and the inflammable gases from the cells and, through the third duct, ventilating the cells without forming a vacuum inside them.
US08286670B2
The invention concerns a method for filling pressurized gas tanks, characterized in that the filling process is interrupted when the input pressure reaches a maximum filling pressure, the maximum filling pressure in the cylinder being calculated to match the most serious of the two following conditions: nominal filling capacity or design temperature of the cylinders.
US08286663B2
A rotary valve for selectively connecting at least one component (51, 52) into a fluid path. According to the invention the inner stator face (111a, 211a) comprises orifices (131b-136b; 231b-236b) and said inner rotor face (112a, 212a) comprises at least a first groove (121, 221), a second groove (122, 222), and a third groove (123, 223) so arranged that the rotary valve can take at least three different rotary positions, in which either both components are bypassed, only one of the components is connected and the other bypassed or both components are connected to a main flow.
US08286662B2
Disclosed herein is a switching valve for transmitting of fluids. In particular, disclosed herein is a switching valve for filling of gas tanks having a housing with an inlet area and an outlet portion. A check valve, a vent valve, and an inlet valve can be disposed within the housing. The vent valve and the inlet valve can be controlled by a slide that is coupled with a pivoting lever which is actuated by a control valve in a pressure controlled manner.
US08286651B1
Boat slip cover systems are provided for affixing to piers having a plurality of slips with closed and open ends, and first and second sides. Each boat slip cover includes a flexible canopy. Fixed supports for a first end of the canopy are disposed about the closed end of the slip, at least one extending upward from and perpendicular to the pier surface, and at least one extending upward from and angular to the pier surface. Rotating supports are disposed along each side of the slip and extend upward from the pier. Telescoping joints are disposed along each rotating support for their extension or retraction. A winch device is further provided for manual positioning. A convertible pier cover includes various retractable boat slip covers, valley portions extending between adjacent boat slip covers and forming an attachment on each side to an adjacent boat canopy, and a central aisle canopy.
US08286649B2
An applicator for applying a composition to a surface may include at least one applicator endpiece including at least a body of non-porous material that is covered, at least in part, by flocking. The body may include a proximal first portion, a distal second portion connected to the first portion and comprising at least one application face; and at least one hinge-forming zone between the first portion and the second portion. The hinge-forming zone may enable the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion while the application face is pressing against the surface.
US08286641B2
A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.
US08286639B2
A method for non-surgical rejuvenation of facial skin to correct both Type 1 aging changes in the epidermis layer of the skin causing visual changes in the skin and Type 2 aging changes in the dermis layer of the skin causing damage to supportive elements of the skin. The method includes the steps of exfoliation of the facial skin, stimulation of new dermal collagen deposition, removal of at least one of pigment and superficial blood vessels, relaxation of facial expression muscles, filling of soft tissue defects including at least one of deep facial lines and contour deformities, and tightening of the facial skin, and the steps of the method are applied according to a selected one of a plurality of age determined regimens.
US08286636B2
A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
US08286633B2
A carbon dioxide absorber for a rebreathing system can be connected to a connection head of the rebreathing system in a simple manner. A centering device (43, 44, 45, 46), provided in the area of a guide plate (40) of the absorber (4), can be caused to mesh with centering pins pointing in the direction of the absorber from the connection head.
US08286627B2
A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber. The frame is provided with an inwardly and/or outwardly directed attachment ledge (1a) to which the glazing(4) is attached. A protective Stripping (9) covers the edges of the cover pane(4) and is provided with a ledge (9b) that rests on the attachment ledge (1a). The side- and end panels(1) of the frame include an inwardly projecting bottom ledge (1b) to which a backsheet(5) may be attached by means of welding or TOXing(22). The bottom ledge (Ib) also includes an outwardly projecting ledge that is provided with spaced through going bores along the length of the side- and end panels for i-eceiving fasteners (20) therein that allow the collector to be fastened to a roof structure (19) or the like.
US08286626B2
A kitchen extractor device includes a first body section, designed to be mounted in a fixed manner and a second body section, which can be displaced in a displacement direction in relation to the first body section. The kitchen extractor device comprehensively covers the cooking facilities but nevertheless can be easily cleaned. To achieve this, at least part of the second body section forms an external face of the body that is in transversal alignment with the displacement direction.
US08286620B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus including a tank for pneumatic gun comprising a fluid outlet, including an adapter that includes a first end attached to the tank, a second end comprising a fitting, wherein the fitting is capable of receiving a fluid hose, wherein the fluid hose is connected to a source of compressed fluid. The apparatus allows the gun to be fired from the source of compressed fluid. Other embodiments include a method of connecting the apparatus to a pneumatic gun, attaching the fluid hose to the fitting, and firing the gun.
US08286614B2
An adjustment limiting device for a carburetor including a fuel adjustment valve rotatable to adjust a supply of fuel in or delivered from the carburetor includes an adjustment limiting cap and a connector. The adjustment limiting cap is adapted to be disposed over a portion of the fuel adjustment valve and includes a rotary connection feature adapted to limit relative rotational movement between the adjustment limiting cap and the fuel adjustment valve, and a rotation limiter to limit rotational movement of the adjustment limiting cap. The connector may be carried by the adjustment limiting cap to maintain the adjustment limiting cap on the fuel adjustment valve. The connector may be concealed by the carburetor body, permit the adjustment limiting cap to be fitted onto the fuel adjustment valve, and prevent the adjustment limiting cap from being removed from the fuel adjustment limiting valve.
US08286613B2
A nozzle assembly includes a first needle and a second needle controlling respectively fuel flow towards a first series of outlets and a second series of outlets. It includes a passive control valve adapted to select, on the basis of the fuel feeding pressure, the needle to be activated for fuel delivery to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. An injector with such an assembly is economic and efficient to spray fuel with two different patterns.
US08286612B2
Coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector to a combustion engine fuel rail, having a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis hydraulically coupled to the rail and engaging a fuel inlet portion of the injector, a first ring element fixedly coupled to the cup, and a second ring element fixedly coupled to the injector. One of the ring elements has a collar arranged radially outside the other elements and extending from the one element in direction of the longitudinal axis. The collar has a recess facing the central longitudinal axis. A circlip is arranged in the recess and arranged and designed to form a positive fitting coupling between the first and second ring elements. The circlip prevents a movement of the first ring element relative to the second element retaining the fuel injector in the fuel injector cup in direction of the central longitudinal axis.
US08286605B2
In an EGR valve provided in an exhaust gas recirculation passage for recirculating the exhaust gas of an engine, a filter 26b is provided on the side of an exhaust gas passage 22 of a bearing 26a supporting a valve rod 25, while a diameter-reduced section 25a is provided in an area on the valve rod 25 in proximity to the filter 26b.
US08286604B2
According to one embodiment, a starter for a small engine includes: a torque apply unit that applies a torque to a torque-accumulation spring; a rotating member that transmits the accumulated torque to a crankshaft; and a rotation regulation unit that restrains the accumulated torque from being transmitted to the crankshaft, wherein the rotation regulation unit includes: a regulation ratchet provided on a rotating body linked with the crank shaft to rotate therewith; and a pressing unit provided on an engine case to be engaged with the regulation ratchet and to regulate an operation thereof, and wherein the regulation ratchet is disengaged from the pressing unit by the torque accumulated in the torque-accumulation spring when the accumulated torque exceeds a predetermined resilient force, thereby starting the engine.
US08286601B2
A variable valve timing apparatus includes a stopper piston which has an equalizing passage in an axial direction. Even if the engaging hole is filled with the oil, the equalizing passage enables the oil flows from an engaging hole to a holding hole when the stopper piston enters into the engaging hole. It is possible to form a vane as narrow as possible, and to enlarge a variable angular range. In addition, the stopper piston has both end faces which are substantially identical in surface area. Even if pulsation arises in oil pressure, pressures acting on both end faces of the stopper piston can be substantially cancelled and position of the stopper piston can be stabilized.
US08286586B2
A milk liner assembly (1) comprises a milk liner (5) seal ably located in an outer shell (3) and defining with the outer shell (3) a pulsating vacuum chamber (23). The milk liner (5) comprises a sleeve (8) and a teat engaging flange (25) which together define a teat receiving cavity (11). A teat accommodating opening (26) through the teat engaging flange (25) accommodates a teat into the teat receiving cavity (11). A strengthening ring (28) integrally formed with the sleeve (8) is located on the sleeve (8) and extends around the sleeve (8) adjacent the teat engaging flange (25) for minimizing excessive radial inward contraction of the sleeve (8), and in turn excessive radial inward contraction of the teat engaging flange (25) onto the teat so that even if the teat engaging flange (25) were to engage the cricoid fold, milk flow through the cricoid fold would not be inhibited by the gripping pressure exerted the teat engaging flange (25) on the cricoid fold. The strengthening ring (28) extends axially from the sleeve (8), and terminates in a distal abutment surface (30) for abutting the udder of the animal for in turn spacing the teat engaging flange (25) from the udder and from the cricoid fold.
US08286585B2
A griper device mountable on a robot arm of a milking robot provided for automatically attach teat cups to the teats of a milking animal, the gripper device comprises an electromagnet from gripping teat cups made of a magnetic material, the electromagnet including a coil feedable with a current a core of a magnetic material arranged at least partly within the coil; and a support structure for holding the electromagnet. The core comprises two end and portions in a single face of the electromagnet wherein the two end portions constitute different poles of the electromagnet and are shaped to be engagable with each of the teat cups in a close fit.
US08286583B2
A method of controlling a milking implement for automatically milking a dairy animal with an udder, such as a cow, which milking implement includes a camera and a teat cup. More particularly, the method includes attaching the teat cup to a teat of the udder, followed by producing by the camera an image of at least a part of the udder and of at least a part of the teat cup, making an analysis of the image of the udder with the teat cup, and performing at least one control action by the milking implement, based on the analysis.
US08286575B2
A flag arrangement with an integral counterweight for an internal halyard flagpole having a longitudinal axis, the counterweight having a flexible segment and opposed ends with first and second attachment means and a surrounding sheath where the first attachment means is in connection to a halyard having an external end. In some aspects, the first attachment means engages a secondary linkage having a rotatable swivel attached to the halyard external end, wherein the first and second attachment means are in cooperating relationship with a flag attachment means. In another aspect, the first attachment means engages a secondary linkage having a rotatable swivel attached to the halyard external end.
US08286574B2
The invention relates to a lowerable platform (1) for a water craft (10), which can be also horizontally extended and to which a float (2) is fastened that comprises a closed hollow space (43) or an open hollow space (43), a buoyancy (A) acting upon the float (2) being generated by the air volume (L). As a result, the water craft's proper weight or the payload (N) of e.g. a tender boar (27) on the lowerable platform (1) can be compensated by the buoyancy (A). A hydrodynamic design of the float (2) additionally generates a hydrodynamic buoyancy (D1) which can be varied in terms of its height in relation to the current (S) by means (4, 37, 38, 39), depending on the float (2).
US08286573B2
An inflatable boat including at least one inflatable tube forming first and second pontoons, the first and second pontoons meeting at a front of the boat to form a stem; a floor constructed of a flexible non-inflated fabric material spanning the area between the first and second pontoons and attached to the bottom of the first and second pontoons; and an inflatable keel formed of an inflatable high-pressure drop stitch material and secured to the bottom of the floor.
US08286568B2
A sewing machine that is included in a sewing system includes a transfer device, a sewing device, an image capture device, a communication device, a data computation device, a first control device, a marker data acquisition device, a sewing condition acquisition device, a condition computation device, a correction device, and a sewing control device. The data computation device computes first marker data, and the first control device transmits the first marker data, through the communication device, to another sewing machine. The marker data acquisition device acquires, as second marker data, the first marker data. The sewing condition acquisition device acquires a sewing condition, and the pattern data acquisition device acquires pattern data. The condition computation device computes a correction condition. The correction device corrects the pattern data. The sewing control device performs the sewing in accordance with the corrected pattern data.
US08286560B2
A carriage including a floor comprising at least one low platform and two high floor levels, the low platform having a floor height lower than that of the high floor levels and being arranged opposite a door, the low platform being movable in translation is provided. The low platform is connected to said high floor levels by ramps.
US08286553B2
Apparatus (10) for registering printing plates (24) with a plurality of registration members (40A-40F), the apparatus (10) including a plate positioning system (64). The plate positioning system including a first member (50) adapted to pivot about a first pivot point and a plurality of second members (53A, 53B), each second member being pivotally coupled to the first member, and each second member comprising at least one element (58) adapted for engaging a printing plate. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors (80A, 80B) adapted for detecting contact between the printing plates and the plurality of registration members. The plate positioning system includes a plurality of actuators (72A, 72B) coupled to the second members. An actuator in the plurality of actuators is selectively operated to apply force to an associated second member during a registration of a printing plate.
US08286543B2
A valve assembly for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid supplied to an actuating cylinder having a piston driven by the pressurized fluid along a stroke path therewithin, the pressurized fluid being applied to alternative driving sides of the piston. The valve assembly comprises a first and a second valve pistons, which cooperate to block the supply of pressurized fluid to the current driving side of the piston when the piston reaches the end of its stroke path, thereby limiting the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied to the driving side to a level reduced compared to a pressure level applied to drive said piston. If a leak occurs within the actuating cylinder at the end of the stroke path of the piston, it will be at the reduced pressurized fluid pressure.
US08286542B2
A gas piston retrofit assembly is provided for a firearm having a bolt assembly mounted within a receiver, a barrel extending forward from the receiver, and a front sight block mounted on the barrel. The retrofit assembly includes a gas tube extending into the front sight block fluidly connected with the barrel, a piston cylinder having an arcuate-shaped piston chamber fluidly connected to the gas tube, a piston including an arcuate-shaped piston head extending forward from a piston body and telescopically received in the piston chamber, and including a piston rod extending rearward from the piston body and dimensioned and configured to extend into the receiver for engaging with a bolt assembly within the receiver. Upon firing a round of ammunition, pressurized gas within the barrel enters the piston chamber to move the piston rearward, for cycling the bolt assembly. A method of using the same is also disclosed.
US08286537B2
A power tool includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a latch pin movable between a first position whereat the latch pin is engaged with the swing arm assembly and a second position whereat the latch is not engaged with the swing arm assembly, a pressure operated actuator configured to force the latch pin from the first position to the second position and to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, and a control system configured to actuate the actuator.
US08286531B2
An automatic balancing device for counterbalancing an out-of-balance mass includes a plurality of counterbalancing masses, each of which is movable in a circular path about the axis so as to generate a balancing force. The balancing forces combine to produce a resultant balancing force which varies between minimum and maximum values. At a first speed of rotation of the body about the axis, the movement of at least one of the counterbalancing masses is restrained so that a substantially constant, non-zero resultant balancing force is produced, the resultant balancing force being freely movable about the axis. At a second speed of rotation of the body about the axis, the counterbalancing masses are free to adopt a position in which the out-of-balance mass is counterbalanced. The device allows at least partial counterbalancing of the out-of-balance mass at speeds below the critical speed of the system in which it is used.
US08286525B2
A gear including a gear shaft, and a gear wheel made of a resin material, the gear wheel being fixed to the gear shaft by molding. The gear having a plurality of concave portions and convex portions that repeat in a circumferential direction. The plurality of concave and convex portions are arranged such that they extend in the axial direction of the gear shaft, and arranged such that the convex portions of one concave and convex group are adjacent to the concave portions of the other concave and convex group. Due to the relative displacement of the concave portions and the convex portions, stepped portions are formed at a boundary between the concave and convex groups in the circumferential direction of the gear shaft.
US08286522B2
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, a countershaft, a reverse shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08286512B1
A sampling method, fluid collection assembly, and auxiliary sampling device to assist an autosampler in collecting samples from a fluid source. The auxiliary sampling device includes a support frame with a pivot member. A linear actuator having a piston is attached to the support frame. A rotatable sample arm assembly has an upper end attached to the piston and to the pivot member of the support frame, and a lower end with an inlet to receive a fluid sample. A fluid conduit within the sample arm assembly has a fluid intake end connected to the inlet and a fluid discharge end connected to the autosampler. The linear actuator pushes or retracts the piston to vertically pivot the sample arm assembly until the inlet reaches desired positions within the fluid source so that the autosampler collects multiple samples at various depths.
US08286511B2
A method is provided for determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one contaminant in a subsurface at a test site. The method generally includes inserting a sampling assembly into at least one tree at the test site, processing at least part of the sampling assembly to determine if a contaminant is present in the at least one tree, and then correlating the presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the at least one tree to presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the subsurface. The sampling assembly is operable to sorb at least one contaminant located within the at least one tree to at least part of the sampling assembly. The sampling assembly may include a solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampling assembly having a SPME sampling device and a support configured to help position the SPME sampling device within a tree for sampling operation.
US08286505B2
A fluid delivery system and method for measuring flow at a patient utilizing a differential force sensor in order to precisely control the flow of fluid at very low flow rates. The system includes a fluid line through which a fluid is conveyed to the patient, and a flow controller that selectively varies a rate of flow of the fluid through the fluid line. The differential force sensor can be mounted very close to a point of entry of the fluid into the patient's body. An onboard communications device is controllably coupled to the flow controller and to the force sensor, responds to an output signal, and provides a feedback to the flow controller in a closed-loop process. The system can pump the fluid at a higher frequency until the flow rate is actually reached at the patient and then adjust to the flow rate needed to ensure patient health.
US08286498B1
A standard tensile test device is improved to accurately measure the mechanical properties of stranded cables, ropes, and other composite structures wherein a witness is attached to the top and bottom mounting blocks holding the cable under test. The witness is comprised of two parts: a top and a bottom rod of similar diameter with the bottom rod having a smaller diameter stem on its upper end and the top rod having a hollow opening in its lower end into which the stem fits forming a witness joint. A small gap is present between the top rod and the larger diameter portion of the bottom rod. A standard extensometer is attached to the top and bottom rods of the witness spanning this small witness gap. When a force is applied to separate the mounting blocks, the gap in the witness expands the same length that the entire test specimen is stretched.
US08286497B2
Improved microwire strain sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) and corresponding methods are provided, which permit accurate, wireless strain monitoring of a variety of structures, including composite structures, through use of a remote detector (28). The sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) have amorphous or nanocrystalline metallic alloy microwire cores (22, 48), which exhibit substantially reduced remagnetization responses when the sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) are coupled with a structure to be strain-monitored, and the structures are in an unstrained condition. When the monitored structure experiences a strain above a pre-selected threshold value, the microwire cores (22, 48) exhibit substantially different remagnetization responses as an indication that the monitored structure has experienced a strain above a strain threshold or over a range of strain. In use, the strain sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) are coupled with a structure to be monitored by application of the sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) to a surface of the structure, or by imbedding the sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) within the structure, and the coupled sensor elements are periodically interrogated by the detector (28). Preferably, the microwire cores (22, 48) are placed in compression in order to suppress the inherent remagnetization responses thereof by means of a surrounding body (26) or surrounding layers (44, 46) formed of synthetic resin material which shrinks upon curing. When the sensor elements (20, 40, 52, 62) are strained as a result of a strain experienced by the monitored structure, the remagnetization responses of the microwire cores (22, 48) are substantially increased.
US08286489B2
Disclosed is an input apparatus including a coplanar line formed on the surface of a substrate so as to pass through the vicinity of a position at which a user performs an operation, terminating resistor placed at one end of the coplanar line and a microcomputer module at the other end. The microcomputer module has a signal transmitter for outputting a signal to the coplanar line. When the user operates a key, the impedance of the coplanar line changes and a reflected wave is produced. A signal detector in the microcomputer module detects the reflected wave and outputs received-signal strength information, which indicates the strength of the signal included in the reflected wave, to a computing unit. Based upon the received-signal strength information and strength of the signal that has been output by the signal transmitter, the computing unit in the microcomputer module discriminates the key that has been operated and specifies the entered instruction.
US08286488B2
An apparatus and system for measuring material thickness of a test object. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a measurement probe that can have a plurality of transducer elements that can include transmitter elements and receiver elements arranged, respectively, in on a first side and a second side of a gap. The first side and the second side can form a scan area with at least one active group that can have at least one transmitter element and at least one receiver element, which can be separated from the transmitter element in a spaced relationship.
US08286472B2
A fuel diluting quantity is estimated based on an alcohol concentration of the fuel. A response-deterioration determination value is corrected according to the estimated fuel diluting quantity. The response-deterioration determination value can be properly established even though the responsiveness of the variable valve timing controller is varied due to a variation in viscosity of the lubricant. Thereby, even when the responsiveness of the variable valve timing controller is varied (deteriorated) due to an increase in the fuel diluting quantity, it can be avoided that the computer determines that the variable valve timing controller has a defect.
US08286469B2
A sensor arrangement has a sensor element. A contact element is in electrical contact on the one hand with the sensor element and on the other with contact pins. The contact element is insert moulded with a plastic body. Affixing positions to which the contact element has been affixed, and on which the contact element is exposed respectively have one collar made of plastic material which runs around the exposed areas of the contact element. A sensor arrangement results for which the cost of manufacture is lower than that of the prior art, while the same security against unwanted electrostatic discharging or against the formation of an unwanted short circuit remains.
US08286464B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for a fluid enclosure. The device includes a sensing device that responds to a change in distance relative to a fluid enclosure. The change in distance is a function of at least one dimension of the fluid enclosure.
US08286456B2
An apparatus and method for transferring compressed air between machine elements uses a rotary manifold (110) in which an orifice restrictor (140) is provided between the air supply (115), between each piston (125) and shoe (130). The orifice restrictors (140) meter volumetric flow rate during loading and/or unloading cans from the apparatus, thereby optimised compressed air consumption.
US08286448B2
A protected hollow glassware take-out device having a support equipped with drive means; a first arm fitted in rotary manner to and projecting from the support, and which is connected to and rotated by the drive means with respect to the support; a second arm, equipped with grippers, which is fitted in rotary manner to and projects from the first arm; and means for rotating the second arm synchronously with respect to the first, and in turn having a shaft, which is coaxial with a rotation member of the first arm, and is secured at one end to the support, and at the opposite end to the first arm; and a kinematic mechanism carried by the first arm and connecting the shaft to a rotation member of the second arm; controlled-yielding angular connecting means being located between the shaft and the support; and the rotation member of the first arm being connected to the first arm indirectly via torque transmission means with a predetermined break load.
US08286444B2
Provided is a dispenser in which a wash water discharge opening provided to a drain pan is connected to an external tap water system via a wash water supply path. The wash water supply path is provided with a wash water supply valve for controlling whether or not to supply wash water to the drain pan. Based on delivery information output from a delivery control section for controlling delivery of ice chips, a wash control section in a controller judges whether or not a delivery count of the ice chips has reached a predetermined set count, and, when it is judged that the delivery count has reached the set count, opens the wash water supply valve to perform a wash action.
US08286430B2
An exhaust system for a double flow steam turbine providing a separate external exhaust path from an upper section of a turbine outlet of a first turbine section to a first condenser and a separate external exhaust path from a lower section the turbine outlet of the first turbine section to the first condenser. A separate external exhaust path from an upper section of a turbine outlet of a second turbine section and a separate external exhaust path from a lower section of the turbine outlet of the second turbine section is also provided.
US08286424B2
An apparatus is provided that includes a thermoelectric generator and an exhaust gas system operatively connected to the thermoelectric generator to heat a portion of the thermoelectric generator with exhaust gas flow through the thermoelectric generator. A coolant system is operatively connected to the thermoelectric generator to cool another portion of the thermoelectric generator with coolant flow through the thermoelectric generator. At least one valve is controllable to cause the coolant flow through the thermoelectric generator in a direction that opposes a direction of the exhaust gas flow under a first set of operating conditions and to cause the coolant flow through the thermoelectric generator in the direction of exhaust gas flow under a second set of operating conditions.
US08286423B2
A cogeneration system includes a first cooling device disposed in a cooling water circulation path extending between an engine and a waste-heat heat exchanger, and a second cooling device disposed in a hot water circulation pipe extending between a hot water storage tank and a hot air heater. The first cooling device is activated to cool cooling water when the temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank exceeds a first predetermined value, and the second cooling device is activated to cool the hot water when the temperature of hot air inside the hot air heater exceeds a second predetermined value.
US08286414B2
A system and method to reduce the gas fuel supply pressure requirements of a gas turbine, which results in an increased operability range and a reduction in gas turbine trips. According to the method, the gas turbine is allowed to start and operate at supply pressures determined as a function of ambient conditions and gas turbine compressor pressure ratio. This increases the operability window, and reduces or eliminates the need for gas fuel compressors.
US08286406B2
An induction sealing device for producing packaged pourable food products from heat-seal sheet packaging material. The sealing device has a signal source, an inductor, and an impedance matching circuit connected between the signal source and the inductor. The impedance matching circuit has: two input terminals; a first and second line connected to the input terminals; a variable-capacitance stage having capacitive modules each made up of a capacitive element and a controlled switch; and a control stage to control the controlled switches. Each controlled switch includes: input terminals receiving a respective control signal from the control stage, with one input terminal of each controlled switch connected to the second line; a single two-way controlled switching element having a control terminal connected to the other input terminal of the controlled switch; a first current-conducting terminal connected to the first line, and a second current-conducting terminal connected to the second line.
US08286405B1
The invention relates to fire and impact resistant windows and building structures which contain a window composed of a specific order of layers containing a novel fire resistant layer. The invention further pertains to coating compositions for use with structures containing the windows.
US08286404B2
Molding is formed by first making a longitudinally extending cut in the bottom wall of a conventional eavestrough in order to separate the eavestrough into two segments. The inner portion of the bottom wall is then attached to the exterior wall of a building beneath its eaves or elsewhere such that the back wall of the eavestrough projects outwardly. The front wall of the eavestrough is then hung from the projecting back wall so that it extends downwardly and inwardly toward the exterior wall of the building. The eavestrough is cut by means of a machine having a guide plate and a pair of cutting wheels. The guide plate has an opening of a shape similar to that of the cross-section of the eavestrough but slightly larger so that as the eavestrough is fed through the opening it is guided by the guide plate. The cutting wheels are positioned such that after the eavestrough exits from the opening, its bottom wall passes between the wheels where it is cut.
US08286400B1
A self cooling panel having a longitudinally inner wall; a longitudinally outer wall having a first plurality of “J” plates, each plate among the first plurality of “J” plates having a stem section, an upper end, a lateral end, and an oppositely lateral end, and a vertically ported tail section; first screw and eye combinations interconnecting each plate among the first plurality of “J” plates so that the upper end of each plate's stem section is positioned at the distal end of the tail section of one of the other plates among the first plurality of “J” plates, or so that the distal end of each plate's tail section is positioned at the upper end of the stem section of one of the other plates among the first plurality of “J” plate; and second screw and eye combinations interconnecting the longitudinally inner and outer walls, the second screw and eye combinations positioning the upper end of the stem section of each plate among the first plurality of “J” plates longitudinally outwardly from the panel's longitudinally inner wall.
US08286398B2
A monopour foundation form has a flexible sheet form element having longitudinal edge portions and a contact portion, with the contact portion supported directly on the ground and oriented in the direction of the foundation axis. Transverse wall form supports supported directly on the flexible sheet form element, spaced apart and centered over the foundation axis, support a wall form assembly in a position above the ground. Edge portions of the flexible sheet form element are secured to the lower portions of the wall form panels thereby forming a general U-shape and extending longitudinally under the wall form assembly. A concrete mix fills the flexible sheet form element and interior portion of the wall form assembly, simultaneously forming the footing and wall.
US08286395B2
A transparent substrate having a glazing function, provided with a thin-film multi-layer coating, which acts on solar radiation, applicable, for example, in the architectural or automotive fields. The multilayer coating comprises at least two absorbent functional layers each flanked by two transparent layers comprising a dielectric material. Preferably, the functional layers are based on a metal belonging to the group consisting of: niobium, tantalum, molybdenum and zirconium, and the metal or at least one of the functional layers may be partially or entirely nitrided.
US08286394B2
A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.
US08286389B2
A seal weatherstrip retention assembly is provided that includes a flange having a lanced segment, wherein the lanced segment extends at an angled pitch away from the flange. Also included is a weatherstrip. The weatherstrip includes a substantially U-shaped channel, wherein the U-shaped channel includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cap wall. The weatherstrip further includes a retaining member that extends away from the first sidewall, wherein the retaining member is angled to engage the lanced segment.
US08286387B2
An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.
US08286382B2
A stock assembly for attachment to the receiver of a shotgun is described. The assembly includes a pistol grip; a stock; a connector tube slidable within a conduit in the stock, the stock and connector being selectively lockable to each other; an attachment member slidable within the tube conduit between fully inserted and fully extended positions; a first elongated connector attached to the attachment member and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube into attachment with the pistol grip; a second elongated connector extending from the pistol grip into engagement with the receiver, the second member being at an angle to the first member; and a compression spring in the tube conduit urging the attachment member toward its fully extended position.
US08286370B2
A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region.
US08286368B2
A method and apparatus for rationalizing the allocation of the heat energy generated from catalytic combustion process for enameling machines wherein a circulating fan is installed above the oven body in a position close to its middle portion; above the front area of the oven body is an organic waste-gas inlet and above which is a primary catalytic chamber. A hot-air allocation chamber is located on the side of the said primary catalytic chamber. The said circulating fan connects the said primary catalytic chamber and the hot-air allocation chamber, delivering the circulating hot air resulting from catalytic combustion into the hot-air allocation chamber which is further connected to the front area, middle area and back area of the oven body via the front air flue, middle air flue and back air flue. With rationalized distribution of heat energy, this invention accelerates the baking speed, thereby improving productivity by 20%. By ensuring effective collection of the waste gas for secondary catalytic combustion and the repeatedly primary catalytic combustion of the circulating hot air, the emission is lowered to 50 mg/m3. Moreover, this invention utilizes the heat energy produced from catalytic combustion process for baking purpose, which helps save power consumption by 50%.
US08286362B2
A device for measuring a seal gap created between a moving part and a mounting part of a vehicle body includes a base member, a scale member and a retaining member. The scale member is mounted to the base member and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted measured position. An indicator is provided on the base member for reading the scale member. The retaining member is coupled to the base member and engages the scale member for retaining the scale member in both the extended and measured positions relative to the base member. The base member is installed in the seal gap and is removably connected to one of the vehicle body parts. The scale member is moved to the extended position. The moving part is then closed relative to the mounting part, and the other of the vehicle body parts engages the scale member and moves the scale member to the measured position. The indicator together with the scale member provides a dimension of the seal gap.
US08286355B2
An apparatus for partitioning a food mass, such as a solidified egg, is disclosed including a base, a holder for supporting the food mass, and a plurality of cutting members for partitioning the food mass, wherein the holder is rotatable to permit the cutting members to partition the food mass in a first orientation and in a second orientation. The apparatus further includes a retainer positionable on a top surface of the food mass having passageways permitting the cutting members to pass through a portion thereof. The apparatus may include a cleaning plate receivable by portions of the holder in a position below the food mass, the cleaning plate being removable from the holder to remove food matter from between the support portions. The apparatus may include a lock for securing apparatus in a closed or lowest position for storage.
US08286354B2
A shaving blade unit having a housing with a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and a pair of side edges extending between the front edge and the rear edge. The housing has a pair of apertures between the front edge and the rear edge. The pair of apertures extend through the housing from the top surface to the bottom surface. One or more shaving blades are disposed between the front edge and the rear edge. The one or more shaving blades each have a cutting edge. A clip has a pair of legs that extend through the pair of apertures. Each leg is bent about at least a portion of the bottom surface of the housing securing the clip to the housing and retaining the blades on the housing.
US08286353B2
A method of manufacturing an outer retainer for a one-way clutch having an outward flange at one side edge thereof involves punching out a part of an annular portion having the outward flange by sliding a punch toward an axis of the outer retainer substantially in an axially inner direction from a retainer outer periphery-sided curve portion of the outward flange to a retainer inner periphery-sided curve portion thereof in a way that uses a die and the punch.
US08286350B2
An object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head in which a distance between a discharge opening and an energy generating element is uniform, simply and with good precision.
US08286349B2
A method of manufacturing an aerofoil for a gas turbine engine (10). The method comprises the steps of providing first and second panels (16, 18), providing a web (30) between the first and second panels, deforming the panels and the web by applying internal pressure between the panels so as to form a series of internal cavities partitioned by the web. The method further includes the step of either cutting the web (30) across its entire width or causing the web to fail across its entire width so as to define an aerofoil having first and second panels with at least one protrusion extending from the first panel partially across the space between the first and second panels.
US08286342B2
Methods are disclosed for manufacturing electronic devices (e.g., transistors, and etc.), solar arrays, optical display arrays, portions of such devices and arrays, and the like. Utilizing a scrape coating and/or a tip printing process, various electronic and solar arrays are manufactured.
US08286334B2
Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to manufacturing pre-sliders by annealing to saturation. According to one embodiment, pre-sliders are lapped to prepare for air bearing surfaces for the pre-sliders. The pre-sliders are annealed to saturation to level off the amount of overcoat expansion for the pre-sliders.
US08286329B1
A near field transducer (NFT) that includes a disk, the disk having a top surface, a side surface, and a center; a peg, the peg positioned adjacent the side surface of the disk; and a heat sink, the heat sink positioned on the top surface of the disk, and the heat sink having an effective center, wherein the NFT has a peg axis, which is defined by the location of the peg adjacent the side surface of the disk, and a non-peg axis, which is perpendicular to the peg axis, and wherein the effective center of the heat sink is positioned at about the center of the disk.
US08286325B2
Embodiments disclosed include fiber optic module housings used for fiber optic modules and methods for manufacture and assembly of same. The fiber optic module housing comprise at least one hinge to allow a component of the housing to be opened and closed to allow easy access to the fiber optic module housing and/or its internal chamber. The hinge may be a living hinge disposed within a single part to allow each side of the living hinge to be bent or folded. The hinge may be disposed on a panel configured to support one or more fiber optic components to allow the panel to be opened and closed about the module housing for access. The fiber optic module housing may also be entirely comprised of a single part employing the use of living hinges between foldable parts. In this manner, no sides or parts of the fiber optic module housing need be provided as separate parts.
US08286324B2
The invention relates to a blind rivet and a device for placing the blind rivet. The blind rivet contains a rivet head with a collar at one end and a rivet tip at the other. The rivet body contains a cavity in the form of a bore in a sleeve section. As with other blind rivets, the blind rivet is inserted into an opening in two sheets that are to be joined together, until the collar comes to rest on the upper face of the upper sheet. In a second step, the part of the rivet body or the rivet head that lies on the rear face of the two sheets is deformed with the aid of a hammer or expanding body, which is advanced with a percussive-type action in the same direction. A device for placing a rivet of this type contains a part that can be pushed forwards with a percussive-type action, this part consisting of a hammer for exerting pressure on the expansion body.
